Here in Sahasra Deepika, we like to think that every day should be an opportunity to be grateful for everything. Not everyone can have the privilege to do something with support from other people. But today, it’s a different Thanksgiving that we want to celebrate here in the institution.
This year when the fourth Thursday of November comes around, I won’t be loading up my plate with mashed potatoes and apple pie. Instead, I’ll be spending the day in India with the girls of Sahasra Deepika. There is so much more to this American holiday than the festive images of pumpkins and turkeys portray, and as it nears I have been reflecting on what this day actually means to me. Thanksgiving is a day to count your blessings and give thanks for what you have. It’s a time of gratitude, a time to come together with those you love, your friends and family, and simply spend time together. It’s all about community, wherever you are, and a day to focus on the power of connection.
I recently graduated from the University of Minnesota. Instead of finding a job or continuing my education right away, I decided to come to India and volunteer at Sahasra Deepika. As an Indian-American born in Chennai but raised in the USA, I grew up as part of two cultures. I wanted to come and work in India to further explore my Indian heritage, while also giving back to this community that I’m a part of. In one of my public health classes I heard the saying, “If you educate a man, you educate a man. If you educate a woman, you educate an entire community.” This saying stuck with me. I’m extremely passionate about ensuring that girls are given the same opportunity for education as boys are. And so I found my way to Sahasra Deepika because of its mission to educate underprivileged girls.
At Sahasra Deepika, everyone has something to be thankful for. Every girl here receives an education and a home away from home. When I walked into the campus, I found myself surrounded by huge, welcoming smiles and girls who were eager to tell me everything I needed to know about Sahasra Deepika! As a proud feminist, I’m so thankful that places like Sahasra Deepika exist, to allow the next generation of girls to be educated. I’m privileged to have this opportunity to spend time here with these girls from whom I am learning so much. And for that I am immensely grateful.
