26th Jan, 2010: Thinking that I should
celebrate the republic day in its true spirit, I had volunteered for a CSR
initiative with Udaan. This republic day, the association became 10 years
strong and some of the episodes are still fresh in my otherwise frail memory.
We
started with reading stories in English for the young minds in a small room
designated as the Udaan Library. Within a few days, we graduated to playing
board games as an additional activity to help build their confidence and make
the students think strategically. I remember teaching chess to a few students
and a game with Bharat is still very close to my heart. Bharat was a bright
student and had taken a liking to chess from the very first game. It took only
a few games before I ended up on the losing side. Admittedly, I am not a very
good chess player, but I prefer to remember that game as an example of being a
good coach. J
In Udaan,
we are called Bhaiya/Didi and not Sir/Madam and that’s just one of the reason
behind the bonding we share with the students. We are not just mentors and
coaches but also their friends and in many cases feel as responsible as their
elder brother/sister. That small room did not stand the test of time and
Mumbai’s fast changing landscape, but the relationship I had developed with my
first batch of students is still strong and resilient.
Teaching and Computers have
been my passion and hobby; and hence when came the opportunity to Teach-Computers to
Udaan students, I quickly grabbed it. That’s where I had first met Vinay, one
of my favourite students and Nancy, who had infinite love and good wishes for
her students in her heart.
The lab
used to be in a dark basement of the erstwhile Transocean building, but was
very well maintained from inside. Looking back, it sorts of had a poetic
symbolism as most of the underprivileged students were being brought up in a
tough dark environment but by providing good education to them, Udaan had lit
up a spark inside.
The
Saturday Club was another memorable association, which also was great fun for
ourselves. Making fun presentations for “Around the world” with Ginny and
launching an imaginary aeroplane at the start of each class are now stuff of
the legend. I also taught Science weekday classes for a little while, which
were hugely popular amongst the students. Many students asked me to take all
their science and maths classes and it was heart-breaking not to accept it,
owing to my work commitments. However, I can only aspire to be as good as
Rajeev, my friend and fellow volunteer. Rajeev used to take Science-experiments
class in the Saturday club and had such an enthralling style that even teachers
used to line up outside his class to witness his magic.
During
the culmination of the club each year, we used to make final presentations in
the form of exhibitions and models, songs, dance and often we did go whole
nine-yards. Both figuratively and literally.
Tulsi’s
performance as the little brown mouse in the Gruffalo story still makes me
smile.
During
Udaan’s annual sports day event, I used to hone my photography skills and it
made me proud whenever my click found its way to Udaan’s newsletter, boards,
etc. However, the real pride was seen in the shining eyes of the winners of the
race and the winners of the annual trophy. The entire day is an amazing
experience which could not, and should not, be put to inert words for the sake
of doing justice to the real experience.
I
remember the decade gone by with joy and humbleness at the same time. It has
been a highly enriching and educating experience for myself. I have learned
various key skills in undertaking these projects, made great friends and
lifelong associations, collected beautiful memories and continue to strive to
spread happiness.
