Pratham and me

I want to laugh; I want to cry; I want to quit; I want to stay. It's rewarding; it's maddening. It's new, yet I feel like I've done this forever. And, on the days when it feels impossible, I am often shown just how many possibilities exist! This is my diatribe, my rant, my gratitude list, and my dream. You are invited!

I decided to work with Pratham mainly because kids teach me more than what I ever can learn with passion. They have the energy, innocence and drive which is seen in adults as well but it is in a purer form when it comes to kids. I also decided to be a part of the organization because I feel a sense of satisfaction when I am with the kids. This happens because very few things in life are done selflessly or without some or the other motives….being with the kids enables me to nurture my true self and find happiness in what I am doing.

In Pratham, I have gathered a vivid experience of variety of things in a very short span of time. Life in the slums isn’t what everyone believes, a place full of just problems and sadness. Sure we have our share of that. But it’s also a place where children, women and men reside and share their memories and vivid experiences. In Rural areas, if folks create interest in learning new approaches and things in life, they won’t have to kvetch all their time for the lack of resources.

In of my field trip, I met a teacher, she was smart, enthusiastic, well versed in English, BUT unfortunately being from a Muslim family, she still has to follow Purdah-system. She was a great source of inspiration, even though of her unfavorable circumstances at home, she has a managed a way to use her potential and passion of teaching and love for children by conducting classes at home. Hats off to such people!!

There are endless number of such stories in our country. At the end, it’s not the excuses that counts but the efforts made in realizing dreams.

Warm Regards,

Kritika Jain