Compilation and Editing – Nikita Dewase
Bothali-Beda: One Year… Memories and Learning
— Rohini Kalbhut
Before I even realized it, I completed one year at Bothli Beda. Time passed so quickly, but this one year gave me so much — experiences, learning, and most importantly, a beautiful bond with the children.
This journey was not just about teaching, but also about learning. Throughout the year, I taught the children many things, but at the same time, I also learned a lot from them. Their small achievements, efforts, and happiness taught me many valuable lessons. Seeing the children’s progress, the confidence that developed in them, and the growing trust and support from parents filled my heart with joy.
We spent the entire year learning through play, chatting, laughing, and creating countless memories together. Every day brought something new and meaningful. To reflect on this journey, to share what the children had learned, and to begin the coming year with even more enthusiasm and energy, we organized a Beda Closing program. For me, this day was very special because I could see the beautiful outcomes of all the efforts I had made. The positive responses from parents and the trust visible on their faces gave me immense satisfaction.
We created a small platform for the children where they could speak freely and wholeheartedly. Some children were shy, but even then, they bravely expressed their thoughts. The most special moments were when the children held the cards they had made themselves. Watching the happiness on their faces, the sparkle in their eyes, and the pride they felt while reading them was truly heartwarming.
The children were especially excited while looking at the photographs from the entire year and recalling everything they had learned and experienced.
“I am with Tai,” “I am playing chess,” “I am dancing,” — they connected themselves with every picture with great excitement. Seeing their innocent joy while sharing all these moments gave me deep satisfaction. The time spent with the children, the snacks we shared, the dance, games, and laughter filled the entire atmosphere with happiness. That day was not just a program; it was a celebration of all our memories together.
And in this way, our Beda Closing was completed joyfully and successfully.
This journey does not end here…
The coming year will surely begin with new energy, new dreams, and even more beautiful memories..
Chakrighat – A Feeling of Belonging
— Komal Gautam
Today, when I visited Ranu Bhaiya’s Beda, he greeted me with a warm smile and said, “Didi, you have come after such a long time… We also feel happy when you visit us. People from outside usually do not stay here, but the didis who come to teach the children are the ones who stay with us.”
Hearing these words filled my heart with emotion. The warmth and affection in his voice were deeply touching. Since this Beda had shifted from Chakrighat, we had not been able to visit. As there was only one child here and due to some other reasons, it wasn’t possible to come earlier. Still, Ranu Bhaiya would always insist lovingly, “Didi, please visit the Beda at least once.” His constant invitation and my own wish to visit were finally fulfilled today.
As soon as I reached the Beda, I felt a unique sense of peace and belonging. I had long conversations with Didi about their daily life, the children, and the situation there. I also spoke openly with the Bhaiyas at the Beda about many things — their lives, struggles, and hopes for the future. Listening to them helped me understand their world more deeply.
During our conversation, I mentioned that my fellowship had now ended. Hearing this, they lovingly replied, “This is your home too, Didi… Never think too much before coming here.” Their words touched my heart deeply. In that one sentence, there was so much love, warmth, and trust that for a moment, I was left speechless.
Today’s experience was not just a visit, but a moment of reconnecting with a beautiful bond. This visit made me realize that wherever we work with love and sincerity, we create a home for ourselves there. And the people there become our own. Today was truly special for me and will remain a cherished memory forever..
Thanthan – Hope for Education Amid Migration
— David Suryavanshi
When Pragati and I reached the Beda in the morning, we saw Rekha Didi and Vibha Bhaiya packing all their belongings into their vehicle. We both wondered why they were leaving so early.
Vibha Bhaiya and Rekha Didi then explained that there was a serious shortage of fodder for the cows at the Kalamna Beda. Vibha Bhaiya shared that they were spending nearly seven thousand rupees every day on cattle feed there. At the same time, the milk production had also reduced compared to earlier. Because of these difficulties, they had to move to another place along with their young children.
Kisan and Pudu were also there. Kisan excitedly told us, “Now we have come to a village called Kuhi.” His mother shared that Kisan can now read the names of villages. He reads the village names in English and then tells everyone, “This is the name of the village.” He even reads and shares the names with his mother and the people living at the Beda.
Earlier, Kisan used to be quiet and shy, but now he speaks with confidence. He has started learning to read and write a little, and because of this, his parents have also begun to understand the importance of education. Rekha Didi said, “Now we will definitely educate our children. We are thinking of sending Kisan to school.” Hearing these words gave us immense satisfaction. The lives of these families, who constantly move from one place to another, are full of challenges. Yet, their desire for their children to study and move ahead in life felt truly inspiring.
This Beda visit became a very special experience for us. Through this visit, we realized that no matter how difficult the circumstances may be, the hope for education and dreams for a better future give people the strength to keep moving forward..
Asola – The Experience of Beda Mapping
— Jeevan Dhok
I have been working as a Fellow Teacher at the Asola Beda. My aim is to understand the migration patterns of these communities and learn about the locations where they stay. With this purpose, I began my journey of Beda mapping.
This journey was not easy at all. In the beginning, I faced many difficulties. Sometimes I had to travel through forests, sometimes drive through streams, and at other times travel along riverbanks. There were even occasions when I went deep into the forest along with the cattle. Farmers on the way would often warn me, saying that there were tigers in the forest and that I should be careful. Even then, I continued my journey without fear.
At times, after traveling long distances in the scorching heat, I would finally reach the children. One big challenge before me was how to teach them, because there were no schools nearby. But I did not give up. I started teaching the children under trees, in the shade of the vehicles, and sometimes near temples. Through this experience, I learned many things. I understood which regions the Bharwad community migrates to, the districts they travel through, and the places where they stay temporarily.
I also closely observed how children continue learning while migrating and how they balance education along with work during this period. By mapping all these locations, I was able to create a detailed map. This process not only gave me the experience of teaching but also offered me a new perspective on understanding life itself.
In the end, I realized one important thing —
No learning ever goes to waste. The lessons gained through experience take us far ahead in life..