Open Heart Talk-6: Sharmila Jois Vellal

Straight from the Heart of...

Sharmila Jois Vellal

The adventures of Alice, not in wonderland!!

As a child, I believed in fairy tales and believed with all innocence that it would definitely happen to me.  As an adult, while I reflect upon my life, I feel that I am living my fairy tale life.  Here’s the proof that I am living a fairy tale life.

When I decided to become a special educator, it was not a dream that I conceived, it was not a path that was inspired and it definitely was not life leading me towards it.  After my Master’s degree, it happened to be the only diploma course available for a year which I could complete along with work experience. Like Alice, most Special Educators are clueless of the life they are about to embark. We, like Alice, follow the Rabbit with  the red coat into the unknown thinking it’s just a rabbit, what bad can happen? The Rabbit with Red coat in our life is the Diploma course which is made easy to attain in the beginning. As the course goes deeper, so does the burrow. We go deeper and deeper into the course and not even realize the world we have entered. By the time we realize we are in too deep, it's too late as there is no going back. 

Just like Alice, all Special Educators are clueless of the role they are supposed to embark. “You are here to kill the Jabberwockey” they say to Alice, the Jabberwockey in our life happens to be the system/ society/ prejudices which do not accept differences. “How can I, I am just a little girl!”, says Alice, How can we Says the Special Educator, they merely took on the Special Educator’s role because of flexible work hours and contained work commitment which does not keep them away from their home. But then every personality you meet on the way tells you that your purpose in life in bigger than what you perceived it to be. The reluctant Spl Eds move ahead in their journey as they perceive that time and effort they put in is still under their control. 

We meet various White and Red queens in our lives and we are expected to take sides. The white queens being the parents of Special needs students and the Red queen being the school management. Unfortunately, this is the only part of the journey as Spl ed, I wish was like that of the fairy tale. I wish there was right and wrong  sides. It gets little complex in real life, just because the Red queen has big head does not mean she is cruel, there is past that made her life that. And as Special Ed, we know the only way ahead for our students is to work along with both White and Red queen side by side, in harmony with each other. “off with the head” says the Red queen, unlike the wonderland, the future of Special needs students won’t be replaced magically. Years of effort and army of people behind the special needs child, all wasted with one small phrase “ off with the head.”

We see the plight of our students, struggling to be accepted and merely wanting the privileges that every other peer of theirs are given. Whilst the White queen and the red queen fight out, the citizens of Wonderland take cover, just like that, our students struggle to keep their head above the water. When such a scene is front who choses to be an observer. Unknowingly, Alice explores both the territory to see how best she can support the new friends she made. We special Eds very quickly begin to push the boundaries drawn for our students. “ I am not crazy. My reality is different from yours.”, says the Cheshire Cat to Alice. We see the different reality, we love it, we enjoy it and we want to keep the reality they see intact as it is different but beautiful. Soon we realise that what we are doing is just support on the surface, we need to dig deep, stretch out our creativeness to the maximum. “ I have been shrunk, stretched, scratched and stuffed into a teapot,” yells Alice. As special educator we begin take on roles for the benefit of our students, we try to be “muchier, to bring back student’s muchness”. 

Alice gathers herself when she is just about to slay the Jabberwocky by recalling six impossible things that she can do everyday and starts to recall those six impossible things. Special educators also needs to take time to check what is impossible to them, while we think back we realise that there have been many things that we once thought impossible but we pushed ourselves to achieve it. 

“There is a place. Like no place on Earth. A land full of wonder, mystery, and danger! Some say to survive it: You need to be as mad as a hatter.”

by Sharmila Jois Vellal

Co-Founder, Eka.

Open Heart Talk-5: Naveena Mam

Straight from the Heart of ...

Naveena Mam

Eka is a place where one could feel at home. The atmosphere is very friendly and comforting yet the experience of learning is immense. There is a very friendly relation among everyone, each one is very welcoming and warm towards every other individual. The methods of teaching here are very unique. The learning of students is not limited to class, they are given many hands-on activities which lets them experience for better understanding, knowledge building and personal growth.    

It is a place where one is allowed to be as they are, an individual is helped with love and care that would help one to explore self. Here we believe in hand -in- hand, i.e together, we are  everything. It is a place filled with laughter, celebrations, activities, support, learning and growth. Once you are a part of this family there is no turning back.

Open Heart Talk-4: Esther Mam

Straight from the Heart of...

Esther Mam

For some people, EKA is an educational organization working for disabled children but for me it is a place where I am molded well and shaping my personality. Some believed that as a Special Educator we would have all the skills and good personality but that is not the case. Every person has its own flaws. No one is perfect. I teach and I learn through my students and my colleagues.

EKA is a place where one can walk in as they are, and experience the best of everything. Here, we are one to help every individual to stand on their own feet and work independently. As I developed as an individual here, the same way every individual walks through the doors has been developing for a better tomorrow. 

 

Here is a picture of me with my lot from Independence Day Celebrations-2019. 

Open Heart Talk-3: Ben Mam

Straight from the heart of....

Ben Mam

Inclusion And ME! 

“Inclusion” is a word every Organization/Individual imbibe on. In my existence of 30 years on this beautiful planet, I have heard of people using this word but never implying in their actions. WALK the TALK was missing. Coming to EKA, as the core mission and value says “​INCLUSION​”, the organization works towards attaining it in every field. I am from North East India- Nagaland, we have 16 tribes and all the tribes speak different languages. Even among our tribe, we have different dialects according to villages. Hardly exposed to the outside world, born and raised in Nagaland, English language was something far foreign language to speak for me. My pronunciation of English coupled with my Ao Naga accent has been an issue in almost all of the places I have been to. I was mocked or misunderstood many times which eventually tarnished my self-esteem. In EKA neither the administrator nor any of the staff or parents gave an ounce of negative attitude towards me and accepted me the way I am. The inclusion and Me happened swiftly. I am endowed with heavenly blessings to be a part of this amazing family EKA!

Open Heart Talk-2: Chithraa Mam

Straight from the heart of ....

Chithraa mam

The meaning of this three-letter word, ' Eka' has changed my life in unimaginable ways. At Eka, I have learnt that both success and failure are important in our life. I am touched by the unconditional love and support shown to me from the founders of Eka. The children have been a source of inspiration and I have learnt so much from each of them. Being Inclusive, we have bridged the gap and made the children feel loved and accepted. I am sharing a few pictures of some of the best moments that I spent with the children at Eka.

Open Heart Talk-1: Jaishree Mam

Straight from heart of...

Jaishree mam.

When I thought of writing a blog, the first thing that came into my mind is painting and then my pet dog. My pet stands first in my priority, however I chose to write about painting because it's the most important thing that is keeping me sane during this lockdown.

Painting has always travelled with me throughout my life and has kept me at peace during most of my difficult times. I started my first painting watching a drawing show telecasted in Doordarshan. The first painting I learnt was Mickey mouse and Aladdin genie. Post that, whenever someone asks me to draw, I would draw either one of them. 

My parents were too strict and I never had the privilege to join any drawing classes back then. The love that I had for painting made me to do my own research and practice. Slowly, I started drawing God pictures which were printed in the calendar. That was the greatest achievement I had as a kid. 

Those days, I never used to participate in any competition. My skills in drawing improved because of the botany and zoology record notes drawing requirements. Getting stars for those drawings increased my confidence and I could follow with my passion for drawing. 

As the saying goes, "Once learnt it can never be unlearnt". Thus painting traveled with me all through these years as an invisible partner helping me in my career.

 

The first official award that I got for painting was in "Kalaangana", an event held for special education kids. That day, I couldn't express my feelings in words and I behaved like a kid jumping up to the sky for receiving that award. I know it sounds silly but that was the first recognition that I got for my painting. So, it will remain special to me. 

 

Even though, I loved painting I never had the urge to learn painting in a proper way. But the need to improvise my skills began after I attended a painting workshop conducted by Bangalore drawing room. It was a three hours session and it was pure 'bliss'. I just forgot about the whole world for that entire afternoon. It's just me and the painting. That was an amazing feeling and the addiction is only deepening.

After that, every weekend I started attending different workshops and one such workshop is the doodle art workshop by Mamtha Singh which was a mind blowing one. She not only took a workshop on doodling but also mentally prepared me for the ups and downs that I might face if I chose painting as my career. Right before that workshop, I had a thought to learn all forms of painting and do something on my own. But, just after attending the workshop I realized if things are supposed to happen it will happen eventually.

I actually don't know why and how I started taking painting seriously and started learning more about the different art form in this field. But I always believe in destiny. If you are destined to do something you will !!

Painting makes everyday special for me. Each painting is like a new born baby to me. It tries to teach me how beautiful and simple life is and it keeps me alive.

I am a person who gets bored of things quicker. I always look out for new things everyday. But  painting is an endless ocean which makes me think the more I know is the less I have learnt. I am trying to find my pearl in this ocean. 

Painting keeps me happy, it keeps me calm, it gives a bliss feel. I just forget this whole world when I paint. That's a beautiful feel which I love to endure each and every day.

 

Eka Superheroes

Co-founders

Ms. Sharmila Jois Vellal

With the Master’s Degree from Bangalore University (Child Guidance) and University of Northampton (Inclusive Education) and Diploma from KPAMRC (Learning disability), Sharmila has experience of working in both Inclusive and Exclusive institutes for over 14 years now. She was also co-founder of another organization. She is currently serving as a board member of SERPA. This has broadened her understanding of varied perspectives when it comes to working with children with various disabilities across the age- groups. She firmly believes that for inclusion to become a reality in educational institutes, organizations as well as in society; parents & family members, mainstream educators, Special educators, therapists, friends and the child with disabilities need to work in collaboration with each other, this means taking realistic measures that are attainable, affordable and accessible. She thoroughly believes in teamwork and follows the multiple-intelligence theory in her working methodology. Her experience of using hands-on working model with students has been a key-factor behind her success stories. She is an avid reader and keeps herself up-to-date by reading a lot of research papers & journals online. 

Ms. Santhi Karamcheti 

Santhi holds a Master’s degree in Human Genetics and a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education. She worked with three international schools at the beginning of her career and later started a special school, EDventure Academy in Bangalore. She volunteers with a couple of organisations and is also serving as President of S.E.R.P.A. She is a guest faculty in one of the special educators' training institute in Bangalore. Santhi is one of the top-50 finalist of Global Teacher Prize, dubbed as Nobel prize for Teachers, in the year 2016 & marked India on global map from around 20,000 nominations from 55 countries around the world. She has also received extraordinary teacher award from IRC, Bangalore. Her previously founded school EDventure Academy has won 'People's Choice' award in the category of special schools from Karnataka, by BrainFeed. Her close to 14 years of experience provided her an opportunity to work across disabilities and age groups. Her work mainly comprises on increasing children’s capacities in essential areas like personality development, socio-communication skills, self-belief, academics, vocational and Pre-Vocational skills. Mainstreaming children and young adults into schools and employment are her mission in life and she intends to further her aim by making inclusion a norm. She has conducted close to 50 workshops and training for teachers, corporate offices, parents, educators, therapists etc on various special needs topic, especially on showing inclusion as an attainable concept. 

Coordinators

Jaishree Muralidharan

Jaishree Muralidharan has 8 years of experience as Special educator. Certified by KPAMRC, she has trained many students in completion of NIOS examinations & mainstreamed almost all the young students she had an opportunity to work with. Her bond with students helps them not just come out of their shell but helps them showcase their talents as well. Jaishree is our Dancing Diva as well as art expert. Jaishree is leading Eka's NIOS.

Sarika Goyal 

Sarika Goyal has Diploma in Special Education for Inclusive Education  from Spastic Society of Karnataka. She has been working towards the betterment of children with special needs for the last 7 years. She has been successful in mainstreaming young students with her talent in school-readiness. Her aim is to make her students self reliant and confident to stand out in the society. Sarika’s hobbies include listening to music, painting, playing with kids and cooking. She is leading Eka's primary academic levels.

Ashreta

With a Master’s degree from Manipal University in Clinical Psychology. With experience in clinical as well as remedial settings, Ashreta is go-to person for any challenging tasks. She has been working with students across the age group and disability. Her extremely organised and methodical way of planning and teaching has been a great inspiration for her students & colleagues. She is leading Eka's Vocational unit. 

Teaching staff

Ben

Ben is from Nagaland, she was working with Teens in Springs Buds Nagaland. She holds a Masters in Counselling Psychology, BA in Literature, Economics, Political Science and History. She has the heart to serve people and always believes in an inclusive society because of which she is here with us on board as an special educator. She is always ready to work with students and her positivity brings in smile on everyone’s face. She is training students from across the age groups and needs. She is our Math expert. 

Chithraa

Chithraa holds a diploma in Inclusive Education from Spastics Society of Karnataka and a diploma in Counseling skills from Banjara Academy. She has experience working with students across the age groups, especially in vocational & prevocational skill training. Chithra is a great dancer and is extremely empathetic. She is considered as second mother by many students. She is our culinary & housekeeping skills expert. 

Naveena

K Naveena Rao, holds a Masters (MSW) from St. Joseph's College. She has had quite a number of internships from various organisations in Bangalore and in USA. She loves to work with children and adolescents. She loves to dance, sing, art-craft, etc. Naveena has various feathers to her cap and has insatiable needs to acquire a new skill. She has been an expert in remedial classes especially in teaching academics to young students and for NIOS. She is our Music and events expert. 

Aparna Anna

Aparna a multi-talented and versatile special educator with diploma in Special Education, (LD) and Master’s degree is Biomedical Genetics, shows no stopping when it comes to being creative with lesson planning. Aparna has a talent to be accommodative and has an extreme sense of bonding with students. She works from Australia through online and is our Lesson plan expert.

Esther

Esther holds a Master’s Degree in Social work from St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore. She cares for each and every student and makes them feel like a champion. Her compassion extends to being excellent in planning co-curricular and hands-on activities. Esther is consistent with her work and intends to touch one soul at a time. She has been rendering amazing developments in students with severe needs. She is our Music expert. 

Shraddha

Shraddha Modi is from Gujarat. She has a bachelors in Psychology and a certification course in Autism and Behavioral Science from George Brown College, Toronto. She has 3 years experience working with individuals with autism. Shraddha has been working with students across age groups. Her peaceful nature makes students fall in love with her & bond at various levels. She is our theatre expert.

Vidushi

Vidushi hails from Darjeeling and has done her master's in Counselling Psychology. She has 4 years of experience in working with persons with disability. She is an India Inclusion Fellow. She has been Vlogging on Sign language and aims at making Sign language as a norm. She is good at building lasting relations. She has been our expert in socio-emotional-cognitive development.

Sreeji S

Sreeji holds a masters degree in Disability studies & Rehab sciences & a bachelors degree in Psychology from MG University. She has done paper presentations at international and national seminars on various topics. she has also done internships from various National organizations including NIMHANS & RCI. She has worked as a special educator in mainstream schools and is now Eka's Science expert. 

Non-teaching staff

Nivedita

Nivedita holds a degree in Computer Applications (BCA) from Christ University. She is our admin & is a steadfast at work. She is versatile and multi talented. She is a budding musician & photographer with her own YouTube channel. She is Eka’s Administration Head, Tech Advisor & social media expert.

Teresa Shankar

Teresa Shankar, is an English Literature graduate. After a long stint in the corporate world, she decided to pursue a career in teaching. She holds a Diploma in Modern Methods of Teaching from ‘The International School Bangalore’.  Her passion to teach children with special needs was realised when she worked and volunteered at EDventure Academy for two years. She was able to combine her passion for baking and teaching, when she got the opportunity with children with special needs. She is our volunteer & baking expert.