It is the 14th of November and we celebrate Children's Day in India today.
This date marks the birth anniversary of India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who was extremely fond of children. Children's Day, in India, is celebrated on this day for that very reason and also in recognition of the immense work that he has done for children.
This shot was taken at Carter Rd, where these kids assemble every day in the morning and attend their school here, on the streets! Two old ladies have taken up the task of teaching these kids not just the text books but also other creative subjects like art, craft, music etc.
Childhood is all about innocence, fun, exploration. Have you ever looked back and thought how your childhood was. Doesn't it very often get a smile on your face, once you think about all the questions that you have tried finding the answers for. Imagine the kids you see around you - they are in the same phase! Be with them! Help them explore...help them find their answers...help them create their questions...help them enjoy their childhood!
I don't think I am anybody to give ways in which we can help these kids keep smiling...we have our answers...let's just think ourselves and do it...
For all the kids, their childhood and the child in all of us...
PS - Since I'm closely associated with the works of RangDe.Org and am in complete awe of the work that they are doing, please do visit their latest initiative - Rang De Education. What better way to start giving children a lovely future...
This date marks the birth anniversary of India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who was extremely fond of children. Children's Day, in India, is celebrated on this day for that very reason and also in recognition of the immense work that he has done for children.
This shot was taken at Carter Rd, where these kids assemble every day in the morning and attend their school here, on the streets! Two old ladies have taken up the task of teaching these kids not just the text books but also other creative subjects like art, craft, music etc.
Childhood is all about innocence, fun, exploration. Have you ever looked back and thought how your childhood was. Doesn't it very often get a smile on your face, once you think about all the questions that you have tried finding the answers for. Imagine the kids you see around you - they are in the same phase! Be with them! Help them explore...help them find their answers...help them create their questions...help them enjoy their childhood!
I don't think I am anybody to give ways in which we can help these kids keep smiling...we have our answers...let's just think ourselves and do it...
For all the kids, their childhood and the child in all of us...
PS - Since I'm closely associated with the works of RangDe.Org and am in complete awe of the work that they are doing, please do visit their latest initiative - Rang De Education. What better way to start giving children a lovely future...
12 comments:
We should honour Pandit Nehru by making sure that each one of his beloved children has a chance for a bright future.
GiveIndia is a transparent and trustworthy NGO that connects donors and NGOs.
This Children's Day, make a secure online donation to help a child living in poverty, by clicking on the link below
http://www.giveindia.org/t-children-day.aspx
This is really nice!!:)
I've been closely watching GiveIndia's works...and have had the chance to meet both Venkat and Pawan!!:) Great work guys!!:)
Readers, please do the needful, when moved...:)
Wonderful photo, Rahul! These kids are just beautiful, and God bless those ladies for giving them the chance to go to school. I hope they will be able to keep on learning -- and enjoying their childhood, as you say.
When I was a child, we didn't have computers or even calculators, or a lot of things these kids probably don't have even now. We didn't get a TV until I was 5 (and we only got one then because my father was on it). Now I can't live without all that stuff.
:) Thanks Alexa for sharing that!!:) Its wonderful to actually think how times are changing, but some people's lives still don't...like these kids!!:) As you rightly said, kudos to those ladies to make an attempt to improve these kids' lives!!:)
PS - Hope you are following the attitude of gratitude / the Amelie effect!!;-) I'll check on you post one-week!!;-)
If you are wondering what I am saying ... please refer to the comments of Nov. 9th!!:)
Hey Rahul.. Serously hats off to those ladies.. Its a great pleasure to work with kids.. specially those kids who are deprived and have less expectations from life..Luckily I had the opportunity to work with street kids in my very first job.. It was disheartnening to learn about their life tragedies and why they took to drugs , but it was also heartening to see the way they lived their life without expectations and to the fullest.. Belated Hapy Children's Day to All !!
Hey, that's great Sukruta!!:)
Which organization did you work for before ACF?
It is really a pleasure and a learning experience to work and be with kids!!:) My first documentary film was with 4 kids who were visually impaired and I got to learn so much in the process!!:) I completely enjoy working with kids...I feel they are not afraid to question...and that is what makes them stand out!!:)
Happy Children's Day to you too!!:)
Rahul -- I thought I had posted a response re your Nov. 9 post, but somehow it never came up. What I wanted to say was that I'm pretty much always friendly and positive! (a la Amelie). But I'm afraid I lose patience with people who are the exact opposite.
ah, thats great to hear!!:) I know you are extremely friendly and positive!!:) Exact opposites can be a pain...I have that problem with them too...but lets just try giving it a shot!!:)
Hey Rahul, I worked with Shelter Don Bosco at Wadala.. organisation working for street children and their rehabilitation. Infact they recently had a grand Diwali Mela, which unfortunately I coudnt attend and this year they particularly focussed on theme of career counselling. I hear from my ex - collegues that it was very much a hit between children. You can google it and also find their website..
hey..
I've heard of Shelter DonBosco!!:) They do some amazing work!!:)
One of my friends is working on this project wherein they are getting street kids and other kids who can sing to sing...and they are actually going to record songs and release a music album!!:)
Let me know if you would want to connect with them !! :)
It is impressive to see so many children who want to learn. Look at all the faces and ages! I am amazed these two ladies have been able to set up school on the streets and that they are able to continue without being shut down by government officials. How wonderful that these ladies saw an opportunity to make a difference and were able to do so.
:) they surely are making a difference, Rose!!:)
Its amazing, isn't it...to see the glow on these kids' faces!!:)
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