The Award has helped me reach new heights of success

Manika Sharma from Jodhamal Public School, Jammu, received her Gold Award in 2014 at New Delhi. Manika shared her life transforming Award Journey with us.

My journey of achieving the Gold Award completed in 2014 when I was in Jodhamal Public School, Jammu. This Award added an extra dimension to my personality. After becoming a Gold Award Holder, I have been able to develop greater levels of confidence and self-esteem. My beliefs have strengthened and I have become more persuasive. I have learnt how to voice my concerns and contribute my bit in bringing about positive changes in society. I have learnt all this through community service and the residential project. These projects have made me flexible, enabling me to adjust in every situation. As part of the Residential Project, I lived the life of the residents of small villages, interacted with their culture and organized a literacy campaign. Doing this, I’m overwhelmed that I have been a productive part of society.

IAYP has enlightened me about the productive use of my leisure time to acquire new skills. The ‘adventure’ aspect of my journey has helped me cultivate abilities like cooperation and leadership. It has helped me measure my physical strength through various adventurous tasks. This Award has given young people like me the phenomenal gifts of exuberance and the ability to choose among skills, physical recreation, etc. This 18-month long journey has been a marvellous experience that has offered me a lot to learn at every step.

Nostalgia has overcome me as I write this article. The Award has been a major life changer in boosting my self-confidence, teaching me life skills and enhancing my personality.

I must thank my school for introducing me to IAYP, my Award leader for guiding me throughout my journey and my family for being a pillar of support and encouragement.

Thank you IAYP

Greening the Desert – Build a Greenhouse

Eighth Gold Level Adventurous Journey and Residential Project for Gold Participants: 8th - 23rd June, 2018, Spiti, Northern Himalayas, India

Gold Award participants from around the globe are welcome to apply for the two-weeks Solar Conservation Project at Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, organised by Ecosphere in collaboration with IAYP India. The project is one of its kind, combining an Adventurous Journey and Gold Residential Project exclusively for Gold Award participants.

During this journey, the Award participants will be travelling through Spiti and will spend 5 days assisting the local community in the construction of a Greenhouse enabling a local farmer or a Monastery/Nunnery to have access to green vegetables throughout the year. You will participate in the actual construction of a greenhouse and will be assisted by a dedicated team comprising a qualified mason and trained person from Ecosphere. The activity will entail physical work. The trip is a mix of work and pleasure. During this trip participants will be visiting some of the highest villages in the world, going on a high-altitude trek, visiting some ancient monasteries dating back to over a 1000 years, and taking a yak/horse safari and mountain bike -- if interested. Traditional homestays further enrich the experience by giving one an authentic understanding of the life and culture in a Spitian home.

Detailed information and application form can be obtained from here. The last date for registration is 20th May 2018.

Gold Award Ceremony 2018 - July 10th

The time has come to celebrate YOUR achievement: The Gold Award. Achieving a Gold Award is one of the biggest milestones of your Award Journey. 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 learning 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 happy to announce that the Annual Gold Award Ceremony 2018 will be organised on July 10, 2018, at India International Centre, New Delhi.

We cordially invite you to join this celebration and you will soon receive an invite to GAC 2018. It goes without saying that your presence will make this event memorable and successful.

The last date for submitting Record Books is 10th June 2018.

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.

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

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.

The Honorable Sir Dominic Asquith KCMG

The Honourable Sir Dominic Asquith KCMG is a British diplomat and former Ambassador to Iraq, Egypt, and Libya. He is currently the British High Commissioner to India, since March 2016. Sir Dominic will be accompanying HRH throughout the Royal Visit.

We welcome His Excellency to the Gold Award Ceremony.

HRH The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex KG GCVO

HRH The Earl of Wessex is Chair of Trustees of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation. He is a Gold Award holder.

We welcome his Royal Highness 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 ...

Gold Award Presentation Ceremony – February 7, 2018

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 happy to announce that a Gold Award Ceremony will be organised on February 7, 2018 at India International Centre, New Delhi.

Please note that the last date for Record Book submission is January 5, 2018.

A Great Learning Experience

Dikshita Khullar, Gold Award Participant from Open Award Centre, is sharing her swimming achievements.

Accompanying my elder brother to the club swimming pool, for his swimming lessons, instilled in me a deep desire to be a swimmer too. At the age of 4, I found myself able to float. My happiness knew no bounds when I won my first individual Championship in Grade 5. My practice starts early at the school pool and then in the afternoon I take coaching lessons from my coach at the Kendriya Vidyalaya.

Soon after, I joined the IAYP and I started practising and participating at the annual club meets. I enjoy swimming; not only does it make me fit but it is also a good break from my studies. Thereafter I have been competing and winning medals at inter school, district and state levels. I have also represented Delhi for the 200 m Freestyle Relay at the 43rd Junior National Aquatic championship held in Bangalore, in 2016. Though our team stood 6th, it was a great learning experience to witness the competition at such a large scale. I hope to continue and improve my timing with each practice.

Reminiscing about a Memorable Journey

Riddhi Jain, Gold Award holder from Delhi Public School, Gurugram is sharing her Award Journey experience, especially the Residential Project.

I was first introduced to the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award programme when I was in the 9th grade. When I was introduced to the International Award for Young People (IAYP), I was quite curious about the programme and how it would help me in my life. Deciding to join the Bronze Award was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It has been an amazing experience ever since. I went on to complete the Silver and Gold Awards as well.

My journey with IAYP has been one with many challenges: from managing academics and extracurriculars to meeting deadlines. Nevertheless, I enjoyed myself thoroughly. I think the most important skill I picked up from the IAYP is interpersonal and communication skills.

The Residential Project for the Gold Award was my personal favourite. It taught me how to work in a team. To step out of my comfort zone and go out in the open, meet new people, make new friends and most importantly, it taught me how to enjoy life outside home and away from my parents.

Living with strangers in a village, learning their lifestyle and language was a little scary, but at the same extremely thrilling. We visited the village head -- the Sarpanch, spoke to the Panchayat about the administration of the village, went to the village school and taught the students there, and danced with them. We interacted with them and told them about our school.

I learnt how to make round chapatis and had tea for the first time ever. The tractor ride was quite amusing. We also organised a cleanliness drive and took to the streets, after which we put up a street play on hygiene and sanitation and stressed on the importance of maintaining cleanliness.

On the third and fourth day, I went to the farm and saw a variety of vegetables that were grown. Later, we were taken to the brick kiln and made a few bricks there, which were, to be honest, quite distorted. The task was very tough and tiring, yet fun.

It is priceless memories like these that remind me of the joys of the Award. Completing the Award gives youth opportunities that one would not normally experience and moments that last a lifetime. Achieving the Awards was just as thrilling as completing the journey. Click here to see more pictures

Gold Award Ceremony 2017 - A brief note

This year's Gold Award Ceremony was organised on 20th July 2017 at the India International Centre, New Delhi. The National Award Authority (NAA) took immense pride in felicitating the Gold Award Holders, Award Leaders and Volunteers. 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.

This year the National Award Authority was privileged to invite Dr Vivek Raghavan, Chief Technology Officer, Team Indus as the Chief Guest and Sue Walker, Asia Pacific Regional Director of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, who graced the occasion with their presence.

The host and compere for the ceremony was Ranjana Rai, 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 the Chief Guest and all the Awardees, Award Leaders and Parents. Mr. Kapil Bhalla, National Director, had the privilege to welcome the Chief Guest Dr. Vivek Raghavan, Regional Director Asia Pacific Sue Walker, Himmat Kalsia (Chairman, APF), Dr. Sanat Kaul (Managing Trustee, APF), Vinay Sheel Oberoi (Member Trustee) and Vice Admiral SP Govil (Retd.) Former Trustee and National Chairman. This welcome address was followed by honouring the school principals who were there to grace the occasion. Mr Bhalla welcomed and congratulated Naina Lakhanpal, Principal, Him Academy, Vikas Nagar, Hamirpur; Dr R. D. Thakur, Principal, K.C. Public School, Jammu; Vivek Gautam, Principal, OP Jindal School, Raigarh; Skand Bali, Principal, G D Goenka World School, Gurugram; Major General TPS Waraich, Director, Yadavindra Public School, Mohali; Vikaram Singh, Bursar, Yadavindra Public School, Patiala; Jorawar Singh, Principal, Cambridge International School, Phagwara; Aditya Kumar Sharma, Principal, SYNA International School, Katni and Wing Cdr Ranjit Kumar Mandal for their invaluable support and contribution to the Award Programme, and presented them the Friendship Badge.

A variety of entertainment performances were presented by Award Participants, commencing with a group dance by Award participants of ISPG sponsored Special Project at Sri Sarada Math, Baladband, West Bengal. This was followed by a solo classical dance performance by Shubhangee Goel, Award Participant from Delhi Public School, NTPC Vidyut Nagar.

Sharing some of the memorable and life transforming moments from the diaries of Gold Awardees, which will inspire the Gold Award achievers, is another important event, and Pallavi Gill and Md Imran, both Gold Award Holders, who are representing India at the International Gold Event, 2017 to be held from 25th October – 30th October 2017 at Prague, Czech Republic shared their life transforming experiences with the house.

National Director Kapil Bhalla addressed the audience, sharing information of the progress of the Award. He outlined future plans that have been designed to spread the Award Programme to untouched areas of the country. Kapil Bhalla also highlighted the achievements of the Gender Diversity and Empowerment Project run by IAYP India under ISPG Grant.

The National Director's speech was followed by the Award Presentation Ceremony where the Chief Guest Dr Vivek Raghavan handed the Gold Certificates to the participants while Sue Walker honoured a select group of Award Leaders with Special and Voluntary Service Meritorious Certificates.

The Chief Guest, in his speech, congratulated all the Awardees and Award Leaders for their success. Sharing some life experiences, the story behind participating in Google Lunar X Prize, and other details about #harindiankamoonshot with the audience.

The Gold Award Holders of Sri Sarada Math presented Rakhi to the guests. These Rakhis were made by the participants under the Skill Development programme of ISPG sponsored Gender Diversity Empowerment Project at Sri Sarada Math, Baladband, West Bengal.

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

The IAYP thank the Chief Guest, Regional Director, 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.

The Award has made me a completely new person

Pratiksha Bora from Maria's Public School, Assam received her Gold Award on 20th July 2017 at the Gold Award Ceremony 2017 at New Delhi. Pratiksha shared her Gold Journey experiences with us.

I can still remember the day I first enrolled for the International Award for Young People. I was really enthralled to receive the diary, though I never imagined that I'd be able to complete my gold level.

My prime reason for getting enrolled in the IAYP programme was to overcome my weaknesses. And today I can proudly claim that I've accomplished my aim.

The various aspects of the Award have unleashed the potential in me. Physical Recreation, as well as Skills sections, take the credit for the holistic development, and the Adventurous Journey has made me realise the value of being independent and an awareness of the hardships of life. The challenges posed at every step has helped me change my habit of complaining.

The Service section has taught me to be selfless and has imparted me the satisfaction of helping someone in need and, most importantly, helped me to overcome my weakness of being an introvert.

Another change that I've perceived in myself is that I've become more self-reliant, for which I shall always remain obliged to the Award programme. The various aspects of the programme have also taught me how to manage my time. Before enrolling for the Award I was not engaged in any Physical Recreation game as I was unable to do time management. But, thanks to IAYP I've learnt to manage my time for sports and academics, as well as skills.

In today's world where there is a need for being an all rounder, IAYP helps us to become one. From time management to holistic development, IAYP has made me a completely new person and, most importantly, has helped me overcome most of my weaknesses.

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 Annual Gold Award Ceremony 2017 a huge success. Thank you, Dr. Vivek Ragahavn and Sue Walker for gracing the ceremony.

Award Leader Training (YES) Workshop

RBK Global School, Indralok, Bhayandar (E), Thane, Maharashtra

An Award Leader Training Workshop was organised on 30th June - 01 July 2017. The workshop was attended by ten participants from RBK School, Mira Road, Bhayandar, Maharashtra; RBK Global School, Indralok, Thane, Maharashtra; RBK International School, Bhayandar, Thane, Maharashtra; RBK International Academy, Chembur, Mumbai, Maharashtra; RBK Global School, Navsari, Gujarat; and Hanumant High School, Mahuva, Gujarat. The workshop was led by Kapil Bhalla (National Director); Bivujit Mukhoty (Programme Manager) and Rahul Thakur (Member National Training Panel). Click here for the pictures

Football Rani (Queen)

Kalyani Chakraborty, Award Leader Manav Vikash High School, Jharkhand (Special Project) sharing an inspiring story of Rani Ravidas - her journey to become the Football Queen.

Rani Ravidas is a well-known name for football lovers of Jharkhand. Rani represents the Jharkhand Women Football Team.

Rani comes from a small village, Nautandi, near Telco Town, Jamshedpur. Rani’s father Dal Gobinda Ravidas is a farmer and mother Reboti Ravidas is a housewife. Rani is the fourth daughter out of the seven children: five daughters, and two sons. Rani’s sisters married long ago, but Rani refused to marry so that she could complete her studies and fulfill her passion of playing football.

Rani’s love for football started when she was only 10 years old. She started playing football with the boys of her locality. The people of her village did not accept it and questioned how a girl could play football. Rani’s family also worried about her passion, but her mother knew that she is different than other girls and encouraged her to play the game. Her mother told her to “be a good player, be a big personality." Rani's only encouragement was her mother's inspiration. Her mother might not have heard the expression “Women empowerment” but she felt it and expressed it completely. This was a big support for Rani and she decided to do what she wants to do. She started practicing football’s cut and throw every day, and that has made all the difference. She says, “From the very beginning I was quite determined that if I chose a correct and a rational path the others around me would have to change, not I.”

She completed her Matric from Manav Vikas High School in 2012. Nautandi, her village is very far from the school and is not connected to the metallic road. Despite the many difficulties Rani faced, she was very regular at school, her motivation being to complete her studies and practice football.

Rani enrolled in the Award programme in 2010 for the Bronze Level. She successfully achieved the Bronze and has now started her Gold Award journey. Currently, she is studying for her under-grad at Graduate College in Jamshedpur.

Rani looks like a very easy going village girl, but she has a spark. She did not compromise her passion to poverty, illiteracy, and superstitions. She has a very strong will power. Rani’s iron will and mental toughness characterise her. One day, during her under-grad course, she set off to Dibrugarh for the Inter-University Women Football Competition. During the competition she got the news that her mother had fallen seriously ill and was asking her to come back home to be with her during her last few hours. Rani knew that if she stayed back, her team would lose the match. She took her mother's permission and blessings and went for the match. As she reached Dibrugarh the next day, she got the news of her mother’s demise. This was the saddest moment in her life. But this brave girl gathered courage and played her best. The Jharkhand Women Team won the match. Rani says, “I played with only one thought, that I have promised my mother that we will win. I have to give my best to win the match and I did so.”

Rani is a very busy footballer. She has represented her university and state in different competitions. Everyone knows that if Rani is on the team, the Jharkhand’s Women Football team would be the winning side. Rani is now preparing herself for the upcoming Federation Cup.

Rani has become a role model for girls in her village Nautandi, and she is now called Football Rani (Queen).