A jubilant sense of hope and contentment pervaded the serene hills of Purkal on Sunday evening as over 300 children from disadvantaged families of nearby villages put their best foot forward and created a show in no way less than events in the most elite public schools of Dehradun.
The occasion was the annual day of Purkal Youth Development Society and the gathering was largely a select audience of well-heeled residents and foreigners with the District Magistrate Dr BVRC Purushottam as the Chief Guest. An emotional Purushottam extolled the efforts of PYDS founder GK Swamy and his wife Chinni Swamy and the staff of the society saying it inspired him that India could shine.
Children being brought up by the PYDS belong to poor, marginalized families of labourers, gardeners, guards, odd-job men and the like, and in most cases these children are first generation learners. Articulating correct and fluent English, exuding absolute confidence and etiquette, these children presented symbols of belief that even the under-privileged in India stand a chance to having a prosperous life. Michelangelo mused that every within every stone is a scultpture. likewise, every child has the potential to be great. It is upon the teachers to identify that special quality in each child and polish it to greatness, said the District Magistrate.
"It is not merely as courtesy, but today I honestly feel extremely privileged to be a part of this function. I have known Swamy since 2008 when the organization was smaller and I was the Chief Development Officer. There is no other NGO that works as well in Dehradun. The model that is being implemented here is very unique and should be replicated throughout the country. The children here at PYDS have more confidence than students of the best of public schools. Swami Vivekanand said that he wanted only 10 men to change India and here are 300 children with will of iron and nerves of steel that will transform India in twenty years." Giving food for thought to the teachers, the DM said, "Children are like wet cement and whatever impression we leave on them now stays for life. This is what teachers must bear in mind at all times."
The visitors were delighted to be welcomed in traditional Indian style by the smartly dressed children holding out silver trays of sandalwood smear, marigold flowers and sweets. In a very well-organised function, the students themselves took of charge of the day escorting each guest around the school to see numerous activities like art exhibition and pottery. It was time then for high-tea and in another unique aspect, all the delicacies had been prepared in-house by the staff and students of PYDS. The PYDS community deserves appreciation for the sumptuous spread of North Indian sweets, South Indian snacks and British bakes that the guests relished immensely. As the Sun turned an idyllic crimson, hearts came together for a racy and lively variety entertainment program put up by the students.
The show began with a musical divine invocation pepping up to a fancy-dress nursery rhyme theatrical adaptations by tiny-tots of EClC-Shishu Shakti. Another highlight of the event was the annual Sanskrit ballad. This year, the students enacted the mythological tale of Nala and Damayanti, a famous episode from the 'Mahabharata'. Bringing out thetheme of spiritual enlightenment, the students put up a fine production choreographed by Chinni Swamy. It is interesting to note that the vivid costumes had been made by the students themselves. This was followed by commendation of academic high-flyers, felicitation ofteachers and other staff with life For Giving Award constituted by Harwant Singh, Principal, PYDS and of another five employees of the society with Sarla Tandan Memorial Award.