Shishu Sarothi Alumni Come Together For A Reunion

Shishu Sarothi's Centre for Inclusive Education invited a batch of their past students to the first-ever Alumni Meet on September 29th,2021, while complying with COVID protocols.

20 - ex-students came together to meet with their old teachers and batch-mates & spent a fun-filled morning. They were welcomed with "gamosas" and cut a cake to celebrate the occasion. This was followed by fun activities of "Zumba" dancing, singing and a sharing of experiences.

It was indeed a nostalgic morning as the children, families and team members reminisced about their time at Shishu Sarothi, as young children.

Former student, Manash Sharma shared, "I am so glad to be here among all my dear friends and teachers after so many years. I am glad to share that now am working as a Lower Division Assistant in Planning Department at the Dispur Secretariat of Government of Assam, and would like to thank my teachers for their support throughout my journey!"

Shivam Ayengia, who is a renowned bodybuilder in his own right and a Computer Science Graduate from Tezpur University, is currently pursuing his MBA at Delhi School of Economics, spoke about his early years at Shishu Sarothi and raised the issue of services to address the mental health-related needs of young adults with disabilities. Shivam's father also thanked the teachers of Shishu Sarothi and for being "a ray of light in a dark jungle" from the time Shivam was a nine-month-old baby. He said that his son's success is the result of their combined will and dedication and encouraged other parents to think positively too.

Arunabh Saha told us he is continuing to work in the packaging unit at AtmaNirbhar - Ek Challenge where he was placed by Shishu Sarothi many years ago.

Manash Jyoti Das shared his experience of working as a Receptionist at Shishu Sarothi in 2019.

Runu Medhi spoke about being busy with meetings with other alumni and women with disabilities in Bijoyini- a network of women with disabilities that Shishu Sarothi is incubating, where they are learning to be self-advocates

Silsila Das sang a melodious song much to the delight of all present. Hasina Gomes shared her experiences and recited a poem recited and Anuja Sharma talked about her excitement of coming to the get together after being stuck for so long at home due to the pandemic.

Seema Das's mother recalled how Shishu Sarothi supported her during her difficult times and requested the same support in times to come.

Sachin Das delighted everyone by going straight to his old classroom tugging at his old teachers to come and sit with him. His mother became quite emotional reminiscing about the old days and long association with Shishu Sarothi and her continued journey in caring for Sachin.

The reunion ended with everyone singing the school anthem and enjoying lunch together. Shishu Sarothi hopes to organise more such reunions to connect and stay in touch with more of our alumni in batches in the coming months.

Also Read: Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Tripura Comes Together for Empowerment of Persons with Deafblindness

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