Chapter 6- “Mandir Mein Shiksha, Bachpan Ki Suraksha”

“Sometimes the most meaningful moments in life come from the most unplanned beginnings.”

The day started with an unplanned detour. It was the last day of our trip, and we were aimlessly wandering near our hotel when we stumbled upon a quiet temple, nestled amidst the serene beauty of the morning. It wasn’t part of the plan, but something about the tranquility pulled us in. Little did we know that this visit would turn into one of the most profound experiences of our lives.

As we stepped inside, the sounds of distant bells echoed, and our eyes fell on a group of children sitting in a corner, their curious gazes silently observing us. They were young—perhaps between six and fifteen years old—scattered around with scraps of paper and books. Something about their quiet demeanor drew me closer. I decided to sit down near them, breaking the invisible wall of hesitation with a simple question: “Do you go to school?”

One of the boys, perhaps eight or nine years old, responded hesitantly, “Sometimes I go.” Intrigued, I pressed further, asking what he studied. Slowly, more children gathered around, their initial shyness giving way to an eagerness to share snippets of their lives.

It wasn’t long before I felt the urge to teach them something meaningful. At Bachpan, the NGO I work with, we often emphasize the importance of child safety, particularly around the concept of Safe and Unsafe Touch. Remembering this, I knew this was an opportunity to create awareness—even in an unexpected setting.

Before diving in, I approached their guardians, who were sitting nearby. I introduced myself, explained the work we do at Bachpan, and sought their permission to conduct a small session. To my relief, they agreed, and with their trust, I began.

At first, I wasn’t sure how the children would react to such a sensitive topic. Teaching about safety—especially personal boundaries—requires a careful blend of empathy, patience, and simplicity. I started slowly, using words they could relate to, gauging their comfort as I explained.

What happened next was nothing short of magical. As I spoke, the children listened intently, their wide eyes reflecting curiosity and understanding. The topic, which is often overlooked or deemed uncomfortable, resonated deeply with them. “It’s okay to say no,” I explained. “Your body belongs to you, and you have every right to protect it.”

Soon, they began asking questions—innocent yet profound. Their participation fueled my confidence, and the session turned into a heartfelt exchange of thoughts. Many of them, without any prompting, grabbed scraps of paper and started taking notes. It was as if they wanted to etch every word into their memory.

As the session progressed, something extraordinary happened. The children began summarizing what they had learned in their own words. “It’s not just about staying safe,” one of them said. “It’s about being brave.” Their understanding was not only accurate but deeply moving.

In that moment, I realized something important: children are like sponges, ready to absorb knowledge if given the right environment. And here, in this temple—a space often associated with worship and peace—education found its place as well.

The session ended with smiles, gratitude, and a sense of accomplishment that words can hardly capture. As I prepared to leave, one of the children looked up and said, “Thank you for telling us this. We’ll remember.”

Walking away, I felt a surge of emotion. This wasn’t the first time I’d conducted such a session. During a visit to my hometown in Bihar, I had held workshops in local schools, spreading awareness during my summer vacation. But this experience was different. It was raw, spontaneous, and unstructured—and perhaps that’s what made it so impactful.

It reminded me why I do what I do. Teaching these children didn’t feel like work; it felt like purpose. It wasn’t about recognition or building a portfolio—it was about creating change, even if it’s just for one life.

As I reflect on that day, I carry with me a simple truth: Every word, every story, and every act of kindness has the power to save a life. And in that temple, amidst the quiet beauty and eager faces, I saw the profound impact of turning ideologies into reality.

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
That day, we lit a spark—and I hope it keeps burning.

– Aayush Kashyap

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