People part of the LGBTQIA+ community are among the most persecuted, marginalized, or at risk. In seventy-five countries, a relationship with someone of the same sex is a crime. In every corner of the world, the community continues to face threats of violence and discrimination in their work and private lives More than one third of the world’s countries criminalize consensual, loving same-sex relationships, entrenching prejudice and putting millions of people at risk of blackmail, arrest and imprisonment. Many countries force transgender people to undergo medical treatment, sterilization or meet other onerous preconditions before they can obtain legal recognition of their gender identity. Intersex children are often subjected to unnecessary surgery, causing physical and psychological pain and suffering. In many cases, a lack of adequate legal protections combined with hostile public attitudes leads to widespread discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people – including workers being fired from jobs, students bullied and expelled from schools, and patients denied essential healthcare. The equality and non-discrimination guarantee provided by international human rights law applies to all people, regardless of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity or “other status.” There is no fine print, no hidden exemption clause, in any of our human rights treaties that might allow a State to guarantee full rights to some but withhold them from others purely on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. People’s prejudices lead them to think that the people of this community are odd and very different. Today, homosexuality and queer identities may be acceptable to more Indian youths than ever before but within the boundaries of families, homes and schools, acceptance still remains a constant struggle for the people of this community, thus to drive away this discrimination faced by them we as a team decided to take up this right.
Translation of 'Rishte' by Meet Modi
This poem, by Mr. Amit Rai, illustrates how people were hesitant to express feelings before and after Section 377 was ruled unconstitutional by India’s Supreme Court. The poem may seem simple and plain but brings out societal problems in the country. Love should be uncomplicated and people should not be made to think twice before they fall in love with someone.
Original Poem:
'रिश्ते'
सुना है रिश्ते बनकर बिगड़ते भी हैं कहते हैं सफ़र में कई हाथ छुट्टे भी हैं।
जो दिल कभी इक दूसरे को मिलने तरसते थे वो कभी अलग होने को मचलते भी हैं।
कई सपने मिलकर देखें होंगे कभी हक़ीक़त की चट्टानों पर वो बिखरते भी हैं।
ये भी सुना है की सुलगती आग होती है दिलों में पर बिना कतराए वहाँ राख पाकर गुज़रते भी हैं।
कोई मजबूरी होगी उनकी शायद फलक तक न चलने कि तभी तो अगला कदम बढ़ाने से कुछ डरते भी हैं।
जो समाज कि नज़र से न डरते थे कभी वो “लोग क्या कहेंगे” सोच के झिजकते भी हैं।
क़ानून से बेपरवाह होकर इश्क़ करते थे कभी वो अब न्याय मिलने पर खुल के जीने से हिचकते भी हैं।
सबको आगे बढ़ने का हक़ तो है पर कुछ तनहा ख़्वाब जीते जि मरते भी हैं।
हाँ कुछ ऐसे किससे ज़हन में तो आते हैं पर हमें क्या पता ये तो कही सुनी बातें हैं। ~Amit Rai
Translation into English:
'Relationships'
Heard that relationships deteriorate after getting formed. And in the journey of life, many relations are left behind too.
The hearts that once yearned to meet each other, They, too, try to separate sometimes.
Many dreams which were seen together, Those, too, get scattered on rocks of reality.
Heard that there is a glowing fire in their hearts, But at times we have found the ashes as well.
There must be some hardships which stopped them to walk to the final destination, And that is why some are scared to take the next step.
Those who were once never terrified of society, They, too, are now skeptical of ‘what people will say’.
They used to love notwithstanding the law, But now they are hesitant to live freely even after getting justice.
Everyone has the right to grow, but some lonely dreams die as well.
Some people of this sort do come to mind, But it seems as if these are just made-up stories. ~Translated by Meet Modi
Translation of 'Kisi Din, Din ke Ujaale mein Milenge Hum' by Hriday Bhojani
This poem, by Tanishka Patidar, reflects on the lives of the people belonging to the LQBTQIA+ community who have been suffering from discrimination since time immemorial. Despite strong political movements in favour of LGBT rights, there remains a significant amount of homophobia present among the Indian population. Through this poem, the poet brings out the feelings of a person trying to break free from the shackles of the society.
Original Poem:
'किसी दिन, दिन के उजाले में मिलेंगे हम' रात की चादर ओढ़े, परवान चढ़ा है इश्क़, डर को साथ लिए, जो मीलों चला है इश्क़ आसमाँ में उड़ने को – पंख तो फैलाने होंगें, खुद के या दुनिया के, दिल किसी के तो जलाने होंगें, रेत पर जो लिखा करते हें, कभी पक्की स्याही से भी साथ अपना नाम लिखेंगे हम, किसी दिन, दिन के उजाले में मिलेंगे हम। जहाँ ये सवाल न हो की क्यों हम सबसे अलग हैँ१ जहाँ ये बवाल न हो की नहीं हमारी पगड़ी- रैनी अलग है। इन रिवाज़ों के काले बादलो को छोड़, सतरंगी आसमाँ की तलाश में निकलेंगे हम, किसी जगह, किसी दिन, दिन के उजाले में मिलेंगे हम। अपने अंदर हज़ारो बुराइयां लिए उल्टा वो हमसे पूछते हैं, पापी गिरेबान, झूठे मुँह – वो भगवान् को पूजते हैं। ये दूसरों की चिता पे रोटी सेकने वाले कब अपने काम से काम लेंगे१ स्वघोषित – बुद्धिजीवी निर्णायक कब होंगे कम १ खैर! जल्द ही, एक रोज़, एक दिन, दिन के उजाले में मिलेंगे हम। ~Tanishka Patidar
Translation into English: 'Someday, we will meet in broad daylight' Wear the bed sheet of the night, love has grown, With the fear, the love that has lasted for miles To fly in the sky - wings have to be spread, Somebody's heart has to be burnt, either of himself or of the world, What you write on the sand Sometimes we will write our name with firm ink, Someday, we will meet in broad daylight. Where there is no question why we are different. Where there is no ruckus whether or not our turban - raini is different. Leaving the dark clouds of these customs, We will go out in search of the bright sky, Somewhere, someday, we will meet in broad daylight. On the contrary, with thousands of evils inside them, they ask us, Sinners, guileless, false faces - they worship God. Those who bake bread on the pyre of others, When will you get your work done? Self-proclaimed - when will intellectuals be the judges at least once, So! Soon, one day, one day, we will meet in broad daylight. ~Translated by Hriday Bhojani
Translation of 'Ek Aisi Duniya' by Maaher Bhagwagar
In “एक ऐसी दुनिया” (“Such a world”), Rishabh Goyal uses satire to highlight the discrimination and reservations still present in today’s society when it comes to same-sex relationships. He says that the relationships that are formed between two people of the same sex are just as beautiful as the rising of the sun or the blooming of flowers. Although Rishabh Goyal may not be a professional author, his poem definitely deserves recognition. 2 years ago he was working as an automobile engineer and fell in love with Hindi literature. He left his job to pursue his passion of poetry and now, along with writing and performing poems and stories on various platforms, he has conducted writing workshops in premium colleges of India.
Original Poem:
'एक ऐसी दुनिया' एक ऐसी दुनिया की कल्पना करो जहाँ लोग उगते सूरज से नफ़रत करते हैं जहाँ माना जाता है हर तरह के फूल को बर्बादी का परिचायक जहाँ सिर्फ़ दो ही रंगों का उतसव मनाया जाता है – स्लेटी और काला जहाँ हँसने, मुस्कुराने और ख़ुश होने पर सुना दी जाती है सज़ा जहाँ के लोग गीली मिट्टी की ख़ुशबू सूँघकर, नाक भींच लेते हैं जहाँ सिर्फ़ कैदियों और दुश्मनों को पिलाई जाती है चाय जहाँ ‘इंसानियत’ शब्द का इस्तेमाल होता है गाली की तरह उसी दुनिया में मेरे और तुम्हारे प्रेम को पाप माना जाता है अरे रुको! मेरा और तुम्हारा प्रेम तो इस दुनिया में भी पाप है जब तुम्हारे आलिंगन में लेटा मैं दुनिया के सबसे खूबसूरत भाव की अनुभूती कर रहा होता हूँ तो मुझे ये बात याद आ जाती है और मैं ज़ोर से हँस देता हूँ मुझे हँसी आती है इस बात पर कि कैसे कुछ लोग आज भी दो पुरुषों के प्रेम को पाप समझते हैं और उनके लिए सूरज का उगना, फूलों का खिलना, हँसना, मुस्कुराना पाप नहीं हैं। ~Rishabh Goyal
Translation into English: 'Such a World' Imagine such a world, where people hate the rising sun Where every kind of flower is seen as a symbol of waste Where the festival of only two colors is celebrated – gray and black Where you are punished for laughing, smiling, or even being happy Where people are disgusted by the smell of wet soil Where only prisoners and enemies are treated with hospitality Where the word 'humanity' is used as an abuse Only in such a world would my love for you be considered a sin. Oh wait! The world we live in already considers our love for each other a sin I feel the most beautiful feeling in the world while lying in your embrace Which leads me to remember this thing and i laugh out loud I laugh at the fact that some people still consider the love of two men to be a sin And for the same people, the rising of the sun, the blooming of flowers, laughing, smiling is not a sin. ~Translated by Maaher Bhagwagar
'Bravery' by Mishty Shah
LGBT or GLBT is an initialism that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. In use since the 1990s, the term is an adaptation of the initialism LGB, which began to replace the term gay in reference to the broader LGBT community beginning in the mid-to-late 1980s.The initialism, as well as some of its common variants, functions as an umbrella term for sexuality and gender identity. It may refer to anyone who is non-heterosexual or non-cisgender, instead of exclusively to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. To recognize this inclusion, a popular variant, LGBTQ, adds the letter Q for those who identify as queer or are questioning their sexual identity. Those who add intersex people to LGBT groups or organization may use the extended initialism LGBTI. These two initialisms are sometimes combined to form the terms LGBTIQ or LGBT+ to encompass spectrums of sexuality and gender.
Bravery
In this poem we are not afraid. in this poem the aching bi kid who hides their arms under their sleeves won't be sent to conversion therapy by parents who think they're breathing the wrong way. in this poem the pan boy with a cane doesn't have to worry about how he's going to pay for his surgeries. in this poem the butch lesbian trying to become a mother won't need to endure the added pain of being forced to bury or cremate her miscarried child. in this poem black trans women can walk home by themselves at night without wondering if their bodies will be found cold in the morning. in this poem two brown men can kiss on the streets & the gentleness of their laughter will not become fodder for the largest mass shooting in history. in this poem you can stand on a table in the middle of a crowded cafe & shout with every decibel of your gay trans body I AM I AM I AM I AM I AM without anyone wanting to take your humanity from you . In this poem we are not afraid. outside this poem, despite everything, we hold each other close, as tight as we can, then even closer. outside this poem we paint banners, make fists, give embraces, write letters, march in the city streets, break the shop windows, let them know who they're up against. ~Mishty Shah
Drawing by Riya Desai
Thousands of people face inequality and violence because of their sexuality. The LGBTQIA+ community remains in the constant fear of discrimination from the society who might see their sexuality as a threat. Although gay sex is legalized and several laws have been passed, equality is more than just passing laws and everyone is worthy of respect irrespective of their sexuality.
Gender equality has been a problem in our society since ages. History has shown that homosexuals were not considered equal, denied civil rights and were always discriminated against. Discrimination is still present in underdeveloped areas in India where LGBTQ people are often labelled as shameful and forced opposite-sex marriages. The nation has been progressing, homosexuality and queer identities have been acknowledged and the LGBTQIA+ community has been gaining more acceptance and tolerance but they still face discrimination in their everyday lives and are looked down upon all the time. Coming out to parents, teachers and peers is still a struggle. Coming out is a personal process which can be incredibly challenging and takes courage. Many people see it as the first step to living authentically as themselves. In a society with such a rigid set of norms lack of support could affect a person's physical and mental health. The purpose of my drawing is to help people open up about their sexuality and to show that one's sexuality does not define them. It is important that we love and accept ourselves and continue to support and fight for the equal rights and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community. ~Riya Desai
Translation of 'Rang Majha Vegda' by Shrey Gosavi
This poem was written by Suresh Bhat in 1974 describing the condition in the country at that time. He expresses his feelings after battling with the prejudiced society. He describes these prejudices as ropes that have been tied on his leg which is preventing him from doing anything which in text, throws light on him not having any impact on the society and not even having basic rights.
Original Poem:
'रंग माझा वेगळा!'
रंगुनी रंगांत साऱ्या रंग माझा वेगळा! गुंतुनी गुंत्यात साऱ्या पाय माझा मोकळा!
कोण जाणे कोठुनी ह्या सावल्या आल्या पुढे; मी असा की लागती ह्या सावल्यांच्याही झळा!
राहती माझ्यासवे ही आसवे गीतांपरी; हे कशाचे दुःख ज्याला लागला माझा लळा!
कोणत्या काळी कळेना मी जगाया लागलो अन् कुठे आयुष्य गेले कापुनी माझा गळा ?
सांगती 'तात्पर्य' माझे सारख्या खोट्या दिशा : 'चालणार पांगळा अन् पाहणारा आंधळा !'
माणसांच्या मध्यरात्री हिंडणारा सूर्य मी : माझियासाठी न माझा पेटण्याचा सोहळा ! ~Suresh Bhat
Translation into English:
MY COLOURS ARE DIFFERENT!
All my colours are different but as good as yours! Free all my legs in the entanglement and Give me the rights I deserve No one knows where these shadows came from; I wish I could get rid of them ! This is how I was born, the colours given to me by god; What a pain to fight these prejudices ! When did I begin tolive and where did my life go?
I am the sun that walks in the middle of the night: Who isn’t valued as much and his thoughts are dampened by this prejudiced society. ~Translated by Shrey Gosavi
Translation of 'A Poem for Pulse' by Yashna Busa
The poem “A poem for pulse” by Jameson Fitzpatrick is about his personal incident with a man he loved. He is narrating a story which starts from two men kissing and a series of event which followed it and lead to killing of about 50 people at a gay bar by a person who was disturbed by the sight of two men kissing. Jameson implies that love cannot be stopped and neither will two men/women stop kissing.
Original Poem:
'A Poem for Pulse'
Last night, I went to a gay bar with a man I love a little. After dinner, we had a drink. We sat in the far-back of the big backyard and he asked, What will we do when this place closes? I don't think it's going anywhere any time soon, I said, though the crowd was slow for a Saturday, and he said—Yes, but one day. Where will we go? He walked me the half-block home and kissed me goodnight on my stoop-- properly: not too quick, close enough our stomachs pressed together in a second sort of kiss. I live next to a bar that's not a gay bar —we just call those bars, I guess-- and because it is popular and because I live on a busy street, there are always people who aren't queer people on the sidewalk on weekend nights. Just people, I guess. They were there last night. As I kissed this man I was aware of them watching and of myself wondering whether or not they were just. But I didn't let myself feel scared, I kissed him exactly as I wanted to, as I would have without an audience, because I decided many years ago to refuse this fear-- an act of resistance. I left the idea of hate out on the stoop and went inside, to sleep, early and drunk and happy. While I slept, a man went to a gay club with two guns and killed forty-nine people. Today in an interview, his father said he had been disturbed recently by the sight of two men kissing. What a strange power to be cursed with: for the proof of men's desire to move men to violence. What's a single kiss? I've had kisses no one has ever known about, so many kisses without consequence-- but there is a place you can't outrun, whoever you are. There will be a time when. It might be a bullet, suddenly. The sound of it. Many. One man, two guns, fifty dead-- Two men kissing. Last night I can't get away from, imagining it, them, the people there to dance and laugh and drink, who didn't believe they'd die, who couldn't have. How else can you have a good time? How else can you live? There must have been two men kissing for the first time last night, and for the last, and two women, too, and two people who were neither. Brown people, which cannot be a coincidence in this country which is a racist country, which is gun country. Today I'm thinking of the Bernie Boston photograph Flower Power, of the Vietnam protestor placing carnations in the rifles of the National Guard, and wishing for a gesture as queer and simple. The protester in the photo was gay, you know, he went by Hibiscus and died of AIDS, which I am also thinking about today because (the government's response to) AIDS was a hate crime. Now we have a president who names us, the big and imperfectly lettered us, and here we are getting kissed on stoops, getting married some of us, some of us getting killed. We must love one another whether or not we die. Love can't block a bullet but neither can it be shot down, and love is, for the most part, what makes us-- in Orlando and in Brooklyn and in Kabul. We will be everywhere, always; there's nowhere else for us, or you, to go. Anywhere you run in this world, love will be there to greet you. Around any corner, there might be two men. Kissing. ~Jameson Fitzpatrick
Translation into Hindi:
'पल्स के लिए एक कविता'
कल रात, मैं एक समलैंगिक बार में गया था एक आदमी के साथ मैं थोड़ा प्यार करता हूँ। रात के खाने के बाद हमने ड्रिंक की। हम बड़े पिछवाड़े के सबसे पीछे बैठे थे और उस ने पूछा, जब यह स्थान बन्द हो जाएगा, तब हम क्या करेंगे? मुझे नहीं लगता कि यह जल्द ही कहीं भी जा रहा है, मैंने कहा, हालांकि भीड़ शनिवार के लिए धीमी थी, और उसने कहा- हां, लेकिन एक दिन। हम कहाँ जाएँगे? उसने मुझे आधा-अधूरा घर चला दिया और मेरे स्टूप पर मुझे शुभरात्रि चूमा- ठीक से: बहुत जल्दी नहीं, काफी करीब हमारा पेट एक साथ दब गया दूसरे प्रकार के चुंबन में। मैं एक बार के बगल में रहता हूं जो समलैंगिक बार नहीं है —हम सिर्फ उन सलाखों को बुलाते हैं, मुझे लगता है- और क्योंकि यह लोकप्रिय है और क्योंकि मैं व्यस्त सड़क पर रहता हूँ, हमेशा ऐसे लोग होते हैं जो कतारबद्ध लोग नहीं होते हैं सप्ताहांत की रात को फुटपाथ पर। बस लोग, मुझे लगता है। वे कल रात वहीं थे। जैसे ही मैंने इस आदमी को चूमा, मुझे पता चला कि वे देख रहे हैं और मैं सोच रहा था कि वे न्यायी थे या नहीं। लेकिन मैंने खुद को डरने नहीं दिया, मैंने उसे किस किया ठीक वैसा ही जैसा मैं चाहता था, जैसे मैं दर्शकों के बिना होता, क्योंकि मैंने कई साल पहले इस डर को नकारने का फैसला किया था- प्रतिरोध का एक कार्य। मैंने नफ़रत का ख़याल रुक गया और अंदर चला गया, सोने के लिए, जल्दी और नशे में और खुश। जब मैं सो रहा था, एक आदमी समलैंगिक क्लब में गया दो बंदूकों के साथ और उनतालीस लोगों को मार डाला। आज एक इंटरव्यू में उनके पिता ने कहा कि वे परेशान हो गए थे हाल ही में दो पुरुषों को चुंबन की दृष्टि से। शापित होने के लिए कितनी अजीब शक्ति है: पुरुषों को हिंसा की ओर ले जाने की पुरुषों की इच्छा के प्रमाण के लिए। एकल चुंबन क्या है? मैंने चुम्बन किया है किसी के बारे में कभी नहीं जाना है, इतने सारे परिणाम के बिना चुंबन- लेकिन एक ऐसी जगह है जहाँ से आप आगे नहीं बढ़ सकते, आप जो भी हों। एक समय होगा जब। यह एक गोली हो सकती है, अचानक। इसकी आवाज। बहुत। एक आदमी, दो बंदूकें, पचास मरे- दो आदमी चुंबन। पिछली रात मैं इसकी कल्पना करके उनसे दूर नहीं हो सकता, वहाँ के लोग नाचने और हँसने और पीने के लिए, जिन्हें विश्वास नहीं था कि वे मर जाएंगे, जो नहीं कर सकते थे। आपके पास और कैसे अच्छा समय हो सकता है? आप और कैसे जी सकते हैं? दो आदमी चुंबन कर रहे होंगे कल रात पहली बार, और आखिरी बार, और दो स्त्रियां भी, और दो लोग जो न तो थे। भूरे रंग के लोग, जो इस देश में संयोग नहीं हो सकता जो एक नस्लवादी देश है, जो बंदूक देश है। आज मैं बर्नी बोस्टन फोटोग्राफ के बारे में सोच रहा हूँ कार्नेशन्स रखने वाले वियतनाम के प्रदर्शनकारी की फ्लावर पावर नेशनल गार्ड की राइफल्स में, और क्वीर और सरल के रूप में एक इशारे की कामना करते हैं। फोटो में प्रदर्शनकारी समलैंगिक था, आप जानते हैं, वह हिबिस्कस के पास गया और एड्स से मर गया, जिसके बारे में मैं आज भी सोच रहा हूँ क्योंकि (सरकार की प्रतिक्रिया) एड्स एक घृणा अपराध था। अब हमारे पास एक राष्ट्रपति है जो हमें नाम देता है, बड़े और अपूर्ण रूप से हमें लिखे गए, और यहाँ हम हैं ठोकर खाकर चूमना, हम में से कुछ से शादी करना, हम में से कुछ मारे जा रहे हैं। हमें एक दूसरे से प्यार करना चाहिए चाहे हम मरें या नहीं। प्यार एक गोली को रोक नहीं सकता लेकिन न तो इसे नीचे गिराया जा सकता है, और प्यार, अधिकांश भाग के लिए, जो हमें बनाता है- ऑरलैंडो में और ब्रुकलिन में और काबुल में। हम हर जगह रहेंगे, हमेशा; हमारे या आपके जाने के लिए और कहीं नहीं है। आप इस दुनिया में कहीं भी दौड़ें, प्यार आपका स्वागत करने के लिए होगा। किसी भी कोने के आसपास दो आदमी हो सकते हैं। चुंबन। ~Translated by Yashna Busa
INTERVIEW OF PSYCHOLOGIST, MS. HVOVI BHAGWAGAR (Activity 1)
We are grateful to have received this opportunity to interview Mrs. Hvovi Bhagwagar, who is a Psychologist and a Psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience as a clinical practitioner in an independent venture, Manashni at Powai, Mumbai. Following the mental health crisis during the COVID 19 pandemic, she was a part of a radio show and various other social media initiatives imparting psychological education on mental health. Through this interview, we were given valuable insights into the LGBTQIA+ community.
Top 3 + Motivation (Activity 2) 1) Le droit d'être différent (Right to be different)- Eva 2) Gender Equality- Hana Issac, Déborah Maillot 3) Right to Abortion- Alix
We were really intrigued by the various submissions of the partner school, each bringing a fresh perspective to human rights or its violation.
- In-depth Reflection The right to be different is certainly overlooked but “Le droit d'être différent” by Eva evoked a sense of empathy within our team members. Their article broadened our perspective on how a society should be formed in a way to accept differences among individuals and respect the same. The article has certainly elucidated the fact that every individual is different. A person should never be compared with someone or judged over anything. If one may not choose to follow the masses, it is not wrong at all. One should always be allowed to express their opinions and enjoy their freedom without being in the fear that people won’t accept it. The article is very well framed and also empowering. The example of the song also makes this article more relatable. “I have the right not to be on the highway with the crowd, but to choose my own path, even if I have to create it with my own hand,” this certain line from the article is inspirational and truly speaks for the topic “Right to be different.” We are full human beings. We believe that a society without disabled people would be a lesser society. Our unique individual and collective experiences are an important contribution to a rich, human society. We recognize that the only way to ensure universal support for and positive recognition of our particular qualities is through stating our right to diversity clearly, with good arguments, in open and democratic discussion. We must not shy away from forming alliances with scientists, the medical professions, ethicists, policy-makers, human rights advocates, the media and the general public just because they seem different. Their topic about the right to be different is very relatable in today’s society. Often, it seems like society has set rules on how an individual is supposed to go about in life and any actions. When these actions differ from that of the society’s mindset, they tend to be criticised but one must be able to do different and new things without being judged. A person with a face full of scars should not be ashamed of it and try to cover it with makeup but instead embrace those scars with much pride, they have given an amazing example about this topic and in my opinion have put across the message in quite a simple yet effective manner.
“How can I, as a unique human being, live with other unique human beings?” “How can I accept and live with people whose philosophy negates my own?”
These two questions emerge while we try to live as someone different in a world that usually does not value or honour difference. We all have these core struggles that seem to follow us around, what we might call “personal themes.” For some a theme might be struggling with low self-esteem, for others it might be loneliness, a sense of abandonment, or fear of poverty. Feeling different has always stayed with me. Since these themes are so important to us, we often see them everywhere. We live in a society where we are taught to always believe in things like a girl should not work and stay as a house wife supporting her family, being fair and thin is the norm and so on. For me personally. I feel the difference is important. If everyone was the same then the “normal “ would not be able to have their own identity. It’s the difference that makes every individual unique. I personally believe one should not be guilty of being different as that is what makes you different right now, and which will make you stand out later in life. You should be proud of being different, you should be proud of who you are.
- “Gender Equality” by Hana Issac and Déborah Maillot elucidated the disparity of gender roles at the labour market of Réunion island and gave us a reality check of how this is very much prevalent in today’s world too.
- Usually considered a taboo topic, “Right to Abortion” by Alix beautifully conveys a strong argument as to why it is not a necessity but the choice of a woman. Our team members resonated with her views on a personal level.
COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION We encountered quite a few difficulties in terms of timing and communication with our partner school to arrange the google meet. The language barrier and shyness of meeting new people seemed to be an issue which everyone overcame in the end. Although we faced these issues, we were able to make it work and had an enriching interaction with the partner school.
Reflections
Meet Modi
The entire concept of Eumind was very foreign to me but over the course of 6 months, I can say with confidence that through the numerous, hilarious or serious, meetings we’ve had, I was always able to learn something valuable. Despite the many delays in meeting with the partner school virtually, Eumind truly helped me to reflect on the various facets of human rights. We were able to rekindle the thrill and excitement that had been absent at home and collaborate efficiently. With no moment of dismay or disagreement, we were able to meet all our deadlines. Given the opportunity, I would most surely participate in Eumind again.
Hriday Bhojani
Ever since Eumind was introduced to us, I was quite intrigued to be a part of it. It has given me the opportunity to analyze and explore the topic of ‘Human Rights’ and the LGBTQIA rights and develop a viewpoint on it. Though there were some delays in the meetings with the partner school, the assignments kept us busy and we tried to achieve the targets well in time. It gave us a chance for social interaction which had been missing for the past two years. So overall, Eumind was a wonderful learning experience and I believe every student should participate in it.
Mishty Shah
Eumind has been an amazing journey till now and I will always cherish being given the opportunity to be a part of this program. I think our group worked together to the best of our abilities, especially when you consider that we were not able to meet for half of the project which made it noticeably harder to work on the project. At first the project seemed unclear but it was doable. I do feel that there lacked communication between us and the partner school. I learned a lot about the human rights, mainly the LBTQIA+ rights. Overall from making the video, interviewing experts to writing down our research on documents, everything has been an amazing and memorable experience. I am looking forward to being part of many such opportunities in the future.
Maaher Bhagwagar
I had heard of Eumind from my seniors who were lucky enough to physically experience the exchange in its entirety and was excited with being guaranteed the opportunity to be a part of the same. Although we weren't able to meet physically, we still overcame certain challenges and worked to the best of our abilities as a group and learnt a lot about LGBTQIA+ rights and the community as a whole which we wouldn't have known before. I’m sure I speak for all my team members when I say this: This was our first time participating in Eumind and if given the opportunity, we’d be sure to do it again.
Shrey Gosavi
I had not heard about Eumind before this but when I got to know more about it I instantly wanted to be a part of it and experience it. It gave me the opportunity to learn and understand our topic ‘Human Rights’ and the different aspects of it. Moreover it also helped us socialize a bit more and work as a team. The meetings with my team were all a part of the fun. We did our best to meet deadlines, distributed our work according to our expertise and made sure we did it well. I also got to know more about our native poets and their thoughts on human rights which they described through their poems. Eumind was a great experience and I would definitely love to be a part of it again.
Riya Desai
I've heard of Eumind before but this was my first time participating and it was truly unforgettable. The Eumind project has been an exciting opportunity for me as it has helped me in improving my research and writing skills. Besides being a learning experience Eumind also taught me how to interact with others, work in a team and meet deadlines. Our topic was LGBTQIA+ and research about the topic informed me about the various violence's against the LGBTQIA+ community. Eumind was an amazing experience and discussing human rights with various students through literature and getting to know their perspectives was also interesting.
Yashna Busa
Eumind was totally a new concept for me to be honest I wasn’t very inclined towards it learning that it’s going to take place online but since all my friends were submitting their names for it, I too gave in my name for Eumind and to my surprise I got selected. But from the time we started having meetings and group chats regarding our topic which was human rights and our group chose LGBTQIA+ I started getting really involved in all the activities and meetings. Overall getting into Eumind was a great experience along with getting to work in a team and students from a foreign country was definitely a great exposure.