January 2026
– After almost ten years of imagining this, I finally got the chance to visit the Shaktii classroom today! Shaktii is an afterschool program for high-need girls in Navi Mumbai. Having taught a few batches of girls (remotely) since 2015, I finally got this chance today.
– The 17 students in class was each enthusiastic, curious and unafraid to challenge! I encouraged them to be imaginative and participate in storytelling activities with confidence. They met me where I was and dragged me several paces forward. Their willingness to attempt new tasks, respond to my playful challenges and push any boundary that I set for them was breathtaking.
– We’re on our way to writing an illustrated story and getting it published together, the girls and I. A dream I wouldn’t have dared to dream if it weren’t for the incredible platform that Shaktii, as a program, offers them.
– At the end of the session, we had an impromptu Q&A session. I was asked a lot of interesting questions, one of which was โwhat is your dream destination?โ I wanted to say โthis, this, this place right here!!โ But she’s a teenager and might have rolled her eyes at my earnestness. So I said “Australia” instead. ๐
Aparna Muralidharan.
