REPORT on
Visit to CHETANAA on October 15, 2000:
A Project supported by Asha, Seattle

By
Dinesh Batra
 

Section I: Overall Progress

Chetanaa seemed to have progressed since my last visit there in December 1998. There seemed to be more children attending the function, which they had put together for my visit. The children seemed more confident and displayed it via skits, oratory, singing, dancing, etc. The verandah is now fully covered, and it protects children from rain. The children were dressed in very clean clothes. There was a sense of optimism in the air. Overall, it seemed that the project will continue to progress. The only shortcoming was that this time I did not find parents attending the function.

Section II: The Function

The students put together a fairly long function rich with a variety of presentations. We were greeted at the entrance by about a 4-year girl dressed as Mother India. The song 'Vande Mataram' could be heard from a cassette player. A ninth grade, Naseeb, profusely thanked ASHA and described the progress at Chetanaa. The salient points from his speech are mentioned here:

1. He mentioned that Chetanaa was providing them a clean environment to learn, and additionally, provides books, school dress, and sweaters.
2. They celebrate Independence Day, Republic day, and Children's day. All students are expected to participate.
3. Once a year, they visit an interesting site.
4. They hosted Mr. Balbir Bakshi on the Republic Day 2000. Mr. Bakshi started as a laborer and is now a school principal.
5. They hosted Ms. Chandrakanta on the Independence Day 2000. She is blind and is a lecturer at a university in Panipat.
6. The students received Hepatitis B vaccine this year. They will receive medical checkup.
7. They would like to have toilet facilities at the premise.

An eighth grade student, Surendra, wrote a beautiful poem, which was recited by Ram Sewak. It was written in Hindi and I have translated it (the best I can). It thanks Chetanaa for imparting him education:

My Chetanaa

This gurukul is my temple and the teacher is my God
I am his heartbeat and he is my life
I am so indebted that I can sacrifice myself
I cannot pay back in several births such is the obligation
Even a daanvir cannot pay back with any sacrifice
Without any price one receives the gift of knowledge
Like the sun, it provides light era after era
The darkness be banished from the root, that I what I wish
Why should I roam looking for stars in the sky?
When I have received the wealth of diamonds on earth
It progresses day and night
I am proud of it and it is my pride.

In addition, there were songs, skits, demonstrations on nutrition, etc. We met the four teachers, who were very excited and made us promise to visit them every year.

Section III: Future Plans

1. The school needs toilet facilities in the premises. Chetanaa was earlier visited by Siva, who had emphasized the same.

2. There is room for expansion. There is a plot (about 200 sq yards) that they can be acquired for about Rs. 60,000 (about 1300 dollars). This acquisition can facilitate the following:

a. To construct toilets along with the septic tank.
b. To fix some swings for children.
c. To have a reading room/library for the children.
d. To have a room for computer lab.
e. To have one more class room, since for eleven classes at present there are only four classrooms.

Of course, the attainment of these objectives will have to be phased over a time period, but the acquisition can serve as the current goal. A second opinion of these objectives after visit by another ASHA volunteer can be another approach.

Asha, Seattle can decide if and when they want to fund this acquisition. I can fund at least 25% of this amount (and more if necessary).