The Marvel-ous Kid Taking Charge
By Tehreem Fatima
By Tehreem Fatima
Nine-year-old Jibran Ahmed, the only boy in a large joint family took over household chores to support his parents
Nurture them young
Jibran Ahmed, a nine year old lives in a joint family at Kanpur. The joint family consists of 4 families and he is the only son amongst all. Even though it might be assumed that as the only boy/son in a large family, he would be extremely pampered, and would be raised in an environment that segregates roles for males and females - the reality presents quite a contradictory story of this child. 2020 has been a roller coaster for everybody, but this Marvel fanatic kid pulled up his socks to not only help others, but also improve himself and took on responsibilities that he never knew before, oblivious that he's been a real life Superhero of 2020!
Wake up call
"Five minutes more" is the first dialogue by Jibran to his mother as soon as the alarm rings at 7:30AM. As he brushes his teeth with his eyes almost closed, the cold water wakes him up instantly.
You create your own future
Studying in Jaipuria School, Kanpur, the nine-year-old attends all his online classes, not just normal school from 8 AM to 12:45 in the afternoon. Even though like every school student, Jibran uwould be tired post classes, his mother had already enforced this habit of studying for an hour in the evening as well.
Iftar Preparation
Muslims from all around the world felt the emptiness during the 30 days of Ramadan in 2020. With Rooh afza for the drinks, dahi phulki, aloo pakode, and chane is the traditional iftaar everybody waits for all day long. Making the sharbat and cutting green chilies and onions were the responsibilities Jibran took to help elders.
Junior Masterchef
While people were obsessing over Dalgona coffee at homes, this little hero learned how to make breakfast and snacks. He learned to boil eggs in the pot, make cheese and onion sandwiches, toast bun and butter and also bake a chocolate cake. He was turning into a little masterchef!
Small steps towards self reliance
He would also help with chore of washing the dishes. From his morning bournvita-milk cup to his dinner plates, he washed most of his utensils. His habit of washing, atleast his own utensils, continues and is much appreciated by all family members.
Grooming the Personality
Although 2020 would be a year marked by hopelessness and anxiety, there were still some people who made the most out of it. 2020 was also a year to become adaptable to change. As a 9 year old, Jibran used this challenging time to put himself out there for his family in whatever manner possible and showed exemplary signs of maturity.
Laundry Basics
Jibran ironing his father's kurta pajama for Friday prayers. Despite being repeatedly asked to iron his school uniform before this lockdown, he didn’t take interest and would leave it for his mother. But the circumstances had changed and he took the responsibility of ironing clothes as well himself.
I'm Never Bored- Things I can do by Myself
It was a challenging time for parents to keep kids engaged post the shutdown of schools indefinitely. Jibran's mother came up with a lengthy list that consisted of a wide range of creative, indoor activities. From writing a letter to his grandfather to doing a photoshoot of clouds from the terrace, Jibran had his hands full!
Muddy Hands; Hearty Souls
Although his clothes got dirty, the mud got stuck onto his nails, the joy Jibran felt after planting a sapling was priceless. With the help of various YouTube videos and being guided by his grandmother, he was successful in doing the task.
Nurture them young
After 3 months of regularly watering the plant, the fresh and green sapling grew. Although it would not be a big deal for adults, Jibran was jumpy all day as the plant finally grew.
Progressing- One lesson a day
Amongst the many family members, Jibran helped his younger sister the most. From teaching her to spell “Cat” in English, to making her learn counting till 100, he did it all with some help from elders.
Swinging Away The Lockdown Blues
Just before the lockdown, the kids’ grandmother suggested to put up a swing for the children to enjoy some gala time outdoors in the evening. Even though the swing acted as a matter of dispute at times, it became a great past time not only for the sibling duo but elders too.
No One Said No to Bedtime Stories Ever
Before going to sleep at night, the nine-year-old reads a midnight story to his sister, Samarah. The stories include Winnie the Pooh, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella etc. Among all these Jungle Book is her favourite book and Baloo, the favourite character as he looks just like her.
What If?
"What if" is a 10-liner poem about what Jibran wants to be in future. Nevertheless, the professions are not doctor or engineer, but characters of Avengers like Thor and Iron Man. Little does he know, he's already become the real-life Superhero of 2020 for his family!
Navigating through the MARVEL-lous World
The little one has a very strong liking towards Marvel which is pretty evident from his school bag, colouring box and pouch, slippers and books. Not just the merchandise, the sparkling eyes of his when people talk about Avengers is hidden from none as he recites all the movies.
From duels to braids
Samarah’s bhaijaan took inspiration from his sister as she made different hairstyles of her dolls. Even though his little sister doesn’t let anybody touch her hair, this time was different. She taught her brother to handle long hair as well as to tie a ponytail.
Happiness is freshly painted nails
His sister, Samarah, a 6-year-old who is mostly found playing with her dolls and dressing them up, asked her Bhaijaan to paint her nails. Though Jibran was skeptical of doing the task, his little sister patiently taught him how to go about it as he painted her nails with a light pink nail polish.
About the Photographer
A passionate, freelance photographer, based in New Delhi, Ms. Tehreem Fatima is deeply rooted to her ideals of rationalism and realism. A feminist by heart, trying to break the shackles of patriarchy one link at a time. She has done her post graduation from Jamia University and photoshoots all over the country, capturing the soul of each subject. At the forefront of NRC protests last year, she also believes in contributing her bit in whatever way she can. She also believes in sharing her passion thus a short teaching stint at the Unison World School, Dehradun. Speckled yet focused is how she encapsulates her entire range of projects.
Project Location
Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
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