The Award in Action - Arpita Jain, Saffron Public School, Phagwara, Punjab

 My name is Arpita, and I completed my schooling at Saffron Public School in Phagwara, Punjab. I have achieved the Bronze Award of The International Award for Young People.

Throughout my academic journey, I have always been an inquisitive student, actively engaging in both co-curricular activities and academics, finding the perfect blend between the two.

In 2017, I attended a workshop conducted by IAYP, where I discovered that it falls under the auspices of The Duke of Edinburgh UK and holds significant international recognition and respect. Realizing its value, I decided to pursue the award.

The impact of the Award on my life has been overwhelmingly positive. Engaging in various activities helped me understand that learning extends beyond textbooks and teachers. It taught me empathy and agility, whether through recreational pursuits or visiting old age homes.

Choosing badminton as my physical recreation section was an easy decision since I had always been fond of the sport. I had prior knowledge and experience playing it during my childhood, making it a natural choice.

Dance, on the other hand, has been my lifelong passion. As an avid dance lover since childhood, it was an obvious choice for my recreational activity. I even pursued semi-classical dance during my school days, and I continue to indulge in it whenever I have free time.

Selecting the old age home as my voluntary service section was a thoughtful decision. The voluntary service section holds great significance in my mind as it instilled empathy, generosity, benevolence, and a sense of humanity within me. Visiting old age homes and orphanages, distributing essentials, and empathizing with the residents filled me with pride and gratitude for the opportunity to make a positive impact on society.

My adventure journey days were truly euphoric. From trekking to camping and climbing mountains in Manali, it was an exhilarating experience beyond words. Spending three days in tents, learning how to build them, and participating in various adventure activities made the whole experience worthwhile.

To budding award holders, my advice would be to give it their best shot and put in their utmost effort. Trust me, the rewards will be worth every ounce of dedication they invest today. As for me, transitioning from being an award holder to an intern at IAYP feels like life has come full circle. It was never a planned ride for me, but stumbling upon an opportunity on LinkedIn and getting selected as an intern has been an enigmatic journey.

Undoubtedly, The International Award for Young People holds relevance for young individuals even today. It has stood the test of time, constantly adapting to change while maintaining its significance. This Award Programme continues to provide meaning and substance to the youth.

The Award has indeed helped me shape my career. It has channelled my energy and directed my interests towards the right path. I now have a clearer understanding of my abilities and the path I should pursue in life. The immense importance of The International Award for Young People has guided me in my progressive endeavours.

Award Leader Experience - Ms. Madhuri Gour, IAYP Award Coordinator, JBCN International School, Borivali

 In July 2020, I, Madhuri Gour from JBCN International School in Borivali, commenced my journey as an IAYP Award Leader Coordinator. It brings me immense joy to reflect on my ongoing journey. As part of our school's vision to promote the holistic development of learners, The International Award for Young People has provided them with various opportunities to make a difference in the world.

I have witnessed significant changes in Award Participants as they progress through the Bronze and Silver levels. The Award Programme has enabled them to improve their physical fitness and discover their physical strength, as well as explore and develop their interests and skills, which are essential for personal and career growth.

Furthermore, the adventurous journey aspect of the programme has taught them valuable life skills and prepared them to handle unexpected challenges.
I must acknowledge the unwavering support of the IAYP team, particularly Mr. Bivujit Mukhoty and Ms. Kavita Patil, who patiently answered all the students' questions and contributed to their success.

I am grateful to my school's Director Principal, Mrs. Debika Chatterji and Deputy Principal, Mr. Soumyabrata Mukherjee, for placing their trust in me and allowing me to lead The Award Programme in our school.

by Madhuri Gour, IAYP Award Coordinator, JBCN International School, Borivali

The Award in Action- Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala

 Student's Orientation, Award Ceremony and Award Leader Training at Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala

Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth!

Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala, organized a Student's Orientation along with an Award Ceremony and Award Leader Training program of The International Award for Young People (IAYP) on Saturday, May 6, 2023. The event was conducted under the guidance of Mr. Bivujit Mukhoty, Programme Manager, IAYP India. The program was also successful in celebrating the accomplishment of 104 Award participants who had completed their Bronze level of the Award Programme. The main objective of the program was to introduce the young people to the Award Programme, provide training to the Award Leaders, and celebrate the accomplishments of the students who had completed the Bronze level.
Mr. Mukhoty then conducted a presentation that provided an overview of The International Award for Young People and its objectives, the different sections of the programme and the benefits of participation. Following this, the Award Leaders were given training on how to guide and support the students in their pursuit of the Award. Mr. Mukhoty provided us with valuable insights and tips on how to motivate the participants and help them choose the activities that align with their interests and strengths. After the training session, the students who had already received the IAYP Award were felicitated in a ceremony. Mr. Mukhoty congratulated the students and encouraged them to continue their pursuit of personal development and social service. The Award participants were felicitated and appreciated for their hard work and dedication towards achieving the Bronze level.

The Student's Orientation, Award Ceremony and Award Leader Training programme of IAYP organized on May 6, 2023, was a successful event. It provided an opportunity for young people to learn about the programme, the Award Leaders to receive training to guide and motivate the students and for the school to celebrate the accomplishments of its students. The felicitation ceremony for the students who had completed the Bronze level was a motivation for others to participate and work towards achieving the Award.

The International Award for Young People provides an excellent platform for young people to develop their skills and contribute to their communities, and this event was a step towards fostering this spirit of growth and service in the students.

Thank you IAYP!

by Dr. Ekta Dhawan, Principal, Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala.

The Award in Action- Jaimukund Bhan, The Lawrence School, Sanawar

Award Experience by Jaimukund Bhan of The Lawrence School, Sanawar

Clearing the Bronze level of The International Award for Young People with a few of my fellow classmates was a very enriching and engaging experience. As it was during a time when everyone was home and we had to make a semi-offline diary, it was important to keep up a set routine to remain productive and not fall into the pit of lethargy.
We started with the adventure journey, planning and researching the hikes which we could have taken if the situation had been favourable. We filled up questionnaires to check what we would have done in the various scenarios which would take place during a trip. We made food for the trip and slept on a slightly uncomfortable surface, just to emulate the feeling of actually going on a hike.
Our time during quarantine also included polishing our hobbies and practicing our sports. I spent most of my time coding in different computer programming languages, having completed many online courses and playing football at least an hour a day. For voluntary work, I took care of my friend’s grandmother at home, spending time with her and sharing things from my life, while hearing stories from hers. Working on these things was a very good way to stay active, both mentally and physically.
I would like to thank Mrs. Anuradha Sharma for guiding me through my time in the bronze level, along with my friends who helped me out and were completing their bronze level with me, and The Lawrence School, Sanawar, for providing me with the opportunity to pursue this Award Programme!