Before you begin reading this article, let’s do a small exercise. I want all of you to feel intently about what I say. How would you feel if you had no clue how you looked like? How would you feel if you were not able to see the person sitting next you? How would you feel if you were not blessed to see how brightly the room you are in was lit up? When you hear a sound and if you could not see where it come from, but had to only imagine being blind wouldn’t the curiosity/ vivid thoughts/imaginations running in your mind kill you to know what just happened around? The blind live this way their whole life. Feel the difference between being blind and being blessed with vision.

Suraksha is the brainchild of our NGO, Spoorthi Foundation. We started this initiative on Jan 24, 2016 with an intent to provide hygienic future for every daughter. Every month we visit one school/orphanage/women rehabilitation center and conduct awareness sessions along with doctors from Apollo hospitals. In the month of July, we visited Rangarao memorial school for visually impaired girls to conduct our session. This is a very special school where both the teachers and students are blind. Yet they have a life that is much more disciplined than that of ours.

The girls there greeted us heartily. I got a real warm welcome, which I have never gotten in any of the other schools, close to 500 kids I have interacted with till now. They made me feel like I belonged to them. I realized that greeting someone is a vital aspect while building any relationship.

Being intrepid, they asked questions without the fear of being judged. They couldn’t see, so they probably didn’t care what anybody else thought about them or how the other person reacted to the questions they asked. They asked questions for which I had no answers, proving me wrong that these girls were introverts. In daily walk of life, I have come across many individuals who pretend to know everything when they know nothing. Is it because we are all able to see how the world sees us, and for the fear of being judged, and for the fear of being rejected our self-esteem doesn’t allow us to learn new things and instead lets us be dumb our whole life? Vital lesson I learnt was that, it is always good to be dumb for a minute or two rather than being dumb your whole life.

The most striking quality I found in these girls was their communication skill. How many of u think you are good listeners? Listening is the vital aspect of any effective communication process. It was evident that these girls have mastered the skill of listening. Not a single conversation had an overlap of speech. 9 out of 10 times I don’t see this happening with people I interact with on a daily basis. I observed that, because these girls don’t have vision, they put most of their effort in listening meticulously. They take time to interpret speaker’s thoughts, frame the response in their own mind first and then reply. Unlike most of us, they hear to listen and not to respond.

Their disciplined lifestyle made me feel ashamed of my lifestyle, leaving me with a feeling that I have been a blind with vision. They cleared the area they sat in. Put the chairs back to the place. How many of us at least put in little effort to clean the place we are seated in, before we move out? It’s a shame if we don’t do that little being blessed with vision.

As quoted by Lionel Hampton – “Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind”, those little girls showed gratitude by singing for us mellifluously towards the end of the session. No one has ever shown me reverence in such an awestruck manner till date.

These girls might not have sight, but they definitely do have a vision for life. They perceive everything by touch, by voice, and by intuition. One of the teachers, held my hand n said I think you are very slim just by the sense of touch, and I indeed am. They catch your emotion by your voice. We see through our eyes, yet not always we rightly construe the emotions of the person at the other end. Are we blind with vision? Are we deaf with ears? Are we insouciant because we are blessed with every sensory organ functioning the right way? Are we apathetic because we have the ability to empathize? We have all those abilities and yet we don’t always empathize, do we? All of us have a vision but we are still blind to all others. They are blind to the world but they have a vision. Feel the difference between the blind with sight and the blind without sight. They have opened my eyes, not the ones with which I see, but my heart with which I can feel. Don’t sit there & be blind but take a moment to appreciate the sense of sight we are all blessed with & open your heart and inner eyes to everyone out there and empathize.

By Divya Venkataramu

As we step in to a new year, this is that time of the year when we look back and ponder how was the year that is bidding adieu to us.

It was a great year for Spoorthi Foundation. We started our year with the test run of “SAMVAD” on February 14^th at Banumaiah’s girls high school, Mysuru. In our efforts to provide quality education to the students of government schools, we started to leverage the power of Internet to provide firsthand experience of technology by connecting accomplished individuals and the schools.

2015 will remain special for us as we did our first ever fund raising event “BIMBA”. Noted photographer, Aditi Dinakar, joined hands with us in our cause and accepted to exhibit her works of Photography and Arts at Suchitra Art Gallery. 

With the people who made Bimba, a success

We conducted ONE BOOK ONE DREAM, annual notebook donation drive at Maharaja Bifurcated School. Students of MIT Mysore actively participated and collected more than 500 notebooks.

Books donated by the students of MIT Mysore

Teach and Learn team successfully organized and celebrated Independence day at Banumaiah’s Girls School. 

Independence Day Celebration at Banumaiah's Girls School

Third edition of Joy of Teaching week was conducted from Dec 14 – 18 in various schools of Mysuru. Shri Muralidhar, a retired Headmaster, Mr. Shashidhar, a yoga teacher, Project ReachOut team participated in the event and made it as success. 

Mr. Shashidhar along with the students of Government School

We announced SWACHH VIDYALAY, a project in line with our PM’s vision and we will be launching it very soon. We will also have our first session of SAMVAD in the month of January.

Highlight of the year certainly was Teach and Learn program. We tweaked certain things and made sure children get individual attention.

Teach and Learn Team

Some of our team member's share their experience being a part of Spoorthi Foundation.

Varsha Says, "It was a magical journey I should say. Teaching is my passion. But, I didn't even expect that so soon I'll experience that feeling of teaching! I wanted to help kids who were interested in learning! This was possible only because of Spoorthi Foundation!  I am happy & proud of being a part of a energetic team."

Nandan Says, "Teaching kids and seeing their satisfied and happy faces is unexplainably beautiful. Spoorthi foundation is giving such a wonderful opportunity for all those who wish to unprofitably teach the kids to improve their knowledge. I feel proud to be a part of Spoorthi foundation"

Radhika Says,"I am a person who strongly believe in the quote 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.' I am glad am a part of SpoorthiFoundation, which shares the same thought. Every kid in this world has a right for quality education but sadly, not every kid is realising his right. Most of the children are deprived of their right to quality education. We, in Spoorthifoundation try our best to make this dream come true. Among many programs that are organized by Spoorthifoundation, the one which is close to my heart is 'Teach N Learn' where we go to selected schools on weekends and share our knowledge and create loads of satisfying and cherishing moments with  kids. I am associated with Spoorthifoundation for two years now and it has been a wonderful journey. I thank Spoorthifoundation for giving me a chance to work with them for such a good cause. Come, join your hands with us, let's do a bit to make this society a better one."

Deepthi Says, "Spoorthi Foundation being a dedicated non-profit organization aims to inspire the future by involving dynamic team members from various professional and social backgrounds. It is mainly working towards uplifting the educational level of children studying in the government schools. I feel privileged to be part of this organization and thankful for providing me a wonderful platform to showcase my abilities for a vital social cause. Till date, I have been part of several interesting activities conducted by Spoorthi Foundation such as 'Joy Of Teaching Week', 'Teach and Learn', 'Samvaad', 'One Book, One Dream' etc and found it to be supremely fascinating and rewarding. To sum up, my volunteering experience in Spoorthi Foundation has provided me the best fruitful memories to cherish for the lifetime"

Pooja Says, " I joined spoorthi foundation as a part of “Teach and Learn” program. I started teaching science to the children. Initially I had a fear that am I capable of teaching? But after spending some time with the kids the fear got vanished. The children were very enthusiastic and amazing in way of learning. It was very good experience with those children. 

There’s lot to look forward in the new year. As of now we will be concentrating on Teach and Learn, Samvaad and Swachh Vidyalay.  We wish you all a great success ahead. If you have the zeal to be the change you want to see around, join our team.

Spoorthi Foundation Team

Two months ago my manager called me and said this : As per business requirements, you would be required to work from Hyderabad office for 15 days. I was quite excited at the thought of my new friend whom I met last time I was in Hyderabad for three weeks.  

And then I reached Hyderabad. This time it was different. Last time I was there, It was for a training. This time it was different. Our company was undergoing transition of a new project. We were asked to manage things to ensure smooth transition. This was a critical project transition since Microsoft's revenue depended on how well we perform.  

After three weeks, I still had no clue when I would come back to Bengaluru. Things weren't fixed. There were still something's missing. And then time flew. I was in Hyderabad for two months. It was a great deal of learning for me there. I was busy. I was occupied. Yet, I wasn't completely happy because I wasn't doing something that I really loved, Teaching.  

One instance I thought of spending money from my own pocket, come to Mysuru and teach in our school. But, I couldn't considering the amount I have to shell out and the thought of many other things I could do from that money.  

Teaching is the closest thing I have found to satisfaction which I believe is the ultimate measure of happiness. I missed it badly.  

Amidst all these, I managed to work well in Hyderabad considering the efforts my team members were putting back home. They pulled off a spectacular Independence day celebration, and continued with weekend classes on both the schools. I also missed the fun part of it.  

To have great team members who believe in the same dreams as you and with whom your thoughts match is a blessing.  

And to the most important part of this write up. Almost one and half month in Hyderabad, I was sitting with my colleague who happened to be Project Manager for one of the critical team which handled millions of dollar transaction of Microsoft and he was trying to convince me to relocate to Hyderabad. I was offered a role which I might have got may be after 2 more years in the industry, and a better compensation. Did I consider it? I didn't even take a second to say No. Many years down the lane, it could seem foolish to me. But I will not regret what I chose. It was very important not to get carried away by the opportunity I was getting and have firm belief in all our dreams. Later when I had put all my thoughts together, I tried if I can do the same work from Bengaluru so that I can spend my weekends for Teaching. It wasn't happening. I let it go.  

And then I came back to where I really belong. 

I would summarize by three points. 

• Have a dream that excites you every single second. 
• Have a great team members who shares same thoughts as yours. Respect their efforts. 
• Believe in your inner voice. Listen to it. Great things are meant for you. 

To all the awesome people in Spoorthi Foundation. 

After the wonderful conversation with Pruthvik and his mother, we were more than delighted and excited to meet the next child to speak about his experience and aspirations in life.

That is when we headed to Chethan’s house. A short but sharp boy with dreams to reach out, he was excited and looking forward as much as we were. In conversation with him we realised that, it is not about the destination but the journey, the journey of this little boy walking towards his dreams. We met him and started the conversation about his education, career and asked him how helpful our foundation was. That is when we understood, Chethan is an enthusiastic and eager child. 

He has finished his 10^th and looking forward to join Pre University. Further talking to, the situation with him was similar to that of the other children we spoke to, he vaguely had knowledge about the career choices he could make, what suited him best and what choices would help him shape his career. Chethan was counselled by Mr. Santhosh, for him to understand his strengths and weaknesses for which he could choose his further path in career. That is when Chethan decided on taking up commerce stream. Beyond this vagueness one thing was for sure the spark in his eye to know more, study and overcome it. He lacked guidance, someone to explain him the choices that he had. His parents do their best to provide him education but they too lag behind in knowing the current opportunities. His father is a Tailor and Mother, a home maker. He has a younger brother who is very intelligent and bright in his studies. They want their children to study well and reach greater heights for which they are ready to work hard, to meet the expenses of their Children’s education. What really caught my mind was the fact that they were so supportive and willing to do the best for their children. They said that they want their children to lead a better and secure life, which is the dream of every parents.   

What difference has Spoorthi foundation done? The reply was that it has done wonders by both Chethan and his mother.He had switched from Kannada medium to English medium school, which was a great challenge for him, coping with subjects and in addition to that was the English language. He shared with us some of his initial day incidents at school which he can never forget. On the first day of his school his first class was mathematics. When the teacher took the class, everything was alien to him, he was worried and scared. But then he met the team of Spoorthi foundation, who promised to help him. He wanted study and understand all the subjects, which is why he showed interest and attended all the sessions conducted by Spoorthi foundation where some of the other children of his class would make excuses to not attend the classes. 

As time passed he started picking up and understanding the lessons being thought in class, with the help of his mentors of the foundation. He very well recalls how Mr. Santhosh made mathematics fun, and how history lessons by Mr. Kushal turned the battles and dynasties of history into stories that could easily be understood and the dates could be well remembered.

His mother throughout the conversation had a broad smile on her face reflecting how she felt contended by his son’s improvement. Her mother said that the reason for his progress is Spoorthi foundation team. She said all the areas which he found it difficult to cope. She also told the team that she wants to see her son converse fluently in English. For which we suggested him to start practicing and attend classes in the weekend which we conduct for improving the speaking skills.

The short fall from our side, which Chethan pointed out just like Pruthvik and his mom was that the foundation should have stretched their hand out for help a little earlier, which could have made a better impact for them.

The whole conversation ended on a happy note, motivating us to do more and keeping up to their expectations. When the children’s eye look up to us with expectations, wanting us to be their guides or mentors it really becomes a great responsibility from our side. Eventually that is was inspires us to keep going and do more for the children.    

Article written by Sahaja Bhargavi
Photos by Faizan Baksh

    “Sky is the limit”, to reach which we must spread our wings and fly. This is the face of the children associated with Spoorthi Foundation, who have passed 10th standard board examination. Every child has a dream, a dream to succeed.

     When we met the children and their parents, we realized how wonderful it is to be a part of their life, and doing our little for them to fulfill their dreams. We wanted to know what they aspire to become and what their parents expect from them. Hence we further thought of speaking with them about their approach towards their interests and how much they are aware of various career options. We were also keen in knowing the impact of our program on them and what they feel about us.

                                        Conversation with Master Pruthvik

       During this session, we spoke to Pruthvik and his mother. The moment we started knowing Pruthvik and his mother, we could understand how important his education and career was to them. They didn't have distinct idea about the opportunities and various fields available to opt for. Having scored 74% in the 10th examination, Mr. Santhosh had counselled and advised him to take up Diploma in Mechanical. Even as he had little interest in this field, he couldn't realize, till Mr. Santhosh elaborated him further on it. He was guided on what is the admission procedure, college availability and other needful steps to be taken.

Pruthvik and his Mother

Pruthvik is a curious child and interested to learn new things. He said it's not that he has particular liking towards any subject but wants to learn all the subjects. Thus, when he was counselled it was important to understand depth of knowledge he has for a particular subject, we realized that it was for mechanical engineering. Language on the other hand, he was pretty confident because of the coaching he had got through our foundation and also we asked him to continue to attend the classes which is being conducted for spoken English, so that he can be well versed in the language and would not cause him any hindrance in his career further. In the remaining free time, he has got, before he chooses his college and it resumes, he has joined computer course near his house, where he is learning computer basics.   

           His mother runs a paying guest accommodation from which she manages their family’s requirements as there is very little or no financial support from his father. His father drives an auto rickshaw in Bengaluru and does not look after his family here in Mysuru. So Pruthvik’ s mother wants him to study hard and come up in life for which she is ready to struggle and do the best for him. Her determination towards her son was very inspiring.      

Sahaja interacts with Pruthvik and his Mother

When asked about our foundation and the programs conducted by us, we were overwhelmed by her response. She said it did a lot of difference, the difficulty he had in studies were easily overcome and he could understand the subjects well. She liked what we did and said, this kind of attention and assistance even the other children require and that we should conduct teaching sessions in large numbers and with school students who are in need. The one thing which we lagged at was unable to conduct classes at the end of academic year was the only complain by Pruthvik’ s mother because the school failed to complete the portions which did hamper his marks. 

As soon as she got to know the reason about the volunteers who conducted these classes were held up with their own exams. She understood the situation which had encountered and why it happened, thus we told her in the coming years we would try bringing in more people with similar interest to join hands in assisting the children and guiding their paths. The period in which her child was thought she was satisfied as he would give his feedback of how well he understood the classes’ every day.  

She also requested with us if we could help her son further in his diploma course also.

           This kind of feedback from the children’s parents really motivates us to work even more hard to help them realize their goals and dreams.

Article written by Sahaja Bhargavi
Photos by Faizan Baksh

  

I once knew a man who talked about ideals, values, principles and kept telling me not to compromise with them. Integrity is everything. No matter what the situation you are in, do not bow down to the circumstances. They test you and you should not lose to them.

I believe time has come a full circle. The man once I knew is a transformed man now. He talks about making money, and believes ideals are bullshit. For a moment I agreed to him. But then my conscience would not let me fall prey to such thoughts. I always believed Money is a valuable entity only if it's doing good for the humanity. Otherwise its just a piece of paper.

Last year when we started Teach & Learn in association with Project ReachOut, we were very sure that it will work and we would make difference in the lives of the students of two schools. To some extent, it did. Last week we got results of SSLC and they were pretty good. Our work didn't reflect on the marks they scored but in the confidence that they want to study told us a very different story.

As promised in the beginning of our program we wanted to make sure that those kids do not dropout and get quality education to fulfill their dreams. So we made two teams to visit the homes of those children and interact with the parents.

On Saturday, 16th May, it was around 5 PM when I reached Pruthvik's home near Terressian College, Mysuru and I was drenched in rain. I was warmly welcomed by his mother and a plate full of sweet. Then I interacted with her for 20 mins. Pruthvik's father is an auto driver and he is in Bengaluru. His mom takes care of his education and his father is least bothered about it.  Then after counselling his interests they decided he would join for Diploma in Mechanical or Electronics.

Later that day , I visited five more students and interacted with their parents. The parents were very happy that we are investing our time in doing good for their children. The affection with which they talk to us gives a proud feeling to all of us.

On Sunday, our team members, Sandeep and Akash, visited three students and met their parents.

Here is what Sandeep says,

  "It was a very good experience when we meet the students and their parents. I just felt their thankfulness in their words and the way they talked and greeted us. Some parents don't have any idea about higher education and they have left to their children wish regarding the higher studies. Some have big dreams that they wanted to see them in a good position. And they have full hopes on our decision regarding their children's higher education and they were seeking our suggestions and they have full hopes in our decision or suggestions. Totally it was a nice experience"

Here is Akash's words

"It was a new experience to me. It felt really good when we get positive response from the parents. And more than the proud feeling that we got, it encouraged us to not to stop doing good work. And It was a great feeling to see the children and parents happy"

We are on a journey now. Chasing our dreams and helping the children chase theirs. In the next post, we will be sharing about 14 children we are supporting.

We need you support in supporting these children. If you wish to make a donation, Please click HERE

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Santhosh S V
Spoorthi Foundation
www.spoorthifoundation.org

BIMBA – is the reflection of our “Spoorthi Foundation”.

It was the first ever thought of fund raising Photography Exhibition by our team through which we can reach the public, tell them about our cause, enlighten the thought in them about how important is right to education for each and every child in this society, spend every single rupee in doing our bit in providing education to children, encouraging them to get educated by supporting them financially and morally.

It was three wonderful days with beautiful photographs, with the Spoorthi team who were working day and night to make the event a success, with friends and family who came to support us, with the press and the public who came to encourage us and help us to reach more people.

I was literally overwhelmed and very thankful by the response and support that we received by ALL for Bimba.

When we say, this is a fund raising event, the first thought that will hit the public is, are they raising the fund for their wellness or is it really for the good cause. This is the actual scenario in the present society. People around us will have concern about what we are doing but when it comes to involvement the response is very minimal. It is both the concern and involvement is all it takes to build every child’s dream that they may have in life. In all its fullness!

I believe that every child has the right to shine and has the right to live life in all its fullness that respects and develops their personality and abilities. Don’t you think so?

Let us all join hands together in caring for others children as well than always caring our own family; Let us show our love to them and we will be thrilled by the unconditional love that we get in return from those little children; Let’s share our knowledge, teach them, guide them, spend some time with them; Let’s support and encourage them to join the mainstream of society as educated and productive citizens.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”

                                                                                                 -Nelson Mandela

Let’s do it!

Anvitha Anand

President,

Spoorthi Foundation

She completed her engineering degree in Computer Science from Maharaja Institute of Technology, Mysore.

Currently she works for Cerner Corporation as Software Engineer in Bengaluru.