I was really excited when Vaishali aunty announced the visit to Paalvaadi schools. I’ve always wanted to interact with children and this one kept me at the edge of my seat. However, honestly, I didn’t know I’d benefit this much. The trip to Nallur was more than just a trip. All those learnings have deeply impacted me. Thanks to BMIS for such an eye opener.
We’ve all voiced out for women, their rights, their security, their freedom. More than anyone, the women in rural areas have lacked the opportunity to be educated and to feel empowered. But women in Nallore village were not what we expected them to be. They were the superheroes of the village. A woman’s name in the place of head of the village drew a wide, wide smile to my face like we’ve achieved the impossible.
Nallore had traces of the urban, the people were well updated and aware of the outside world. The families knew how and where to invest money out of crop lands to be benefited to the maximum. Families were supportive of each other. The village, unlike many, had a Magalir kuzhu. A group of 20 women, interdependent and successful. They functioned really strategically; it was an applaudable initiative. Everyone was treated like their own family, if one required a loan, every other woman would give their share and support the other. It was a moment of pride for all of us to know how fructifying they were. We also heard about a famous woman auto driver, who amidst lack of support from her family, attended an auto driving course and is now the go-to of all the nearby college goers.
All the inquisitive children were the highlight of the trip. Every kid at all the three Paalvaadi schools were too hyperactive to our speed, yet a lot mature for their age. The diversity of their backgrounds didn’t matter even a little bit inside the walls of school. All I saw in them were eager learners, waiting for the right kind of resources. They set me the best example on how to use resources to our fullest. It was delightful to see them narrate stories and make beautiful connections to their real life during our read-aloud and flash card sessions! The teachers had made a lot of visible efforts to make the school environment lively and exciting for the children.
The entire time, our guide Mr. Vishwa, a final year B.com student, patiently handled all the chaotic fun we had with the little tots. He himself was a role model for us. Although they had to go through stressful processes for even the basic of things, he was determined and dedicated that the children in the village needed to reach heights. “Ipo namba avanga pinaadi porom, aana nalla padichu nalla mark edutha, olagame nambala thirumbi paakum. Adhaan ennaku venum,” he told us. [We might be going behind people to get our basic needs met today so that our children can receive quality education. My goal is make is to make the world turn around by when we come out successful.] He was the right kind of inspiration we needed. Setting aside all his semester works, he took tuitions for all the school children, just so they reach heights. A passionate soul he was.
All of us deserve to be given opportunities, regardless of our background.