Library for a Village by LEADer Praveen Kumar

LEADer Praveen Kumar from SHEPA College has taken initiative to form a library in a village in Mehgaon, Rajatalab, Varanasi, where students can come to study. He has noticed for a long time that there are no libraries available in villages that students can afford and study. He was faced this same problem when he was studying in a village. Instead of having access to books in a library, they have to go the market to purchase new books. 

He came up with solution to start library, but faced challenges of where he will get the place to set up the library. He approached Gram Panchayat and requested that they provide a place for a new library, and at first, nobody listened him. But he did not give up. He continuously approached them and finally got the permission and room to start up the library. 

Without a large amount of funding to buy new books, he had to find another way. He made a team and convinced each member to collect used books in Varanasi. So far he has collected more than 300 books from different areas of Varanasi; not only study-related books but also religious books.

He gathered more than 70 students in the inauguration of library. This library was inaugurated by Mr. Naveen Jha, CEO of Deshpande Foundation, with whom Praveen shared his experiences & learning. Everyone at the inauguration appreciated his work and the initiative to help students learn. Praveen said, "I am educated but want to do something for students that they also can get better facility for study. All have same rights of education."

“A library is the delivery room for the birth of ideas, a place where history comes to life.”

Norman Cousins

“The library is the temple of learning, and learning has liberated more people than all the wars in history.”

Carl T. Rowan 

Protecting Trees with Rakhis by LEADer Aaliza Naseem

LEADer Aaliza Naseem from SHEPA College took initiative to celebrate this Rakshabandhan in a different way. People were cutting trees in a massive number in her village, Sihabeer, Ramnagar. Along with a team of her classmates Prashant, Krishna, and Avinash, Aaliza wanted to bring awareness to villagers about planting and saving the trees.

She tied more than 100 rakhis to the trees and more than 50 rakhis were distributed to her villagers to tie on trees in order to save the trees. 

She also tied rakhis on the wrists of police, doctors, and government officers. They were all asking, "why are you doing this?". Aaliza and her team wanted to thank those who still do their duty on the days of the festivals, and wanted to show their appreciation. The team also distributed chocolates to these regarded individuals. 

Aaliza and her LEAD team also got a promise from government officials that they will not cut trees, will try save trees and do the plantation. They spread awareness to over 300 people and more than 50 people did tree plantings in their home. She saved more than 150 trees by tying up them with rakhis. The community was very happy and appreciated her initiative. 

"I am very thankful for the LEAD platform which has given me an opportunity to utilize my skills for solving social causes. This platform not only helped in building my leadership skills, but also time management, convincing skills, and appreciating team members for their hard work in order to motivate them." She continues to motivate other students to join LEAD program and to take up new challenges.

“Plant a tree, plant a tree, so that next generation can get air for free”.

“One tree can make a million matches; one match can destroy a million trees”.