An original speech, written by our student Gurbani Sabhlok.

Gurbani is 14 years old, a young orator from Hyderabad. We are proud to have her as a student of the Teen Talk Program, an Online Public Speaking through Applied Storytelling & Theatre Program  for Teenagers under the mentorship of Trainer Khusshbo Chokhaani. We congratulate Gurbani for this exemplary true self-expression.

Human Judgments !!!

Every time, you walk out that door, you straighten down your clothes, so the cellulite doesn’t show. Why don’t we let the cellulite show? Because that marks the beginning of the journey of the judgment of self sometimes because of others as well, in fact, most of the time we judge ourselves negatively because of the unhealthy narratives around us. What is judgment? It’s nothing but a cycle of changing yourself for society. We can witness a day without the sun, but never a day without judgment. Judgment is of two types: positive and negative. Both have their own roles, but the negative overpowers the positive so much, it’s frightening. Some statements have such a deep impact that they last a lifetime. Teenagers are negatively affected by judgments the most.

It’s become human nature to criticize everything we see. All we do is, look for flaws. In a population of 8 billion, everyone wants to be on top by pulling others down in any form from academics to jobs, from health to wealth. Teenagers are judged everywhere and at every time. I remember my teacher once told me that her classmates in college often pulled her down because she wasn’t carrying a fancy smartphone, but rather a simple mobile phone for calling purposes only. She heard statements like “ I know you can’t afford expensive smartphones the way we can” This statement shattered my teacher’s self-confidence on her  ability to spend money. Till now she doesn’t buy expensive smart phones. The statement made during her college years has somewhere created a feeling of lack in her even after so many years.

Teenagers are judged intensively on their academic life. From marks secured to choices of academic subjects in high school everywhere judgements are waiting for you. For example-Everytime someone asks me the subjects I have picked, all I get to hear is “ssss! Are you sure you can do that? That’s very tough.” Like heck yes I can do that. And this creates an impression in me that you think I won’t be able to do it and I might have to drop some subjects. Please give us a break from your beliefs and stop pasting it on us. Let us breathe.

We live in the 21^st century. We say we have advanced. But have we? Parents still force their kids to marriage. Otherwise, “society” will judge. If you’re single, they’ll make fun. If you’re dating, they’ll ask about marriage. And if you’re married, “when will we hear the good news?” All these judgments give in so much pressure that people just can’t take it. They unwillingly get married just so “society” can be happy. But judgment never knows when to stop.

Close your eyes and let’s imagine. You are on vacation, relaxing, eating, and sleeping. You may have gained a kg or two. Now let’s open our eyes. We’re back home. OHNO! Here comes judgment without even knocking. Should’ve locked the door because all I hear now is “Ooo, someone’s gained some weight.” To be honest, it’s saddening that such small changes receive such drastic statements. And these statements can cause someone their life.

What joy does it give to anyone when they make a judgmental statement or comment on anyone? I wonder if it helps to earn money, success, or fame. We all know the answer. I’m not asking you to stop judging because that is impossible. A worldly human mind is bound to judge at all times. All I’m asking is to make your judgment positive and progressive. For Example- the next time you see someone not carrying a smartphone… appreciate the simplicity. We can all have smartphones but it’s extremely difficult to live a simple life with a simple phone in this highly digitalized world. If you feel desperate to tell an unmarried boy to get married, try to appreciate him for being extremely successful in life. Oh! And try to not underwhelm a child based on their academics. It’s painful. And to all those on vacation out there: go grab that bowl of Ice cream that’s calling out to you. You deserved it! But do create a space where anyone can walk into your home freely and enjoy their freedom without being judged.

Leave your valuable comments below.

An original speech, written by our student Siah Mittal.

Siah is 13 years old, a young orator from Gurugram. We are proud to have her as a student of the Little Kathakar Program, an Online Public Speaking through Applied Storytelling & Theatre Program under the mentorship of Trainer Khusshbo Chokhaani. We congratulate Siah for this exemplary true self-expression.

Why Can’t Teenagers Make Good Friends For Life?

Have you ever had a friend whom you trust but suddenly, one fine day they break it? Well, one of the reasons why teenagers can’t make good friends for life is because at this stage many teenagers want to be popular and as soon as they get the opportunity of being friends with popular kids or even a larger group of friends, they grab it. Teenagers suffer from “Attention-Grabbing Syndrome” which makes them unaware of the healthy and unhealthy friendships available around them. They choose to be with the glamorous ones. Teens don’t value the friends they already have until they lose them.

This happened with my best friend Meera. We have been friends since playgroup, as in 10 years. Recently she started to become good friends with this popular girl in the school named Dhea. They both became best friends. I was happy for Meera. But on her birthday Dhea didn’t wish her, and she felt angry and gloomy at the same time. She realized that Dhea never really cared about her much. Meera would mostly come up to Dhea and talk to her. If she didn’t, Dhea wasn’t bothered. I then explained to her that since you were so naïve, Dhea could easily gain your trust. She also realized that when she went to gain the attention of this popular friend she started losing me. You should never be so gullible that you give another person so much power that they can easily break your trust.

My dear fellow teenagers, I understand that the teenage period is hard and tumultuous, but at this juncture, robust friendship is going to be our strongest pillar of support. Friends are the only cement that will hold us together. We need to trust our friends and not flow with the glamorous part of the world. Friendship is just like a seed that needs constant watering, sun, and air in the form of love, trust, and presence only then it shall bloom. I believe that even if you want to make more friends, never leave the hands of the friends you already have.

Leave your valuable comments for encouraging our student to innovate, explore and express more.