A bright stage in a Vimannagar auditorium became the powerful platform for a 15-year-old girl from a Pune slum to share her world through poetry last month. Vaishnavi Gaikwad, a resident of the Burma Shell Basti in Lohegaon, transformed her lived experiences into resonant verse at the TEDx-Kharadi event, captivating the audience with themes far removed from stereotypes about her community.
From Basti Lanes to the TEDx Stage
Stepping under the bright lights of the Symbiosis Ishanya Auditorium was a stark contrast to the dim lanes of her neighbourhood for Vaishnavi. Yet, her words, drawn from weekly creative sessions in her own community, carried immense authenticity. She recited two original poems titled "Biryani" and "Soch". These works were crafted alongside friends during songwriting workshops organized by the Paalvia Foundation in collaboration with the Bhagyashali Bhavishya Shiksha Foundation.
"My poem ‘Biryani' is about something that makes everyone happy; everyone loves the dish," explained the Std X student. "‘Soch' talks about the stress students feel today, especially while preparing for board exams." Her choice of subjects deliberately focused on universal joys and contemporary adolescent anxieties, rather than narratives of hardship.
The Creative Engine: Community Workshops
The genesis of these poems lies in a dedicated Sunday initiative led by Subhrojyoti Roy Chaudhuri, a scientist at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) with a passion for music. For over a year, he has been conducting songwriting classes for children in the slum. A core group of 10-15 children and teenagers, including Vaishnavi, gather weekly to learn the art of turning thoughts into poetry and song.
"We share ideas and learn how to choose meaningful words and write our own pieces," Vaishnavi shared. "Writing down my thoughts helps me let out whatever is inside. We write about things that bother us, make us happy or make us think. Writing helps me reduce my stress." Her interest in poetry was sparked in Std V through YouTube videos and online searches, evolving into a love for rhyme schemes and lyrical expression.
Family Support and Future Dreams
Vaishnavi lives in a modest home with her parents and younger brother. Her father works in housekeeping and her mother is a cook. While her father could not attend due to work, her mother, Vaishali, was present in the audience, her eyes glistening with pride. "My daughter has always loved dancing. She used to perform on stage at school functions, but I never knew how talented she was in poetry," Vaishali said. "When I saw her on that stage, my heart was full."
She emphasized the rarity of such opportunities for children from their community and urged all parents to support their children's creative pursuits. Vaishnavi's mother has always encouraged her to follow what makes her happy. While poetry remains a cherished hobby and a vital outlet for relaxation and self-expression, Vaishnavi aspires to study science and become an engineer.
A Spotlight on Unseen Talent
The resounding applause that followed Vaishnavi's performance was more than just appreciation for her verses; it was an acknowledgment of latent talent thriving without privilege. Her journey from the basti to TEDx underscores a vital message: artistic expression and big dreams are not confined by postal code or economic background.
Initiatives like the one by Paalvia and Bhagyashali Bhavishya Shiksha Foundations are crucial in providing the tools and confidence for such talent to find its voice and audience. Vaishnavi Gaikwad's confident recital did not just share poems about biryani and student stress; it powerfully demonstrated that talent, when nurtured, can bloom anywhere and demand to be heard.
