For the A to Z Blogging Challenge, I’m blogging 26 days in April based on the alphabet and bringing you stories from the nonprofit Project Why.
Shamika was 9 when she told her mother, Anouradha Bakshi, that she wanted to work with special children. She had learning difficulties and faced a rough time at school. Shamika often returned late from school because she had helped an old lady with her bags and the lady of course had invited her for a cookie.
She valiantly struggled through school, giving it her best. But when she failed her Brevet des Écoles she was heartbroken and her mom took the unheard-of decision of telling her that she needn’t go to school again. The almost forgotten words of her 9-year old self came back and she knew what she had to do next.
The next weeks were spent walking a part of the city that she was not familiar with, looking for organizations working with special children that would accept a school dropout who sees with her heart. One was found and Shamika, just about 15, began working with autistic children. The lady-in-charge had warned it would not be easy, but two weeks later she called to say that Shamika was a natural!
Shamika worked with children with autism for six years: she understood and loved instinctively. In 2003, she joined Project Why and has been there since.
There was a huge price to pay for Shamika’s decision of going against the well-worn script: school, college, university, preferably abroad, and then an overthe-top wedding. When you choose not to follow this, you’re almost ostracized.
Shamika, though not to be beaten, felt isolated and stopped going out.
But when she joined Project Why, she came into contact with a world that was more like the one she wanted to be in. She felt accepted, even valorized and no one held her status as a dropout against her.
Today Shamika runs Project Why’s special section with an iron hand and abundant love. The children adore her.
What would you say to Shamika Bakshi? Have you ever worked for or volunteered at a nonprofit? Do you have experience working with kids with special needs?
To Donate TO THE Project Why special section, CLICK HERE.
To Contact Project Why, Click Here
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Your A-Z is so inspiring.
Another angel.
Hi Damyanti – amazing how things work out – and Shamika obviously showed her tenacity and strength of character, while know what she wanted to do … so brilliant to read about – cheers Hilary
Good post. Sometimes the world’s expectations and prerequisites can hinder people from fulfilling the calling on their life. It’s so good to hear of someone whose persistence to pursue her calling has overcome the world’s limitations.
inspiring, as always!
Joy @ The Joyous Living
Inspiring, Damayanti.
@2richajindal
http://richajindal.com/good-life/
What an inspiring story. It’s like my granddaughter who loves animals so much. She wants to be a Vet, but cannot afford to go to college or school for it, so she picked the next best thing and works at the animal shelter with the dogs and pets that are up for adoption. She’s very good at it and very happy.
People like Shamika and your granddaughter who are able to do what they love bring so much passion to their jobs. We’re so grateful to have Shamika and her never ending passion for her classroom. Thank you for your comment!
The phrase “abundant love” sums up your theme, Damyantig!
Love is certainly abundant and Project Why! Thank you for your comment!
I’m going to miss these inspiring stories when atoz ends.
Anou keeps a blog with inspiring Project Why stories at Projectwhy.blogspot.com. The stories don’t need to end at Z. Thank you for your support!