Arjun Saxena
Age: 21
“I am pursuing my Class 12 for the second time. I got a compartment in my English Class 12 Board exam in 2013. I didn’t want to give the exam again, but my mother and my brother kept saying that I shouldn’t drop out because of this. They encouraged me to take the exam, but I failed again. I wasted a year after that. I want to pursue Bachelors in Physical Education and a degree in Event Management after I complete Class 12. My older brother established a small event management business that I eventually plan to join. He’s doing a course in event management as well, but he’s not interested in studying. He asked me to study event management and help him out in the business. I work with him part-time as of now; it earns me enough pocket money. I also have a more than working understanding of events now; the experience compels me to think it would be practical to follow this path. But, what I really want to do is become a sports instructor in a school. As of now, my plan is to do events part-time simultaneous to being a sports teacher. This way I’ll have something of my own along with a respectable job. No, no, events is a respectable job as well, but woh dikhta nahi ha naa (it’s not as obvious). I joined Etasha Society to enhance my English skills, but I’ve learnt a lot more than that. If I was asked to talk to you one-on-one about 6 months back, I wouldn’t have been able to do it. I’m a lot more confident now. It’s important, these skills that companies seek in their employees these days. I can be educated, but what is the point of the education if I can’t sell myself. You want my photo? Can you click my passport photo, please? I haven’t even shaved today, plus I have this bindi (a pimple in the middle of my forehead) on my face. Also, could you please take the photo above my waist?”
– As told to Tania Goklany. She met Arjun at Etasha Society’s center in Delhi’s JJ Colony. Etasha Society provides employability skills and placements to the youth from underprivileged backgrounds.
