MEGALIT 2017

Literature: A collective experience of humanity

Award participants from DPS Megacity, Kolkata took part in a mega event on Literature called MEGALIT 2017. Atanu Chatterjee, Award Leader, is sharing a report of the event.

Adhering to the unique tradition of imparting and upholding knowledge through innovations and first-hand experiences, DPS Megacity, Kolkata, ushered in the second version of MEGALIT 2017 on the 8th and 9th of November, 2017 -- an educational initiative undertaken with the active collaboration of the Management, our respected Principal Mrs Indrani Sanyal, the teachers and the students. The Award participants who were actively involved witnessed the august presence of acclaimed contemporary Indian authors as Mr Ravinder Singh, Ms Devika Rangachari, Ms Harshikaa Udasi, Ms Swati Sengupta, Ms Deepa Agarwal, Ms Roopa Pai, Mr Rustom Dadachanji, Ms Priya Kuriyan, Ms Nandhika Nambi, Ms Natasha Sharma, Mr Terry O Brien, Ms Sharada Kolluru, Ms Anjum, Mr Zac O’Yeah and Ms. Bijal Vachharajani.

Through their versatility and interactive deliberations the visionaries encouraged the Award participants in an unhindered and uninhibited pursuit of honing their reading, comprehending and writing skills by exemplifying their own personal passion for literature.

Intending to assist the students to discover new ways of enriching their sensibilities, enabling them to achieve the status of ‘careful observers, critical thinkers and curious learners’ the mega event successfully culminated. Click here for the pictures

Orientation Programme for Students

At The Vikasa School, Tuticorin

A report by S. S. Sorna Kumar, Award Leader

An Orientation session of the International Award for Young People (IAYP) at The Vikasa School, was held on Monday, March 20, 2018, under the supervision of the Principal, Dr N. K. Charles. During the event, Mr Immanuel Cyril Jairaj, Vice-Principal (Non-Academic) introduced Mr Bivujit Mukhoty, Programme Manager, Award Programme Foundation, New Delhi, and Mr Sasikiran, Programme Assistant, IAYP, Chennai, to the gathering. Mr Bivujit Mukhoty's speech was inspiring and challenged our students. They have shown a good deal of enthusiasm to join the Award Programme. There was a video presentation of the Duke of Edinburgh Camp, in which various Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey related activities were highlighted. Mr Sasikiran motivated the students to join the Programme and emphasized that the Award earned by them will be helpful to pursue higher studies and might be useful during job interviews as well.

Mr Ganeshamoorthy, Co-Ordinator, Department of Physical Education of the School, honoured the guests with a bouquet. The orientation programme was concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Mathew, English Co-Ordinator. The orientation programme motivated everyone, not only to enroll, but also to actively take part in rendering Service to the society, sharpening their Skills and Physical Recreation, and to enjoy Adventure. Click here for pictures

*** Adventurous Journey - A report

Thirty-nine Award participants of Lakshmi School, Madurai, along with five teachers, started their Adventurous Journey on July 21, 2017 to The Base Camp, Kaliyal Village, Kanyakumari District. After reaching the camp site, these participants setup their tents with the help of the mentors. In the afternoon the participants went for a short trek. After evening tea students started preparing for the cooking session. The group was divided into six and each group was assigned the task of making a different dish for dinner.

Next day after the morning yoga activities, the participants visited a rubber factory and rubber plantation site. Post lunch session was for the different Adventurous activities which include -- commando bridge, rope walk, river crossing, Burma bridge and other team building games. In the evening the participants visited Tirparappu waterfall.

Next day, after the morning routine and daily exercises, the participants performed some other team building activities. All activities were conducted under the supervision of trained professionals. It was a new learning for the participants. The group expressed how they felt close to nature in these three days. Staying in the tent was a new experience for the participants and they enjoyed it. Click here to see the glimpses of the camp

A journey full of experience and learning

Award participants of Sarala Birla Academy, Bangalore, completed their Adventurous Journey under the supervision of Award Leader K S Biradar in the month of February 2018. Gurusharan G -IAYP student representative, Nikunj Tulysan and Shorya Vardhan Singh are sharing their experience with us.

On 16 of Feb 2018 in the chilled early morning at 5:00 am we - Bronze, Silver and Gold

participants with our escorts left our school campus and headed towards Somvanpet, a place in northern Coorg. We reached our destination at our expected time. Post lunch we assemble on the ground nearby for the briefing about the place. We were then escorted by the owner of the farm, who gave us a brief insight about the plantations of fruit, vegetable and coffee. He explained to us about the various stages of the coffee plantation. We all had some team building activities where we enjoyed playing various games. The instructors briefed us about how to trek up and down the mountains or hills and described safety measures while trekking, such as: while trekking on the hill carry a stick and put a cross mark at every diversion point, so that the people coming slowly behind us would understand that their teammates have gone this way. After the tour of the area, we all enjoyed the bonfire after that and called it a day.

Next day in the early morning we had to go for an 18-km trek on the third highest peak of Karnataka - the Pushpagiri Hills. Everyone was very enthusiastic and excited about the trek. We all enjoyed the cool breeze in the morning while summiting the peak and the bliss of the hot sun while at the top and while coming down. The trek was rather challenging and gave us a lot of exposure and sense of determination, and we all had a wonderful experience while trekking. It was very challenging and difficult for a few of us but we all helped other team members climbing the hill. The hill took us through all types of terrains, forests and areas of rock steps where a few of us got bitten by the leeches over there and learnt to apply some salt over the wound. It was again quite challenging while coming down the hill. Some of us slipped and fell but all in all we enjoyed the trek. It was really a different kind of experience summiting one of the highest peaks. While we learnt a lot while trekking, everyone enjoyed to their fullest after the trek. After reaching our campsite, we played some team building games in the evening.

The next day everyone was very enthusiastic about the trek. We boarded our buses after having breakfast and then set off for the trekking destination with our group in-charge, Mr Karthik. After an hour we reached our destination: the Pushpagiri Hills. We set off to summit the highest peak of the hills. It was a 19kms trek and was challenging for a few people, but everyone was full of enthusiasm and excitement.

On the third day, Gold participants escorted by one teacher left in the morning towards the Irrapu Waterfalls, which was far away from our campsite. We trekked to reach the Waterfall and also come down. On reaching our campsite we were given guidelines about how to pitch a tent; it was a new experience for most of us and everyone learnt and enjoyed doing it. The Bronze and Silver participants went for a small trek to the nearby stream where we dipped in the cold water in the hot sun.

Next day the Bronze and Silver participants went back to the school with two escorts. The seven Gold participants went for a morning trek for around 8 km. Post breakfast they participated in zip lining, boating, rope balancing and many more adventure related activities. After completing all the activities they left the campsite and headed back to the school with a lot of experience and learning.

By this trek, we learnt that we should not give up at any point in our life. Challenge yourself and move forward, definitely, success will meet you. We also got to know a lot about each other as we cooperated and helped each other during the trek. It was overall a very memorable experience for all of us, including the teachers, escorts and the in-charge, and we look forward to more activities and trekking. Click here for more pictures

IAYP helped me see a new world

Bonnya Soren, a Gold Award holder from Sri Sarada Math, Baladbandh, sharing her life after Gold experience with us.

It was like a dream when I emerged for the very first time from all the barriers in my life. I belong to the tribal society in a remote village named Panisheola in Hooghly district. It was not easy for me to continue my Award journey, as girls are not allowed to do anything independently here. But when I started my Bronze level a new window opened in my life; very slowly I started believing in positive power and discovered a new confidence in myself. I faced many social hazards, but I didn't stop my journey. I completed my Gold Award in the year 2017 and in this year I got married at the age of 19. I thought now there is no hope for me in the Award. Lots of questions coursed through my mind: how can I convince my husband? how can I describe Award to my in-laws, and so on. But being a Gold Award holder I am confident and understand the utilities of the Award especially for girls. So I started a new journey in my new family, keeping a flag "IAYP India" in my hand. And at last I got success. My in-laws, husband and all my relatives are convinced by the new thoughts and visions of the Award Programme and I got another chance to start my journey as an instructor. Now I am not only a Gold Award Holder, but I am also a leader of my village. I participated in the camp of Matha Hills which was held from 13th Feb to 18th Feb, 2018 as a leader. I think I created an example for the tribes group in my village and it will help the next generation for developing their career in a new path. I am grateful to Sri Sarada Math Rasik Bhita and IAYP, India for giving me full support and helping me to see a new world that I couldn't even dream of before.

Award Leader Training (YES) Workshop

Award Training Centre, New Delhi

An Award Leader Training Workshop was organised on 23rd - 24th February, 2018 at the Award Training Centre, New Delhi. The workshop was attended by 18 participants from Billabong High International School, Kanpur; Mayo College Girls' School, Ajmer; Sri Sri Academy, Kolkata; Sunbeam English School, Varanasi; Sunbeam Suncity (Schools & Hotels), Varanasi; Vidyagyan School-Sikandrabad, District-Bulandshahr; Mayoor School, Ajmer; Oakridge International School,Bachupally, Hyderabad; St Teresa School - Indirapuram, Ghaziabad; MM International School, Jabalpur; and C. L. Gupta World School, Moradabad.

The workshop started with a session on introduction and expectations. There were sessions on Framework and Philosophy of the Award, followed by the four pillars of the Award, Residential Project, Risk Management, Benefits of Award, Brand Pack and ORB. The workshop was led by Bivujit Mukhoty (Programme Manager), Priyank Kumar Gupta (Head IT and ORB), Ranjana Rai (Member NTP) and Pallavi Gill (Member, National Training Panel and India Youth Rep). Click here for the pictures

Welcoming New Team Members

We are happy to welcome Pallavi Gill (IGE Rep), Bhagyasree Sengupta and Sasi Kiran to IAYP India team as Programme Assistants. Pallavi is based at New Delhi and will support the Institutions in Northern India. Bhagyasree Sengupta is based at Kolkata and will support Eastern India. Sasi Kiran is based at Chennai and will be supporting Southern India. Contact details of all three are given in Contact Us below.

My Experience with IAYP

Khushi K Shah, a Silver Award holder from The Bhawanipur Gujarati Education Society School, Kolkata received his Silver Award from John May - Secretary-General on 7th December 017. Khushi is sharing her Award experience with us.

I just heard a cracking sound and fell to the ground while playing Cricket Match. I had a major fracture and had to undergo a knee surgery in the month of February. After the operation, the pain of physiotherapy did not affect me much but I was tensed whether I would be able to complete my Silver level of IAYP or not! I was not able to walk properly for a month because of the four screws in my knee joint. IAYP has taught me to remain positive, to pursue and to develop perseverance. I was determined to stand, to walk and to be normal, before the operation. I have attended all my Aerobics classes and my guide made my exercises in the beginning by sitting. She always highlighted positivity and kept stimulating me to perform in all four levels of IAYP as well as in academics. I never was thought of undertaking

two expeditions within six months of my operation but I did both of them successfully. I walked like a tortoise but was happy to cover all the aspects of the adventurous journey.

The day I received the Certificate from Mr. John May, I thought that’s my reward to struggle against all odds. He told us the story of a bird who thought of flying and I felt the same when I wanted to fly like a bird while lying on a hospital bed. IAYP is my soul mate, who makes me feel happy within, enhances my confidence; ignites my mind and moral. It is my driving force of life. My Award Leader always tells us to remember the proverb “A friend in need is a friend indeed”. Now I believe to the fullest that the Programme of IAYP is my best friend who has supported me to come out from the agony of pain through a journey of willpower and motivation. It made me more focused to improve myself.

Gold Award Ceremony 2018 - A brief note

This year's Special Gold Award Ceremony was organised on February 7, 2018 at the India International Centre, New Delhi. This Gold Award ceremony is dedicated to appreciating the milestones and the commitment of each participant. The day was dedicated to celebrate, enjoy and cherish their achievements with friends, family and the IAYP team.

We were honoured to have HRH The Prince Edward Earl of Wessex with us, who graced the occasion and presented the Gold Awards to all the successful participants. His Excellency Sir Dominic Asquith, High Commissioner of Britain to India also graced the Gold Award Ceremony.

The host and compere for the ceremony was Pratibha Kumari Singh, Award Leader and Member of the National Training Panel, who kept the audience engaged with her lively exchanges. She commenced the Gold Award Ceremony by welcoming HRH The Earl of Wessex, His Excellency Sir Dominic Asquith and all the Awardees, Award Leaders, Parents and other dignitaries. Mr. Kapil Bhalla (National Director) had the privilege to welcome the Chief Guest The HRH Earl of Wessex, HE Sir Dominic Asquith (High Commissioner of Britain), Himmat Kalsia (Chairman, APF), Dr. Sanat Kaul (Managing Trustee, APF), Siddharth Shriram (Member Trustee) and Dr. Kiran Martin (Member Trustee).

National Director Kapil Bhalla addressed the audience, sharing information of the progress of the Award. Kapil Bhalla highlighted the achievements of the Gender Diversity and Empowerment Project and Special Project at Ramskrishna Mission Blind Boys Academy, Kolkata, run by IAYP India.

The National Director's speech was followed by the Award Presentation Ceremony where the HRH Earl of Wessex handed the Gold Certificates to the participants.HRH facilitated 28 Gold Awardees from across the country.

In his inspiring words, HRH congratulated all the Awardees for their success. He explained to the participants that this is not their individual success, this is actually a team effort in which their mentors, Award Leaders and many volunteers are involved. They should feel themselves a bit taller and should feel proud to have achieved this Award.

HRH graciously spared some time to chat with the participants, Principals, Award Leaders, Volunteers and Parents.

Himmat Kalsia, Chairman, APF proposed the Vote of Thanks at the end of the ceremony.

The IAYP team thank HRH The Earl of Wessex, His Excellency Sir Dominic Asquith, Award Holders, Award Leaders, Principals, Parents, Guardians and our Trustees for being there to make this Gold Award Ceremony a success. For Gold Award Ceremony pictures, please click here.

Congratulations and Thank You

A big round of applause to all Gold Award Achievers, Award Leaders and Volunteers. Our thanks to all stakeholders who made the special Gold Award Ceremony 2018 a huge success. Thank you, HRH Prince Edward and Sir Dominic Asquith for gracing the ceremony.

HRH Prince Edward

Just walk a few inches tall and just feel a little bit proud of what you have done, because friends of yours can say that we can do this, but the difference is that you know you can.

HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, to Gold Awardees at Delhi, India

Special Project Adventurous Journey Camp for Lady Bamford Charitable Trust Supported Govt. Schools in Faridabad

The National Award Authority organised a two-day Adventurous Journey camp for Lady Bamford Charitable Trust Sponsored Government Schools of the rural areas of Haryana,between 29th and 30th January, 2018 at Holiday Moods Camp Wild, Village Dhauj, Haryana Campsite. Forty-six Bronze level participants (21 girls and 25 boys) successfully completed their Bronze Level Qualifying Adventurous Journey. During the camp, they completed several activities under the supervision of five trained instructors: Soumitro Ganguly, Md. Imran, Partha Sengupta, Somnath Saha and Asim Nath from the Institute of Climbers and Nature Lovers (ICNL) Kolkata and Bivujit Mukhoty (Programme Manager).The camp activities included Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Fixing Rope, Building Burma Bridge & Single Rope Bridge, Tyrolean Traverse, Commando Net, Balancing Beam, Tarzan Swing and many other rope obstacles along with Tent Pitching and learning Rope Knots. The participants also played team building games and map reading. All the participants successfully completed their activities for the Adventurous Journey. The NAA team thanks ICNL, Kolkata and Holiday Moods, New Delhi, for their continued support to the Award Programme.

Welcome to Gold Award Presentation Ceremony – February 7, 2018

NAA welcomes all Gold Awardees. Achieving a Gold Award is one of the biggest milestones of your life. It shows that you have the ability, focus and determination to achieve your set goals and pursue them with passion and perseverance. It shows that you have done your share to achieve all-round development and at the same time are open to learn from what the future has to offer. Therefore, it is imperative that you celebrate this achievement with others and The Gold Award Ceremony is designed to celebrate this achievement of yours.

We are honoured to have HRH The Earl of Wessex with us, who will grace the occasion and present the Gold Awards to all the successful participants at the India International Centre, New Delhi. We also welcome His Excellency Sir Dominic Asquith, High Commissioner of Britain, to the Gold Award Ceremony.

Walk It Like You Talk It!

Sudhiksha Kaushik, Gold Award Participant from Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Vidyalaya, Jaipur found garbage handling is one of the challenging areas in India. She decided to work for the same and succeeded in setting up the examples. Sudhiksha is sharing a report here.

"I love nature. I love to be in it. It is beautiful, permanent and beyond us." These words from Marshall Vian Summers are the true expression of my feelings. A trip to the beautiful hill station of Shimla in the lap of Himalayas in class 6th with my family was my love at first sight with nature. The beauty of this place left such a great impact on my tender mind that I decided to take up environment conservation at school. Conserving environment became my passion and I started encouraging others too by my 'walk it like you talk it' attitude.

My father’s career in Merchant Navy got me to travel since a very young age, because of which I was exposed to the efficient garbage management and was intrigued about the details kept in mind in respect to the aspects of cleanliness displayed on board my father’s ships and in various countries I travelled to. Gradually I started to draw comparisons between the waste management in my country and the countries I had visited. In Ohiri Park at Hakata in Japan I saw how people cleaned their dog’s faeces when they took their dogs for a walk, in the U.S.A, I saw how people followed the laws made by the government and also actively participated in all programs related to the upkeep of the environment, in Singapore, I saw how people never littered around. This difference led me to work towards sensitizing people in my city about environment conservation and cleanliness. My endeavour is to break the taboo surrounding garbage handling in my country.

I knew that the task I have taken is difficult for a young kid but the determination to see my city as clean as the cities of the developed countries led me to do things that many children of my age are not even bothered about. In the beginning, people were not very accepting of my vision. They were least concerned about littering and polluting the environment as they assumed that it was not harming them directly. They believe that it is the duty of the government to take care of environment conservation. I started to persuade people to be concerned about the environment by organizing various activities like e-waste collection drives, cleanliness drives, and old books, clothes and shoe collection drives, etc. For organizing all these activities I, along with my younger sister started an organization called ‘R4 – Our fore vision’ which is a registered NGO today. Eventually, people started joining my drives. My teachers started talking about my initiatives in school and my peers began helping me spread awareness about environment conservation. I was declared the Environmentalist of The Year in the 9th and 11th standard. Our NGO ‘R4- Our Fore Vision’ has partnered with the biggest marathon in our city called Jaipur Marathon and the biggest theatre festival in the city called Jairangam as their cleanliness partners where people were motivated for garbage segregation and cleanliness by our volunteers. We arranged for the disposal of the collected garbage to the recycling centre.

The Clean India Mission launched under the leadership of our honourable Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi increased my determination to take this cause even to grass root level. This has resulted in people accepting the responsibility for the cleanliness of their surroundings. Today many households in my residential society compost their kitchen waste using the low-cost composter called 'Golden Pot' developed by me and my sister. I am proud to say that through my initiatives I have brought about a change in the mindset of the students of my school and the people I have interacted with. I know that I have succeeded in my endeavour when I see the students in my school not only support my cleanliness mission but also help promote it. Click for more pictures ...

Award Leader Training (YES) Workshop

Award Training Centre, New Delhi

An Award Leader Training Workshop was organised on 3rd - 4th November 2017 at the Award Training Centre, New Delhi. The workshop was attended by 12 participants from Amity International School, Mayur Vihar, Phase - I, New Delhi; Confluence World School, Rudrapur, Uttarakhand; Ecole Globale International Girls' School, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand; Gyan Ganga International School, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh; The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh; Ramagya School, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh; and Taurian world School, Ranchi, Jharkhand. 

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The workshop started with a session on introduction and expectations. There were sessions on Framework and Philosophy of the Award, followed by the four pillars of the Award, Residential Project, Risk Management, Benefits of Award and Brand Pack. The workshop was led by Kapil Bhalla (National Director), Bivujit Mukhoty (Programme Manager), Priyank Kumar Gupta (Head IT and ORB) and Pallavi Gill (Member, National Training Panel and India Youth Rep). After completion of the workshop participants were recognised with certificates. Dr Sanat Kaul, Managing Trustee, Award Programme Foundation graced the facilitation ceremony and honoured the Award Leaders. Click here for the pictures

Adventurous Journey reveals youth leaders

Award participants from Him Academy Public School, Vikasnagar, Hamirpur, HP completed their Adventurous Journey to Barot Valley, Mandi, HP. A report by Rajeev Kumar (Award Leader)

We, a group of 43, left for the camp on 17th Sept 2017 from Hamirpur, HP with 43 Award participants, including two Silver and 41 Bronze level participants. We arrived at Hamirpur at 5:30 am and undertook a bus journey to Trekker’s Nest, Barot Valley, Mandi (the campsite). The planning for the journey was over during the month of August and the preliminary training and preparations were already done in the month of August.

On the first day of our journey, we set up tents, learnt essential knots and about different kinds of camping gear. The participants were taken for mountain trekking approximately 2200 feet above the sea level at Barot Valley, Mandi, HP. The Adventure Journey camp shifts the focus away from the individual and teaches campers to be more selfless and become better team players. The day was full of experiential learning for all of us, as we learnt about nature and various kinds of vegetation. Everyone noted the important points in their diaries and record keeping journals.

On the second day, we took part in rock-climbing and rappelling. The participants were made to trek to the locations at which these activities were organised. These activities were quite arduous under the scorching sun, but they allowed the participants to step outside their comfort zones and challenged them in ultimate terms. They learnt about mountain manners and first aid. At the close of day the participants discussed the challenges and the fears they overcame.We did get the opportunity to participate in Nati during evening hours with the campfire.

The third day was of thrilling and unforgettable experiences of different adventure activities like Zipline, Rope Valley crossing and campfire. Every activity tried the strength and flexibility of the participants and taught them to sustain themselves in the toughest conditions and improved their endurance levels. After the journey, we all returned to the school with chapped lips and fond memories.

These adventure camp activities have led to decreases in childhood adjustments, anxiety issues, and social inhibitions that manifest themselves silently in the participants. By the culmination of the camp, we had unfurled various leaders among the youth. Many learnt teamwork and overcame phobias. Parents affirmed this camp to be a wholesome experience for their wards and wanted them to be a part of such activities in the future on a more consistent basis. Click for more images 

IGE Rep - Md Imran

I belong to a middle class family that lives near a slum area in Kolkata, West Bengal. When I was at karate school, my friends urged me to get into the International Award for Young People. My friends advised me that the Award programme would give me an opportunity to engage with my community and my surroundings, and would help me to improve my community and society. I looked forward to acquiring a better knowledge of skills, social and physical activities; above all, I wanted to be a part of a programme that encouraged the youth. In the year 2004 I received my Bronze Award and in the year 2010, I received my Gold Award from the Vice President of India. I have thoroughly enjoyed completing all the sections during my Award journey. I also attended an Award Leader Training Workshop in Purukul, Dehradun in the year 2011. I have been a part of a video film made by a group of journalists who came from the International Award Foundation (IAF) in the UK to visit the Special Projects Units at Ramakrishna Mission Blind Boys' Academy, Emmanuel Ministries and Sir Syed group of schools, Kolkata. I have participated in many camps organised for these Special Project Units and intellectually challenged Awardees and blind boys. During the six-year journey from Bronze to Gold my life and my vision have changed. The Award made me, and gave me knowledge, skill, and mental strength as well as broad-minded thinking. I think in this past year the Award educated me to live like a good human being, with all the powers in my hands and ability to perform skills, the humanity and compassion for doing service and an appropriate vision with good thoughts and ideas. The Award gives us the opportunity to grip the chance to continue life after Gold, but I have made my own choice: I love nature, mountains, mountain-hacking and mountain climbing so I started to give a professional shape to my mountaineering career. I have completed my basic, advanced and method of instructions course from one of the finest institutes, NIM with A grading. Still, I am continuing my support to the Award by mentoring for the Adventurous Journey organised by NAA for the Special Projects participants. In the year 2016 I become a member of the National Training Panel. I have the enthusiasm to be a part of the Award and continue my pursuit of excellence and service to this amazing Award programme.

IGE Rep - Pallavi Gill

My Award journey began when I was in standard 9. The thing that attracted me the most about this Award is that there is no competition. Achievements are usually recognized till the third position in most events. But, not in the Award. The Award recognizes an individual's improvement and hard work according to their capabilities. Due to the Award I began playing sports and soon I excelled in it. Academics was my weakness. I was constantly advised by my worried parents and teachers to work on my studies as my Board Examinations were coming up. That was until I excelled in my Board Examination too. I am presently studying in Delhi University and I have been scoring a First Division in all my papers. The Award teaches you qualities that are unmeasurable, such as perseverance, hard work, time management, confidence, etc. And, when these qualities are imbibed, they make us grow. The Award develops not only us but also the community. I have achieved the Bronze, Silver and Gold Award. But my journey doesn't end there, I began interning at the Award office in New Delhi, and soon became an Award Leader and now I am a member of the National Training Panel. Even after I completed my Gold Award, I still had many fears, such as my fear of speaking. At a National Training Workshop, I was suddenly asked to speak. A thousand excuses came into my head to walk away. Until a tiny voice in my head said, “Why don't you give it a try?” I stammered. I shivered. I was scared. But, that's what the Award teaches us, make a thousand mistakes if you have to, but never give up! And this is what the Award has taught me, to challenge my fears!

How the Award transforms life - Improved educational attainment

Adrija Chatterjee, Award Leader from Sri Sarada Math, Rasik Bhita is sharing the life changing story of Prityi Das. Prityi Das has started her Award Journey under the Gender Diversity and Women Empowerment Project under aegis of ISPG.

Prityi Das, one of our Silver Award holder from Sri Sarada Math-Rasik Bhita scored 74% in the Higher Secondary Examination. Prityi comes from a socially and economically challenged background and she faces lots of hurdles daily. Her father does not stay with them and her mother is a maid servant who is also physically challenged. When Prityi started her education, there was no support. It was a dream for her to continue her studies. Prityi did not lose hope and tried to get financial assistance and scholarships. At the time of her Silver level Award Journey trek to Matha Hills, Prityi’s mother refused to let her participate as her final Higher Secondary Examinations were knocking at the door, but Prityi stood up against that and said that she could do anything and could face challenges because she had learnt this from the Award. At last, Prityi's mother relented and she did this camp successfully and also achieved a good result in her Higher Secondary Examination. She proved if you face challenges boldly you will get good results. The Award family congratulates Prityi and wishes her a good and successful future.

Steps towards Service

Sidhartha Sen Gupta from Miles Bronson Residential School (MBRS), Borjhar, Guwahati is sharing a report on the Service Section.

Award participants along with Award Leaders and Mentors from MBRS visited the Missionaries of Charity, Old Age Home in Khanamukh, Guwahati on 15th June 2016 as a part of their Service project. We all were very curious and excited to visit the people over there. We had a good interactive session with the residents of the Old Age Home. We were touched by the sensitive attitudes of these homeless older people, who shared their thoughts and feelings with all of us. Indeed, they poured their hearts out and we were all touched by their stories. They made us feel a kinship, as if we are also a part of their life! We have learned that it’s the adaptability to the environment that is one of the strongest characteristics of a human being. The people we visited there were the epitome of camaraderie, united although all were from different backgrounds, they were happy and ready to lead a better life.

We were amazed to see that through our interaction many hearts were rejuvenated! They treated us as their own children by forgetting their sorrows and worries. It was a fabulous experience to see how happy they all were and made us realise that grandparents and parents are gifts of God, which should be preserved with love and care.

We promised them to visit again and again on a regular basis. We are thankful to our school fraternity for their whole hearted support and guidance and also for bestowing us an opportunity to extend ourselves to others’ needs, to turn their ‘Tears into Smiles’.