Today, I visited Vivekanand Camp in Chanakyapuri, Delhi, as part of the work I am doing through The Hi-Tech Cares Foundation (HCF). What I experienced there challenged many of the assumptions I had carried with me and taught me valuable lessons about community, resilience, and the power of education.

Whenever I heard the term "slum area," I imagined rows of temporary shelters made entirely of cloth and tin sheets, extreme living conditions, and a complete lack of basic facilities. While poverty was certainly visible throughout the community, the reality was more complex than I had expected.

Many families continue to face significant hardships every day. The homes are small, and in some cases, entire families share a single bed. Although many houses are built from brick rather than temporary materials, the challenges inside those homes remain very real. The visit reminded me that poverty does not always look the way we imagine it from a distance. Sometimes, stronger walls hide struggles that are just as difficult.

One of the reasons Vivekanand Camp appeared more organized and developed than I expected was because of the remarkable work being done by Rhythm of Life NGO. For nearly fifteen years, the organization has been working tirelessly to improve the lives of people in the community.

During the visit, Devika Aunty, Founder of Rhythm of Life, guided me, my mother, and my grandfather (whom I call Nanu) through the area. As she shared the journey of the organization and the changes they have helped create, I could see the impact that consistent dedication and community support can achieve over time.

The most memorable part of the visit was seeing the kindergarten school established by Rhythm of Life. Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding the community, the school was filled with positivity, energy, and hope.

The children were incredibly young, yet they confidently recited mantras and shlokas, including the Gayatri Mantra, with enthusiasm and pride. At the same time, they were learning nursery rhymes like Baby Shark, practicing dance routines, and singing songs to learn the days of the week. Watching them move so naturally between traditional values and modern learning was both inspiring and heartwarming.

Later, we visited the newly constructed second floor of the school, where an exciting conversation took place. Devika Aunty asked if I would be interested in starting a technology learning programme for children around the ages of eight and nine.

The programme would introduce children to skills such as typing, basic computer literacy, artificial intelligence, and elementary accounting concepts.

Without hesitation, I said yes.

This was not just another project for me. It felt like a genuine opportunity to contribute something meaningful. During my time there, I had already begun to feel connected to both the children and the community. I knew I wanted to invest my time and energy into helping create opportunities for them.

One possibility that could help make this vision a reality comes from my family's business, High Tech Gears. As technology systems in the office are upgraded, older computers are often placed into storage. Instead of remaining unused, these systems could potentially be donated and repurposed to help children gain valuable digital skills and access to technology.

My goal is to gradually build this programme step by step by visiting Vivekanand Camp regularly, whenever my schedule allows. I understand that meaningful change takes time, patience, and commitment, but after this visit, I feel motivated to do my part.

This experience did not make me think that poverty is easy or that these challenges have been solved. The reality is that many families continue to struggle every day. However, it showed me how education, opportunity, and long-term support can transform lives and create hope for the future.

Most importantly, it showed me the incredible impact that organizations like Rhythm of Life can have when they commit themselves to a community year after year.

For me, this was not simply a visit.

It was the beginning of a responsibility.

And I hope it is a responsibility I can continue to carry forward for many years to come.

Aabha Kapuria

Events

thehitechcaresfoundation@gmail.com

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