Middle School Lock-in
This year the middle school lock-in with Swamiji was held on India’s Republic Day, Friday January 26th, 2007. The event went was very successful with about 30 enthusiastic middle schoolers in attendance. Instead of the usual pizza dinner the kids and volunteers had a sumptuous meal of hot catered pav bhaji before assembling in the temple for the arati. After arati we re-convened in the main hall with Swamiji.
The main activity of the evening was a screening of the Hindi movie Iqbal. This was quite a treat for young and old, most of who had not seen the movie before. The movie is about a young deaf youth from rural India who has a passion for cricket. He is supported in spirit by his cricket fanatic mom and a loving sister who understands Iqbal’s dream to become a great cricket player one day and represent this country.
The movie is all about how determination and perseverance can overcome all obstacles. Iqbal’s father does not support him and he has no resources to get any formal training. Despite all the odds against him, with help from his sister and training from an alcoholic ex-cricket player whom he manages to reform, Iqbal realizes his dream of being selected for the national team. He even uses the buffalos he takes for grazing every day as targets for practice! It was amazing to watch how both the guru and shishya work despite all the inconveniences, communication barriers, and lack of resources
During the movie we faced some technical difficulties right at the crucial moment when Iqbal was close to realizing his dream. The kids were on the edge of their seats and could not wait for the movie to resume!!
After the movie, Swamiji debriefed the children highlighting the positive aspects of the movie. Iqbal’s enthusiasm, his perseverance, his attitude, determination and passion to realize his dream were the big takeaways.
Any of you guys who have not yet seen the movie should see it!!
