Sheeba Singh

There is one moment, we all have in our lives that we long for; one that we eagerly anticipate and struggle for. As we cross the hurdles and make way to, only what we know matters, a surreal euphoria surrounds us. A life like sensation trickles our skin, and a smile draws itself on our face, we pinch ourselves, if only for a moment, and go “ITS REAL!”

Well, it gives me great pride and pleasure to be able to have bore witness to that in the past few months. Some of you may be familiar with the words “heart to heart” or others, “dil say,” and the rest may still be a bit clueless. Why I bring this up now?! Because, that is what all of this is about.

Dil Say , an organization that I have been working on, heart and mind, over the past few years has found its way and recognition as an official charitable organization as per the Society Registration Act, 1860. This means, its aim to ‘educate and empower’ is no longer just a vision, it is, ladies and gentlemen, a transformed reality.

So, What is Dil Say?

What began as an endeavor to work just with the youth in the rural sectors of the community, begun to explore and understand the needs of the urban youth that were not being brought to the fore as well. Dil Say decided- its time someone asked the young people, “What problems do YOU think your generation faces? How do YOU think the larger community can contribute in helping your peers in dealing with these concerns? And so, from there, Dil Say saw a larger goal and a heightened aim. Not only does it intend to work with the rural sectors of the community, but it will work to help and resolve- by working with the youth themselves and the social institutions involved- some of the most ignored concerns of the literate classes.

And, How does Dil Say plan on doing this?

The answer is simple, and the work is hard, but it has been a long journey and this is just a part of the next dream that has come to inevitably follow. Over the last 3 years, I have been researching concerns of the younger generation, and studying the human rights, economics and politics of India so as to be able to understand what needs to be explored and what questions have been unanswered. With thoughtful consideration to all the factors, a survey has been drafted.

This survey will be taken by me, Sheeba Singh, into a couple dozen schools in Chandigarh and the surrounding areas; Mohali and Panchkula and conducted with, both young boys and girls between 13 to 18 years of age.

All the responses of the surveys will be kept confidential, gathered by me and taken back to Canada (where I am settled). All the data will be collated into a ‘manual’ (as it is being referred to for now), which will not only consist of the results of the surveys. This will also include additional research that being done in order to understand the needs of the surveyed (and representing) population better. The manual will be launched, formally, in 2010 on behalf of Dil Say, and made available to the public. From there on in, outreach programs, as outlined in the manual will begin to take effect. Group based and individual based programs will be initiated to further progress..

So the next question is: How can you help?

For now, financial support is not needed, but your moral support is very important. Your support will play a pivotal role in making the organization what it is. As I am in India right now for the purpose of this organization, I have been trying to get in contact with public and private schools in the tricity area to receive permission to conduct the survey. However, the process being as new as it is- the survey and the organization- have still been facing hesitation on behalf of the city.

Dil Say has received official word from the authorities required to go into the Government Schools in the region, but, unfortunately, the private schools are still a hurdle. If you happen to know anyone who can help the organization gain access to the students (with appropriate consent), do get in touch with me; Sheeba Singh. Every bit helps, so your help will be VERY appreciated.

Visit Dil Say’s official website here.