Discovering talent.

“If you're young and talented, it's like you have wings.” 

- Haruki Murakami, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

One of the biggest fears, during my schools days, was being called in front of the class to show my talent. This was a ritual, particularly during the last and first days of school. The reason for my fear was I had no talent, whatsoever. I could neither sing nor dance. I was bad at telling jokes or mimicry or doing anything that could gain even the slightest attention and appreciation of my fellow classmates and teachers. I vividly remember singing “Ashare Mahina ma” at one of such occasions while I was in Grade IX. I was embarrassed, mocked at and I wished I never had to do it again. 

The other day at work, we asked the children to either sing or dance. This wasn’t a planned activity so we really had to persuade them to give it a try. We had to convince them that they were not being judged and they could do whatever they liked. These children come from a place which is overcrowded and dirty. Undernourished children can be seen running around naked or in ragged clothes. Heaps of garbage and plastics add onto an already unpleasant sight and odor. Needless to say, no one has ever asked them what they like to do or they have never had an opportunity to demonstrate their talent.

When we asked the children to perform, they were timid. We could see them hinting at their friends to go first. They were murmuring and giggling. We let them take their time. 

I went to a school which boasted of rich infrastructure for sports and extracurricular activities. Once, I had signed up for swimming lessons and regrettably, I still can’t swim. I even tried my luck in dance by entering into a dance competition. I couldn’t get through the selection round. Apart from these two incidents, I clearly don’t remember myself trying to do anything beyond the classroom. Well, things changed drastically in my high school. We will get there later.The point is I had ample opportunities and encouragement but I never learnt or did anything substantial.

Sarswoti and Divya came forward and performed a song titled “Maan ta mero Nepali ho” by 1974 A.D. which they had learnt in school. And once it started, the energy and their enthusiasm didn’t seem to stop. To say the least, it went on for almost two hours. They sang beautifully and danced their best. It was wonderful to see them lose their inhibitions and enjoy singing and dancing freely. For all we know, a superstar could have been born that day. 

I have always been fond of writing. My closet houses a stack of my journals. Now, I can almost categorize writing as my hobby and something I look forward to continuing for a long time. In the process of helping the children realize their self worth, I have found a reason to pursue writing. And, I am writing this blog not fearing any judgment, to merely bring attention to the children who need an opportunity, a few words of encouragement and a little push to help them unleash their potential.  

It is an indubitable fact that having a talent, or any skill for that matter, gives us a sense of self pride. Who doesn’t love the sounds of applause and words of praise? The truth remains intact, not everyone gets a chance to find out what they are good at or to pursue their passion. A school is a place where children can learn, play, grow and discover their potential. However, according to reports, only about four out of every five primary school-aged children are in school. Additionally, there are high chances of drop outs and repetitions as children progress to higher classes. Many poor families are unable to meet the costs of educating their children. They would rather have their children fend for themselves than to send them to school. Girls are more likely to be out of school. 

On the other hand, it is also true that we can do our bit to change the world into what it should be and not quietly accept how it is. With an intent to boost the children’s confidence and encourage them to stay positive despite all challenges, we are organizing a talent show at work next weekend. The children are really excited and have already started practicing. I hope it goes well. 

In the picture: Children practicing dance. The picture is blur because I couldn't capture their speed and energy. So be it.