Salman Sheikh is a young boy in class 7, having a problem of a
small foot. This made him extremely self-conscious and non-participatory in
play activities, despite being quite interested and intelligent in his studies.
He also faced a lot of peer pressure wherein, he used to be bullied for his
small foot problem.
Representative image. Picture courtesy: Heena Patel
He along with his four siblings, and parents are economically
sustained, through a moving and makeshift, multi-purpose store. His father has
completed his Class tenth and his mother is a seventh-grade drop out.
In 2014, during a Magic Bus mobilization event, Salman enrolled in the
Magic Bus programme. Initially he was very hesitant regarding Magic Bus as to
how it would be. But after a couple of sessions he saw that senior children and
those his own age who never allowed him to play due to his small foot, were now
also including him play.
This encouraged Salman to start running and practicing despite his
foot problem. He now plays kabaddi too and handles pressure in play quite well.
After Magic Bus sessions, he started participating in expressing himself
positively and frankly. Salman has come a long way since then, he has even participated
in multi role drama performed by a single person. Besides drama, Salman enjoys
playing football.
Salman is very positive about Magic Bus sessions, and has managed
to overcome his lack of confidence about his small foot. His parents’ to remark, “Earlier he was hesitant
to play with other children, but now he has not only started getting involved
but also plays quite well with other kids”.
A very smart and hardworking child, he aspires to become a doctor,
as he loves the idea of how helpful doctors are, and the hard work they put
behind in saving someone’s life.
Magic Bus wishes Salman a world where he can confidently walk with
his head high, without any apprehensions.
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