Democracy Bus Campaign, Deurali, Palpa (5th June, 2008)

Thanks to the volunteers of the Rural Resource Development Centre (RRDC), Rampur who worked until one at night putting them up.

On our way to Deurali.

The DBC today had visitors from MSN and it was nice to be accompanied by familiar people. In the afternoon we headed towards Deurali, an hour and a half away from Tansen. The road was muddy and slippery so it was a relief to finally reach Shree Bedh Higher Secondary School where the students of classes ten and nine were waiting for the bus. In an over crowed room of students, the informal civic education class took place followed by a documentary show on equal rights to education.

An interesting discussion took place after the documentary where a student of class ten shared the problem of her younger brother, who, according to her, was discriminated (teased and not socialized), by the school mates for being handicapped. During the process of discussing the issue, the vice principal tried to clarify to the campaigners that the boy was not discriminated by the teachers. He also added that any student including the boy would be scolded if he or she is not disciplined and that this is not discrimination. In case that was the truth, I agree to what he said as sometimes it is very difficult to draw the line between what might seem like a normal interaction for us which we have with everybody, give the impression of discrimination to the others.

The campaigner giving informal civic class.

Meanwhile, informal civic class and a forum theater was taking place in the Deurali community. The rainfall did not stop the program from taking place but some of the punching lines of the play could not be enjoyed by all as it was not audible. After the distribution of the calendars and handbooks, many wanted to interact more with the campaigners about the DBC. There was a request from a person to show the activities in the adjoining VDCs as well, as it was informative to all.

Our journey back to Tansen continued with folk songs all the way. The bonding that has developed between the campaigners, the volunteers and the theater group has become very strong and helpful as they understand each other well. It would be difficult to leave Palpa when the time comes.