Validation & Results

BOE has shown me that art is a beautiful language of emotions. Through creativity, children open up, build trust, and express themselves freely. As a facilitator, I've seen art create meaningful connections, confidence, and hope.

I facilitate BoE sessions for street-connected children near the railway tracks in South Delhi. Over six months, I've watched them grow more expressive and better able to sit with things instead of chasing immediate gratification. This has helped them in their academics, activities, and how they connect with people.

When I started this fellowship, I thought BOE was just another activity. But over time, I realised that even giving children a blank sheet of paper reveals so much - some say they can't draw, some ask for help, while others quietly start creating. As we appreciated their artwork without judging it, they gradually opened up, shared their stories, and became more confident. BOE has helped me build trust with children and understand their emotions in a way that simple conversations often cannot.

Serving as a fellow with the Bharat RailVidya Fellowship under the RagDream Weavers Association has been a truly transformative journey. Through our BoE sessions, we connect with incredible street-connected children across the Aligarh railway station and Firdousnagar. It is deeply moving to witness the spark of joy and confidence that lights up in these kids. By utilizing structured art-based interventions, we provide them with a vibrant, safe space to channel their feelings and explore their creativity. Watching their engagement, emotional growth, and brightened spirits through these expressive activities is nothing short of inspiring, and it truly showcases the profound impact of compassion.

My experience with BoE sessions and the children I work with has been challenging, engaging and so much fun. Stepping onto the ground for the first time was not as easy as it looks. I still remember talking with a group of children about their names, hobbies and the games they like to play the most. I felt like I am also a part of the group that reminds me of my childhood days. The experience was so amazing though, and on the basis of this I could build a relationship with the children. It was not possible without BoE sessions as the sessions helped me make safe and inclusive spaces for the children where they could express their thoughts and feelings very clearly. Apart from this, gathering feedback from the children was very essential to knowing the progress. However, the journey doesn't end here. I am exploring a path where I can build the actual leadership skills within me and work with the community around me.

I have worked with Teresa Academy as a BoE Facilitator for nearly 2 years. The school principal Pramila Amatya, is a wonderful and kind hearted person who believed in healing via the arts. The love and warmth given by students and the principal always encouraged me to go to school and facilitate BoE sessions. Students of different grades would always welcome me with a bright smile and they would ask if it was their class' turn. They would say that this is the only class where they could be themselves, draw what they wish to, and trust the facilitator and share their feelings. I will always be grateful to Darash Ahava Foundation for giving me this opportunity to heal these children and bring a smile to their faces.

It's like breaking free from the monotonous study life. We get a chance to be creative, get our self out in the paper. We feel happy to do BoE classes.

I feel like giving my heart in the class. I don't feel forced to be in the class. I feel happy and good after the class ends.

Peaceful, happy, we get to do art, we never get that chance. It's like a free mind with no pressure to do good.