Through a Mobile Lens: Young Voices Find Their Point of View at Museo Camera
Eleven young adults from Literacy India’s Mobile Journalism course recently experienced learning beyond the classroom—right where stories live and breathe.
As part of their journey, the students participated in an intensive Mobile Photography workshop at Museo Camera, Gurugram. Here, they learned the art of composition, the play of light, and the power of visual storytelling—using just their mobile phones. Under the careful guidance of an experienced mentor, the camera became more than a device; it became a voice.
Museo Camera’s thoughtfully designed sessions did something special. You could see it in the students’ eyes—more confidence, more curiosity, and the quiet courage to say, “I have a point of view.” For many of them, this was the first time they looked at the world not just as observers, but as storytellers.
This kind of hands-on, experiential learning during formative years stays for life. Photography is often seen as a privileged art, with exhibitions and recognition reserved for a few. For these underserved youth, the idea that their work could be appreciated, even exhibited, once felt unimaginable. Today, they stand proud of their creativity—and Literacy India stands proud with them.
Museo Camera, officially known as the Museo Camera Centre for the Photographic Arts, is a unique museum dedicated to the art and history of photography. Located in Gurugram, Haryana, the museum has its roots which grew out of the personal collection of celebrated Indian photographer and visual historian Aditya Arya, who has spent over four decades collecting rare and antique cameras. Today, Museo Camera houses an extraordinary collection dating back to the 19th century, when photography was first formally introduced.
For our students, learning in such a space was transformative. It showed them that history, art, and opportunity are not distant ideas—they are accessible, relatable, and achievable.
At Literacy India, we believe education must open doors, widen imagination, and build confidence. This workshop did exactly that. It is just one step—but a meaningful one—towards helping young people claim their space in the world, one frame at a time.
Archery: A New Step in Literacy India’s Holistic Education Journey
At Literacy India, education goes far beyond textbooks and classrooms. As part of our holistic education approach, we have introduced Archery—a sport that quietly builds focus, discipline, and inner strength in children.
Archery teaches far more than how to aim and shoot. It helps children develop concentration, patience, correct posture, self-control, and calmness under pressure. Deeply rooted in India’s traditional sporting heritage, it also carries values of respect, balance, and quiet confidence—qualities every child needs, on and off the field.
This initiative has been strengthened by the dedicated support of Shri Lobzang Shereb, General Secretary, Archery Association of Ladakh, and Khelo India Archery Talent Identification Zonal Committee Member (North Zone). His belief in young talent and his hands-on coaching have played a key role in shaping this programme.
The journey began at our Ladakh Centre, where more than fifty children from Leh district were introduced to archery and encouraged to participate in competitions. That same spirit has now reached Village Bajghera, Gurugram, proving that talent knows no geography.
After just three months of training, our children participated in the 12th District-Level Archery Competition held on 18 January 2026, making us immensely proud:
Under-13 Category Achievements
- 🥇 2 Gold
- 🥈 7 Silver
- 🥉 3 Bronze
Adding to this achievement, our medal-winning girls will soon step forward to compete at the State-Level competition next month.
By introducing archery into our holistic education model, Literacy India is helping children build more than skills—we are nurturing confidence, resilience, and belief. From tribal regions to urban villages, when the right guidance meets a child’s determination, the arrow finds its mark—and so does the child’s future.
Bachchon Ki Chaupal: When Children Lead, Ideas Follow
Bachchon Ki Chaupal is Literacy India’s year-long initiative—conversations led by children, for children. It is a safe, open space where young minds speak freely, question boldly, and think responsibly about the world they are inheriting.
To mark Republic Day, we hosted a special edition of Bachchon Ki Chaupal at our Bajghera campus on 22nd and 24th January 2026. Children joined us in person from multiple centres and online from remote locations. The energy was unmistakable—curious, fearless, and full of ideas.
A central highlight of the Chaupal was the discussion around the feature film “Jaiye Aap Kahaan Jayenge” by Nikhil Raj, available on WAVES. The film was screened for over 1,000 children across Literacy India centres. Its story—of a rickshaw-puller who designs a mobile toilet after witnessing the daily struggle caused by the lack of public sanitation—sparked deep and thoughtful conversations. Children spoke candidly about dignity, innovation, gender sensitivity, and how real problems often find solutions from the ground up.
The Chaupal itself was lively and participative:
The Chaupal itself was lively and participative:
- Charcha Talk Show, with children asking the questions
- Rapid Fire rounds on innovation and problem-solving
- Open discussions on technology, environment, women’s empowerment, and responsible citizenship
- A Citizen Pledge, thoughtfully drafted and presented by the students themselves
We were happy to have adults present—but strictly as listeners and co-learners. Employees from Teleperformance, KPMG, Deloitte, and McKinsey joined in, offering encouragement and perspective without taking the mic away from the children. The stage, quite rightly, belonged to young voices.
At the end of the sessions, champions from different groups were recognised—not for the “best speech,” but for clarity of thought, teamwork, and practical solutions. The day concluded with a meaningful Pledge for Change, reinforcing that citizenship begins with intent and action.
Bachchon Ki Chaupal reminded us once again of a simple truth:
When children are trusted with real issues, they don’t just complain—they build solutions.
You can watch our Mobile Journalism students presenting highlights of the entire event on the Literacy India Instagram handle: https://instagram.com/literacyindia96
From Training to Dignity: Skills That Are Beginning to Pay Off
At Literacy India Community College, Bajghera, we often remind ourselves that education is not only about learning—it is about livelihood, dignity, and hope.
Recently, our Electric & Solar trade students participated in a hands-on campus activity that brought classroom learning into real-life practice. Under proper safety demonstrations and expert supervision, students learned electrical fault detection, safe handling of tools, and exposure to real wiring systems. They identified issues such as loose wiring, short-circuit risks, faulty lights, switchboards, and fans—and worked responsibly to improve the safety of our own classrooms.
This experience did more than build technical ability. It built confidence, discipline, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility. Students were not just learning a trade; they were contributing meaningfully to their own learning environment.
A Small Step, A Big Milestone
Alongside this, we are happy to share a piece of encouraging news.
Two of our Community College youth have recently received job placements with a starting salary of ₹18,000 per month. For families struggling to meet daily needs, this is not just an income—it is relief, pride, and possibility.
For parents who have lived with uncertainty, this first salary means:
- Stability at home
- Dignity of honest work
- Belief that education can truly change a family’s path
This is just the beginning. Many more students are in training, building skills step by step, preparing for similar opportunities.
Non-Stop Voices, Non-Stop Confidence
From January right through 8th February, it was a joyful, non-stop run for our children as they went on air with Akashvani FM Gold’s “Radio Kids”—learning, speaking, laughing, and leading.
📻 18 January 2026 | Radio Kids – Gold Kids Programme A special Salute to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Children presented stories, puzzles, songs, music, jokes, and conversations on Study & Play, Interaction, Parakram Diwas, and inspiring leadership.
📻 08 February 2026 | Radio Kids – Gold Kids Programme A lively Hindi broadcast on Good Habits, Swami Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti, and a children’s radio play “Radio – Hamara Best Friend”, marking World Radio Day.
📡 On Air: Akashvani FM Gold 100.1 MHz & NewsOnAir App
Our children didn’t just speak—they connected.Tune in. Listen close. The future sounds confident.
