Ishita Parikh is the founder of the Maya Foundation for migratory children. In 2008, she started this humble initiative to set up small schools on the construction sites in rural places of India. She said, “The parents of these children are constantly working or moving according to their work sites. Due to this, the child’s education gets hampered and thus, we provide the basic exposure for education, health and nutrition for them.”
On a flaming June afternoon in Ahmedabad, India, the crowd had gathered around the lake to cool off. On that serene afternoon, suddenly there was a clamor of around 50 children. The crowd by the lake looked up to see what was going on; these children were marching around the lake with banners and costumes, loudly chanting “Save Water, Protect Earth” in unison. For any normal march, the chants or the cause would catch people’s attention. However, in this case, it was the bright, intriguing costumes the children were wearing that caught the viewer’s eye. These costumes were made from used newspapers and were a prime characteristic of the ‘Transform Parade.’
The parade was organized by Ishita Parikh and the Transform Team in 15 schools in Gujarat, India with 26 international artists working with 800 participants to raise awareness about water pollution and the impacts of our actions on the environment.
On that June afternoon, by Kankaria Lake, amongst the enthusiastic children, you could see a leader dressed up in the newspaper costume with a bright smile on her face, leading the children through the lake to make people aware of the effects of water pollution on our environment. The distinctive conglomeration of the harmonious chants by the students, mentors and the leaders of “Save Water, Protect Earth” in English and Hindi caught several people’s attention and resulted in a victorious parade.
With the knowledge she acquired throughout her lifetime, Ms. Parikh contributes to society and donates for the general well-being in each and every way she can. Along with running Maya Foundation, she also contributes to the artistic community by having her own gallery that showcases young and upcoming artists.
She is a role model to me and inspires me to use my abilities to the very best!