A yardstick to measure success depends on the goal, vision, and outcome of each event. For us at Margika, MERAKI- our virtual talent show for children with special needs was a tremendous success. And, we perceive happiness to be our yardstick.
For decades, the West has developed inexpensive interventions for the multipronged development of special kids. However, India is just beginning to acknowledge this need. Margika was founded in June 2017 to tackle the stigma and to provide a network for training and capacity building of the special kids and their caregivers. It aspires to empower special kids to not just survive in this world but thrive truly.
To achieve this vision, we bring best practices from around the world to India and adapt them depending on the condition in a socially and culturally appropriate manner. We have successfully reached out to the urban-rural, rich-poor, educated, uneducated, or less educated in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana in 3 years.
This time of the year is one for festivities in India. With the pandemic and the overall morale being low amongst everyone, we decided to spread some cheer in the lives of these children with a talent show-Meraki.
The event received an incredible response from children across the country-from Jammu Kashmir to Kerala. With over 300 participants, entries were closed on the 30th of September. The enormous response deserved a virtual event like no other to celebrate the works of our young heroes.
The inaugural of Meraki was on World Mental Health day. With well over 200 participants in check, the virtual event included our honorable chief guests S.K.Joshi (IAS), Former Chief Secretary of Telangana, Dr. Rajiv Tandon, Chair & Professor, Department of Psychiatry Western Michigan University, MI, USA, Ms. Sri Devasena(IAS), Commissioner and Director of Education, Telangana.
The inaugural kicked off with serene live performances from the participants themselves. A Telugu song was sung by Kirti, along with a lovely rendition by Malvika and her father. However, it is not the number in attendance that made the event successful.
The sheer joy and pride on every child’s face during the inaugural of Meraki is what we perceive as success. Their smiles, energy, and enthusiasm to showcase their work taught us all to believe in ourselves.
We wanted to honor and recognize every contribution made. Despite the technical glitches and time constraints, we made it happen. A coffee table book included the compilation of each entry submitted. Here is a glimpse of some of the artwork submitted. Every day a new artwork is posted on our Facebook page.
The simple aim of Meraki- to put something of yourself in your work, was achieved above and beyond. It was a humbling yet thought-provoking experience. The event has inspired each one of us to go out there and hone our skills. More importantly, Meraki made us realize that there is always room to be the best version of yourself, in the right space.
Margika is happy to state that MERAKI will be a recurring yearly event. Nothing can stop you unless you let it. Pick up that mic, mix those paint colors, take that sheet of paper, and start today. Believe in yourself because we at Margika are here to welcome you.
