Knowing the Known

This is not a new experience for me that I feel, ‘I know my surroundings’ but every time I take a slow, vigilant walk even on the same, everyday path, I find something different. Sometimes I know the places from outside, but have never entered in and the first time I enter in those premises I am new in my own surroundings.

I knew the location of ITI on the ITI road, had seen the students while crossing the road but had never interacted with them. I didn’t know anyone personally who goes to ITI. Thinking about ways to contribute for water conservation I had secretly thought to myself that I want to become a plumber and close/ repair all the taps which are flowing relentlessly. I had even stood wondering against the board which exhibited the long list of interesting courses, ‘how the traditional learning systems of these arts, crafts and life skills are getting replaced by ITI’. All this about an institution which I had never entered. I was starkly aware that I don’t know the world within these four walls which I am peeping into from outside.

The opportunity of PB (Participatory Budgeting) made me think of ITI as a probable educational institute to tie up with, to involve the students in PB work for the mutual benefits of the students as well as the society. The former get the quality education through experiential learning while the society, in the long run, gets wise and active citizens. I am realizing the power of Internship system!

I wasn’t conversant with the world I was expecting there and hence had low confidence to approach the Principal without any hotline. I found the telephone number on the net and called the college to book an appointment with him. The peon actually asked me, ‘should I forward the call to him, he is available now?’ Surprise!! Reminds me of a phrase in vernacular ‘zaritale shukracharya’! But this experience was exactly opposite. I spoke to the principal in detail about PB and asked for his time to explore how we could involve students. I managed to convince my senior colleague who is known for his wide array of understanding people from varied background along with his charming style of speaking. He promised to come along. ‘His presence is half victory’ this was my feeling before the meeting.

We enter the cabin. I keep quiet as promised to myself and understood between us. The principal is busy doing some work. Some exams are going on while there is a long queue standing outside the administration department for new admission. He seemed to have decided that he doesn’t want to entertain us nor does he want to start anything new in the college. He was least interested in what my senior colleague was trying to tell him. Except for few leads he had practically closed our file.

We get up to go out; me thinking about the thoughts that I had before entering. I just need to drop the fear of disappointment. Some will like what you propose some may not. The onus is not on you, if you have made the best effort with the best intension. Thanks to my senior colleague for demonstrating how to take disappointments and to the principal who thought of disappointing us.