Speakers share struggle stories at open mic event

Our Correspondent

Jalandhar, October 27

Giving a platform to people who have contributed their bit to society, the CT Group organised a one-of-its-kind event — Open Mic Season-2 — at CT World School. Five speakers from several fields shared their life struggle, challenges and accomplishments during the event.

Speakers namely founder president of NGO Dastak Sandeep Chahal, fashion consultant Shelja, Punjab’s first female ambulance driver Manjit Kaur, founder Rising Star Disable Youth Club Harinder Pal Singh and Indian Hockey Player Harjeet Singh shared their inspiring stories with the audience. A guest performance was given by Ritik Gill, a budding singer.

While sharing her story, Manjit Kaur said, “It was a struggle against a series of unfortunate episodes in life that led me to make a mark for myself by choosing a profession usually dominated by men. While seeing male ambulance drivers outside the Civil Hospital, Jalandhar, is a common sight, I stand out among them by being the only woman driver. It is a satisfying experience when I get to know that I managed to save precious lives,” she said.

“Being a woman, I face a lot of interrogation from the patients’ attendants. They would keep on asking me if they are safe in my ambulance. Sometimes, it takes me a lot of time to convince the kin of the patients to hire my vehicle. Initially, I had to offer my services at lower rates as compared to my male counterparts to attract customers. I have seen many experiences in life on personal front as well. But all this made me strong and independent,” she added.

Indian Hockey Player Harjeet Singh shared how he started the journey of his life when he started playing hockey in the year 2005 just to get a free t-shirt and shorts. He discussed at length how he rose from just an amateur player to the winner in World Cup in 2016.

Founder of the Rising Star Disable Youth Club, Harinder Pal Singh threw light on his struggling phase when society and bhangra teams refused to get associated with him. He narrated his story that how he entered into bhangra and after getting criticism for his disability, he took this as a challenge and today he leads a bhangra team of 22 performers.

On this occasion, Parminder Kaur Channi, CT Group co-chairperson, Madhu Sharma, Principal, CT World School and Amrit Kalsi, HoD, Centre of Happiness, were present. The event was anchored by Vikrant Rehani, Assistant Professor, and coordinated by Davinder Singh, cultural officer.

Parminder Kaur Channi, CT Group co-chairperson and Manbir Singh, managing director, thanked the speakers for sharing their inspirational stories and also extended her support.