The Language of Silence

I've always believed that our weaknesses are our biggest strengths in disguise. 

Handicapped. Impaired.

People who would use these words to describe those who can't hear, see, speak or think the way everyone else does- are clearly ignorant of the fact that no two humans are alike. Some are more different than others. These people are in no way disabled! They are 'differently-abled', making them special in a way no one can begin to comprehend.

My time at SKID was an eye opener to the various realities of mankind. They live in a world where silence is supreme but that doesn't stop them from trying their best to reach their full potential. I am in awe of their strength and optimism that puts millions of others to shame...From these children, I drew the kind of inspiration that made me want to inspire others.

Communication is a wonderful concept that is often misunderstood. It is not the means through which the message is delivered, but the message itself that is important. My first day at SKID was a little difficult because I did not know any sign language. As I stood in a classroom full of kids trying to converse with me through signs...I realized that I was the outsider, the odd one. It's as simple a comparison as going to a foreign country without knowing a word of the local language. That one little realization was enough to put everything into perspective. 

As the day progressed, the students and I met somewhere half way and we were able to say loads without saying much at all. That my friends, is the beauty of communication. I was amazed that they were able to read my lips and understand what I was saying. This got me thinking, if they can make the efforts to learn our language, what stops us from learning theirs? That was when it hit me. The reason that those who are not able to hear are not given equal opportunities is because there is a big communication gap. All of us make efforts to learn a new language so how is sign language any less significant than the others?! 

Languages are in no way barriers. They are simply bridges that need to be crossed in order to connect people on either side. Let us cross this bridge together.

Cherished in my heart forever.

Sneha & the kids.

          It was not long ago that I stepped into an eloquent world of warmth and love. The little alluring juvenile kids were far from what I had expected. I walked in unsure but walked out of SKID with the realisation that the world needs dreamers. But what the world needs most is dreamers who can do. We are the present. We make the future. 
          
          The children at SKID lacked hearing abilities but they could hear the unspoken words of of passion, behaviour and care. I was mesmerised by their radiant and ravishing fashion show that spoke of the attributes of old vendors on the street to money lenders and Chhota Bheem.  

          Chocolates, candy and sweets in abundance. Who wouldn't go for a second helping? Well, I didn't see even the slightest avaricious spark in one of them. 

          They were happy. They were content. They are a witty and talented lot. 

          I drew inspiration from them. My journey to discovery of the stupendous beauties of life began with the realisation that true joy didn't come from our possessions or the periods of good times in our life, but it merely comes from the feelings we nurture within ourselves. One can face raucous situations in their lives with a radiant attitude of positivity and self belief. One certainly does feel the true essence of life by abdicating the mortal attitude of negativity and instead embracing with open arms the feeling of love and passion. 

        They caused the pivotal transformation in my life and which is why I request you to light lamps in their lives and hearts because you DO count.

Love,
Sneha Bathija 
xx

A Plan?

Email ID: bangalorereach@gmail.com.

S.K.I.D - Day 15.

It's been a two weeks since I started volunteering at the institute, and I've seriously loved every bit of it.

This is honestly the most selfish thing I've ever done. Why?

1. I spend time with the brightest, most adorable bunch of (toddlers to teenagers) children.

2. I'm priveledged enough to learn a new skill from the kids at school.

3. I have an opportunity to see what it's like facing the opposite side of a classroom. 

4. I've met some inspirational women, who've dedicated themselves to the betterment of the world.

Since Saturday, a bunch of my friends have been accompanying me on these visits, and I've got nothing but glowing reviews. It's heart-warming and re-assuring at the same time. 

Ashna, Harshali, Trishika, Sneha & Kavya have witnessed first hand, how they learn, the differences and similarities of someone with a hearing "disability" and someone, without one.

I put that word in quotations for a reason. I hate that word. It's synonymous with the lesser, and that infuriates me.

It's circumstance that makes us who we are. That's my opinion, at least. It's the adversities we face, the situations we are thrown into and the experiences we have that mould us into the being that goes back to earth and mud, when our turn is done.

And these kids? Excel in the circumstances they are put in, learn from the experiences they have, and overcome every adversity they come across. 

Well, I apologise if a rant wasn't what you were looking for, I'll try to update more often. 

Bye,

Ruchika.

xx

S.K.I.D - Day 0.

Sheila Kothavala Institute for the Deaf.

Hi, I'm Ruchika, a founding member of a group that goes by the name BRO. No, you read it right. It stands for Bangalore Reach Organisation. 

At the beginning of my summer, I made a promise to myself. Not to let another season waste by in a lull of watching TV and eating chips. I thought of all the things that were within my price range and a worthwhile experience. I remembered a time where I'd accompany my grandmother to orphanages to visit the underprivileged and how ecstatic I felt when they sent me handmade birthday cards every year!

So, now that I was old enough to venture out and see the world for myself, I asked my mom if she knew any schools that would be willing to let me help out. She asked one of her good friends, who has been doing a lot of work with children for a long time now. She put me in contact with a lovely principal named Ms. J* and that's when I first had the opportunity to start volunteering at this lovely institution. 

I was pretty overwhelmed on the first day to be honest. With limited knowledge about the language they communicated through (most awareness coming through a TV show:P) and 13 kids rapidly moving their palms trying to relay their excitement, a compassionate, patient class teacher (Ms. B*) was a welcome escape on the first day. 

After getting familiar with the way the class works, and how to they go about a typical day, I immediately decided to text a good friend (with permission from Ms. B, of course) to come help out. We spent the time filling out homework books for Math, Science, Language and Social Studies. In the evening, Ms. B thought it would be a good idea for us to learn the letters in SL (Sign Language) from 12 year old P*. At first, we were curious as to why a 12 year old was sitting in a class full of Grade 1 kids, but Ms. B explained how not all the parents find out about the institution soon enough. But we were glad to hear that with P's intelligence, he'll soon receive double promotions and spend time with kids his own age.

The nagging feeling of the end of the day was soothed with the prospects of us coming back bright and early tomorrow morning, to teach and be taught by our special 13. :')

And that, was the foreshadow to my little journey to a happy place.

Bye, 

Ruchika.
xx

*Names are abbreviated to protect identities.