Teaching to dream ???

It was yet another sat morn - so another visit to the Balvikas centre near the Rly stn (Poona).

The inmates were eagerly waiting for us, all ready to begin. The yoga was the starter again. Those 15 minutes of disciplined behaviour was a revelation. The rhytmic Om vibrations went deeper than the ears.

Then followed another team-buliding exercise - forming chain of ppl and passing cards. The sight of pack of cards brought some funny smiles on their faces. They were very much willing to play 'mendhi-coat', but were disappointed when they heard that we werent playing any card game. The passing of cards via the chain helped them to realise the importance of each member of the team. They were urging the slower ones to act fast and that's what was desired by us. The winner got the chocs, but were rightfully distributed amongst all.

The later part was a great experience for us. We asked them to come ahead and speak for a minute about themselves. What they liked, disliked, and most importantly, what they wanted to be in future. The views expressed were varied in all respects. Not only was the geographical difference of their upbringing apparent, but also their inherent thoughts and beliefs were poles apart. Hardly anyone wanted to study more and become engineer or something There was one dreamy doctor and one lawyer. That's it. Only 2 amongst 25 wanted to study hard and be someone respectable. Others wanted to be a driver (majority) or run a shop. One guy wanted to be a policeman, but for wrong reasons. Other seconded him saying that since the policeman is his friend, this guy can afford to do thefts and get away by paying the 'hafta' to the police. All in all, one thing was quite certain. The atmosphere in which these kids are brought up plays such an important role that we can hardly believe it. The hardships they face can never be imagined too. Their daily needs are different and so are their aspirations. The platform's their 'karmabhoomi' for now and they dont wish to change it for long time. They are like the frog in the well, having not experienced the nicer part of world outside.

And that's our challenge. To make them conversant with the 'saner' world outside. To inculcate some social values in them, without changing their street-smart identity. They have the inclination, we need to have time.