Priyanshi Thakkar joined us for a week with an ESL (English as a Second Language) program curated by her to help our emerging artistes and athletes better communicate, present themselves and their efforts, in a universal tongue.
This first hand account of her experience as she takes to the field in Dhasa is transformative, at the very least.
If my visit to Dhasa had to be summed up in one word, I’d say it was enlightening.
As I sit by my window, gazing at Bombay’s concrete jungle, I can’t help but wonder: Do I deserve this privilege? The privilege to complain about the heat when I’m running on a rubber track, or to fuss over my outfit at a Bachata class?
Here’s the thing – I went to Dhasa to teach English as a Second Language, but I’ve come back having learned more than I could’ve ever taught.
Having spent my fair share of time in rural India, I’m well aware that girls in villages are often raised to believe in life’s limitations. But the girls I spent my week with? They knew no limits.
The leader batch has trained with the Junoon Academy for four years now. These 16-year-olds are stepping up to become trainers, performing across different villages and ensuring every girl knows the beauty of being set free, of daring to dream. And that’s just one aspect of the impact.
These girls are not afraid of hard work. One look at their schedule, and you’ll know exactly what I mean. They’re no longer afraid to dream, and soon, you’ll see them fly. They’re not afraid to believe, and you’ll see the passion in their eyes.
They’re not sitting and complaining about the power cut, they’ll happily go on for another hour. They’re not worried about practicing without a barre, they’ll perform on stage using chairs if they have to.
And that’s the thing, right? All you need is the Junoon. Skill can be developed, and responsibility can be nurtured. But this Junoon? This passion? That’s all them.
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