Deepalaya - Enabling Self-Reliance

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

admin — Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Children from Deepalaya Schools presented a delicately delightful take on that perennial favourite, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, on Saturday evening May 3rd 2008, at the Akshara’s open-air Pipal Tree Theatre.

The play adapted and directed by the well known playwright Jalabala Vaidya of Akshara Theatres was an Akshara version of the famous play and was enacted in English. The characters of the play an Indian Prince, naughty elves, mischievous Puck, playful and pretty little fairies, fairy Queen Titania and fairy King Oberon all transported the audience to a time and space far removed from everyday reality.

The characters in the play — the hero of Athens, Theseus and his Amazon bride Hippolyta, their courtiers and the bumpkin city artisans led by Bottom the weaver, who present an entertainment for the wedding evening, were earthy and funny.

The protagonist, Karan Bisht, who played Bottom, the comic hero of the play, comes from Ramditti J. R. Narang Deepalaya School. Students from Deepalaya Schools have been training diligently in theatre, music, Sanskrit chanting, painting, Kathak, Yoga and martial arts for this event under the guidance of Ms. Jalabala Vaidya at Akshara Theatre’s Diksha Programme for the Performing Arts since January 2008. 11 boys coming from Ramditti J.R. Narang Deepalaya School and Deepalaya School at Sanjay Colony had participated in the event. Our students were well appreciated for the lengthy and complicated dialogues and soliloquies that they recited. The other children who participated along with Deepalaya students came from elite private schools of Delhi.

The integration of underprivileged children from Deepalaya Schools with the other children who study in English medium public schools was a mutually satisfying experience for students from Deepalaya and other schools as well as the Akshara team. Brought up with minimal resources and having received not so well off parentage the talent, sincerity and determination of children from Deepalaya was a learning experience for other children too at Akshara, as some of them reported.

The function was well attended by a wide range of audience, including parents of the participating children. Students from Deepalaya’s Transit Home at Swagat Kendra also got the opportunity to witness this play. The event ended with a surprise programme by Deepalaya students who sang the popular Hindi song‚“Papa Kehte Hain” and thanked Akshara Theatre for giving them the opportunity to associate with them. Ms. Jalabala Vaidya was overwhelmed by the appreciation and affection of the children and informed the audience about Deepalaya and its work, the struggles and determination of Deepalaya children to fight against all odds.

Participating in this play was a unique experience for Deepalaya children. In the words of Karan, the child who played the role of Bottom “Participating in the play was a wonderful experience for me as it familiarised me with theatre and also helped me improve my English speaking skills. This has also given a boost to my confidence levels and I would love to participate in more such events.” Needless to say this was a memorable experience for Deepalaya students which they are likely to remember for a long time.

Altruism By Social Responsibility

admin — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 06:36:44 +0000

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a buzzword in the past few years. Corporates in India are getting more sensitive towards social responsibility which reflect their commitment towards society. In one such initiative employees of Citigroup, one of the largest companies of the world that provide services from insurance to finance visited different project locations of Deepalaya.

Excitement was high in the air as the newly admitted LKG and UKG kids at Deepalaya School Gole Kuan got set to welcome special guests on 25 April, 2008. A team of eight people from Citi Financial was welcomed by children with greetings and poems. The team spent the afternoon with the students at Deepalaya School. Guests were like Santa Clause for the little kids. Distributing sandwiches and new stationery items which include sheets of handmade paper to coloured pencils, glaze papers, colour boxes, ivory sheets, thermacol sheets and some cd’s of nursery rhymes, to the children, the Citi team was touched by the work Deepalaya is doing at Gole Kuan slum cluster. Pooja, Regional Customer Advocacy Manager, Citi Financial said, “We are completely swayed by the dedicated efforts of teachers of Deepalaya. We are extremely happy to share our joy with these little kids” Adding on, Sonali Escreder, Regional Client Advocacy Head, Citi Financial said, “We are a team of 13 – 14 members and each one has contributed for this cause. This is our own initiative and the desire to bring good to society percolates down to each employee of Citi Financial”.

Corporate houses feel contended and proud in meeting their responsibility towards the society and this pride trickles down to their employees. The sense of fulfilling their social responsibility leaves them with a feeling of elation. Moreover, it serves as a soothing diversion from the mundane work place routine and gives one a feeling of satisfaction and a meaning to their lives. Children of Gole Kuan School thoroughly enjoyed the pampering they received from the guests.

In yet another social initiative 13 employees from Citi Group visited Swagat Kendra, Deepalaya’s home for runaways and street children. This was as part of their celebrations of National Community Day, which is celebrated thrice a year. The 16 children of Swagat Kendra were exposed to diverse activities organized by the Citibank officials. Children had a chance to exhibit their confidence and talent in painting and dance competitions organized by the guests on the spot. There was an exercise where each child was grouped with one member from Citibank team and each couple had to perform a distinct and unique activity. For the children of Swagat Kendra the experience was filled with knowledge and learning along with the other gifts that they received from the guests. After enjoying their afternoon meal together they all collected for some sports activities.

Rajat Kishore, employee from Citi Finacial shared, “It was a wonderful experience. These kids are extremely talented. I would love to come back and visit them”. Another team member, Vikas Kataria said, “It left a great feeling of satisfaction and insight that still how much more needs to be done, before we truly call this country a progressive and developed one.”

“We had a great time with Citi team. We learnt to make lot of handicraft items and creative paper works” said 9 year old Ashu. 12 year old Jitender and 9 year old Abid were thrilled as didi’s and bhaiya’s had lunch with them and made them feel so special.

For children of Gole Kuan and Swagat Kendra it was a delightful experience and they had invited their guests to pay a visit soon again.
As more and more companies realize that meeting CSR is an investment in social sector with multiple benefits to them as well, inequalities in this world will be reduced.

Deepalaya Children perform French Opera

admin — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:41:09 +0000

In the English classic, My Fair Lady – Ms. Doolittle sang, “I could have danced all night…and still have wished for more”.

For Deepalaya students the song went like this, “We could have sung all night….and still have wished for more…”

Yes that was the sentiment echoed by 15 students of Deepalaya School Kalkaji Extension returning after performing at the final show of Georges Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ – the World’s most performed Opera. This French Opera was produced by the Neemrana Group in association with The Ashok. They performed at the Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg Delhi from 18th to 20th April 2008.

The Opera is based on the life of a girl named Carmen, who is very beautiful but fickle. The story is set in Seville, Spain, in the year 1830 and revolves around Carmen, the beautiful Gypsy with a fiery temper. Her relationship with Corporal Don José, an inexperienced soldier leads him to reject his former love. He turns to a criminal life, and ultimately, out of jealousy, murders Carmen. Although he is briefly happy with Carmen, he is in rage, when she turns from him to the bullfighter Escamillo.

Deepalaya students who participated in the Opera are a part of a choir group at Deepalaya School, Kalkaji that has won many accolades. The New Year ushered in new opportunities for this group at Deepalaya School, this year, as they started their preparations to be part of the Opera since January. “After several rounds of screening, 15 students were shortlisted”, says 10 year old Priya. The students (12 in the junior choir and 3 in the adult choir) practiced hard. Their diligence and sheer determination to grab opportunities won them a place in the Opera along with students from other elite public schools. Once again our students have proved that they only need a chance ….they will prove themselves.

“It was an exciting moment”, says 15 year old Nitin “being on stage with so many people- Sri Lankans, French, Indians. I have learnt a lot about their cultures and about diverse people in general”.

Deepalaya gives a chance to underprivileged children to exploit their potential to its full capacity and learn diverse international cultural art forms through this Opera. Apart from providing formal education to underprivileged children Deepalaya endeavours to provide all round development of these children by bringing their hidden talent to the fore, through their participation and exposure to such international level programmes, thereby building their confidence.

Ms. Gabriella Boda-Rechner, the chorus conductor, initially skeptical, was impressed with the speed at which the students picked up. Lauding our students’ performance, Ms. Claire Levacher, the conductor, exclaimed that she could not distinguish Deepalaya children from the others. That indeed reinforces Deepalaya’s belief that “Every child deserves a chance”.

Enabling differently abled, through information technology

admin — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:33:48 +0000

Indian Oil Corporation Limited has provided financial support to set up a Computer Training Centre for differently abled children at Deepalaya School, Sanjay Colony. The centre was inaugurated on 16th April 2008 at Deepalaya School, Sanjay Colony by the Shri Satish Kumar, Executive Director, IOCL. He was accompanied by Shri K.J. Kumar Chief Manager HR of IOCL and two other senior employees. Deepalaya was represented by Rtn. T.K. Mathew, Secretary and Chief Executive; Mr. Y. Chackochan, board member; Mr. Roychoudhury, Director (Resource Mobilisation); Mr. Pradeep Kumar, Senior Manager (Programmes) and all employees of the school.

The event started with a traditional welcome of the dignitaries by the school children and lighting of the lamp. Cutting of the ribbon marked the inauguration of the project. At the click of a button all the 10 computers were activated which flashed a Welcome message for IOCL on the screen. This was followed by a short presentation of pictures of Deepalaya children and their activities, against the backdrop of the popular film song ‘Taare Zammen Par’.

Differently abled children who would be the beneficiaries of this project and other children from the school put up a wonderful cultural show for their guests. Four items of dance and song were presented by these talented children. The visitors were highly impressed by the standard of performance by the students and their confidence levels.

At the conclusion of the event, Mr. T.K. Mathew thanked IOCL for supporting the project costing Rs. 7.5 lakhs. In appreciation, Mr. Satish Kumar expressed his admiration for the school and the students who conducted such an excellent programme.

The dignitaries interacted with Deepalaya children and staff over light refreshments and tea. As a mark of respect and appreciation for their kind gesture Deepalaya students presented the visitors with gifts towards the end of the programme.

‘Different’ Strokes

admin — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:37:46 +0000

Did you know that Autism is the third most common developmental disorder? Autism is a lifelong brain development disorder that impairs social interaction and communication, and causes restricted and repetitive behaviour, all starting before a child is three years old.

It has been a growing concern for the world. The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution recently to observe 2nd April as World Autism Awareness Day every year starting 2008. To observe this day, Action for Autism, a non governmental organisation working with autistic people, organized a series of events in New Delhi named ‘Autism Awareness Jamboree’.

Senior Government Officials who were special invites participated enthusiastically in the event. It was well attended by children affected by Autism, their parents, doctors and other caregivers. The highlights of the event included an art carnival and rallies to sensitize the public towards autism. Some of the doctors present also offered free consultation. Banners were displayed to raise awareness among the general public.

The ‘Art Carnival’ organized at India Habitat Center saw an attendance of over 180 children. Deepalaya was an active participant amongst other schools such as Vasant Valley School, Vishwas, Aashish Centre, Inspiration center, Manovikas, Step by Step and Open Door School. Of the 70 children from Deepalaya Schools who attended the event, 17 were autistic. The children created beautiful paintings and patterns with colours. Deepalaya students faced tough competition with students from different public schools and NGOs across Delhi. Deepalaya students were winners yet again. The judges, Alka Mathur and Sudhir Pillai, renowned painters had a tough time deciding the winners.

Chandan, student of class VIII from Deeplaya School Gole Kuan won a cash prize of 500/- Rupees. Laxmi from Deepalaya School Sanjay Colony and Naveen from RJRND School too received a cash prize of 500/- Rupees each. All the other children were given a certificate of participation and a gift hamper, which included a T-shirt, colour pencils, eraser etc.

Sharing his joy, Naveen from RJRN Deepalaya School said, “We enjoyed painting about Holi and Diwali as themes. But I was completely shocked to hear that few children at the competition were not aware about the problem of autism”. Another student Laxmi from Deepalaya School Sanjay Colony was proud to be a part of Deepalaya School as she claimed, “Our school runs special classes for children with special needs and I feel proud to be a part of such a wonderful school”.

From The Travel Diaries Of Children From Deepalaya ….

admin — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:55:31 +0000

After working hard for exams in the month of March, children from Deepalaya schools live it up to mark the end of examinations. They spend their term break going for excursions, attending workshops and learning new crafts.

As part of their educational and cultural tours, children from different classes of Deepalaya School Sanjay Colony enjoyed a trip to Agra and Amritsar in March, even before they started afresh with the new academic year.

Wah Taj!

“The daylong bus ride to Agra was fun. We danced, played antakshari (a game that includes singing movie songs) and ate lots of eatables on our way.”, said Ajay, a student of class VIII.

The Taj, children had read was the pride of India, the ‘crown’ that adorns India’s glorious past. Getting to see this magnificent mausoleum awakened their interest in subjects like history. They gathered knowledge about Taj Mahal and the Mughal era by reading the information available at the historical site. Next stop over was at Sikandra, known as Akbar’s mausoleum Following that, a trip to Agra Fort was fascinating for the children. Taken back in time they were excited to see the rooms where the emperors stayed, the market places, the courtroom, the temple where Jodhabai, the Mughal Queen, offered prayers and the verandah where the kings would listen to the grievances of their subjects. Deewan-I-Khas (Hall of Private audience), Deewan-I-Aam (Hall of Public audience) and Sheesh Mahal were among other sights that the children got an opportunity to visit..

Trying to recall what his teacher said about Taj Mahal, Saurabh, a student of class IX was lost in the memories of the majestic Taj Mahal. He quickly recollects, “It was built between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife. I keep thinking how much he loved her!” No wonder Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.

Trip to Amritsar

While the trip to Agra was all about romance and history of the Mughal period, the children and teachers were filled with religious and patriotic feelings on their trip to Amritsar. It is an important seat of Sikh history and culture. Being the gateway for travellers the famous Golden Temple, Wagah border, Jalianwala Bagh and Khoo Kalianwala were some of the places children of Deepalaya School Sanjay Colony visited.

“I loved hearing shabads (devotional songs) at the Golden temple. I relished the langar (food served in Gurudwara) and enjoyed bathing in the pond during sunset” recalls Niranjan, a student from Deepalaya School Sanjay Colony.

The visit to Wagah, the international border between India and Pakistan was the most fascinating one for many. “Beating the Retreat” ceremony is a daily highlight at Wagah. Soldiers from both countries march in perfect drill, going through the steps of lowering their respective national flags, at sunset Anindita from Sanjay Colony was delighted to share her experience and feelings when she was at Wagah border. She said, “It was mesmerizing! Everything at Wagah, the soldiers, national flag, their march pass, Pakistani soldiers and the sand we were standing in…their salutes….I felt so proud to be an Indian”.

Enroute a visit to Jalianwala Bagh, where one of the major incidents of India’s freedom struggle took place, was memorable for children. They could relate what they had studied in their classrooms to the places where these historical incidents actually took place..

The educational trip to Agra and Amritsar was fascinating for children and it added to their knowledge. It was the first time they visited a place outside Delhi and got to see different places and different cultures.

Including differently abled

admin — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:46:29 +0000

“I always felt that I was being shunted around to suit other people’s convenience. Because I didn’t fit in with them….it was me who had to move, leave or change…” says a tearful Rakesh who is 20 years old. A resident of Sanjay Colony slum cluster, Rakesh is hearing impaired since his childhood.

His painful words echo the sentiments of millions of those whom many call DISABLED! Deepalaya took a step forward and thought of a positive way to mainstream such people in society. We enable them to be self-reliant and live a dignified life through our programmes for the differently abled. Since 1993 Deepalaya has been working to develop inclusive behaviour and positive attitude among parents and communities, towards physically and mentally challenged.

Seventeen camps across South Delhi and West Delhi were organized by Deepalaya as part of its project, ‘Integrated Approach to Disability Rights’ in collaboration with Royal Netherlands Embassy during the months of February and March this year. People were exposed to the rights of the differently abled and were informed about their experiences, views and feelings. Some of the locations where camps were organized include Gole Kuan, V.P. Singh Camp, Madanpur Khadar, Gandhi Basti, Transit Camp, Sansi Camp, Ambedkar Camp, Dwarka resettlement colonies, Khori, Peeragarhi Water Tank and Mayapuri etc.

Hundreds of people participated in the camps across these locations. Rallies, street- plays, banners, posters, placards etc were used to create awareness among people. Through individual and group counselling, the crowd was sensitized to the needs and rights of the differently abled. They were motivated to accept these ‘less fortunate’ people and help them live a life full of dignity. People were educated about how Deepalaya serves the differently abled through special education, physiotherapy; by helping them get disability certificates, railway and bus passes; by providing them medical assistance, helping them to access supporting aids and appliances; and acquire assistance from government and other NGOs etc.

The street plays organized at the camps struck a sensitive chord amongst most. Many came forward, instantly, to contribute to the welfare of the differently abled. Some families came forward with their children, to be admitted in Deepalaya’s special education classes. Caring for a differently abled child is considered exhausting by many parents. Some of them even do not know how to provide special care. Shielding their children from harsh comments by neighbours, they would confine these children to their homes. The camps were organized to address various such concerns. Some parents wanted to admit their children for special education classes only because they wanted a ‘short break’ from their responsibility. A social worker from Deepalaya said that since some of these children would find it difficult to express themselves, other people should take extra efforts in understanding their views. The people thronged towards the social workers of Deepalaya to seek answers to their questions. Many of them were interested in knowing where and how they could approach local authorities to get benefits for their differently abled dependents.

Some people stressed that local authorities must take a more active role in providing opportunities to differently abled children to lead as ‘normal’ a life as possible.

At the conclusion of the camps a significant change in the attitudes of people was visible. Door to door visits, latent talent development activities, workshops, seminars etc during such camps have brought considerable awareness among people of the communities.

Challenge Your Obstacles

admin — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 04:20:20 +0000

She should have been playing with dolls and leading a fun filled life at the age of five but her life came to a standstill the day her mother committed suicide by jumping in a fire. Her father and elder sister could not bear this trauma. They both became mentally unstable. This is the story of Kamini, a determined young girl, who overcame her personal trauma and resolved to turn her obstacles into opportunities.

Following the death of her mother she was sent to an orphanage, Nirmala Bhavan Prem Ashram in Noida by her grandmother, where she began to study. But she had to leave the orphanage when she turned 10 years. Staff at the orphanage sent her to Deepalaya Gram at Gusbethi and she has remained here since. Her sister, father and dadi all live in a mandir in Delhi. Sometimes she visits them. Her sister has recovered from the trauma of her mother’s suicide and is now studying in class XI. Her father has still not recovered. The meager pension that he receives from the government is barely enough to meet his own financial needs. Kamini is unable to stay with her family as she does not have a house and evidently there is no one to look after her.

Kamini lives in the girls’ hostel at Deepalaya Gram in village Gusbethi at Haryana. She is now a cheerful thirteen year old and studies in the VI standard. Her bright smile and pleasant demeanour belie the memories of a murky childhood. She feels that the education she is getting from Deepalaya is much better than what she was getting at the previous institution. Kamini is a good student. Standing second in her class she says she wants to learn everything that is taught at Deepalaya. “Whatever I learn here will all come in use at some time in the future” says this empowered young girl. Some of the lessons she has learned from her teachers at Deepalaya School include respecting others, cultivating friendships, not fighting and studying hard. Being a brilliant student she sets very high standards for herself and strives hard to achieve them. Falling short of her own expectations is something that is not acceptable to her. She enjoys her hostel life with all her friends and participates actively in all the activities organized by the hostel authorities.

When asked if she thought getting educated was important, she said that “our whole life is dependent on education” and that is the only means with which we can secure a job in the future to provide for ourselves. She works hard and says wisely, “Sometimes to gain something you have to loose something in life”. She aspires to be a famous artist. When she gets older, she plans to come back to Deepalaya and tell other students in the schools to keep studying and working hard so that adversity do not stop them from achieving their ambitions.

Deepalaya Bags Regional Award In North India On 5 March, 2008

admin — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:21:40 +0000

Deepalaya has been felicitated as ‘Regional Awardee’ of the Year 2007 in Northern India at the India NGO Award ceremony held at Sheraton Hotel, New Delhi. The award was conferred on Deepalaya by The Resource Alliance and The Nand and Jeet Khemka Foundation for promoting best practices in accountability and transparency through its various programmes on education, health and community development initiatives. Deepalaya has been adjudged as an excellent NGO that also successfully plays the role of building capacities of smaller organizations to be effective in eradicating poverty.

Mr. A.J.Philip, President, Deepalaya represented the organization and received the award from the Chief Guest Mr. P Chidambaram, Honourble Minister of Finance, Government of India and Guest of Honour Mr. N. R Narayana Murthy, Chairman & Chief Mentor- Infosys Technologies Ltd on 5th March 2008. Deepalaya was honoured as the Regional Winner in the Medium category.
Mr. P Chidambaram appreciated the most deserving winners and said, “It is a delight to see such selfless devoted people who don’t look at monetary awards but serve humanity and create a better place for people.”
Overwhelmed with this recognition, Rtn. T.K.Mathew, Secretary and Chief Executive of Deepalaya said, “This award is in recognition of our working culture and ethics. We will keep up the good work for the development of the society irrespective of any awards. I take this opportunity to thank all our friends and co-workers who have supported us in this endeavour over these years.”
Mr. Chidambaram further added, “These awards have encouraged the Non Profit sector to work towards excellence and other CSOs to enhance their working practices in accordance with National Policies”.
Among other NGOs the three National winners were – Goonj, The Banyan,Childline Foundation of India and CRY - Child Rights & You. The India NGO Awards were instituted in 2006 as a joint initiative of the Resource Alliance and the Nand & Jeet Khemka Foundation, with an aim to advance the country’s non-profit sector by promoting financial and organisational sustainability, and strengthening community support of civil society.

This year The Resource Alliance and The Nand & Jeet Khemka Foundation collaborated with COVA, Gram Vikas and SP Jain Institute of Management and Research to select and award the ‘NGO of the Year 2007’ in India. Three finalists among small, medium and large NGOS were selected from all the four regions- north, south, east and west as award winners. Registered organisations working for a minimum of 5 years towards social and environmental transformation were evaluated on effective and sustainable mobilization of resources from the local community, demonstration of efficient management of resources, good governance practices and transparency and accountability and the impact of the services it provides to its beneficiaries. The Awardees were selected after a rigorous process of audits and multiple rounds of elimination, conducted by the knowledge partners Grant Thornton and a panel of eminent jury members comprising of Mr. Ramesh Ramanathan (founder of Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy), Dr. Syeda Hameed (Member-Planning Commission, Government of India), Dr. Maxine Olson (United Nations Resident Coordinator), Mr. Deep Joshi (co-founder and former Executive Director of PRADAN) and Mr. Vinod Chandiok (National Chairman of Grant Thornton India). During the ceremony, Mr. Simon Collings, CEO, The Resource Alliance added, “India NGO Awards were launched with the aim of motivating NGOs in India, promoting financial and organizational stability, and strengthening community support of civil society, by recognizing the excellent work that they do in the voluntary sector.”
Mr. Don Mohanlal, President, The Nand & Jeet Khemka Foundation concluded that, “We congratulate the winners and indeed all the finalists of the India NGO Awards 2007. They epitomize best practices in self-governance and accountability. Leading by example, they are setting the ultimate standard for civil society organizations to emulate. We hope that other organizations will be encouraged to focus on transparency, effectiveness and impact on the ground.”
Undoubtedly, this is another feather in Deepalaya’s cap and a matter of pride for each and everyone working towards achieving Deepalaya’s mission.

A hidden talent comes to the fore - Nilofar, the New Find in Netball

admin — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:55:58 +0000

Recently, Oxfordshire County Council, London recognized Deepalaya School, Kalkaji Extension (DSKE) as an important contributing partner in Larkrise Primary School’s Achievement of the International School Award. DSKE has got a good academic performance record. It also stands out as a School that has encouraged and promoted horse riding, classical dance, choir singing, theatre, drawing, painting and now Netball.

A little over a year ago, Naz Foundation approached Deepalaya to conduct a leadership program and netball practice for children coming from deprived backgrounds. As part of their project ‘Goal’ they were required to identify children good at sports. Naz Foundation chose to partner with Deepalaya for the same. Netball is a non-contact sport similar to, and derived from, basketball. Ms. Deepali Sharma, an international netball player and a volunteer associated with Naz Foundation, has been teaching 19 girls, the techniques of the game twice a week at Deepalaya School. During the course of the training Nilofar Khan stood out for her confidence and passion for the game. She had a natural talent for the game and showed rapid progress surprising even the coach. In less than a year she progressed so well that she was chosen to play for Delhi in the under 19 category for the Nationals. Delhi subsequently won all the five matches against Chandigarh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Chattisgarh. Nilofar played no small part in all these matches. She won a gold medal and an individual trophy for helping her team to win. Now she is brimming with confidence and has decided to make Netball her career. Nilofar is training hard to get into the Indian team in the upcoming commonwealth games. Along with gruelling practice sessions she also pays special attention to her dietary requirements to maintain good fitness levels. Boiled eggs and a glass of milk are part of her regular diet.

Coming from a backward socio-economic background her parents were initially skeptical about encouraging her to take up the sport. Deepalaya would not give up easily on this budding star. Repeated requests from the school authorities and assurances of their support helped change her parents’ mind.

“It seemed tough but I never considered it impossible. One can understand a father’s inhibitions. He found himself alone when it came to the safety of his child…arriving in late hours because of her practice sessions. He was also not happy about her wearing short skirts”, said Shikha Pal, Principal at Deepalaya School Kalkaji. “When Deepalaya took the responsibility of her making it for Netball practice at different places in Delhi and dropping her back home safely, her father nodded silently with a smile”, she further adds.

Nilofar has only highlighted the truism that a deprived background is not a hindrance to attaining success. Granted that a person with such a background has to try harder but the effort is never wasted. Her parents’ contribution too played an important role as they decided not to hold the child back from the game, despite initial reservations. Similarly, Ms. Deepali Sharma spared no effort in personally supervising and encouraging Nilofar.
Deepalaya played the role of a facilitator by bringing the Naz Foundation and the child together. Nilofar’s experience is a heartening example of how a hidden talent can blossom even amidst deprived circumstances. Strong willpower coupled with determination and hard work can bring opportunities galore.