Gwalior- A city well known for ‘Gwalior Fort’ and ‘Local food’ can be highlighted by so much more. For instance, the unrecognised talent of the underprivileged. This summer break, I was sitting at home and reading a book about social prejudice and thought about how there is a lack of opportunities for the not so fortunate. I wanted to not just make a difference but touch hearts of those who are overlooked most of the times. So, I came across a friend who told me about ,’Project Pustak’ a national project that encourages people to build libraries for the underprivileged. The 45 participants of this project have donated over 500 books in 40 cities.
“Only a life lived for others is a life worth living” by Einstein. I have always loved to share my knowledge, volunteer and contribute towards the society. It was the perfect opportunity. Hence I reached out to about 50 local students from Rama Ji Ka Pura, Gwalior to commemorate and celebrate the art of reading and writing.
Furthermore, the sessions included activities such as ice breaker games, book reading sessions and poetry recitation too! The sessions were an hour long. It included students from ages 6-14. I collected about 150 books inclusive of- English and Hindi novels, magazines and comics. These books were not purchased or brand new, but books as old as 30 years old from my mum’s childhood kept in mint condition. I also shared about the value of these books from- basic etiquettes of flipping a page to rearranging a book back in the library.
The lesson began by generally discussing about each other and how our day was that led to reading a book and translating it from English to Hindi. The unfamiliar vocabulary and diction in the book would be our vocabulary list for the day which would be composed of 10 words. After, noting the words, the meaning and pronunciation in their notebooks we played games like Show and Tell, Passing the Parcel, Role Plays and Snowball. To wrap up, we would initiate ‘DROP everything and read’ which was ‘quiet reading time’ where the students chose their own books and would choose a comfy place in the room be it the mat on the floor, a beanbag or a chair to enjoy and plunge into the wonders of the book. We also invited 2 internationally certified Literature teachers as guest speakers to teach the ‘phonetics’ of the words. I also created a large poster called, “Star performers” which were the exceptional learners of the day. They would receive candy and treats for their behaviour and interaction that stood out from the others.
As I would enter the room I heard so many different voices and intonations of ‘Good evening Didi’ that reverberated in the room. When the class would end, the students would form a line where there were 4 posters stuck on the wall that described ‘different ways to say goodbye’. There was high five, fist bump, rock and roll and a simple handshake. The enthusiasm, rigour and the way they openly interacted in the class was indescribable. From my own experience, one of the most integral elements of a hardworking student is the ‘effort’ to learn, to try and to not give up. I loved spending time with all the students by reading books, writing stories and sharing their own experiences. I feel inspired and honoured to have this opportunity to celebrate the knowledge of literature and ignite so many lives…
On 28thJune, the last day I gathered loads of presents and gifts- toys, books, purses, bags, board games and special treats that the students got to pick. And all I could see was sparkling eyes gleaming with hope and that is the true definition of ‘Finding Happiness’.
Raw-Ink 