Our Day at Target
As students of the 8th assembled at the Dream School Foundation,
R.T.Nagar Centre, the atmosphere was ripe with excitement. Gathered at least 15
minutes ahead of the time mentioned and dressed in their brightest and
best,this out-of-textbook learning experience was one lesson that would stay
etched forever.As we drove past the
entry gate at Manyata Tech Park, peering out of our tempo traveler, our eyes
scanned the multitude of glass buildings in amazement that adorned this
business park. On reaching Target’s main office and entering the plush
building, the students gathered in a massive meeting room that looked straight
out of a movie-set.
The interaction began
with Mr.Paresh, Delivery Manager at Target Corporation India, addressing the
gathering and extending a warm welcome to his shy guests--but such inhibitions
of shyness and coy were very short lived. A quick round of introductions by the
students and volunteers,all dressed in their customary red and khaki was more
than sufficient to get everybody to behave like they’d known each other for
years. A brief video about Target’s work and vision showed us, with sufficient
reason, why they are leaders in their work and social responsibility. From introductions to
more important business- a sumptuous meal awaited us at office cafeteria that
was lapped up by students and staff alike. The buffet service saw us help
ourselves to generous mounds of delicious rotis, rice, curry and a whole lot of
other items.
Energized and ready to
go, the recreation room was our next destination. Target employees who were
peacefully engaged in a game of table tennis or carom were politely asked to
step aside, as students of DSF gleefully entertained themselves to these indoor
games. In one corner, lay a drum set where Mr.Murali Bhatt entertained the
students with a beat or two. To the surprise of many, Manoj, took to the drums
and gave us a perfect rendition of some popular drum beat numbers. Divided into
five groups, each team was led by two volunteers from Target, who took us on a
tour of the 4th floor, which was home to
those friendly faces like Shahbaz Sir and Saravanan Sir, that came each week and
took various classes for students at the DSF, R.T.Nagar Centre. Explaining each
matter in detail, students were told about an employee’s functions, the
facilities that were essential in their operations, such as telephones,
laptops, wi-fi etc. A quick visit to Room 403 and suddenly we were privy
to a live video conference! At the other end of the call were Mr.Paresh and some of
the students from another group. Rather different from other business
conference calls, matters discussed included Antaakshari, which group was
superior and most importantly, one of our students, in a professional tone,
questioning Mr.Paresh on how his projects were shaping up-- a small role play!
Returning to the
recreation room, this time with a different agenda, groups sat together and
were engaged in a thrilling quiz. As reward for the right answer, chocolates
were distributed. A quick count showed that though only about 15 questions were
asked, there were at least 60 chocolates in possession-- a telling sign of the
giving nature of Target’s employees. The next team building game was ‘Make the
Mummy’, where groups of eight, along with their team leaders were to drape one
student in newspaper and replicate a mummy in the shortest time. At the end of
the event, some mummy’s didn’t quite turn out as they were expected to be--some
resembled a robot, others a rock star. At the end of the event there was indeed
a moral--working as a team is essential in achieving success.
As the day’s events came
to a close, and it was time to bid adieu, students had their special messages
penned on cardboard sheets, to be framed and that will go up on the walls of
Target for posterity. As part of another generous gesture by Target, they
handed us bright red school bags to take home as a souvenir.
On our return journey,
the mood was sober. Not because students were tired or exhausted, but for them,
this meant the end of an experience of a lifetime. As I randomly asked
who would like to work in Target? The answer was evident-- they didn’t raise
just one hand, but both hands shot up, symbolizing how much an experience like
this had influenced their thoughts positively.
Rizwana says it was a
day she’ll never forget. “I have never experienced anything like this before,
so this is a day I will remember for the rest of my life. I cannot wait to meet
with all of them at Target and re-live this entire happy memory”
Rahul who impressed
everybody with his dance moves and hand stands has a standing ovation to offer
to everybody at Target. “From Kavya Didi and every other friendly volunteer, and
each moment at Target, to me was joyful.” He also added, “next year too, we’ll
go to Target only. Why go anywhere else?”
In conclusion, as we sum up this day, just like
Target’s logo, this day sure did strike the bull’s eye of each child’s
heart.
-- Karun Gopinath
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