Naseem: Towards a new future

Short heighted, clad in a salwar suit Naseem is the only bare head among the group of Garasia girls. Her hair are neatly tied into a bun and a smile is clmouring her lovely face. When I met her she was wearing a wristwatch, proudly looking at it several times during our conversation.I thought it would just be ashow piece for her, however when asked about the time in her watch Naseem raised her hand and proudly announced the correct time.

Fourteen year old Naseem is the only Muslim girl in the first residential training camp at Abu Road field unit and comes from upalakhezda village. Eldest daughter of a grocery shop owner Naseem was the first one in her family who had an ’experience’ of studying in school up to std. IV which practically was of no use to her. When she joined the camp she was barely able to read and write. Her father and the only brother both are physically challenged, this makes Naseem even a more responsible person.

It was quite surprising to note that in the prevailing atmosphere of religious hatred and intolerance in the atmosphere Naseem was quite at home in the company of her tribal friends. “They are the one’s with whom I stay in my village all the time . they are my friends and fellows for all my days of ups and downs. I don’t even remember that they are not muslim. How does it matter to me?” When it comes to studies Naseem is quite determined to make use of every moment of her camp days and wants to become a maths teacher like her Afsana didi and says “Aage badhe ke liye Padhna likhna jaruri hai”( to progress it is must to get education ).

Persons like Naseem are the hopes for future, teachers say. When she came we thought she would not be able to stay at the camp for long. There are quite a few difference the way tribal people lead their lives. But to our surprise she was quite at ease with others. She is abright student and helps others as well.

Singing and dancing with her tribal friends Naseem generates hope and optimism. Future is in safe hands inspite of everything.