LEADer Provides Career Guidance to 60 Students

 

As students or individuals, we seldom recognize the potential of enthusiasm to create positive change!! Miss Chaitra Ganpati Patagar from Govt First Grade College started her LEAD journey just one week ago when she registered...and she's already completed her first project! Chaitra conducted a session on Career Guidance for 60 students of Nilekani High School in Sirsi yesterday on July 24th, 2013. By seeing Chaitra's excitement and passion, the Headmaster of the high school offered Chaitra an appreciation letter for her work. Congrats, Chaitra! We can all learn something from your energetic spirit.

 

Leadership Program Students Expand Their Impact

 Two days ago, July Batch Leadership Program students took the initiative to clean and make improvements to the Old Bus Stand in Hubli.  Excited by their success, the students expanded their initiative.  Today, June and July Leadership Program students cleaned the Old Bus Stand in Dharwad.

Students cleaned up the entire bus stand by removing trash and painting walls and surfaces.  The students worked together continuously throughout the day. In addition to cleaning the bus stand, the students approached all of the local stores and encouraged the store owners to speak up to people who spit.  The students also collected signed letters from each of the Depot Managers, in which the Depot Managers promised to keep the bus stand clean and provide dust bins.

Participating students included Naveen, Medha, and Chandan  from BVBCET; Suveena and Rachana from SDMCET; Asha and Anushree from SKSVMACET; Shivshankar from GMIT; Vajrararjun from Kittle College; and Akshay from Halyal College.

These students' initiative will make a positive difference for the hundreds of people who use the Old Bus Stand in Dharwad every day.  Furthermore, these students have created an awareness among the people about the importance of maintaining cleanliness in public spaces.

LLP LEADers Teach a Lesson to Hubli Bus Stand Depot Authorities

Today, July Batch Leadership Program students took the initiative to clean and make improvements to the Old Bus Stand in Hubli. 

The students began their planning and preparations last night.  By 8:30 this morning, they had started working.  Students cleaned up the entire bus stand by removing trash and painting walls and surfaces.  The students worked together continuously throughout the day.  

This task, however, was not without challenges.  Several Depot Mangers approached the students and questioned their efforts.  The students handled the situation well and were eventually able to persuade the Depot Managers to let them continue their work. 

Participating students included Aarya, Kushal, and Manju KLEIT; Naveen and Medha from BVBCET; Suveena and Rachana from SDMCET; Asha and Anushree from SKSVMACET; and Shivshankar from GMIT.

These students' initiative will make a positive difference for the hundreds of people who use the Old Bus Stand in Hubli every day.  Furthermore, these students have created an awareness among the people about the importance of maintaining cleanliness in public spaces.

More community improvement projects are in the works.  We can't wait to see what students will do next!

2013 LEAD Leadership Program, July Batch

From July 12th  to July 21st,  2013, 65 college students from across different regions of Karnataka participated in the Deshpande Foundation’s LEAD Leadership Program.  LEAD Leadership Program aims to help students become strong leaders through practical exposure to an array of subjects, site visits, and guest speaker sessions.

Daily Sessions
 

During their daily IT, Communication, and Leadership sessions, students learned and practiced many important skills that will benefit them in their personal and professional development.  In their IT sessions, students learned how to create accounts and effectively use sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Gmail.  Students also learned about important computer programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel.  In the communication sessions, students learned about and practiced the principles of interpersonal communication.  In addition, they also learned resume and cover letter writing.  Leadership sessions consisted of brainstorming, team building and communication activities, and group discussions to foster students’ understanding of leadership and to hone in on their leadership skills.

Site Visits
 
Seven Beans 

Seven Beans aims to change the way that people “hang out” in India.  Seven Beans is an eclectic Hubli landmark that not only serves delicious coffee beverages and food, but also provides customers with a unique and meaningful experience.

Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya
Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya (KSV) provides an academic and musical education, in addition to food, accommodation, and health care, to two hundred underprivileged children, free of charge.  Upon their arrival at KSV, the students toured the grounds and observed some of the children during their music and acting classes.  After the tour, Adam Wood (Director, KSV) taught the students about KSV’s history, impact, and future plans.  The students then worked together to move some heavy construction materials away from the main path to ensure more accessibility to the pathways and classrooms. In the evening, the KSV children gave musical and theatrical performances for the LLP students.  The LLP students also got the chance to perform and showcase their many talents!
 

Akshaya Patra Foundation 
The Akshaya Patra Foundation is the largest kitchen in India and provides daily meals for 1.3 million schoolchildren across nine different states.    The students enjoyed a full kitchen tour, as well as an interactive learning session where they were able to ask in detail about Akshaya Patra’s method, outreach, and successes.
 

Agastya Foundation   
The Agastya Foundation aims to change and improve education throughout India, and runs the largest hands-on science program in the world. At Agastya, students had the opportunity to tour the premises and try out some of the science models.

Guest Speaker Sessions
Students engaged in several interactive guest speaker sessions with reputed speakers from across a variety of sectors and organizations. 

Vivek Pawar (Founder and CEO of Sankalp Semiconductor)

Vivek taught the students about the importance of “unconscious learning” and asking questions in order to achieve unconscious learning.  Vivek told the students, “Forget about answers.  Ask questions to get the right thinking process…the answers are within us.” He also urged the students to embrace failure as an important process of learning.  He said, “When failure is there, learning is more.”

Gaurav Shah (Co-Founder and CEO, Seven Beans)

Gaurav shared six very important pieces of advice with the students.  He encouraged the students to “ignore the real world”, “make meaning”, “get going”, “define a business model”, and “weave a M.A.T (milestones, assumptions, and tasks).”  He also inspired the students to maintain optimism through adversity and failure.  Most importantly, though, he told the students to not wait to pursue their ideas.  Gaurav said, “Ideas are a dime a dozen…At the end of the day, the most important part is implementing them.”

Vivek Nayak (Founder, Ken Agritech Ltd).

Ken Agritech Ltd. supplies vegetables in industrial and retail packages within India and throughout Europe. The students had a very interactive session with Vivek and were able to ask him questions regarding entrepreneurship and maintaining uniqueness while starting a business.

Sasishekar (CEO, Nanopix)
Nanopix is an image processing and industry automation company which provides solutions based on image processing and control systems in various fields of application including sports, industry controls, bio-technology and security industries.  Sasi encouraged the students to pursue their passions and to learn for the sake of interest, not for the sake of marks or a degree.

Shravani Hagargi (Founder, Safe Hands 24x7)

Safe Hands 24x7 is a company that appoints and manages security and housekeeping personnel to different households and organizations.  The company is unique in that it provides women security guards to meet the specific needs or organizations, such as girls’ hostels or women’s colleges.  Employing these women has helped improve the livelihoods of many families.

Shravani stressed the importance of making decisions for oneself, rather than letting other people making decisions on your behalf.  She said, “Hard times will come, but decisions are very important. Anyone can do anything and there is no limit.  But they have to work hard.”

Sameer Shukla (Dharwad District Commissioner)

As the District Commissioner, Sameer oversees all government procedures in the Hubli-Dharwad region.  He spoke to the students about his exact duties as District Commissioner and addressed public concern of government “loopholes” and. His most important message to the students, though, was “listen to yourself”.  Sameer initially came from an engineering background, but was not satisfied with his engineering work. He decided to shift and work in public service.  While many criticized his decision, Sameer listened to himself and his own desires.  He now says that while a job in engineering would most likely provide more financial benefits, he has the opportunity to help thousands of people every day, which has provided more meaning for his life.

Dr. Simone Ahuja (Co-author, Jugaad Innovation)
"Jugaad” is a Hindi word that essentially means creating opportunity out of adversity.  A best seller in India, Jugaad Innovation explores how developing economies such as India, Brazil, and China are using a “jugaad” approach to innovation, and are able to successfully address problems while utilizing fewer resources.  More developed nations, on the other hand, tend to use a more formal, structured approach to innovation, and invest millions of dollars into R&D, but are not innovating as successfully as they previously did in the past.

Dr. Ahuja Skyped the students from the US and expanded on the topics presented in Jugaad Innovation.  Following her presentation, the students asked questions about how they can incorporate “jugaad innovation” into their LEAD projects.

Naveen Jha (CEO, Deshpande Foundation)
Naveen taught the students about the importance of being a leader with good intentions.  He also encouraged the students to do whatever they think is best for them, and to do things passionately. Naveen said to the students, “Whatever you are doing, if you think it’s the right thing, do it.”

Initiatives 
One night, the students set out to Hubli and within just two hours, they collectively fundraised a total of Rs. 24,000 to benefit malnourished children throughout the Dharwad district.

 

Personal Changes
Although Leadership Program lasted for just a few days, students saw tremendous changes within themselves during that short period of time.  Most students commented that among the many learning experiences they had, they noticed increased self-confidence within themselves, as well as a clearer vision of their goals. 


Suveena
Suveena shared that the most "beautiful" thing that she learned during Leadership Program was to not hesitate.  According to Suveena, not hesitating means "bold, beautiful confidence", and is very important in order to be successful in life. She is now eager to use what she learned at Leadership Program to take more initiatives in her life.

Rahim
Rahim noticed "revolutionary changes" after his 10 days at Leadership Program.  Before Leadeship Program, Rahim used to have a very shy nature.  Rahim says, "I used to always be found sitting in the corner away from everyone else".  As he stood before an audience of 80 members, Rahim said, "Now, I can speak freely with unknown people, and all of you".  Rahim also added that Leadership Program created a milestone in his life. 

 

2013 LEAD Leadership Program: June Batch

From June 10th to June 19th, 2013, 33 college students from across different regions of Karnataka participated in the Deshpande Foundation’s LEAD Leadership Program.  LEAD Leadership Program aims to help students become strong leaders through practical exposure to an array of subjects, site visits, and guest speaker sessions.

Daily Sessions

During their daily IT, Communication, and Leadership sessions, students learned and practiced many important skills that will benefit them in their personal and professional development.  In their IT sessions, students learned how to create accounts and effectively use sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Gmail.  Students also learned about important computer programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel.  

In the communication sessions, students learned about and practiced the principles of active listening and group communication.  In addition, they also learned about professional email writing and resume writing.  Leadership sessions consisted of brainstorming, team building and communication activities, and group discussions to foster students’ understanding of leadership and to hone in on their leadership skills.

Site Visits

Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya

Students spent a total of three days at Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya (KSV).  KSV provides an academic and musical education, in addition to food, accommodation, and health care, to two hundred underprivileged children, free of charge.  During their time at KSV, the students participated in eco walks, learned about creative social media writing and basic photography, and took part in creativity sessions where they learned paper quilling and how to make Warli art, lamp shades, paper bags, and handmade greeting cards.  The students also engaged in two interactive sessions with Adam (Director, KSV), where he discussed with them about social entrepreneurship, how to see problems as opportunities, and the importance of staying open minded and respecting others.  The students got plenty of time to interact with the KSV children as well; the LLP students gave the KSV children creativity lessons, and the KSV children performed for the LLP students on multiple occasions.

Akshaya Patra Foundation

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is the largest kitchen in India and provides daily meals for 1.3 million schoolchildren across nine different states.    The students enjoyed a full kitchen tour, as well as an interactive learning session where they were able to ask in detail about Akshaya Patra’s method, outreach, and successes.

Baala Balaga
The Baala Balaga school in Dharwad is a unique school that challenges the traditional educational environment.  At Baala Balaga, creativity and freedom are emphasized: students do not wear uniforms, and refer to their teachers as “mama” and “moushi”, as opposed to “Sir” or “Madam”.  The LLP students enjoyed interacting with the Baala Balaga students, touring the school grounds, and exploring the Baala Balaga philosophy.

Agastya Foundation
The Agastya Foundation aims to change and improve education throughout India, and runs the largest hands-on science program in the world. At Agastya, students had the opportunity to tour the premises and try out some of the science models. 

Guest Speaker Sessions
Students engaged in several interactive guest speaker sessions with reputed speakers from across a variety of sectors and organizations.   

Vivek Pawar (Founder of Sankalp Semiconductor)
Vivek encouraged a friendly learning environment for his session right from the start by telling the students that stupid questions are only those questions that one thinks of, but hesitates to ask.  He said, “All of us have the answer within us, we just need to learn how to ask the right questions.”  Through Vivek’s inspiring words, the students felt more comfortable and gained the confidence to ask questions without hesitation.

Iranna Hombalimath (Hubli entrepreneur)
Iranna taught the students to see failure as an inspiration for life.  He also spoke about the power and potential of small ideas.
  
Manjunath Poojari (Hubli entrepreneur)
Manjunath urged the students to take advantage of existing opportunities and to maintain a clear focus in all tasks.

Prasanna (Founder, Charaka)
Students had the opportunity ask him specific questions on various topics.

Naveen Jha (CEO, Deshpande Foundation)
Naveen taught the students about the importance of being a leader with good intentions.  He also encouraged the students to do whatever they think is best for them, and to do things passionately.

Initiatives

During their stay at KSV, the LLP students initiated a KSV improvement project.  Students identified that KSV had no proper walkways or paths, and that this had become a problem during the rainy season, as the children would slip and fall due to the slippery mud.  Together, the 33 LLP students worked to solve this problem and successfully constructed a pathway at KSV.

The students felt so touched by their experience at KSV that they decided to undertake another initiative to help the KSV children.  One night, LLP students set out to Hubli and within just three hours, they collectively fundraised a total of Rs. 19,586 to benefit the students of Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya.


Personal Changes
Although Leadership Program lasted for just a few days, students saw tremendous changes within themselves during that short period of time.  Most students commented that among the many learning experiences they had, they noticed increased self-confidence within themselves, as well as a clearer vision of their goals. 

Ashwini
At the age of 17, Ashwini was the young student at LEAD Leadership Program.  When Leadership Program started, she was very nervous about finding comfort within such a large group of unknown people.  By the end of Leadership Program, though, Ashwini had the confidence and courage to share her story publicly at the graduation ceremony in front of over 100 people.  While she may have been nervous and hesitant before, she proudly said the audience, “Now, I can speak frankly with all of you.”

Santosh
Santosh’s story is one full of successes, but many obstacles as well.  During Yuva Summit 2013, he was awarded the “Best Leader” award by Mr. Ratan Tata for his project, “Carrot Cleaning Machine”, which allows 100 kg of carrots to be harvested, cleaned, and peeled in only 15 minutes, thereby sparing farmers expensive labor costs. 

Since winning this prestigious award, Santosh had made efforts towards starting his own business, but has faced many challenges.  He was feeling very discouraged.  Santosh says that participating in Leadership Program has exposed him to many success stories and lessons on entrepreneurship and leadership, which inspired him to persevere in starting his business. 

Madhuri
As a result of Leadership Program, Madhuri saw big changes within herself in terms of her confidence level and her ability to interact with people.  Now that Leadership Program is over, Madhuri says she can easily ask questions without hesitation, and can converse with people of great importance without feeling apprehensive.

Project: Essay Competition

Pushpa (GMIT College)

Pushpa conducted an essay competition at her college.  One week of rigorous planning and coordination with the college Principal and HOD was required to execute the event.  The event attracted seven participants, and each participant was given a memento.  Mr. Arun Kumar (Faculty member of EC Department) inaugurated the event and Mrs. Deepashree Ram Mohan gave a brief introduction about LEAD.  After the essay competition, the best writers were awarded. 

LEAD has helped Pushpa improve and personally develop in many ways.  Since joining LEAD, Pushpa's English speaking skills have improved, and she is not involved in various extracurricular activities.  For her personal improvements, Pushpa has been awarded the "Best Leader" award. 

Pusha says that her participation in LEAD will help her "feel confidence in facing new challenges in the future."

Project: Motivating Youth

Pushpa (GMIT College)

Pushpa dedicated her third project to motivating youth by conducting a LEAD Orientation Program in her college.  Pusha coordinated with LEADers Nagaraj and Pooka for execution of the project.  The program began by an introduction sessino to LEAD, LEAD Prayana, Yuva Summit, and LEAD Leadership Program by Mrs. Depashree Ram Moham (LEAD Program Manager).  Next, Pushpa shared her own LEAD experiences and engaged the students in various leadership development activities.  Inspiring videos were then played to motivate the students to join LEAD.

After the program, 10 students joined LEAD and are eager to initiate projects.

Project: Career Guidance Project

Suryakant Huddar (SJPN Trust's Polytechnic, Nidasoshi)

After 10th Standard and PUC, students face many problems trying to choose a career that's right for them. To help with this, Suryakant approached the Principals and Headmasters of various schools and colleges in Nidasoshi, Nerli, Sankeshwar, and Ammangi and asked them to give some of their time to help conduct career guidance sessions. 

Suryakant and his team successfully provided career guidance for over 1,000 students.  They improved upon important skills such as communication, public speaking, multitasking, and time management. Suryakant hopes to take on a bigger, student-oriented project in the future.

Project: Cycle Rally in Shiva Kumar Swamy Nagar, Davangere

Shreehas S. (BIET College)

On April 28th, 2013, Shreehas conducted a cycle rally for summer camp children in Shiva Kumar Swamy Nagar to promote to environment through slogans such as "Go Green", "Ban Vehicles", "No Plastics", and "Save the Environment". 

5 LEADers and 30 non-LEADers participated in the rally.  LEADers felt proud to sport their bright blue LEAD t-shirts and the group's energy remained very high throughout the event.  After the event, Shreehas distributed ice cream to all those who participated.

Project: No Plastic Campaign

Srivindya (GMIT College)

Srivindya always noticed that open areas in and around the city were littered with plastic waste.  She recognized that these plastics posed a major threat, as plastics are non biodegradable. 

During a LEAD brainstorming session at her college, Srivindya came up with the idea to organize a "No Plastic" campaign.  She organized a team and delegated tasks among them.  The campaign started with 20 LEADers and 25 non-LEADers.  The group sold paper bags to 100 homes and shops, and distributed 250 informational pamphlets. 

All of the students showed active participation and enjoying convincing their community to stop using plastics.  From implementing her project, Srivindya learned patience, how to work in a team, and improved her communication skills.

Project: Essay Competition for International Women's Day

Ramya (Chanukya First Grade College)

Women today still face many issues and challenges in society.  To educate people about women's issues, as well as their important roles in society,  Ramya conducted an essay competition in honor of International Women's Day.  She organized a team to help her plan for the event.  During the event, participants were given sheets of paper and were instructed to write an essay.  Ramya awarded two prizes for the best essays at her college Annual Day function.  First year students were the main beneficiaries of her project.  Ramya's project helped her feel proud to be woman. 

LEAD Valedictory, Laxmeshwar

The 2013 LEAD Valedictory, Laxmeshwar function was held on May 7th, 2013 to commemorate 50 LEADers from SKSVMACET, Laxmeshwar on their year-long efforts. This celebratory event attracted and unified over 250 students and their parents, as well as over 20 faculty members.
  
LEAD (LEaders Accelerating Development Program) aims to develop leadership, problem solving, and entrepreneurial skills through an innovative approach within college students.  Through funding, support, and guidance from the LEAD team at the Deshpande Foundation, LEADers implement projects to create solutions for unresolved problems in their communities.

Since LEAD started working with the college in August 2012, 67 projects have been completed.  LEADer Manoj said that the students' goal for next year is to complete 100 projects.

Honorable guests of LEAD Valedictory included Dr. Neelam Maheshwari (Director of Grants, Deshpande Foundation), Dr. Arun Patil (Director, SKSVMACET, Laxmeshwar), Dr. Ashok Chapgaon (Principal, SKSVMACET, Laxmeshwar), and Dr. S. V. Gorbal (Vice Principal, SKSVMACET, Laxmeshwar).

Special awards were presented to various students and faculty members who demonstrated exceptional leadership, projects, and support.  The LEAD Valedictory function award categories and recipients are listed below:

Project of Community Impact: Vijaylaxmi Kale
Effective Community Project: Pankaj Amonkar
Project of Education Promotion: Vijaylaxmi Amaravati
                                                        Kavya BK
Project of Livelihood: Meghana
                                      Sneha

Dr. Neelam Maheshwari (Director of Grants, Deshpande Foundation) inspired the LEADers by speaking about the power and potential of the youth to instigate positive change in India.  She told the students, “In India, in a few years, 50% of the population will be made of young people.  In a few years, you will be running the country.  To run the country, you need to have fantastic leadership skills…Students who have participated in activities like LEAD, students who can mobilize their own potential, are going to be more successful.”

A few LEADers were then given the opportunity to speak about how LEAD encouraged their personal growth and development.

The 2013 LEAD Valedictory Function honored not only the LEADers and their projects, but it also celebrated the power of youth, leadership, and initiative.