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.





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.




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.