Swachh Balika

  • Barnali Dutta / FG
  • India
  • Dec 12, 2014

Early last month the Central HRD Minister, Smriti Zubin Irani, set tongues wagging when she declared a young Wasima as the Brand Ambassador of  ‘Bal Swachhta Abhiyan’. People were quick to accuse her of  ‘motive’. “No, there is nothing political about awarding a young girl who has so much passion to serve society,” the Minister had responded to a motley gathering of journalists at the concluding ceremony of the Bal Swachhta Abhiyan  at the Mewat Model School at Nuh in Mewat district of Haryana. She had apparently discovered talent in young Wasima at the event itself, special enough to appoint her the face and voice of the young brigade of school children who should now make it their mission to rid the country of dirt. Irani had asserted that the Abhiyan was not a political programme of the government, but rather a clarion call to every citizen of the country to help ensure a cleaner environment for all - especially the children. It is important that children are taught the values associated with cleanliness, so that they grow up respecting them for the rest of their lives. Irani has, from various platforms in the past months, strongly maintained a stance that the essence of real education lies not merely in academics but also the inculcation of good and moral values. “One must learn to take a principled stand in life,” she had stated at the same function. 

Cynicism abounds in India…and is most in evidence when it comes to politicians. It is not surprising therefore that more than a few see Wasima’s appointment as Brand Ambassador of the Bal Swachhta Abhiyan as a minority endearment (appeasement is supposedly Congress territory) exercise. “It is all very clear what the ruling party is trying to do,” says Harshit Goel, a resident of Gurgaon. “The Bharatiya Janata Party is seeking to bridge what they believe is a perception gap, by tapping into the aspirations of the minorities”. And when asked if he sees something wrong in that, his cryptic but honest answer is, “Nothing.” Wasima's father, Ati Mohammad, is of course over the moon. “I am very happy for my daughter. I never thought that my daughter would be awarded such recognition, and that too from a Minister. I may have missed out, but I do want my daughter to be educated and to fulfill her life’s dream.” Wasima dreams of becoming a teacher. Right now she is a Class VI student at a school in Gunawat village in Mewat district. Her education is supported by a civil society group called Udaan, which in turn is supported by the SRF Foundation (which runs MREP - Mewat Rural Education Program), AMIED and Care India (NGOs). These organisations, through Udaan, have relentlessly supported education initiatives for the poor, especially ‘school dropout’ girls, to bring them at par with other students of their age group. “Udaan has been very supportive of my daughter and has looked after all the needs associated with her education,” said Wasima’s father.

The Minister had been very impressed with the child’s sensitivity. Irani met Wasima at the stall of the NGO at an exhibition that had been set up to mark the conclusion of the Bal Swachhta Abhiyan at Mewat Model School. In fact, Wasima, in her interaction with the Minister, said that she was keen to become a teacher and help other poor children with their education. Wasima comes from a family where girls were not permitted to go to school. However, her father is different. Even though he is illiterate, he believes that education and learning are a must, especially in the world of today. He strongly believes that his child

should become the torchbearer of his tribe, where girls have for so long remained neglected. Apart from studies, Wasima has keen interest in singing and handwork. She also wants to pursue higher education. In fact her strong resolve also helped convince her family of the need to change their outlook towards the education of girls. She told Irani that her parents now support her decision to study and her father says that she will bring honour to the family. Unfortunately, she has had to take breaks from her school to look after her brothers. Amina, who is associated with Udaan as a vernacular teacher, holds a very high opinion of Wasima. “She is a bright and gutsy student. We are so proud that she has been appreciated by our HRD Minister. Apart from her interest in studies, Wasima also cherishes a desire to sing – though she is not so keen to be a professional singer. Her interest to become a teacher is very strong. Rashika Nag, 21, a Gurgaon resident, is effusive in her praise for the government. “I learnt about Wasima from the newspapers. It is a wonderful step taken by the government, and hopefully this 11-year-old girl will live up to the expectations. She is also setting a great example." The District Education Officer of Mewat, Mr. Dinesh Sharma, too was generous in his praise. "She is a gifted child. She is very dedicated and sincere and I believe she will be a shining star in the near future. The government’s support to her is indeed laudable.”

The Bal Swachhta Abhiyan is still in its infancy. The government’s intention and mission is unquestionably good. But the sporadic work has to translate in to something more permanent. It is important that these values of cleanliness get entrenched in the minds and hearts of the people, and they take it forward enthusiastically. The recognition and co-opting of children like young Wasima is also most welcome. It will certainly galvanise many youth to do their bit for the country.

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