"When the construction is done, Ramkesh
checks it out from nearby. For three days he
watches a small group of boys playing on its
slopes, gliding on strange boards with wheels.
The foreigner who always seems to be there
sees him and calls him over."
For today, I'm going to keep to the theme of building community around the sport of skateboarding. This true story is set in Janwaar, India, a remote village with only one unfinished road running through it. The road separates two castes: the Yadavs (farmers who own brick homes) and the Adivasis (Indigenous farm laborers who live in mud houses).
Schoolchildren are not allowed to interact, and Adivasi women must give way to Yadav women when collecting water from the well. It is important to know your place in the village. Ramkesh is fascinated by the construction being done; he has no idea what it will be. Imagine his surprise when he discovers village boys gliding on its slopes on unusual boards.
As he watches, a foreign woman calls him over. Being Adivasi, he is not sure he will be welcome. It matters not to the visitor. Ulrike offers him a board and tells him it is called a skateboard. This new place is for everyone. After Ulrike shows him videos of skateboarding, Ramkesh is impressed by the shoes. Having none does not stop him from trying to learn as much as he can about the sport.
It's a new playground for many boys. Their parents worry that there will be fighting because their children have never been allowed to play together. They need not be concerned. When Ramkesh asks his sister to come to the park, she is followed by other girls.
"Any girl can say "Girls first" to a boy
and get a turn at the board."
The children fill their village with laughter and learning. Ramkesh makes great improvement in his skills. This new venture brings people from around the world to see what the children are doing. Even famous skateboarders visit, making films and letting the world know about them. They also teach them new tricks, and give guidance on improving their skills.
Ramkesh reaches championship status, as do Asha and Arun. They are asked to travel; the first villagers to ever get passports, and have new shoes! Their travels are awesome, and let them know they have a lot to learn. When they return home, their newfound confidence is an inspiration to all villagers ... Yadav and Adivasis.
An author's note follows, with a picture of some of the Janwaar skateboarders, as well as one of Ramkesh and his mother. Ms. Singh explains how the skateboard park came to be, and how a visit there inspired her to tell their story.
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