It was a regular day at a gathering with the Associated NCC Officers (ANOs) of the NCC when we began discussing “BSTI,” our initiatives, and the workshops we conduct to educate children on safe and respectful behavior. As I was sharing our mission, one of the ANOs suddenly chuckled and asked, “Aap log Koyla School mein bhi gaye the, na?” referring to a school where we had recently conducted workshops.
We confirmed with a smile, and he laughed even louder, saying, “Kya sikha diya aapne mere bete ko? Mai uske saamne uski mummy ko thoda sa touch kar deta hoon toh vo daant deta hai; bolta hai hume sikhaya hai ese touch nahi krna!”
Hearing this, Vandana and I couldn’t hold back our laughter. It was funny, yet incredibly heartwarming to see the immediate impact of our work. This was the first time we had received feedback directly from a parent. It felt like validation—not only were children absorbing the lessons, but they were actively implementing them in their everyday lives.
The ANO’s reaction wasn’t just laughter; it was pride and appreciation. In fact, he invited us to conduct a workshop at his own school. This acknowledgment from a parent, especially one who understood the importance of our mission, filled us with joy and a renewed sense of purpose.
This encounter is a cherished reminder that even the simplest workshops can have lasting effects. Knowing that we’re helping kids become more aware and responsible brings a sense of pride to our team—one that motivates us to keep going, workshop by workshop.