Sushanth Sharma B.S
10.July.2014
Bangalore
A child’s dream is the most intriguing one; it awes us with amazement and happiness. A Carefree and an unrestrained world drives a child’s imagination to newer heights. The fascination and the joy derived by looking at a dreaming child renders us speechless. A child creates a series of Imaginative stories with just a toy in his hand; a simple action figure with a restricted motion can give innumerable joy to a child and his dreams takes over the scene.
My recent encounter with one of these little ones really surprised me! A little child of class five when asked about his dream replied that he wanted to be an army officer and that he desired to serve his nation. This statement really touched me and made me realize that children’s dreams are no longer restricted to a toy but their dreams and aspirations are much greater and thoughtful than any other adult. Children are indeed dazzling gems sent to earth. Their innocence adds charm to their playful yet energetic character which reassures us that the nation which will be theirs would be a successful one.
For a Nation to be a successful one, these words are just lip smacking. Utopian dreams some say! And I too, to an extent feel the same. A part of my consciousness keeps pricking me to believe the truth that is prevailing in our ailing society though this feeling battles against all odds of positivity present in me. My other encounters with these little ones would explain why I feel so…
It was around 1.30 pm when I first met nine year old Rani . Her family consisted of 6 with 3 siblings and herself being the second youngest . Her family was one among the many living in a congested lane . When spoken to her parents of facts such as low annual income , backward social stature and the disgusted life they led came to light . Rani when asked about her dreams replied that she dreamt of being a Doctor . But her dreams I feel are like music falling on deaf ears . Looking at the facts of her family’s income and the state of living, her dreams appeared to be a distant one . I do hope that she would battle against all odds and would derive the joy she deserves after the fulfillment of her dreams. Another instance which really abashed me was when I met Kumar a 12 years old boy residing in the huts of sumanahalli a slum in Bangalore . His dream was to be a Police officer. But unfortunately, he was not attending schools . When asked about the same , his parents replied –“Professions such as ours demand us to shift our places frequently , and under these circumstances it is impossible to settle down in a single location and send our children to schools ” .
Manjunath a seventh dropout said his interest towards his education just died off after seeing his struggling parents working hard to earn meager wages which was just enough to fill their stomach the next day . Looking at his parents sufferings, Manjunath sacrificed his dream to be a Civil service officer and started working to assist his parents . Manjunath is now 20 years and still regrets to have forsaken his untold dreams .
Parents of Abdul a 10th standard dropout exclaimed that his health had worsened . He had a problem in his heart and his family had to move out of city for his treatment . This move compelled him to quit his school and that was the end of his dreams of becoming a successful businessman .
These encounters made me ask myself as to who would help these children and their parents to realize their untold dreams..
I further asked this exact question which I used to ponder over often, the people I know. I got a story from a friend of mine which explained the seemingly plausible solution for the same . She further narrated the story of her house maid and her daughter. It seemed that the husband of the maid was a drunkard and would often spend the money saved by his wife on drinking alcohol. The maid used to hide her salary and would save the marginal amount she had . Her daughter was sent to work too .Then she realized the provision of RTE and enrolled her child in a good school . One of the main reasons she enrolled her child was the availability of ‘Mid day meal scheme’. Now She could further save her income and use it for a rainy day. Her awareness and decisive actions further helped her child and herself to combat against the existing situations . By prudently using available resources , she could fulfill her obligations .
These untold dreams can be nurtured by proper encouragement and monetary help by those who can afford and lend helping hands. Also these downtrodden people should be made aware of the welfare schemes the Government has formulated for them. Proper legal aid also will be of great help in acquiring the facilities provided for their sake. Equality and social justice play a pivotal role in the upliftment of these people and the fulfillment of the dreams of their unfortunate children.
Even today social statuses play a very huge role in the education of a child. Let us break all shackles and unite and help the children to fulfill their untold dreams .After all , the nation is theirs in the coming days. It is the collective responsibility of both civic bodies and governments to fulfill the dreams of these children . Strong willed and well educated children will definitely help our nation to realize and unlock its limitless potential and our nation will rise to new heights under their leadership and tireless endeavours. After all, today’s children are
tomorrow’s leaders and torch bearers.
