For some kids it was no less than acting in films but not all parents could gauge the purpose of this performance. “Our parents don’t understand the impact violence has on the lives of children. I have seen my father harass my mother and cannot stop him. I live in the constant fear that he will beat us up. Through this play, I hope to help make my father realise where he is wrong,” says one of the kids, who the group thinks is an introvert and less participative.

Another kid, Sahil, thinks he is the strongest of the lot. “I suddenly feel confident. I don’t fear anything now,” says the hyperactive Sahil.

The girls in the group, though a little reluctant otherwise, put up a highly impressive and confident performance. “We performed a small play that emphasised educating the girl child. I had a lot of fun,” said Sana.

A month-long programme was an impromptu exercise. Juhi, Shriya and Zohar have put up a blog, ‘Sangamnagarspeaks’, with the otherwise unheard voices of these slum kids.

“Our most touching moments have been when the kids unanimously break out in to a ‘namaste teacher’ chant. The kids never ran out of energy and always rejuvenated us,” says one of the blogs by Juhi, who has pledged to continue her association with Parivartan and support the kids.