Slum kids dare to dream with 'Parikrama'

Slum kids dare to dream with 'Parikrama'
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: With starry eyes, smartly dressed, speaking fluent English, these children could easily pass off for students from just any city school. Only when told, do you realise that they are children of the neighbouring slums who until a few months ago were nowhere near an education or nutrition.

A loud ‘‘good morning’’ and flashing smiles welcome you to their classroom. Each proudly shouts about an ambition of being a doctor, engineer or defence officer. No one says he wants to be a ‘coolie’ or a mason.

This ‘dare to dream’ attitude is instilled in them by Parikrama. The difference has now inspired eminent sports personalities to represent Parikrama at the Mumbai Marathon to be held on January 15.

Parikrama Humanity Foundation model is built around the ‘‘Circle of Life’’ of a child –– education (ICSE English), nutrition (3 meals), healthcare and family care. Begun in April 2003, it is a non-profit organisation with a mission to unleash the potential of the slum, street and orphaned children of urban India.

Parikrama’s three Centres for learning reach out to 480 children and are located at Koramangala, Sahakaranagar and Jayanagar. Not just imparting education but also improving the family environment is essential, is what the staff believe.

From time to time de-addiction and women’s empowerment programmes are conducted for parents. The parents trust in the change brought in by Parikrama.

‘‘They believe that something good is happening with their children,’’ says Shukla Bose, founder and CEO of Parikrama. Her words are proved true by the 98 percent attendance of students and 100 percent attendance at parents-teachers’ meetings.

Parikrama is a recipient of the 2003 Derozio Award for Excellence in Education and Human Enrichment from the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations. Even collegiate education will be provided and students will be guided until they find a job, says Parikrama.

The glow on the children has now drawn well-known sports personalities including Dhanraj Pillay, Ashwini Nachappa, Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad, Reeth Abraham, MM Somaya, Vandana Rao and Charu Sharma to run the dream run of 7 kms at the Mumbai Marathon on behalf of these children.

‘‘By having these athletes run for Parikrama, we are letting our children know that too can achieve much more than what they think is possible – that they can excel and become successful individuals too,’’ said Bose. She thanked the athletes and Hindustan Petroleum for their generosity.

The children at Parikrama’s Centre for Learning at Jayanagar were enthralled on Thursday when Charu Sharma, Ashwini Nachappa and Reeth Abraham interacted with them; knowing their dreams, giving them wings and being role models to them to achieve the extraordinary.

‘‘These activities keep us a little more grounded. Some people are trying to make a difference. My contribution is a little drop in the ocean,’’ said Charu Sharma who has been with Parikrama for a while. Ashwini Nachappa who is also one of the trustees said that being a part of the Parikrama family gave her happiness. Reeth Abraham expressed joy in being involved with the children.

The torch seems to have been already lit in these children. The sparkle in their eyes says it all.