Slum kids’ talent show

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Amidst the narrow lanes, an absolute absence of privacy, disrupted electricity, water queues, loud music blaring and frequent brawls Suman, a dweller of city slums, had never thought of honing her dancing skills, let alone finding herself performing in front of audience.
But recently she was elated as a packed auditorium welcomed her with a loud round of applause during a cultural event Samaavesh organised by NGO Asha to showcase young talent from Delhi’s slums. It was an opportunity for city’s slum dwellers to showcase their talents.
“I always wanted to learn dance, but my family’s financial conditions never allowed me to get involved in any form of art activity. I could barely afford school fees. I am very thrilled to get a chance to perform,” says Mahinder, an engineering student from Ekta Vihar slum in R.K. Puram. Asha Society in collaboration with Bhaatkhande Sangit Vidyalaya has been providing free classes in performing arts to students in these slums.
Kiran Martin, founder and director of the NGO says, “It’s an attempt to boost the morale of the students.”