Not all classrooms have four walls

Gaurav Gaur & Ishita Choudhary

Birthday, a much-cherished day, comes with its yearly customs — laughing at the mistakes made in the past and looking forwarded to a better future, making a wish and then blowing candles on a scrumptious cake.

“For me, the best moments are waiting eagerly for calls when the clock strikes 12 and cutting a number of cakes I get as a surprise,” said a 27-year-old student to her teacher. Narrating such anecdotes , the teacher estimated that the cost of a cake from a plush bakery would certainly be equivalent to the monthly grocery budget of an average family. The teacher, being in the field of social work, also thought that for the same amount, hundreds of those, who cannot afford two square meals a day, can be fed with a cup of hot tea and lip-smacking snacks. The small conversation ended here and was soon forgotten.

As per the mandate of pursuing a degree in social work, students are taken on exposure visits to voluntary organisations. Visits are bound to bring a change in every student.

The teacher and the same student, like every day, were talking about people residing in hutments and all they have to go through. The student, as discussed with her teacher a few months ago, decided to purchase a cake from the market in the vicinity and distribute among the needy children — an attempt to bring a smile to their faces. When she opened the box, the cake looked delicious, but was less in quantity for those had gathered at the spot for the delicacy. Her teacher mocked her for such less quantity, but also appreciated the sweet gesture — endearment and warmth is all that matters.

The student’s eyes welled up. It was unclear if the tears were of contentment or feeling sorry for getting less quantity of cake. But the gesture had motivated her to spend more time with such people. She started celebrating birthdays of poor kids once in every three months. One time, she invited her teacher to the event to show how good an organiser she was. The cakes were in abundance, which were offered to the children and to their families, too.

This version of the student brings one to the conclusion that not all classrooms have four walls. You just need will to bring a change.