02/07/2021
A year ago, in the midst of the first lockdown, B.A.R. was born. It was never meant to be a virtual only platform. In fact, quite far from it.
I had always imagined it to be a physically intimate setup; a group of children bundled up together in a bookishly aesthetic setup and listening to stories and hearing each others' views about those stories. A very physical space where everyone could bring in a pillow if they wished, share notes about exciting literary friends and then settle in for the bookish adventure planned for that day.
But then, when do things ever really go exactly as per plan? We had to launch virtually. There was no other option.
This month, we turn one! In the last 12 months, in the middle of a global pandemic and multiple country wide lockdowns, we have managed to touch the lives of over a 100 children (across cities and even countries!) in spite of having never met a single one of them face to face! A truly fascinating and humbling experience of the bittersweet times we live in.
But, as it turns out, we have learnt that relationships can be built anywhere, as long as they are based on a foundation of authenticity and commitment to the cause. And as it ALSO turns out, we did manage to create virtual blanket forts and transport ourselves to different worlds after all.
We are ever so grateful to every single parent and every single child who has helped us grow, evolve and allowed us to continue to believe that what we do has an impact. Thank you for being the wind beneath our wings.
Here's to building a world full of children who believe books are magic. Miles to go! Cheers!