Technology has innovated at a pace that is difficult to comprehend, with the growth in the variety of communication mechanisms and mediums. However by keeping our eyes fixed on the new, we quickly forget traditional mediums and the sheer magnitude of their impact. Recently, through a medium of the new, we heard about the beauty of the old and were reminded of the goodness that coming together.
RadioCity was running a contest which had individuals call in and participate, to win a prize. RJ Sucharita, received one such call from Nikita Shukla, a third year law student at GLC, currently living at a hostel in South Mumbai. Nikita went on to win the quick contest and was invited to visit the RadioCity office to pick up her prize. When she arrived, she requested to meet RJ Sucharita who was kind enough to oblige. RJ Sucharita met Nikita a few weeks ago, and learned of her journey – Nikita’s story will rekindle your faith in mankind!
Story time you guys
I've been an RJ for 10 years, and today is the FIRST time I truly experienced the power this medium has, what it can do.— Sucharita Tyagi (@Su4ita) May 16, 2017
When we run contests, we try and pick up as many calls as we can, yet many go unanswered, so for one to get through On Air, is a big deal.
— Sucharita Tyagi (@Su4ita) May 16, 2017
One such lucky contest winner was Nikita Shukla, a third year law student at GLC, currently living at a hostel in South Mumbai
This is her. pic.twitter.com/rxzRoQMl9b— Sucharita Tyagi (@Su4ita) May 16, 2017
When Nikita came to claim her prize at @radiocityindia, she requested to meet RJs (as listeners sometimes do)
So I met her a few weeks ago.— Sucharita Tyagi (@Su4ita) May 16, 2017
Nikita is completely blind. Something her parents were not very excited about and wanted to get her married right after high school.
— Sucharita Tyagi (@Su4ita) May 16, 2017
When Nikita refused and insisted on studying further, she was asked to leave the house.
Father runs his own business btw.— Sucharita Tyagi (@Su4ita) May 16, 2017
Broke and without plan, Nikita bought a ticket to Mathura and was about to leave the city, when her friends convinced her to stay back.
— Sucharita Tyagi (@Su4ita) May 16, 2017
Friends help Nikita secure a place in a hostel and continue studying to be a lawyer.
But how much money can college students contribute?— Sucharita Tyagi (@Su4ita) May 16, 2017
Enough for her to pay her fee little by little. She's borrowed from friends, sometimes kind professors even. A few small scholarships.
— Sucharita Tyagi (@Su4ita) May 16, 2017
But money was not enough to afford the luxury of three meals a day.
For 3 years, Nikita has been surviving on only dinner. 20 a month.— Sucharita Tyagi (@Su4ita) May 16, 2017
The hostel fee paid in one go, gave her 20 free dinners a month, and thats what she would eat
All this while, scoring about 80% on her exams— Sucharita Tyagi (@Su4ita) May 16, 2017
Nikita didnt come to @radiocityindia to tell me her story. She just came to collect a prize, but agreed to go on the record when i asked.
— Sucharita Tyagi (@Su4ita) May 16, 2017
I dont know how many of you heard, but I've been talking about Nikita for little over a week now on my show Mumbai Masala.
— Sucharita Tyagi (@Su4ita) May 16, 2017
I received 100 of texts, multiple phone calls over many days. Was surprised n humbled to see even @OnlyBabaSehgal text on our public number.
— Sucharita Tyagi (@Su4ita) May 16, 2017
We collated this data, and went around collecting cheques made out directly to Nikita.
Koparkhairaney sey Marine lines tak.— Sucharita Tyagi (@Su4ita) May 16, 2017
Not ONE person asked for proof, not ONE person said "but what if she runs away with my money?"
No, people just opened their hearts and gave— Sucharita Tyagi (@Su4ita) May 16, 2017
Today, we handed over the cheques to Nikita.
— Sucharita Tyagi (@Su4ita) May 16, 2017
We raised enough to cover her tuition, hostel and canteen fee.
My girl can eat three meals a day now.
And become a kickass lawyer!— Sucharita Tyagi (@Su4ita) May 16, 2017
A single, blind girl who chose education over family, she couldn't believe people willingly GAVE her their money.
Nikita Shukla, you star! pic.twitter.com/JiL2TK0dZJ
— Sucharita Tyagi (@Su4ita) May 16, 2017
Here it is, the link to the @ketto fund raiser for those of you wanting to donate and help.
You kind kind people ?https://t.co/f54uTaCUQg— Sucharita Tyagi (@Su4ita) May 16, 2017
RadioCity and the city of Mumbai came together, to reward Nikita’s grit and denounce the impossible. Nikita can now pursue her desire of becoming a lawyer with nothing holding her back, and more importantly, proceed with her journey knowing that a city of supporters stand with her. The radio has been a beacon of communication for decades, and since the very beginning, has been a way to connect with individuals like nothing other. Now we know, it also helps bridge the gap between one individual and her dreams. It takes a story like this to remind ourselves of the potential humanity has to do good, and the infinite possibilities that arise when we open our hearts and work together!