Manisha Dua (RP2) in Conversation With Poonam Bhan
Poonam Bhan, a resident of RP2 is closely associated and a board member of an NGO called Warriors for Empowerment (WFE). She along with Asha Kaul, a visual arts educator conducted a drawing & painting competition for children under the aegis of the RWA. The theme for the competition was Climate Change. Poonam Ji believes, “Children in formative years have impressionable experiences, so I thought art is the best way to make them reflect on the current problems. These children will form the posterity and who knows to what lengths they can go to make a better society and the world environment. This project is very dear to me as the cause is of utmost nobility!
Poonam ji has been associated with WFE for a long time. During our conversation she told us about the how organization came about. WFE was conceived by Ms. Sarla Tiku, founder member of WFE. Sugam, Sarla ji’s daughter would share food with the children roaming aimlessly on streets. She was sensitive to the condition of these scantily clothed children with no schools to study in. Sometimes she would even shell out her pocket money to bring a smile on their innocent faces. Having been raised in United States she was not used to seeing children in such conditions. The family later decided to start an NGO and fund raise to provide for and support underprivileged children for their education. They also support bright and gifted children from financially lower income group pan India
The children of RP2 participated with enthusiasm and made beautiful drawings and paintings depicting their idea of the impact of Climate Change and some of them shared their thoughts and concerns about the impact of pollution.
Truly the young generation are quite aware of their surroundings and we hope they will have a positive impact on the environment with their actions.
