Imagine sitting down over a cup of chai, engaging in a heart-to-heart chat about something that truly matters. That’s exactly what happened when Priyali Sur, the force behind The Azadi Project, had a candid conversation with the ever-inspiring Dr. Varsha Pillai. Their conversation on Instagram Live dove headfirst into a pressing issue – the education struggles faced by refugees, especially young girls, and the need to debunk myths and biases about various communities of refugees.
Refugees, those who flee their homes due to conflict and turmoil, often find themselves in a limbo of uncertainty. Education, something many of us take for granted, becomes a distant dream for them. This reality hits young girls the hardest, with child marriages and trafficking lurking as grim possibilities. The chat between Priyali and Dr. Pillai shone a light on these hurdles, bringing into focus the need for change.
But that’s not all, they tackled the issue of misinformation as well. Think about it – how often do we hear negative stories about migrants? It’s like we’re wired to think of them as a burden, forgetting that they are humans seeking safety, stability, and an equal chance at life. Priyali shared her journey of unlearning these biases. Growing up, she too was fed misconceptions, until she took the plunge into her career as a journalist and met refugees face-to-face. Suddenly, those biases melted away, revealing stories of resilience, strength, and hope.
Central to their chat was a powerful call to action: making education accessible and inclusive for refugees and all genders. Education isn’t just about textbooks; it’s a path to empowerment. It’s about giving these individuals a chance to rebuild, contribute, and thrive. By ensuring education reaches them, we can break the cycle of vulnerability and open doors for young girls to dream.
The conversation also put a spotlight on visibility. These are people who’ve endured unimaginable journeys fleeing persecution. They’re not statistics; they’re survivors. It’s on all of us to treat them with kindness and respect. By sharing their stories, and using our platforms, we can bust the myths and stereotypes that keep them on the fringes of society.
So, what does this all boil down to? Dream a Dream India and The Azadi Project joining hands is like a ripple of change. Priyali Sur and Dr. V Pillai’s chat wasn’t just two people talking; it was a rallying cry for education and understanding. It was a reminder that refugees are full of potential, courage, and dreams, and talented individuals who can be an asset to the community.
The stories of refugees deserve to be heard. Let’s amplify their voices, and let’s embrace them with the compassion they’ve been denied for far too long.
About the Author: I’m Chaity Puja Sarkar, a passionate advocate for women’s rights and the arts. My academic journey led me from Jadavpur University, where I pursued a bachelor’s in History, to Azim Premji University, where I obtained a master’s in Development. Currently, I channel my dedication into my role as Social Media Manager at The Azadi Project, striving to create positive change through working alongside young leaders and women from marginalised communities.