The Award In Action—Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala

Report by Rishita Pandey, IX-Commendables, Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala. 

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step! A crisp morning dawned as my classmates from IX Commendables and I embarked on an extraordinary journey as part of The International Award for Young People (IAYP). Our destination? The enchanting Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Vidya Mandir. Little did we know that this expedition would be more than a mere trip; it would be a transformative exploration of gratitude, empathy, and personal growth. Our visit to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Vidya Mandir was not just about observation; it was an opportunity for us to shoulder significant responsibilities and step into leadership roles. The girls from IX Commendables, myself included, were entrusted with the task of connecting with the female pupils of the school. This experience became an exercise in empathy, communication, and the profound power of building relationships. Simultaneously, our male counterparts took on the responsibility of engaging with the male pupils, an experience that led to the discovery of camaraderie, teamwork, and the essence of healthy competition. Among the most memorable aspects of our visit was witnessing the spirited participation of the pupils in various races and games on the school grounds. The energy was palpable, but what left an indelible mark was the unwavering sense of sportsmanship that pervaded every event. The spirit of competition was not about winning at all costs but about giving one's utmost while respecting the efforts of others. Prizes served as motivation, but the true reward lay in the inner drive to continually improve, push boundaries, and embrace both victory and defeat with grace. This experience etched in us the profound significance of sports in character building and promoting unity. One of the most poignant moments of our visit was our interaction with the youngest members of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Vidya Mandir. Spending time with the infants, endeavoring to bring smiles to their faces, revealed an overwhelming sense of compassion and love that permeated the room. Witnessing their resilience in the face of adversity and the unwavering support they received from the school staff was a deeply humbling experience. It served as a stark reminder of the privileges and opportunities we are blessed with in our lives. This encounter left an indelible mark, teaching us the impact of kindness and empathy, even in the most challenging circumstances. It underscored the idea that small acts of compassion can ripple outward, creating a significant and positive impact on the world. Our visit to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Vidya Mandir was a transformative odyssey, reshaping the trajectory of our lives. It etched within us a deep sense of gratitude, empathy, and personal growth. As I returned to my school, I carried with me not just a trove of memories but a steadfast commitment to effect positive change in the world. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Vidya Mandir transcended being a mere visit; it became a perpetual source of inspiration and a poignant reminder of the enduring values that continue to shape my life's journey. This journey reaffirmed that education extends beyond textbooks; it encompasses the nurturing of character and the practice of empathy.

The Award In Action—Ram Ratna Vidya Mandir, Mumbai

Report by Mr. Amit Mathur, IAYP Coordinator, Ram Ratna Vidya Mandir

Ram Ratna Vidya Mandir, has been actively participating in The International Award for Young People, and we recently organized a tree plantation drive to contribute to the environment and our community. We are thrilled to have completed this project, and we have documented it through a series of photographs.
We believe that these images capture the essence of our Award Participants' commitment to environmental sustainability and community service. The event was a tremendous success, and we are proud of our contribution to the community because of The Award Programme.

The Award In Action—Gold Award Participant Priyasha Sharma

Report by Priyasha Sharma, Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi 

Introduction In 2021, I embarked on a transformative journey with The International Award for Young People. Over the course of two years, I engaged in a variety of activities that challenged me, broadened my horizons, and gave me a sense of discipline and consistency that I will carry forward in my future endeavours.  Participation at the Gold Level As a participant at the gold level, I dedicated myself to a range of activities spanning different areas: 1. Skills Development: Over 78 hours, I honed my skills in writing music. This creative endeavour allowed me to express myself in new ways and appreciate the nuances of musical composition. The process of creating music from scratch enhanced my creativity and patience, and the joy of completing a piece provided a sense of accomplishment. 2. Physical Recreation: I committed 52 hours to walking, an activity that not only improved my physical fitness but also provided me with time for reflection and appreciation of my surroundings. The regular physical activity helped me build stamina and resilience, while the quiet moments during walks offered opportunities for introspection and idea generation. 3. Voluntary Service: As the Senior Managing Editor of DU Express, I spent 52 hours leading the organization. This role taught me valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and the importance of clear communication. It also gave me a sense of responsibility and the opportunity to make a positive impact on my community. 4. Adventurous Journey: From 12th to 16th October 2021, I embarked on a trekking adventure in Triyund Trek, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India. This journey tested my physical endurance and resilience, while also offering breathtaking views and a deep connection with nature. The trek taught me the importance of perseverance and the rewards of stepping out of my comfort zone. Impact of The Award Programme IAYP has had a profound impact on my personal and professional development. It has given me a sense of discipline and consistency, which I believe are invaluable traits for success in any field. The diverse range of activities I engaged in have not only broadened my skill set but also enriched my life experiences. Each activity, in its own unique way, has contributed to my growth and shaped me into a more well-rounded individual. Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend The International Award for Young People to my fellow young people in college. The programme offers a unique opportunity to develop a wide range of skills, engage in meaningful service, and challenge oneself physically and mentally. The experiences and lessons learned through IAYP are invaluable and will undoubtedly contribute to personal growth and future success!

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.