The Shivsharan sisters...
I was talking to one of the field workers of Aadhar Kendra in Bibvewadi area (DAK project). When I asked her about a particular child’s hobbies her spontaneous reply was “interviewing people”. I found this out of the ordinary. I requested to meet this girl. Her name is Varsha Shivsharan.
Later two girls entered the room. Apparently, Varsha has a twin sister named Vishakha. As always they came across similar (or rather identical) looking individuals with distinct personalities. Both are students of standard 8 and popularly known among the schoolteachers as the ‘ideal students’. Their favourite subjects at school are Mathematics and Science respectively. While having a chat with them Varsha does not forget to mention that she topped in all her examinations this year. This declaration is followed by a quick comment from Vishakha “mi tila abhyasat madat keli mhanun ti pehli aali” (she stood first because I helped her with her studies)
Reading is Varsha’s hobby. Her teachers at school or Aadhar Kendra often lend her books. ‘Dinanchi Savli’ (a Marathi novel) is her favourite novel. Another hobby of hers that grabbed my attention was interviewing people. She loves asking questions, knowing more about people and their background and making her own notes. She proudly tells you that she has interviewed people like Chandu Borde, Sudhir Gadgil (local celebrities).
Vishaka, an extrovert, is more of an outdoors person. Her hobby is playing dodge ball. Her tomboyish looks give away her traits in the first meeting. Though she doesn’t like studying, she has managed to score well in all her exams. These days what she is concerned about is playing in the upcoming interschool competitions. She missed the earlier one because of a leg injury.
Vishakha aims to become an IPS officer without any second thought. Whereas, Varsha wants to pursue a career in the science stream (I was optimistic that she would say journalism but…)
When not studying or doing household chores, both love bullying their younger brother Kapil and “ dancing with him in the garden”.
While talking to them what comes across is an immense sense of maturity, sincerity and a dash of their 13-year old selves. Both wanted their sponsors to know how grateful they are to them. Vishakha has met her sponsor but Varsha hasn’t. Before leaving Varsha handed me a letter to her sponsors expressing her desire to meet them.
-Rujuta Teredesai
Aadhar Kendra volunteer
Later two girls entered the room. Apparently, Varsha has a twin sister named Vishakha. As always they came across similar (or rather identical) looking individuals with distinct personalities. Both are students of standard 8 and popularly known among the schoolteachers as the ‘ideal students’. Their favourite subjects at school are Mathematics and Science respectively. While having a chat with them Varsha does not forget to mention that she topped in all her examinations this year. This declaration is followed by a quick comment from Vishakha “mi tila abhyasat madat keli mhanun ti pehli aali” (she stood first because I helped her with her studies)
Reading is Varsha’s hobby. Her teachers at school or Aadhar Kendra often lend her books. ‘Dinanchi Savli’ (a Marathi novel) is her favourite novel. Another hobby of hers that grabbed my attention was interviewing people. She loves asking questions, knowing more about people and their background and making her own notes. She proudly tells you that she has interviewed people like Chandu Borde, Sudhir Gadgil (local celebrities).
Vishaka, an extrovert, is more of an outdoors person. Her hobby is playing dodge ball. Her tomboyish looks give away her traits in the first meeting. Though she doesn’t like studying, she has managed to score well in all her exams. These days what she is concerned about is playing in the upcoming interschool competitions. She missed the earlier one because of a leg injury.
Vishakha aims to become an IPS officer without any second thought. Whereas, Varsha wants to pursue a career in the science stream (I was optimistic that she would say journalism but…)
When not studying or doing household chores, both love bullying their younger brother Kapil and “ dancing with him in the garden”.
While talking to them what comes across is an immense sense of maturity, sincerity and a dash of their 13-year old selves. Both wanted their sponsors to know how grateful they are to them. Vishakha has met her sponsor but Varsha hasn’t. Before leaving Varsha handed me a letter to her sponsors expressing her desire to meet them.
-Rujuta Teredesai
Aadhar Kendra volunteer
posted by Volunteer at 10:04 pm
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