My First Day at Jaagriti- Prerna

My first day at Jaagriti added a new meaning to the word ‘happiness’ in my dictionary.

I knew it would be a great feeling to share my knowledge with others, but when it actually happened, it was a totally new experience. To think that I made some children smile that day made me happy. To think that this very small contribution that I make was going to make a difference in someone’s life made me happy. I felt as if I had entered a new world, out my regular schedule of going to college, completing assignments, going out with friends, etc. Here, I met children who were so eager to learn new things. They welcomed me so nicely that I had no problem mixing with them.

Putting it straight, I think it was awesome. I went there as a music teacher. And yes, I want to thank Manish and Sidhant, who came there to guide me through my first class. I was a bit nervous in the beginning, but the children were so friendly and enthusiastic that my nervousness did not last for more than 2 minutes! We talked about their likes and dislikes and I was glad to hear that many of them liked studying. I insisted them on singing any song that they knew. They hesitated at first, but in the end, almost everyone had performed something or the other. Anita gave us two dance performances, Sangeeta cracked a joke where as others like Sugni, Rekha, Ravi, Rahul, Priyanka, Noor Jahan sang nice songs. I started liking everyone instantly. I think, Ankit who was the youngest there, was also the naughtiest!!! Of course they didn’t spare us after all this. Sidhant, Manish and I had to sing ‘Twinkle twinkle little star’ for them! It was really fun.

Then I started teaching them about the little music that I know. There were some who could sing a bit and there were others who couldn’t but the spirit with which everyone was singing was commendable. In the end, I clicked their photograph as well. That was my first day.

After all these descriptions, I still can’t describe the self satisfaction that I got that day. I think it’s not just about teaching them. It’s about learning something from them as well. We don’t realize how lucky we are. Our parents gave us the opportunity and the resources so that we can study and grow in life. I think that is what Jaagriti is doing for these children. Hats off to everyone working for Jaagriti. I am really happy I did my little bit to help. But this is just the beginning. There is a long way to go.

- Prerna