17-year-old gives online classes to poor students; plans to build an application to provide online education

More than 8 months into the pandemic, and we know the novel coronavirus has wrecked a lot more than the health of millions of people across the globe. The ravaging illness has not only stolen lives, livelihood and a state of normalcy--it is attacking the future as well. As students and teachers embrace the online means of education, those belonging to the weaker sections of the society are somehow still on the starting line of the race. With limited or no access to a stable internet connection and a digital device to participate in the classes, the pandemic has left many students behind, damaging their future prospects. To ensure that students belonging to the marginalised sects of the society had access to online education, 17-year-old Jaiditya Dev decided to do his bit. He started teaching Maths and Physics to students through an NGO based in Delhi. Furthermore, he also took an online course to create an application to draw more volunteers for teaching. He penned down his pensive musings below.

Albert Einstein said, “in the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity”. The recent COVID Pandemic has been a learning phase for humanity at large. Not to ignore the threat and challenges mankind has been forced to face post this COVID scare, I somehow feel that the current pandemic brought out a new individual in me.The lockdown across countries, states, and cities forced most of us to stay indoors and pursue our online classes, activities, and hobbies from within the walls of our respective homes. I took up the opportunity to get connected with an NGO based in Delhi and involved in providing education and necessities to the underprivileged children.On interaction with the children through virtual mode, I realized how lucky I have been in my life. I was blessed with a roof on my head, food in my stomach, and a pen in my hand. Not to forget the unconditional and perpetual support of my parents in my all past and upcoming endeavors. I got involved in imparting online classes for Mathematics and Physics. Every formal and informal interaction with these children through conferencing opened a new aspect of life and struggles being faced by them. In fact, it took me almost eighteen years to realize that buying a notebook or a pen could also be a challenge, a fact considered non-existent for me at least! I realized that you do not need to be rich to help someone but you surely should have a heart that beats. Nevertheless, Anne Frank believes “No one has ever become poor by giving.”With every interaction, I realized that you do not need to be rich to help someone. My interaction has initiated my inner thoughts to create a platform for the kids wherein there is a connection between the coordinator of such NGOs and volunteers like us who would like to impart free services, of any kind. I never knew how I would develop this platform but I intended to do so. Richard Branson has optimistically stated, “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later.” In fact, I took up an online course post my thoughts, to be able to create an application and do the least that I could with my limited knowledge. I have chartered my way for the same and wish for a wishful end.It’s the lockdown in recent times that, I would say has unlocked my thought process about many facts, so far unseen and not appreciated by me. I have learnt that it’s imperative that we give back to the society. It need not be financial aid but could be imparting knowledge, sharing information, providing social comfort, etc.Churchill said a pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. It’s said that opportunity knocks at the door. The current pandemic, in all literal sense, closed the doors following lockdown. It was up to us to either wait for the opportunity to knock at the door or open the door and look for opportunities. I am glad that I chose to open the door which further opened my eyes to the realities of the world. A little assistance to the ones who need it is better than donations made somewhere for someone not known.