On the morn of 12 February as I drove away from the misty cold of Delhi, into the warm sunshine of Jaipur, it with a sense of great anticipation! I was coming to participate in a new learning process, a continuation of the groundwork that had been created with the students of Jaipur, during our Citizenship workshops in January. A process of social equity, where all participants are equal and learning happens mutually.

Carrying forward the relationship developed during the Foundation’s workshops, conducted at the Jaipur Literature Festival, students from Step by Step High School, Jaipur, came to village Kho Nagoriyan to meet their friends from Digantar School.

The children from Step by Step presented a play depicting the evils of dowry before an audience of village elders, women and children. What followed was a two-way dialogue between the students and the assembled audience. Wide-ranging issues were covered in the discussion, which followed - from education to sports, from culture to environment, from Bharat to India!

The students fanned out amongst the audience breaking them into smaller groups. The maidan soon looked like it was covered with groups of mini panchayats, addressing issues of the community. Precisely our intent, to stimulate the young to take ownership of the community!

The entire group, participants and audience, together took a pledge never to take or give dowry in their lives. This moment truly, was the highlight of the morning for me!

The group then decided to visit the school of their friends. As the Step by Step children walked around Digantar school, they observed how difficult it would be to go to school in a rural setting, where you have to walk a lot through cold winters or searing heat, after completing house hold chores, whilst the urban children enjoyed the luxury of modern education with all its comforts.

The Digantar children proudly explained that the school was built them, as it was purely a community effort.

The students had integrated very well by then, enjoying the company of their new friends. Some visited their classes, which very colorful, full of paintings and creative writings, while some enjoyed playing with little children or just roamed around the campus.

The school bus was waiting and the Step by Step children had to return home.

They left reluctantly after taking a commitment from the Digantar children that they would now to perform a play in their School.

Taking this relationship to newer heights, celebrating the spirit of "Yuva Ekta" in its truest sense!

I drove back to Delhi humbled by the simplicity and ease with which children communicate with each other, reaffirming my belief in them as true agents of change!

Akif Ahmad