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"Give us our due"

Dhwani Rao wants programmes for students to be organised well

Dhwani

I don't like being used as a marketing prop. But, most often, students are. Organisations conduct programmes, camps and competitions for us and put up banners. It is good publicity to be seen promoting budding talent. Many of these events are, however, mismanaged and take the students, the participants, for granted.

A prize-giving function I attended was giving away prizes to students of around 40 schools. But winners from around 10 schools were not given their prizes. Some students who had received prizes were asked to return them.

I had bunked my tuition classes and had a test the next day, but I made it there in the hope of being rewarded for my efforts. I even asked my father to make time for the event. But, in the end, some of my friends and I were kept waiting for our prizes in a room that did not have even working fans. They later said they would send the prizes to our schools. I did not feel like I had won anything.

In another competition, my friend had won the second prize but since the organisers had run out of trophies, they sent her home with packets of health drinks. She was irritated.

Sometimes you are given certificates, but your name is mis-spelt. Mine has been spelt as "Dhawani" and even "Dhewenih! One organisation told us that it would conduct programmes to enhance our leadership and social skills. We signed on hoping to benefit from interactive sessions and programmes, but there were only speeches and photo sessions.

I welcome programmes organised for students. They are definitely encouraging. But organise them well. Respect us, the participants, and start with getting our names right. Take the help of our teachers, schools and parent teacher associations if you want. Get the order of winners right. I am not asking for bigger prizes, but give us our due.

SOUND OFF! is a weekly space for you to rant, applaud or talk about anything on your mind. Write to metro@thehindu.co.in telling us a little about yourself (with address and phone number), and you may get a chance to sound off!

AS TOLD TOASHA S. MENON

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