The 13th convocation of Prerna Girls School on the 10th October, 2015 was a momentous and emotional occasion. It was a good bye and yet not a goodbye for the girls because their Alma mater is not just a school .It is more than a home to them. They leave the school, secure in the knowledge that their dear Urvashi Aunty, their teachers and their friends will be with them as they step out of the loving cocoon of Prerna towards a bright future. For the Principal and staff of Prerna Girls School, it was yet another victory, a proof of their determination to not only educate and empower these girls but also to turn them into change makers, so that they can carry the Prerna legacy forward.

Prerna, meaning ‘inspiration’, lived up to its name yet again. This was apparent when thirteen girls who passed their class 12th NIOS examination from the school were felicitated by Dr Urvashi Sahni who awarded them a scholarship of Rs 5000 each to give them ‘Prerna’ for pursuing their graduation in colleges and universities of their choice. In addition, five girls were awarded Rs 20,000 each to pursue their Masters Degree programs by Dr. Sahni.

The fact that 100% girls have transited to higher education is in itself proof enough that Prerna has succeeded in its mission – however, there are miles to go yet and the commitment of the staff shows no signs of waning. They have years of work already planned out.

The convocation ceremony was in itself a heartwarming experience, both for the girls of the school as well as the dignitaries who graced the occasion.

The girls, dressed in the traditional regalia were visibly excited on the occasion, and displayed a sense of pride and achievement.

The dignitaries present at the convocation came to bless and encourage these girls. These esteemed guests included – Prof. Bharat Bhaskar (Director IIM Lucknow), and Mrs.Nandita  Bhaskar, Mrs.Shanti Sahni,Mr.Sunil Sahni, Mr.Ashwini Malhotra (Weikfield), Mrs. Preeti Malhotra, Mrs.Sunita Aron (Hindustan Times), Mrs.Kunjshri Jauhri, and Prof.Rakesh Chandra.

None of this would have been possible without the teamwork and the selfless support of our sponsors, Dr. Sahni’s tireless efforts and philanthropy and the seamless dedication of the staff of Prerna – not to mention the hard work put in by the girls.

Prerna Girls School and Vidyasthali School participated in the Indra Global Congress 2015.Ms. Nishu Singh, Ms. Ruby Verma , Ms. Navratri, Ms. Kritika Maurya and Ms. Shreya Singh were part of the team that represented India at the Congress.The event was an opportunity for our girls to come together and share their experiences with the fellow students and school staff.

A conversation with the girls –

What did you learn from the week that you didn’t already know?

We used to think that western countries have no problems since they are developed countries but they also have problems. When we saw their performances, then we realized that they also struggling with similar problems like crime, etc. We also didn’t know that foreigners don’t follow a caste system.Which was different because in India we have learned to first see caste of a person, and then be friends with them. Also, nobody seemed to care if a person is smart or intelligent. Everyone was treated equally irrespective of all that.We also came to know that people actually follow traffic rules. And keep their streets clean. We got to see new technologies like lights with sensors, etc and learned new things like playing guitar, making puppets etc.

With whom did you particularly connect?

We connected very well with the students from Plymouth and Derry. They were staying near to us and we also had a party with them. We also connected with Damola, Jake, Martha, Maggi and David Sir.

Which of the art forms you encountered made the most impact on you?

The dance was interesting because all the steps were just taken from what we feel while we are at different places and are feeling different things. And were made into one dance.
We loved the play from Plymouth students. We also loved visual arts because the way it was presented was very different and beautiful.

Has the experience made you feel differently about (i) yourself, (ii) the world?

(i) Yes. We felt very different about us. We felt free.Because there was no restrictions on girls to look and behave in any particular way. Nobody cared about appearances and talked to each other nicely without judging on the basis of clothes etc. So all the time that goes in thinking what all is wrong in us, that didn’t happen there. Here we keep thinking this only. So that’s why we felt so free. Which made us feel equal. And now that feeling of being equal is still with us.
Girls there were much more free and were not conscious of themselves. This made us feel and be freer. Girls and boys were more comfortable around each other and nobody made a big deal out of that.

(ii) As Indians we had a lot of limitations. Because we discriminate among people on basis of caste and gender. But in Plymouth, it was different. We realized that the world can be more equal. If we drop caste and everything, then living peacefully is possible. We now don’t believe in caste and everything and will try to not continue it. Also we learned that we do not need to restrict girls and boys to be friends with each other and allow them to be free.

What would you change if you were organising the event?

We would not remove anything but would like to add a translator. We couldn’t understand a lot of things that were in different languages. A translator would be helpful. Also, we would like to have music workshop in which all students can participate.

Was there a special moment that will stay with you? If so, what was it?

The first and the last day of the workshop, when we presented our work. Also, the panel discussion because it was the first time that some of us were on a panel.

Prerna Girls perform at a consultation on early marriage organized by Sadbhavna trust, in collaboration with Nirantar,Delhi.Several nonprofits from the across the state participated in the consultation and Study Hall Educational foundation was also invited to participate.Students from Prerna Girls presented a drama on early marriage and its affect on a young girl’s life.Prerna Girls performance received a standing ovation and was followed by an engaging discussion.

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