“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” ― Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Child labour inspite of being condemned by law is still prevalent in our society.
My first brush with child labour was about six months back when my mother employed a new domestic help. This lady was one of the hundreds of people who migrate to cities each day in search for better economic prospects. She has five children, two of them she said will work in case she is not able to make the ends meet. At first, it seemed alright but soon it became clear that this was not the case. She was actually looking for more employment in order to earn more which meant that her two daughters would have to work all day to sustain the family. At 14 and 16 years it is not too young, the mother insisted, to do household chores - not realising at what cost? - Compromising on their education?
I ensured that this wouldn't happen . The situation soon changed and the girls joined a local school. This experience made me realise that there are many more kids like them who have to take up odd jobs to help run their homes. Their plight moved me. Specially, lack of quality education.I then decided to do whatever little I could for sake of these children in my neighbourhood. I decided to give them an hour every week to teach them something that I have had the opportunity to learn....DANCE !
I started taking Kathak classes for all interested children. The response has been phenomenal. Today I get such immense joy and satisfaction from the classes that I feel, I receive much more in return than what I give to these children.
The joy on their faces and sense of liberation during their dance is a pleasure to watch. I Share pictures of these classes which I call......Chance to Dance.
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| Mansi |
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| Kanchan |
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| Pooja |
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| Class in Progress |
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| The youngest dancer- Vasundhara , 5 years old. |
