Unlocking the Door of Freedom

Look around yourself when you are on a traffic signal. What do you see? Amongst the sea of vehicles, we can find many street children who are devoid of any future - selling knickknacks, begging or wandering on the roads. We all pour oodles of sympathy, but the truth is most of us lack the vision to do something constructive for these children. Children, whose future is bleak and directionless. There are times when I am overwhelmed by such sights. There is an urge within me to do my bit - sponsor a child’s education, contribute to a #scholarship or teach such children for free; and be a part of their magical transformation. Sadly, I am not able to contribute much.

Our country has the largest number of illiterate adults in the world, which makes me wonder - we have to do all in our power to change the course of future. We have to educate our children in order to grow as a country. We need to do something ‘out of the box’ to bring education closer to those who can’t afford it. And, make education fun and more interesting so that it attracts those who run away from it. Only then we can change those statistics in our favor in times to come. It sounds like an uphill task, but believe me, it’s very much possible.

Few days back I stumbled upon this inspiring Do Right story of Varanasi Boat School. In the sacred city of Varanasi, which is flocked by saints and devotees with equal fervor, there is a man who is doing the noble task of educating street kids. Ajeet Singh, who runs an NGO Guria is giving direction to children who wander aimlessly on the ghats of Ganga. In this unique Boat School, they are providing education to these children. However, the education is not limited to mere textbooks, it is expanded to a range of activities - from drawing to computers. These children are not forced to attend, rather I was happily surprised when I watched them narrating the ‘list of things’ they feel would make their boat school better. The level of participation and their exuberance speaks volumes about this wonderful initiative. They are given an ideal learning environment to grow, with a promise of a bright future that would open the doors of freedom for them.

“Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom - George Washington Carver”

Like all the initiatives, even the Varanasi Boat School is in need of funds to add more facilities - more books, notebooks, computers, games and writing supplies. My husband contributed to this great cause last week. A big applause for this initiative and their journey of doing right.