Children's Day Celebrations

November 14th marked World Children's Day here in India, and LEaders from all over celebrated and gave back to the children in their communities in unique and loving ways.

Varanasi

On the occasion of children’s day, newly joined LEADers Kirti, Pritha, Deepak, Manish and Dheeraj (Faculty of Management & Sciences, Kashi Hindu University) touched 600+ students by organizing awareness sessions in schools of Varanasi, namely Glorious Academy and Sunbeam, Bhagwanpur. The LEADers addressed the students in the school assembly, and personally met with them to encourage them to bring a change in society. The emphasis of the encouragement was on cleanliness and hygiene for children of the today and the future, and to start this at a personal level. The schools’ administration were very supportive of the event, and the students showed a great response. As Leader Kirti, Pritha and team noes, "It was a memorable experience to share. We hope to see a brighter India in the future."

Bijapur

LEaders Altamash Qureshi, Khyum Hayatkhan and their team members of Kudachi celebrated Children's day with a twist. They planted 300 Saplings and they distributed pens and books to children. Teachers and staff members very much appreciated their initiative.

Chitradurga

On the occasion of Children's Day, LEAD Chitradurga LEADers Mamatha Nerlige, Giri Mallikarjun

Sarangmatt, Sahan Abblour, Vinay Hegde, and Venkat Cherry organized a free dental checkup for Govt. school children, with the help of SJM Dental College. They offered a free dental checkup, distributed toothbrushes and tooth paste, and also educated the children about ways to keep their mouths healthy,

by presenting a video clip.

Gulbarga

On the occasion of Children's Day Mr. Vikas Neel took the initiative to conduct a dental camp at Channamalleshwar High School. Mr. Vikas Neel, who is an active Leader in Gubarga, helped 600+ students in this camp.

Gulbarga LEADer Cleans Slum Area

LEADer Dattu Kambale of NV Degree College, Gulbarga, was disgusted by the condition that he found in a slum area.  The colony was covered in waste because there was no dustbin available for the residents to dispose of their waste properly.  Mountains of trash littered the roadsides, creating a smelly, unhygienic environment.  Dattu approached corporation and made them aware of the problem.  He convinced them that the area was in dire need of a dustbin.

While Dattu waited for the response from corporation, he put together a team and they took initiative to clean the area.  In addition to cleaning, the students also approached the colony residents and educated them about the importance of maintaining hygiene.

After the area had been fully cleaned by the students, corporation agreed to place a dustbin in the colony.

Dattu's project was showcased during Yuva Summit 2014.

Gulbarga LEADer Teaches 12 Drop Out Students

LEADer Sharnamma of Godutai Degree College, Gulbarga, identified 7 students from a slum area who had dropped out of school.  She desperately wanted to help them go back to school, but they were so far behind in their subjects that it would be nearly impossible for them to enroll again without some extra help.  Sharnamma initially started her project with the intention to teach them basic school subjects over the course of a few weeks.  She was teaching the students daily for four hours, with six hour classes on Mondays.  Within a few days, the number of students increased from seven to 12 students between 5th to 9th standard.  Sharnamma has extended her classes and has now been teaching the students for the past two months. The students have improved significantly; they can now read and write their names, but there is still a lot of work to be done to get them ready to go back to school, and Sharnamma will continue the project until the students are ready.

Bidar LEADer Teaches 191 Slum Children

A good education is a sure way to break the cycle of poverty.  An educated child stands a chance at having a brighter future than an uneducated child.  However, Children from slum areas are at an extreme disadvantage.  Many of them do not attend school and those that do suffer from a poor education system.  Bidar LEADer Kaniksha felt for these children and wanted to improve their condition.  She gathered 9 of her fellow LEAD members to teach 191 slum children important subjects such as English, general knowledge, math, Hindi, and computer classes in the college canteen for more than 3 months.  Out of these 191 children, 50 were selected and placed in a program to attend additional classes.  College management sponsored the education of the top 12 achieving children out of these 50. 

Kaniksha's project was showcased at Yuva Summit 2014.

Gulbarga LEADer Organizes Dental Camp To Provide Free Dental Care for 87 Children

LEADer Sangmesh from NV Degree College, Gulbarga, accompanied some of his fellow LEADers on a visit to a deaf and dumb school.  While interacting with the children at the school, Sangmesh noticed that many of the children, some as young as 5 years old, were not receiving proper dental care-their gums were infected and their teeth were decaying.  Recognizing the severity of this issue, Sangmesh decided to implement a solution for this problem.  He approached a well-known dentist in Gulbarga and asked for help.  The dentist denied Sangmesh's request at first, but after several approaches and follow-ups, Sangmesh was able to convince the dentist to help the children.  Sangmesh organized a dental camp, during which 87 children received dental check-ups, examinations, and dental cleaning products (toothbrushes and toothpaste) free of charge. After the dental camp, Sangmesh and his team approached the parents of the children and convinced them to send their children to the dentist in order to complete the treatment.  The dentist has agreed to perform dental procedures for the children in critical dental condition. 

LEADers Perform Women Harassment Skits Throughout Gulbarga; Attract Over 240 Spectators

LEADers spread awareness about women harassment in the city of Gulbarga by performing women harassment skits in different places throughout the city.   The students divided themselves into give groups and performed one at the Zilla Panchayat office for 35 people, one in front of Mini Vidha Sabha for 40 people, at Government Polytechnic for 70 people, at the City Bus Stop for 55 people, and at Kandur Mall for 40 people.

Collectively, the LEADers skits' attracted 240 spectators. The public appreciated the work of the LEADers and promised to help them in their future projects.  Government officials, student union leaders, and local youth club leaders also shared their contact information with the students to coordinate with them in future initiatives.  The LEADers were very excited by their success, and their confidence levels increased after carrying out these activities.  This initiative is a testament to the reach that can be attained through leadership, teamwork, creativity and determination. 

 

Independence Day and LEAD Birthday Celebrated Through Initiatives in LEAD Locations

August 15th is a special day, both in India and for the LEAD Program.  Independence Day is celebrated annually on August 15th to commemorate India’s independence from British rule on August 15th, 1947.  August 15th also marks LEAD's birthday-LEAD was founded on August 15, 2008.

To celebrate India’s 67th Independence Day and LEAD's 6th birthday, and to demonstrate their commitment to creating a better India,  LEADers from throughout all LEAD locations implemented various initiatives that created awareness and gave back to the community.


Nidasoshi

LEADers Vinayak, Kalyani, Ajay and Saddam of H.I.T Engineering college, Nidasoshi conducted a two-day science exhibition event, "Science Explore", in collaboration with Aagastya International Foundation on August 14th and 15th at  SJPN' Trust's Polytechnic College, Nidasoshi.

The function was inaugurated by Dr. N C Hiremath(Principal, H.I.T, Nidasoshi), Shri G B Sangote(Principal, SJPN Trust's Polytechnic, Nidasoshi), Shri S S Mangave(Principal, BCA College, Nidasoshi) and Shri P M Kambar(Principal, PUC College, Nidasoshi.  This event marked the first major event taking place in the village of Hukkeri Taluk.  Over 5000 students and local people practically explored 130 concepts different of maths, physics, and chemistry through models, demonstrations, and activities.  Furthermore, the LEADers boosted their confidence as they practiced their communication skills as they explained these concepts to their peers.

Chikodi
30 LEADers set off to the Chikodi Bus Stand and cleaned the entire premises by sweeping and disposing of waste and painting the pillars.  LEADers received special recognition from Mr. Shantappa (Division Controller, Chikodi), who visited the bus stand as the LEADers were working. 

After cleaning the bus stand, the LEADers, with the help of Mr. Chandrakant Hukkeri (Founder, Shri Allamaprabhu Annadan Samiti) visited a local government hospital and distributed sweets to the patients.  This small act of kindness brought smiles to the patients’ faces and brightened their day.

 

Belgaum

LEADers Santosh, Nandini, Shrijan, Tanvi, and Tejaswini from KLECET, Belgaum, celebrated India's 67th Independence Day by giving food to beggars. 

Dharwad
While the public always benefits from government holidays, many government employees do not get the same luxury, and must continue their work while others enjoy the holiday.  LEADers Pavan K A and other LEADers from JSS, Anjuman, KCD, and Kittle Science Colleges showed appreciation to the government employees that were on duty on August 15th.  In addition to personally thanking them for their service, students also distributed sweets to the employees. 

Davangere
On August 15th in Davangere, LEAD students in four teams carried out a variety of unique initiatives. 

The first team, led by LEADer Abhishek M B, created Independence Day awareness in the public by decorating public buses with posters and the national flag, and distributing sweets to KSRTC employees.

The second team,  headed by LEADer Chaitra from DRM College, conducted a drawing competition for 30 children in a slum area, which gave the slum children the opportunity to express their opinions in a creative and artistic manner. 

The third team was led by Somya from DRM College, completed her first project in Yallamma Devi Primary School.  She played games that taught the children about the importance of Independence Day.  She also distributed sweets to the students.

LEADer Priyadarshini from GMIT college led the fourth team and conducted a drawing competition for physically challenged children in Asha Kiran Trust.

Gulbarga
LEADers from NV Degree College organized a themed drawing competition on freedom fighters.  Over 120 children from four different schools participated in the competition.

Laxmeshwar

Over 20 LEADers from SKSVMACET cleaned the bus stand in Laxmeshwar by painting the walls and cleaning up waste.  They additionally approached the local shop owners and urged them to help maintain cleanliness in the bus stand by speaking up if they see people spitting or not disposing of their waste properly. 

SKSVMACET Vice Principal S Gorabal and several faculty members visited the site and appreciated the students for their efforts.

 

Hubli

Six students from different colleges in Hubli worked together to raise funds for an 8-year old girl suffering from Asthma.  Three of the students raised funds in Hubli, and the other three traveled to Bangalore.  Collectively, the students raised Rs. 10000.  The story was featured on

Several Hubli-Dharwad LEAD students and other members of the LEAD team visited the District Commissioner's Office and were given a letter of appreciation for their initiatives in cleaning and creating awareness of cleanliness in the Hubli and Dharwad Old Bus Stands.

 

At the LEAD headquarters in Hubli, an idea generation session was conducted for 60 newly registered, first year LEAD students.   60 project proposals resulted from the session. After the session, a cake cutting ceremony was held for LEAD's birthday. 

LEAD Kicks Off Its 6th Year!

On August 5^th, 2013 over 400 students, principals, and faculty from throughout all of the LEAD regions assembled at the Deshpande Foundation in Hubli to celebrate the momentous LEAD6 Kickoff event.  Ronnie Screwvala, Zarina Mehta Screwvala, Gururaj Deshpande, and Jaishree Deshpande appeared as Guests of Honor to further motivate the LEADers on their future initiatives.

Prior to the ceremony, guests were invited to interact with the LEADers and learn about various projects by browsing through projects displayed.  15 of LEAD5’s most unique and impactful projects from throughout different regions were displayed in the project stalls.  To maximize participation from guests and students alike, A LEAD tree was placed outside near the project stalls.  On this tree, students wrote special messages on paper leaves, which they stuck to the tree.  At the end of the day, the LEAD tree’s branches were full of student’s names and messages of favorite LEAD memories. 

LEAD6 Kickoff was packed with excitement and creativity. The program, anchored by Mrs. Deepashree Ram Mohan (LEAD Davangere Program Manager) and Vijay Matti (LEAD Intern), was commenced by the Guests of Honor. Each Guest of Honor entered the auditorium wearing the signature blue LEAD tshirts, and they lit candles on the stage before taking their seats in the audience. The program began with an introduction about LEAD by Ajay Suman Shukla (Functional Head, LEAD Program), followed by a LEAD Journey video which highlighted the major projects and achievements since LEAD began five years ago.  Faculties from N.V Degree College, Gulbarga; SDMCET, Dharwad; and KLEIT, Hubli, then shared about the positive impact LEAD has had on their students. The audience also got the chance to hear from the LEADers themselves; four students reflected on their leadership journeys, and proudly told about how LEAD had really helped them positively transform as individuals. In between the student and faculty reflections, students performed a "Say No To Drugs" dance, as well as a powerful mime that demonstrated the emotional and societal trauma caused by women harassment.

Vivek Pawar (Founder and CEO, Sankalp Semiconductor), who has collaborated with LEAD for several events, spoke about his admiration for the LEAD Program.  He said, “For the last two years, I have observed youth in LEAD.  After 6-8 months, I could already see the transforming.”

Towards the end of the program, the Guests of Honor were invited on the stage.  Ronnie and Zarina were presented with a LEAD momento, and each Guest of Honor was presented with a handcrafted card made by the LEAD students. 

Ronnie inspired the crowd by urging the students to persevere with their ideas and aspirations.  He told the LEADers, “The biggest ideas start small.  Keep up your confidence, and your idea will be your candle, your light.”  He also added, “Leave all of your fears behind.  If you want to be a leader, of course you will have challenges.  Believe only in yourself”.  Zarina, said that she was most impressed by LEAD’s slogan, “Complaints start with ‘they’, solutions start with ‘I”.  She said, “I love that you all actually want to have action that transforms into something real.  Enough complaining and blaming other people.  If you want to change the world, then you have to do something.”

The program concluded with the “Kickoff” in which the Guests of Honor and LEAD students painted a blank canvas.  The action of painting the blank canvas demonstrates the teamwork, creativity, creation, and inspiration that our LEADers embody. The Guests of Honor also unveiled and signed a LEAD banner and wrote messages for the LEAD Program. 

Our LEAD students are now energized to do bigger, better things in the upcoming year.  We can't wait to see the changes that LEADers will create in their communities, and within themselves!

LEAD Celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas Across the Locations

Every year on July 26th, India remembers and appreciates the soldiers who sacrificed their lives at Kargil Vijay Diwas to protect India from Pakistani invasion.  It was on this day in 1999 that the Indo-Pakistani War ended, and India was able to regain its lost territory.

On July 26th, 2013, each LEAD region hosted special Kargil Vijay Diwas remembrance celebrations. Through these celebrations, LEAD and its students touched and inspired hundreds of people throughout Karnataka. 

Davangere
40 Davangere LEAD students, as well as 300 students from New Delhi Public School, Edu Asia (Navodaya) participated in a memorial procession through Davangere.  The procession helped spread awareness about Kargil Vijay Diwas throughout the city as it passed by the LEAD office, Shakar Leela Gas Agency, and Gundi Circle until finally reaching Govt Mothi Veerappy Junior College.  

Davangere citizens, students, and ex-service men all attended a ceremony at Govt Mothi Veerappy Junior College to honor Indian patriotism. Sri S S Pattana Shetty D C DVG presided over the function. And Sri D Prasad ,S P, DVG , Lt. Sandesh( EX Service man), Sri K C Yallappa and Sri Ramegowda (Karnataka Rakshana Vedike), Sri Chandrasekhar (Principal  ,M V Govt Junior College), Smt Saroja B J P (Senior Activist), Dr Vittal Sapare, Sri B S Nadiger (Leading Educational Consultant), and Sri S S Shanmuka (Ex-serviceman)  presided over  the function.  The function was anchored by Mrs. Deepashree Ram Mohan (LEAD Davangere Program Manager).  The welcome speech and vote of thanks were presented by Kum Nidhi and Kum Megha, respectively.

A candle lighting ceremony, inaugurated by Sri S S Pattana Shetty, took place in Gundi Circle following the function.  Lit candles and patriotic songs lit up the darkness and set a peaceful tone.  The function ended with a singing of the national anthem. 

Belgaum
Under the initiative of LEADers Akshay and Nitin from GIT College, Belgaum students conducted a rally throughout Belgaum to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas.

   12 LEAD students and 60 school students participated in the rally. The group attracted public attention by shouting patriotic chants as they walked through the streets.  Through their high enthusiasm energy, these Belgaum students created a deep awareness and appreciation for the lost soldiers.  

Following the rally, the students held a candle lighting ceremony and sang the national anthem. 

Dharwad
LEADers Arjun, Naveen, Asha, Shivshankar, and Akshay organized a procession to help students understand and appreciate the sacrifices that the soldiers made for India.  

163 students participated in the procession. The procession started at R.N. Shetty Kridagana and ended at Kargik Stupa.  After the procession, the students sung the national anthem and offered flowers to the Stupa.  The LEADers then explained the meaning of the national anthem and the significance of remembering Kargil Vijay Diwas to the participating students. Ms. Geeta Hegde (LEAD Hubli-Dharwad/Sirsi Program Manager) oversaw the event. 

Gulbarga
LEAD Gulbarga organized Jago Hindustani.  LEAD Students of Bhagyalaxmi PG Venkatesh Nagar, Gulbarba participated in a candle lighting ceremony, and observed two minutes of silence to mourn the lost soldiers.  

 The students, however, did not let sadness dominate the night.  Instead, they made a promise to work towards a better India in honor of the fallen soldiers.  Each student identified two problems in his/her community, and vowed to take initiative to solve these problems by Independence Day on August 15th.

                                                                                      
Laxmeshwar

Students from a government school near Laxmeshwar knew nothing about the events that led up to, or the importance of Kargil Vijay Diwas.  LEADers at SKSVMACET, Laxmeshwar, felt that all Indians, students included, should be knowledgeable and aware about Vijay Diwas.  They went to the school and taught the students about the Indo-Pakistani war, and they made the students realize that the safety and security we have today is owed to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives at Kargil Vijay Diwas. 

The LEADers made the session with the students interactive to ensure that the students learned as much as possible.  Through various activities, the students were able to fully grasp the important role that soldiers play in our lives.  

The LEADers also engaged the students in chanting slogans, observing a moment of silence, and singing the national anthem to build patriotism and appreciation. 

Sirsi
LEADers Ganapati, Shriraj, and Shivaprasad form MES College of Commerce, Sirsi, organized a major event at their college in memory of Kargil Vijay Diwas.  The ceremony consisted of singing the national anthem, a candle lighting ceremony, and a moment of silence to remember the fallen soldiers of the Indian Army.  Over 500 students, as well as the Principal and other faculty members, attended and participated in the event. Mr. S M Hegde (LEAD Faculty Coordinator) presided over event.


Prior to the event, the LEADers visited the local police station to pay a special tribute for the members of police who also gave their lives at Kargil Vijay Diwas. 

Hubli
At the LEAD Headquarters in Hubli, the soldiers who fought at Kargil Vijay Diwas were honored in an artistic and creative way.  The LEAD Team created a writable banner, on which Deshpande Foundation employees were able to sign their names and write motivational messages of patriotism.  People also dipped their hands in paint and decorated the banner with hand prints.  This collective production of creativity will allow the memories of the soldiers to live on in a timeless manner. 

 Talikoti

A memorial ceremony to tribute their  was also conducted by SK Degree College LEADers in Talikoti, Bijapur. Students gathered