We gave away prizes to essay-writers in the names of two women who were loved deeply
This week has been one of anticipation, patience and a waiting game for me. As you might imagine. I looked to draw strength from every source that I could, every element from my recent past which could help me prepare for what lies ahead. Possibly a time of vulnerability, adventure and many unknowns.
I naturally remembered two special women whom I was lucky to spend time with when I lived in Nagpur. Who inspired me in many ways, who loved me and who had a genuine interest in my well-being. Both of whom moved on to another world, perhaps too quickly.
Interestingly, they had something more in common, too. Their love for reading and their passion for education. And so when we organized an essay writing contest, it was the most natural thing to do – to give away prizes in their loving memory.
Before I go ahead, if you’re a new subscriber – welcome!
I have been writing about my work on spreading digital awareness in the Vidarbha region of central India. During this phase of life, I personally trained over 1000 individuals, including 40 Master Trainers who go on to train others. Writings on the subject are grouped in a series I call Vidarbha Diaries.
My previous posts under Vidarbha Diaries
This could give you a context of our work if you are looking for one.
- How I discuss online safety through workshops
- In love with a fake account
- 3 things students attending my trainings asked me
- How to support those facing abuse online
- We joined with more trainers to take things forward
I was curious about the thoughts of local youths
I was still in the stages of figuring out answers to my early questions. Whom to work with, where to begin, how to approach given the new context.
On one hand, I felt thankful that my domain of work became increasingly clearer to me: Digital safety, awareness concerning online interactions. The relevance of this topic would only increase. (Just today, I learnt about a new phishing mail to steal credit card details that happened within my family!) I was confident I was the right person to spearhead efforts in this direction. Moreover, there was an opportunity to contribute innovatively, seeing that civil society presence and skilled interventions in the field were still scarce.
My own early training with movements has taught me the importance of listening to the local people. Reading local. Of really opening my mind to the community’s thoughts and feelings.
What did the youths of Vidarbha think about digital technologies and it’s impact?
One way to find out was if we could invite them to write and submit their thoughts.
The simplest way of doing this, to me, was to have an essay writing contest. With a small prize money, given our non-funded and fully volunteer-run status as an early stage initiative.
And so we organized an essay contest with our limited resources. Entries could be submitted by post (offline methods) or online.
The topics were:
- COVID and the changing nature of education sector
- Digitization and inequality in society
- Impact of IT in rural vs urban India, especially after the pandemic
And related themes.
This would also be an opportunity for us to make friends with different schools and colleges with whom our posters were shared. To generate fresh interest. And to be able to do something with NO resources or assets (except our passion!) at our end.
Prizes in the names of two mothers
None of the posts I’ve written so far touch on any personal circumstances – on how or where I lived, how I supported myself, who was my support network (or if ever I had one). Maybe those stories will come sometime later. For now I simply wanted to introduce you to Beena aunty and Vijaya mami.
Vijaya mami
I knew mami because she was my dear friend’s mother. The note with Vijaya mami’s prize money read as follows:
“Vijayalakshmi was born in Coimbatore. She grew up in Nagpur. She worked in RBI for over 30 years.
A truly gifted person, she was a very avid reader. She loved traveling, painting, knitting, gardening and binge-watching series! Nagpur was home and she spent all of her life here. A staunch advocate of education, she helped kids with free English lessons. She believed in the proverb, ‘ never stop learning because life never stops teaching‘.
This prize is sponsored by her family for her love of Vidarbha and her distinctive passion for reading.”
Whenever we met, Mami would unfailingly enquire about the progress and status of our initiative. She was curious and invested in us doing well.
Beena aunty
The note with Beena aunty’s prize money read as follows:
“Beena was born and educated in Nagpur and lived all her life here. A bright student, she is remembered for her skills in dance and activities in NCC parade. She graduated in Science and worked in FCI for 28 years. She then switched to pursuing her passion in education, becoming the Principal of her school.
Her love and affection for children was remarkable. She would encourage them to strive for excellence in their fields. She loved poetry and music. Devoted to her family, she was their core! This award is a tribute to her positive energy, her smile and the inspiration she fills our lives with.”
Beta, apna mission poora karna. (Translates to: fulfil your mission) Never let anything come in the way. Be silent, sincere and successful.”
Beena aunty once said, during my very first week in Nagpur
Anyone starting anything new – as I did – might appreciate just how much difference a little faith from such beautiful sources can make…
I must mention here that a third source of prize was made possible thanks to efforts from our teammates, Kshitij and Prashik, who raised it from amongst friends and well-wishers.
We had three winners from the essay entries received, held a small function with them. The prize amounts were humble: INR 1000 each. That’s about 12 USD! We were at a stage where the work itself was more important than the size of the amount, given our fully volunteer-run and non-funded financial status.
And so this still brought us all a lot of joy and happiness.