International Gold Event Diary - Part 1

International Gold Event 2014 finally kicked off with a brilliant opening ceremony as witnessed by our IGE reps Anwesha Ghosh, Ankit Durga and Adrija Chatterjee. First session of the event was taken by John May, Secretary General. The participants have been divided into several groups and have an assignment that will be completed with due course of the 10-day forum. The final presentation will be on October 29, 2014 in presence of HRH Earl of Wessex. 

Activities with the motive of team building, leadership and efficient working have been major part of the first three days in Seoul. Activities included presentation, games and discussions which covered most aspects of team work. According to the IGE rep Anwesha, “all the sessions have been very fruitful and indepth.” While for Ankit and Adrija the exposure that they are experiencing is incredible, meeting new people and learning their stories has been the essence of the grand event.  

Award Leader Training Workshop at DSB International School, Mumbai

The National Award Authority organized a National Award Leader Training Workshop at DSB International School, Mumbai on October 18-19, 2014. The sessions covered the four pillars of the Award i.e. Physical Recreation, Skills, Service & Adventurous Journey. Also other topics like Residential Project, Award Branding and Safety issues were conducted by Bivujit Mukhoty, Programme Manager. 

The workshop was attended by nine participants all from the host school. The workshop completion certificates were presented to the new Award Leaders by John Barratt, Head of Secondary Education, DSB International School, Mumbai. 

Holistic development is the need of the hour

Tata Consultancy Service (TCS) is one of the biggest IT Company in the world; it offers employment to more than 50,000 fresh graduates per year. TCS Executive Vice-president and Global Head for Human Resources Ajoy Mukherjee recently said, "from an improvement point of view, we have been telling institutes that communications and soft skills are something that can be looked at... which will make people a bit more ready," this thought resonates with what we at International Award for Young People (IAYP) India stand for. IAYP believes in achieving holistic development of children in India rather than the unidirectional approach of achieving academic supremacy. In order to do so we believe inculcating children with better communication skills, team skills, leadership qualities and a sense of staying connected to the society through non-formal way of education.

Mr. Mukherjee pointed out that TCS has already hired 36,000 freshers this year and that number will increase but he also doesn’t hesitate in pointing out that most of the new recruits are just tech savvy hence technological knowledge becomes their only criteria for selection which doesn’t make the new recruits world ready. Keeping this concern in mind, TCS regularly conducts a dialogue with the heads of the institutes it gives offers and informs them of the need to work on the students' soft skills.

“The Award helps groom young people and in corporate terms make them more ‘employable’ and make them much more prepared for the outside world” says Gold Award holder Anwesha Ghosh. 

Year after year, we at IAYP witness drastic changes among our participants when it comes to preparing them for the world that exists outside the gates of their schools and institutes. Participants after completing either of the three levels of the Award (Gold, Silver and Bronze) tend to become more confident, achieve better communication skills, develop team spirit and by doing so achieve a much more polished perspective towards the world around them.

Ankit Durga who has completed his Gold Award and now also runs LEAP Skills Academy which helps in providing vocational and life skills training says, “A lot of large companies today have developed extensive training models for new employees. The focus therefore, has shifted from hiring students with the required technical skills to employing students with a learning attitude and life skills.”  

For registering for the Award: http://iayp.in/getenroll.htm

For a detailed read on what Mr. Mukherjee had to say read http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/jobs/Tech-students-need-to-work-on-communication-soft-skills-TCS/articleshow/44876411.cms?intenttarget=no  

10th National Award Leader Training Workshop in New Delhi

The National Award Authority organized a National Award Leader Training Workshop at National Training Centre, New Delhi on October 16-17, 2014. The sessions covered the four pillars of the Award i.e. Physical Recreation, Skills, Service & Adventurous Journey. Also other topics like Residential Project, Award Branding and Safety issues were conducted by Kapil Bhalla, National Director and Bivujit Mukhoty, Programme Manager.

The workshop was attended by ten participants from Delhi Public School, RK Puram; Amity International School, Pushpvihar; Amity International School, Saket; Cambridge School, Indirapuram; Amity International School, Mayur Vihar & Greenwood High, Bengaluru. The workshop completion certificates were presented to the Award Leaders by our National Director, Kapil Bhalla. 

The girl who dreamed big

Shankhini Saha a class XI student from Singapore International School, Mumbai, who is doing her Gold Award stayed at Navjyoti India Foundation to complete her Residential Project, that is where she met the ever smiling bold Bharti and here is Bharti’s story as told by Shankhini Saha:   

In the interiors of a resettlement colony of Bawana in North West Delhi, a young spark was born. Bharti was the first of her three sisters and like many girls in India faced the plight of gender discrimination. Her grandparents immediately dismissed her capabilities and awaited the birth of a boy child. Her parents on the other hand were ever supportive of her endeavors and urged her that her gender was no barrier to facilitate her path towards success. Her mother would proudly declare, “I want all three of my girls to see the stars and to bask in their shimmering light.” With a fighting spirit and desire to work hard, Bharti was presented with an opportunity to join the remedial education program of Navjyoti India Foundation.

Dr. Kiran Bedi founded Navjyoti India Foundation in 1988 with an ambition to make the thought of preventative and welfare policing, a reality.  Hence, working towards restoring congenial ambience for shaping a new tomorrow and a fresh start. In pursuit of this reality, the foundation has been catalyzing women empowerment programs for women across Delhi with an ambition of having meaningful and comprehensive projects.

With great courage and determination, Bharti joined the Navjyoti remedial classes in the Class VI and instantly began to display glimpse of her desired success as she topped her class in Mental Math. At the foundation, she had the chance to fight her fears and explore new personal dimensions, if not for the Foundation would have remained hidden within her for rest of her life. At the Foundation she also decided to give her passion of running a try when she participated in a marathon of 20,000 people and was able to finish 10th overall. That was the day she felt true pride when she held on to her first certificate with the medal weighing down from her neck.

After realizing her potential she decided to take on the post of “Head of the Skills Department” as part of the Bal Gurukul initiative. She now runs a teaching force of 20 teachers who reach out to 200 students. Now in the 8th standard, when she looks back at the past two years, she says, “I now know for a fact that with self-confidence, not even the stars are out of reach.” Bharti continues to make her parents proud and works with all her grit and guts to embody her vision of being a distinguished IPS Officer and that girls deserve no less when it comes to opportunities and the right to dream.

Into the lap of serenity

Pangot is a picturesque hill station located about 13 km from Nainital in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand in the lake district of India. The pleasant climate, scenic landscape and laidback charm of Pangot make it an ideal place for tourists. The drive to Pangot passes through the forest area of Cheena Peak Range via Snow View Point and Kilbury, which provide perfect platform for bird watching.

Our journey started from our college- Ansal University, Gurgaon, we all were asked to be present there at 7:30 pm so that our coordinators could help us by briefing about the trip. We were then introduced to the teachers Mrs. Pratibha ma’am and Mr Gulia sir who were going to accompany us on the trip. 

We were first given the basic introduction to first aid and following that the teachers and our coordinators briefed us about Pangot and its surroundings. After that all our seniors who have already been on an IAYP trip shared their experiences with us. As we did not know everybody going on the trip we were asked to briefly introduce ourselves to others.

We all were very excited as it was our first trip from the college and the cooperative seniors made us feel comfortable as they treated all of us as their equal. Throughout the journey we played games such as dumb-charades which was great fun, the journey also helped me update my latest music knowledge as we couldn’t stop singing. 

Twelve at night there was buzz in the bus as it was one of our senior’s birthday, before the trip that senior was just an acquaintance but now we are best of buddies. The game and chatting unknowingly made us tired and sleep became the easiest thing to get. We all woke up to the freezing cold weather of Kalkodaam from where were to hop onto taxis that would take us to Pangot. Even in the shivering weather the sight of snow patches pm the road side was so pleasing to the eyes.

The name of our camp was Shiva Den Camp where we were briefed by Maddy sid and Naresh sir who were our instructors at the camp. To my surprise I was actually enjoying the food at the camp or may be tit was just the excitement overpowering my tastebuds. Frankly the beauty around our camp site was mesmerizing.

As the day went on the instructors mixed matched all of us to divide us into two teams. Most of the members in my team were just faces studying in my college but with good team spirit and involvement in the activities that was coming our way transformed us into great bunch of friends.

Soon we were into our rappelling gears which were tested and approved by our instructors, while the other team was involved with Jumaring. Thanks to the cheers and motivation coming from my team mated I managed to finish my activity. Then it was our turn to do jumaring. It was a technique oriented task although it looked very difficult but it became simple after we mastered the technique. 

Soon we were back to our camps for our lunch and bit of rest to overcome the fatigue of morning activities. After our evening tea at the bonfire, Maddy sir informed us of a voluntary activity of night walk. Even though it was a voluntary activity everyone was happy to do this activity. Every tiring step of the walk soon turned fruitful when we reached a spot which was heaven for star watching. Never in my life could I have seen so many stars in Delhi sky. While returning to the camp all I could think of was the sight I had just witnessed.

   

On day two sticking to the same team we had to go for trekking. But there was a twist in the activity, the twist being one team was to leave the camp 15-20 minutes later than the first team. The second team had to follow the diections that would be left by the first team, while the first team would reach the end point early and start with cooking and the second team would be helping them once they arrived. To balance out the tasks, we being the second team we also had to prepare various directions signs to be used by first team.

Once we reached our trekking destination the tea was already prepared for us by the Team 1. After that we had to put the food to be cooked on fire, while the cooking was on Maddy sir taught us how are tents put up and different types of rope knots. It was just an amazing feeling living within the endless boundary of nature.

After returning to the camp ite we had our dinner while enjoying some music and heat from the bonfire. Soon our seniors were on an open-jeep for a session of night safari while were converted the dining hall into a dancing floor. When seniors were back, we went for the safari. After coming back we all were tired but didn’t want to sleep because we knew it was our last night in the camp. On that day we slept around 03:30 am and till then we were sitting near bonfire area and chatted the whole night.

Next day we got up by 8a.m. and had our breakfasts and changed and packed our bags as we had to leave our camps and we were going for some shopping in Nanital.

Next morning we left our camps & boarded taxis and left for Nainital. There we visited the zoo first which had animals like tiger, leopard, birds, deer etc and later we went for boating to reach mall road. We also did some shopping in the streets of Nainital. Before we knew we were on our bus back to the bustling city of New Delhi while saying good bye to all the calmness I had been living in past three days. 

I couldn’t but I wanted to thank and hug each and everybody for making this trip so memorable for me. I made new friends and the bond between the friends that I already had just grew stronger.

Now I have so many memories from Pangot and those memories put a smile on my face. I wish we have many more IAYP Adventurous Journey.   

Why I employed an Award holder

We do say the Award makes you better prepared for the world outside especially when it comes to employment opportunities, on this not we get an employer’s perspective from Mohamed Rahiman, CEO of Quantum Training Centre, Kulaijaya, Malaysia.

Mohamed Rahiman says the Award “is the right platform from which to recruit future leaders.”

“As an employer and an ex-government employee in the areas of talent retention and skill enhancement, I see many areas which tertiary institutions, vocational schools and school leavers can and need to address to improve young people’s employability.

Closing the gap between school and work

“Our task is to prepare these young and eager people so that they are more employable and take a life-long approach to learning). They should never stop pursuing new knowledge or testing the uncharted boundaries of the world for their personal advancement and for the betterment of the human race.

“We need to close all the gaps between school and working life. We must make them attractive enough so that people recruit them more for their attitude and see them less as a liability to be trained – too costly and a time consuming responsibility for the employer.

Embedding employable skills

“One of the main ways in which we can help them is to systematise the direct involvement of these young people in activities and interaction outside the comfort of their routine life.

“The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award ensures that the key elements of employability are embedded into them at an early stage of their life. As they complete their Award activities they develop employable skills in areas such as: communication, cultural sensitivity, leadership and creative qualities and many more positive attributes.

Confidence in uncharted territory

“They also learn about giving back to society, living a life outside their comfort zone, and they have inculcated in them the intrinsic value of life-long learning. One of the most important skills I have encountered when dealing with Award holders is that they are more confident in venturing into any uncharted territory where new environments, challenges or people are abundant and the norm. At least they are willing to endeavour with an excellent attitude of positive vibes.

“One of the best descriptions I can give to other employers about the Award is to share with them its content: it entails participants venturing outside their comfort zone with a positive attitude while they complete various tasks in a constantly new and challenging environment. If anyone wants an energetic young recruit armed with a vibrant attitude to any working environment, this is the right platform from which to recruit future leaders.”

Since employing a Gold Award holder, Ravichandran Balasubramaniam, Mohamed has been appointed to the Award in Malaysia’s advisory board. He also heads up their National Training Panel.

Success Story: Our footballer girl

Read Jyoti Ann Burrett's interview who completed her Gold level in International Award for Young People. Women's football in India isn't a lucrative career-option but this Delhi girl, who holds a Masters degree in Sports and Health Science from Uiversity of Exeter, decided to listen to her heart and pursue here biggest passion-playing football. 

An enthusiastic, charming young lady, Jyoti Burrett has perhaps as much footballing knowledge as many sports journalists themselves. Jyoti, who never represented India at any level, before making it to the senior team, got a direct entry into the National Camp. Her hard-work, sheer determination and talent doing justice to her inclusion. A strong hearted woman, Jyoti gave up a high end corporate job for football. A true disciple of the beautiful game, Jyoti was picked in the 23 member team to tour China, in an exposure trip, before the commencement of the Asian Games.

The Hard Tackle’s Joseph Solomon caught up with the mesmerizing Jyoti Burrett, and asked her about, her incredible journey.

Joseph : Hello Jyoti, how are you? We at The Hard Tackle commend you for your commitment and passion towards football.

Jyoti : Hi Joseph, I’m fine. Well, thanks a lot!

Joseph : It is highly unlikely for girls to get into football, how did this transition happen?

Jyoti : Well initially I was never a footballer. I was an athlete and a hockey player. Our school offered hockey as a sport for girls, and I played hockey till the state level, so from then on I moved to football, I moved to juggling. The transition from hockey to football is not that difficult, obviously there are different limbs involved, but the game play is pretty similar, so that way it was sort of easy for me.

Joseph : Did your school, Welham, play a major part in it ?

Jyoti : Welham gave me a lot of exposure to hockey and athletics and Welham’s girls have this atmosphere of being sporty and all. If you play sports its a big thing in our school, you are treated as a hero. So I feel that I’m lucky that i am an alumni of Welham.

Joseph : Given that Football in India is not seen as a lucrative career option, were your parents against it ?

Jyoti : I haven’t had the sort of opposition from parents, they have been supportive and in fact this is like their dream come true. So me playing football is better for them, instead of any corporate job.

Joseph : Well, you shunned a high paying corporate job to play football, what was it ? Was it Passion ?

Jyoti : I just don’t see myself doing a 9-5 desk job, I think ill probably tire of boredom. This was my life is more spontaneous and happening.

Joseph :  How did you get into Juggling ? And do you think a better juggler is a better player ?

Jyoti : Initially i never had a football at home, i had a tennis ball, so i would try and juggle with it. Slowly and gradually, my interest developed and well, i try to do more tricks and skills with it. Yes, I personally think that it does help you in the game, because you are comfortable with the ball, so you’re used to that ball touching you’re feet, that even when you play a match its just natural, You can always use it.

Joseph : How was the experience with the Jaguar Eves, your primitive club ?

Jyoti plying her trade in England

Jyoti : I needed a place to play in Delhi and its hard as you know, so i found a place to play and my friends put me in touch with Jaguar Eves. I remember the first day i went there and i was like, can i please play ? Hence, Jaguar eves became a place where i could go when i needed support.

Joseph : Finally you got into the National Team, how has the transition been, say from a juggler to a national level player?

Jyoti : I was completely out of my comfort zone, as i went directly into the camp and i saw people there so good. I remember looking at the Manipuri girls and thinking ‘i am never going to reach that level’. But in camp, you improve and you get better, so the transition you can say was difficult as well as rewarding.

Joseph : Apart from this transition, How has life been at the national camp ?

Jyoti : Ofcourse it is very very competitive, there are days where you think im gonna get trampled upon and there are days where you can stand up and dictate things. It has its ups and downs, but it is difficult.

Joseph : You have also played in England. Tell us about your experiences there.

Jyoti : I played for my university, it was my first experience of being part of a club, a regular club. So every Sunday, it was match-day, training with the coach and everything, i really liked the whole professionalism at it, and so it was a huge thing for me. There were girls, who are so much bigger, physically well built than me and , they’ve been playing since they were kids. So All in All, England was a good eye opener to the football world.

Joseph : How were the training methods and infrastructure there, as compared to India ?

Jyoti : We played on a rubber pitch there, as it is always rainy, it was a lovely pitch, you can fall, you can slide, nothing happens to you. The infrastructure was great, you have the best gyms, the best facilities, and the best running tracks around.

Joseph : So, on that note, What do you think about the state of women’s football in India ?

Jyoti with Indian Goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan

Jyoti : See, i have been playing football for 4 years in India, and i can see a genuine improvement in media coverage and facilities. You can see a change, but still there is a lot of scope for improvement.

Joseph : Then there was an exposure trip to China, How did it help the team ?

Jyoti : When you play abroad there is this different sense, of togetherness, its great for team bonding. Ofcourse there is that extra ‘josh’ of playing for the country, and you want to give your 110% every time. I feel it really makes the team bond, the minute you leave the country. You leave the country as India, the togetherness feeling just gets you.

Joseph : And what are your thoughts on the Indian Women’s Performances in the Asian Games?

Jyoti : Its football right? Sometimes you win,sometimes you loose,and sometimes you draw. Its that simple.

Joseph: Finally, Can we see Jyoti leading the line for the Indian team soon?

Jyoti : Well hopefully, lets see, I think ill probably switch my position to the right wing, because Bala is playing and she is really good at it, and i prefer running, i’m an athlete by nature. So i see myself playing a lot more right wing, i just have to work a lot more on my crosses.

Joseph : Describe Jyoti in five adjectives

Jyoti : Enthusiastic, Hard working, Competitive, Entertaining, Supportive

Read Jyoti's story printed in The Economic Times in 2013: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/for-indias-jyoti-ann-burrett-its-football-over-high-paying-corporate-job/articleshow/21245408.cms

Read her full interview on The Hard Tackle posted in September 2014: http://www.thehardtackle.com/2014/indianevejyotiburretttalksabout/

Welcome Hero Cycles Ltd.

We at International Award for Young People would like to take this opportunity in congratulating Hero Cycles Ltd. and Rish Narayan Golf Management for organizing a successful Hero Cycle Golf Cup hosted by golf legend Colin Montgomerie at Delhi Golf Club.

National Director Kapil Bhalla with Colin Montgomerie and Pankaj Munjal MD, Hero Cycles

Winner of 31 European Tour titles (including eight European Tour Order of Merit crowns), Scottish legend Colin Montgomerie was at Delhi Golf Club on 19th September in the inaugural Hero Cycles Golf Cup. The Event saw 24 school teams and 24 charity teams, each comprising of two players competing. School Teams competed for the Inter School title while charity teams played for a chance to play at the Windsor Castle Golf Course at the Duke of Edinburgh Cup World Final.

We would also like to welcome Hero Cycles Ltd. to IAYP family as a sponsor for the Award programme.