The Award In Action—Pinegrove School, Dharampur

Report by Ms. Ujala Chauhan, Pinegrove School. Dharampur

In a collaborative effort, Award participants from Pinegrove School Dharampur under the Aasmaan project organized a Rakhi Weekend initiative on 29th August, 2023. The aim was to sell handmade rakhis and raise funds for two dedicated support staff members to help alleviate their medical challenges.

Almost 200 young people from various classes, participated in crafting beautiful handmade rakhis, imbued with care and empathy. These rakhis were tangible expressions of the blossoming talents and core values found within Pinegrove's walls. The initiative, not only aimed to raise funds but also to foster a sense of community and purpose.

Parents, Students, and Faculty Members approached the display of rakhis with twinkling eyes. Everyone displayed remarkable enthusiasm for this initiative. The rakhis, which were not assigned a fixed price, received an overwhelming response, connecting hearts rather than pockets. The lack of fixed pricing allowed for flexible contributions based on individuals' willingness and capacity to give.

The success of this initiative highlights the great power of collective action with a shared purpose.

The Award In Action—BGES School, Kolkata

Report by Bronze Award participant, BGES School, Kolkata.

Everybody loves tasty food, isn’t it? Through my experience with cooking as part of the skill section of The International Award for Young People, I've come to realize that food prepared by your own hands tastes even more delightful! Cooking is a skill that requires an understanding of how to prepare dishes and knowing the essential ingredients needed for each recipe. While cooking may not always be an effortless endeavor, it demands patience and dedication. This training has reinforced my belief that cooking is not akin to rocket science.

These culinary skills have not only enriched our palates but have also provided us with a window into the diverse cultures and traditions of the world. Food undeniably plays a pivotal role in everyone's lives, and by honing these skills, we are equipping ourselves to become adept multitaskers in the future. Cooking encompasses more than just using a stove to prepare delectable dishes; it is the art of transforming raw vegetables and basic ingredients into simple and edible food which is important for survival.

We made various dishes like Thai Curry with Jasmine Rice, Paneer Kulcha, Chole Bhature and Au Gratin. Cooking sessions have provided us with unforgettable memories which we expect to cherish in the future.

I also wish to extend an encouraging invitation to my fellow juniors to participate in The International Award for Young People and get the best of the experiences that we have had.

The Award In Action—Bawa Lalwani Public School, Kapurthala

 Report by Aman Kumar, IX-Blossoms, Bawa Lalwani Public School, Kapurthala.

In every Community, there is work to be done!
In every Nation, there are wounds to heal!
In every Heart, there is the POWER to do it!

During my recent visit to Kushat Ashram in Kapurthala, I had the opportunity to witness the profound impact of social service and community support on the lives of those who are less fortunate. Upon our arrival, my companions and I distributed food to the residents of the Ashram. The smiles on their faces upon receiving this simple gesture were heart-warming. It was clear that they faced daily challenges, particularly children who lacked adequate food and clothing. This realization struck a chord within us, motivating us to provide both clothing and sustenance to tackle their hardships. Our involvement in the Ashram was a humbling experience, and we felt privileged to spend time with the residents. Interacting with the community at Kushat Ashram allowed me to understand their challenges and hardships. This experience cultivated a deep sense of empathy within me. I could see life from different perspectives, which helped me become a more compassionate and understanding person.
Subsequently, we visited Gurudwara Sahib, where we engaged in cleanliness and Langar Sewa. Participating in activities like cleaning at Gurudwara Sahib and contributing to Langar Sewa instilled a strong sense of responsibility in me. I realized that I had a role to play in maintaining cleanliness in my surroundings and serving the community. This responsibility extended beyond myself and enriched my sense of duty towards society. My involvement in social service and community activities reinforced the joy that comes from helping others without expecting anything in return. This selfless act of service not only benefited those in need but also nourished my own spirit, making me more willing to contribute positively to society.



Through this, I was exposed to various social issues and challenges faced by different sections of society. This heightened awareness of the inequalities and difficulties people endure motivated me to be more socially conscious and work towards creating a more equitable and just society. These experiences were transformative for my personal growth. They taught me valuable life lessons about humility, kindness, and the importance of community engagement. I became more open-minded, adaptable, and willing to embrace diversity. The lessons learned during this visit are likely to stay with me throughout my life. They became a part of my core values and will guide my actions and decisions in the future. I am now more inclined to engage in charitable and humanitarian efforts as a responsible citizen.
In conclusion, this visit as part of my Award Journey significantly contributed to my growth as a human being by instilling empathy, responsibility, and a giving spirit. These experiences not only enriched my moral and ethical values but also empowered me to make a positive impact on society. I am on a path to becoming a compassionate and responsible citizen who understands the value of contributing to the well being of others and the community as a whole.

The International Award for Young People, India has played an important role in making me understand the mantra - ‘In the joy of others, we find our own.’
Thank you IAYP!

The Award In Action—Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala

Report by Sparsh Joshi, Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala 

One of the most important lessons under The International Award for Young People that I have learned is that voluntary and social service is all about promoting social change, development, cohesion, and the empowerment of people & communities. Basically, social service has taught me the significance of empathy. Through my work with the Voluntary Service section of The Award Programme, I have seen first-hand the struggles that many people go through on a daily basis. It has made me appreciate the things that I have in my own life and has taught me to be more compassionate towards others. Another lesson that social service has taught me is the power of community. When we work together towards a common goal, we can achieve so much more than we ever could on our own. Whether it is a group of volunteers coming together to feed the homeless or a community rallying around a family in need, the support of others can make all the difference. Social service has taught me that no matter how small our actions may seem, they can have a significant impact on the lives of others. A kind word, a smile, or a simple act of kindness can brighten someone's day and remind them that they are not alone. I have not only experienced doing cleanliness and sewa at Gurudwara Sahib, but I also understand how such an experience could teach someone about humanity and social service for mankind. Serving others without any selfish motives is an essential aspect of many cultures and religions. By volunteering to clean the Gurudwara, I am able to express my devotion to the community and willingness to serve others. This act of service helps me create a sense of belonging to a larger community and provides an essential service to those who seek solace in the Gurudwara.