We love you Jyothi

I walked to the construction site. The new lecture hall is being set up from last year or so. My friends were waiting there. They shared a piece of news. Our initiative, EachOneTeachone is left with no children to teach on the campus. The news came unexpectedly to us. Perhaps we didn’t pay much attention when kids went to their native places. We were joyful they got enrolled in native schools run by the government where they’ll get more opportunities to learn.

The construction site and people have a special affiliation to our initiative. It was the initial place where we began teaching. It formed roots while teaching here. It had become an evening routine for some of us to go there and see the children smiling. 

Since January semester, Jyothi was the only child for teaching at the construction site. Other children were too small to teach. Jyothi maa as some of us call hails from a Telangana village, Ankilla in Mahabubnagar district. On March 3rd, Jyothi and parents moved to Shamshabad, some 30 km away from here. Her parents joined as workers in a construction site near their temporary house. Only on yesterday (March 7) we came to know that they were told to search for a job elsewhere. The lecture hall construction on campus will be over in 2 week time.

We were in touch with Jyothi’s parents and initiated a discussion to let Jyothi join an NGO run residential school at Chandrayanugutta. Jyothi was happy to continue schooling there. We went to Shamsahabad. However, by that time, they had moved to their native village. I asked Shalini if she can write a letter to their native address. The contact number was not available. A month later, we received a call from Jyothi. She was happy with the letter. Jyothi had resumed schooling.   

There’s a lot more to talk about Jyothi. While we go to a nearby canteen to have evening snacks, she would ask for an extra slice of bread baji. It is for her thammudu and chelli (younger brother and sister). She carefully pierces it into small pieces and feeds her little brother, a two-year-old kid. She often tells stories while feeding him. She eats her portion only after they finish their shares. 

She starts her day at 6 and helps her mother to cook food, collect firewood, wash the plates etc. She is in charge of house affairs as her father works elsewhere outside the campus. She looks after her siblings as both parents go to work. Her volunteer in charge once pointed me that she was regularly doing her homework and was never hesitant even when she had to redo it. She also read out stories in the class. A good singer, Jyothi sings while we walk. Desham malare is one such song, she is very fond of and sings it quite regularly.

Jyothi was curious too. Her eyes were open to surroundings. She asks many questions on her way home. The questions may range from clothes and accessories we wear, activities that she sees on the campus, our parents, siblings, etc. She was someone that naturally comes in our plans while organizing children’s programmes. She was skilful in leading the other children, something I noticed when group activities were held. In one evening class, Jyothi came with a paper bag.  She made this as a gift to her teacher. The teacher bought her new pair of chappals, a day back. She wanted to thank her teacher. So she made gifts by her own effort. 

Dear Jyothi, among the ones you’ve gifted, I’d always cherish the bright look on your face while seeing a green cycle from a far distance. You taught me that language matters very little while talking to people you love. The affection and care you have shown for these sweethearts is the best gift you can present them.