– Navinita Dongre
Today, as usual, we went to the Bharwad settlement outside the village. The sun was very harsh, and the heat was intense everywhere.
It was difficult to sit in the open, so we started looking for some shade to conduct the children’s class. After searching for a while, we finally found a bit of cool shade under a big tree and began teaching there.
Just then, a postman arrived. He had a parcel in his hand—it was medicine for one of the child’s father. The postman said, “Who will sign for this?”
All the elders looked at each other. As always, they were used to giving a thumb impression.
But this time, something different happened.
Sawa slowly stood up.
He took the pen from the postman… looked at the paper for a moment… and then wrote his own name.
It was a little shaky and uneven… but it was his first signature.
The happiness on his face at that moment cannot be expressed in words. There was confidence in his eyes—a belief that “I can do it too.”
Everyone sitting around had a sense of pride in their eyes. His father’s face also reflected a deep sense of satisfaction. That small signature had brought about a beautiful change.
That tiny signature was not just a name it was his confidence. This journey from a thumb impression to a signature was not just about one child, but a living example of how education can bring transformation.