In a quiet lane of Nagpur’s Khamla area lies a small school by the name of Nishatai Wankhede Uchcha Prathamik Shala (Nishatai Wankhede Higher Primary School). Here, we met an adorable brother-sister duo – Aarti and Mohit Patle – studying in Std VII and Std VI respectively. The school knows them as siblings who can never be separated. That’s how we got to speak with them together and also got to experience the love they have for each other.
Mohit considers Daya from CID, a popular TV show, as his inspiration. The character has motivated him to join Crime Investigation Department as his career option after he grows up. “I want to become a CID (Crime Investigation Department) officer because I love the TV show CID. I like it when ACP Pradyuman says ‘Daya, darwaza todo!’ (Daya, break the door!).”
When asked to elaborate on his ambitions, he says, “I want to nab criminals. I like the way CID officers hold their guns and catch criminals. To be eligible to take up such a job, I need to study well and build my strength. I exercise and run every day to be fit and qualify for the same. He counts English, Hindi and Mathematics as his favourite subjects and kabaddi as his most liked sport. “I like reading in English. I communicate with my friends in Hindi. I like challenges and with Mathematics, I get to solve the sums. Therefore, I like the subject.” he adds.
Mohit’s 13-year-old sister Aarti, studying in Std VII, looked at him fondly as he speaks with us. When we asked her about her ambition, she says that she sees herself as a civil engineer in future.
“I want to design buildings. I enjoy drawing. I would need this skill to make designs of building so I am happy about it,” she said. Her favourite subjects, she said, are Mathematics and English. “I like reading stories of inspirational people in English,” she continued. Her favourite teacher is her English teacher, Miss Dandekar, because, “She encourages children to study well,” she says.
The siblings’ family is the one that encourages their educational pursuits. Their father is an electrician and mother works as a house help. They have three other siblings – a 24-year-old sister pursuing a polytechnic course; another 20-year-old sister studying Bachelors in Science (BSc); and an 18-year-old brother who works for the upcoming Nagpur Metro project, whilst studying for the entrance exam for Indian Railways. All the elder siblings encourage and motivate Mohit and Aarti to study well so that they attract good employment opportunities in future. Their brother helps them understand lessons at home and ensures that they finish their schoolwork.
Akshaya Patra’s mid-day meals served at school are well-liked by Mohit and Aarti. Both confess to loving dal and rice. Aarti added, “I like the masale bhaat served on Saturdays too!”
We hope the duo continue finding much encouragement and support to pursue their dreams!
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