Well, after a long time I’m blogging!
The reason is all so right, and much needed…
It was a day out camping with college students in forests of Jambughoda and we had set our base at an Ashram where 118 tribal kids (aged between 4 to 11 years) stay and study till their primary education is complete while their parents are farming or doing farm labour work in their native place. These kids not only stay and study there but are completely responsible for maintaining the sanctity of the place. It is at this Ashram where they spend the most important part of their lives which shape their future and ours’ too in a way!
We reached in the morning and the first sight I saw was, kids studying under trees in warmth of an early morning sun. There was no one to tell them to study, to instruct them to do this-do that. They were on their own it seemed, self-disciplined but innocence was not lost! They were very shy and did not allow me to photograph them but still I managed as I knew then, I need to carry this story back, share and do whatever little I can do!
Well, the place now! The place is surrounded by hills in Jambughoda forest which is rich in bio-diversity, be it insects, birds, reptiles or mammals. Very famous for Leopards and Bears! The Ashram is extremely clean as all the kids share their duties to keep it clean. They collect fallen twigs and branches for firewood, sweeping the rooms and keep the toilets and bathrooms clean.
They sleep in a hall (a kind of dormitory), not on beds but on a mattresses (not thicker than a sleeping bag) with folded blankets as their pillow and an extra blanket to cover them! Next to their “bed” is what their world is…A metal “suitcase” in which they have, all they have! Books, a few clothes, some packs of biscuits, some toys, some hand made craft like a plate made out of leaves, a painting on paper of a world they perceive and a lot of priceless such things!
But how can I forget we were there camping! So the day began with the college students who paid us to buy the fun factor! We went for treks, caving, rappelling and other such activities. I saw them deriving a high by drinking water from a pond and saying “wow, this is so amazing!” which those kids drink and bathe with everyday!
Evening, we touched base and after a quick dinner it was time for the camp fire. Again something kids do it almost every day whenever it is cold. Being them I perceived that they would find it so amusing to see a bunch of crazy people singing near a fire place. All they do is derive warmth from the fire or to probably stop the shiver they have inside!!! Ya, so I perceive they had not seen people like us and it probably was a different world for them.
While campers sang and had fun by the camp fire, I saw some kids peeping out of the window, some wishing to join but cannot. But they seemed happy seeing the bunch of crazy people dancing by the fire place!
During the day even while I was trekking, caving, rappelling and talking to the campers, one thought was all the time in my mind and it was that something has to be done for these kids! That’s when this write-up and idea of generating funds for them in order to give them better education sprouted in my mind.
The conservation factor!!!
Well, now the selfish me is talking! My interest lies in the conservation! Well, when they finish their primary education some continue to pursue Secondary and Higher Secondary education, but mostly to return back to farming or similar activities. According to reports 60% of the country's forest cover is found in 187 tribal districts where less than 8% of national population lives. Forest Rights Act 2006 gives these Scheduled Tribes a “soft license” to use these forests and minor forest produce on which debates, agitations and legal battles are on between the supporters of Forest Rights Acts and conservationists. Now with the growing population of Scheduled Tribes the pressure on forests multiplies a many times. If these kids get proper exposure, education and training, they can get on an alternate livelihood than to depend on forests or cultivation on “once” forest land.
These kids need access to knowledge; much more than what is in their books they study! They don’t know what internet is, they don’t watch TV and don’t know what goes around the world or for that matter even in the country they live in, all they know is they have to wake up next morning, study books, clean the place, and finish their chores and occasionally watch city campers dancing and singing by the camp fire in amazement! The need is to broaden their vision so that they see much more and work not only in farming but much diversified areas. At least it will give them a better experience and learning which is what their right is!
- Used or brand new computers, laptops
- A colour TV
- A DTH connection with 1 years paid subscription
- An LCD projector
- Visiting Doctors
- Visiting Trainers / Teachers who can conduct workshops on various subjects
- And anything that you think would really contribute towards their betterment.
Note: All equipments should be working condition, Doctors and Trainers too! :)
For further details and donations please contact:
Vipul Ramanuj
