.. Full Of Life: December 2014

Hey all! A lot of times, I have been part of conversations where I have seen people cursing Kgp for the village it is, and without even trying to be a saint, I admit that yes, I too have nodded in affirmation most of the times. And may be, there's not all wrong in it. But today, I want to share what I actually feel, and how much in love I am with Kgp- not just IIT, but that beyond the boundaries of it, surpassing our line of sight. I don't want to give a generic 'funda' that "Oh! we should love our Kgp", or quote known dialogues from movies to point out that not Kgp, but we are the problem. Nope. I just want to share my happiness, my experiences over the past two years; Let you know how I have seen Kgp and not just point out the problems with the system, but possibly give realistic individual solutions, that within my capacity. Though, there is so much that I want to write, but since I want atleast 5-6 people to read it, so I'll not extend it too much, briefing only about 3 places around IIT. The others shall follow up sometime later.

1. Soladahar Village

A left turn after crossing Prem Bazaar Gate, nearly 10 more minutes on our Harley Davidson (read cycle) ,crossing small agricultural lands and sensing the odour of 'desh ki mitti' , we reach this place, to which I was first introduced this Diwali by Ajay Bhaiya. Surely, the best Diwali- burning crackers with around 50 extremely sweet kids with eyes brighter than any diya. I knew then that I will not be able to keep myself away from that love for long. So I taught there for 3 weeks this December and undoubtedly, the time spent with the kids this month, has been one of the best for me. Each day, arriving to Soladahar, my mornings have begun hearing "Nikhil Da, Nikhil Da" and seeing the kids shouting and laughing in happiness seeing me, playing goli/cricket. Whether it was telling them stories, or dancing with them on 'Bum Bum Bole', or reciting with them- Harivansh Rai Bachhan's 'Agneepath', or watching cartoons on my lappy, or celebrating Christmas with the Santa mask, or sometimes, using a stick trying to act like a strict teacher, my days have been blissful. From getting to see naughty cute kids in action, to seeing Swapna Mam, my HoD, coming once every week to teach them; from buying chocolates for them to interacting with their parents in Bong-Hindi, all I can say is I have been blessed by God. And that, you must must must visit this place!

2. Gopali Ashram

15 minutes on the cycle, straight out from Prem Bazaar Gate, you reach this amazing orphanage cum hostel cum temple. I was introduced to this place by Vishal Bhaiya 2 years back and this has been a recreational point since then. From celebrating the birthdays with the cute small kids (nearly 30) or visiting on every special occasion, wanting to share every reason of happiness with them, to going there in the evenings to see them do the epic lively aarti/puja whenever I have needed a boost, it has been unforgettable. You got to be here atleast once, talk to the kids and see how extremely talented they are, with wholly fit bodies and minds thanks to Sanjay Da and team. Whether its about the patriotic songs that they sing in sync, or the mantras that they read before eating; whether its about the energy that they exhibit, their unparallel bond and discipline or the trees and the tranquility, there's just something about this place that can bind you for long. Among so many incredible memories, that of watching 'Lakshya' with them and they shouting 'Jai Hind' will stay forever.

3. Ayma School

I got to know about this school from Shyam Simaria and Shubham Suman- 2 guys with extreme tempo to teach kids. Since, I didn't have NSS, and only used to visit occasionally, that never helped, Then, I taught Maths and English to Class 12 students for a month the last summer, and in the process, learnt so much about their needs and the problem with the system. The lack of awareness for any competition level exam or the desire that had seeped off from them. Preparing myself each day, designing the syllabus, it was an amazing experience. I got to know how passionate are some kids out there in our slums to join the Indian Army- to serve the nation. The barrier becoming the entrance tests which becomes tough because of the weak base. Some (4) were so passionate to study that even after doing all household chores, they used wake at 6 and be there to study things beyond their syllabus. Well, never before I experienced so much respect. Found new sisters. 15 minutes from Puri Gate. If you want to teach the underprivileged, this is the place!

The Underlying Thought

Yes! Kgp is beautiful and we can make it better, much better. Hopefully, one day, NSS will become much more organized, and not something that further ruins a student's social interests. Hopefully, there will be many more Shyams. My purpose of writing this blog was not to make anyone realize one's responsibility. Hell no! Our only responsibility is to be happy. Nor is my purpose to ponder over the question as to what has our IIT done for the past sixty year of glory for Kharagpur. I wrote this, as I said, only to share my happiness and make a lot of willing people realize that we should give ourselves a chance to explore Kgp, to feel how extremely lucky we are. If you had the patience to read all the way down to here, you surely can do much more than you expect of yourself. I just wanted to help realize that "One doesn't always need to form organizations or NGOs (if thats what stops you from taking the initiative) - An individual can make a difference". Well no! Long story cut short- An individual WILL make a difference. Till then: 'Respect' to groups like Gyws, Skb, etc and professors like Swapna Mam and Somnath Bharadwaj Sir who are making things happen; 'Power' to each of you, who if not today, will someday return as alums and make things better, and finally- to Kgp- Lots and lots of love!! :D :D

P.S: If anyone wants to go to any of the aforementioned places, do ping me anytime. I will always be free for this :) Do visit these places and feel the love and happiness. If money anytime is an issue, worry not, I will tell you atleast 5 ways to save money for this stuff! Ping. And yes! believe me- YOU Are Awesome!! you really are :) :) Leaving you with some photos!!