2012-13
Samvedana Annual Activities
Samvedana Trust
3rd Floor, Swami Vivekanand
Institute, Bh. Shivam Apts,
Nr. Akhbarnagar Circle, Akhbarnagar,
Ahmedabad – 380015
Contact No. (M) – +91 8980004468
(L) – 079-27620274
Website: ww.samvedana.org.in
Email Id: infor@samvedana.org.in
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
Organization / Project Details
II.
Project Activities
a.
Introduction
b.
Brief Reflection of last year
1.
Akshara
2.
Gyan
3.
Sakhi
4.
Eklavya, sponsoring education to private schools
5.
Baal ghar
6.
Mitr
7.
Udgreev, Vocational skills
Annexure 1: Samvedana in the News
I ORGANIZATION / PROJECT DETAILS
i. Name of the organization with contact address, phone & e-mail
Samvedana Trust.
3rd Floor, Swami Vivekanand Institute,
Bh. Shivam Apartments,
Nr. Akhbarnagar Circle,
Akhbarnagar,
Ahmedabad-380015.
Phone 079- 27561076
Email: info@samvedana.org.in
ii. Name of the Project Founder
Janki Vasant
# 0 9825067892
Email: janki@samvedana.org.in
iii. Title of the Project
Availing Education to underprivileged Children of Ahmedabad through Samvedana
iv. Project Start Date/Month
9th April 2003
v. Operational Area/Location
Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
vi. Reporting Period
01st January – 31st December 2011
vii. Contact Person
Nida Shaikh
(M) 09099923530 (O) 08980004468
Email id: nida@samvedana.org.in
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Introduction:
We introduce ourselves as a nonprofit organization, registered under Mumbai Public Trust
Act, 1950 and Under Section 80G of Income Tax act, 1960, working for the integrated
development of slums with a focus on education and health of socially and economically
deprived children.
Currently our main programme is to provide supplementary education and vocational
skills to the children of the slum dwellers who reside at different slum communities of
Vadaj & Vastrapur in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. SAMVEDANA is committed to giving meaning
and purpose to the life of these underprivileged children by providing them quality
education through the centre run by us. Along with academics from class 1 to 12, we have
initiated steps for grooming the life of these children; eventually working towards
modifying lives. The committee staff and the volunteers are the real a back bone for the
success of this programme.
This report leads us to understand the progress of the Project. This is the narrative reports
of the activities occurred in the last 12 months from April 2012 to March 2013
Highlights of the year:
Last 12 months was completely a different experience for the children of Samvedana as
there were lots of opportunities, festivals to celebrate, workshops to learn and field visits
to experience their outer world.
Samvedana last year commenced its 10th round of success, having shaped futures for 10
years. Last year on 9th April we entered our 10th year and thus started the year with get
together on “founder’s day” where whole Samvedana team right from trustees to all
teachers, volunteers and support staff shared their experience followed by lunch took
place.
1. Samvedana welcomed new member this 10th year - our “Tata Magic” car. A 14 seater
car for kids’ exposure visits, community and other children welfare programmes.
2. Different festivals during the year were celebrated with children, parents, friends
and well-wisher of Samvedana.
3. Last year, another fantastic news for Samvedana was Gyan and Udgreev programme
got a new direction, children and youth got new exposure, as due to the structural
damage in the Municipal School where Samvedana earlier use to function, had to
shift its complete functioning to Swami Vivekanand Institute. After commencing our
progammes at this new place, drastic changes in the children due to the atmosphere
had been observed. Swami Vivekanand Insitute is an education institute where
different education programmes are being running and thus, our children met
students from different fields, which earlier they never got an opportunity to do so
on daily basis.
4. Samvedana’s 10 years of joyful journey of service, initiated with 30 kids, today 450
students from grade 1 to 12 studying in Vadaj School today got into turmoil. Due to
structural damage in Municipal School, the school got demolished and thus, Akshara
programme temporarily had stopped the functioning. . A special parent meeting was
organized wherein parents were shared about the critical situation of Samvedana
and after this sharing got overwhelming response by the parents. Each parent was
of the opinion that they would not like to stop Samvedana, even for a day and thus
they offered using their chawls for classroom. And thus Akshara after 6 months,
commenced with community participation, by utilizing their homes in the
community and conduct classes for all the students. Thus, now Akshara, in a unique
way is functioning at 5 different places in the community where teachers teach
children in the morning.
5. Samvedana’s flagship initiative – Eklavya – scholarship programme last year,
witnessed its fruits of sowing the seeds before 9 years – Hema Belaraimani, nursing
student, completed her Nursing and commenced her career with Sterling Hospital,
Bharat Parmar, became – Chemical Engineer and started his career with Intas
Pharma and today he is preparing for SSC exam, Dipak and Mitesh – got deployed in
Air force as Airman, one in West Bengal and other in Karnataka, Kiran Jogi
completed her B.com and now is pursuing her Masters in Commerce.
6. Last year, in the programme Sakhi, Samvedana organized Dental checkups and
follow up camp, wherein all the 450 students of Vadaj underwent dental checkup
and every Friday 12 children are taken for follow-up to the dental hospital, 4 eye
checkup camps in different programmes Akshara, Gyan, Sakhi and Baal ghar took
place in partnership with Rotary club took place, wherein total 680 beneficiaries
were checked and out of them 416 spectacles are been given to those who were
prescribed the same. Few also were taken to Nagri for catrack operation, special
consultancy for squint eyes and for other eye related issues. Out of 6 catrack
operation 4 operation came out to be successful.
7. After the horrifying incidence of “Delhi Gang Rape”, the impacts on the parents
were witnessed by Samvedana, and thus before any wrong step is being taken by
them for their daughters, Samvedana organized a parents’ meet to address this
sensitive topic and provide support to them. The panel for this meet included Ms.
Kajal Oza, renowned writer, Mr. Prashant Bhimani, a pshycologist, Mr. Chirag
Trivedi, Prof. at HL College and Ms. Janki Vasant, Founder Samvedana.
8. Samvedana every year organizes one of its kind Local Action - Fund Raiser Event:
Sahyog- Cricket for the Cause, a 15 day cricket tournament played between the
employees of different big companies for a cause. 45 companies participated this
year for this tournament. Samvedana was honoured to have Mr. Munaf Patel & Mr.
Sanjay Gadhvi as the chief guest for the closing ceremony of Sahyog. During this
tournament special kids workshop was also conducted where everyday kids from
Akshara project could learn new activities, educational games and had fun.
Simultaneously on the other side different empowering workshops for children and
teachers on various topics were also organized.
9. Samvedana also conducted surveys in the community for different vocational
training to be started for the youth as well as women have been conducted. In
Udgreev Project last year 6 exhibitions were organized in colleges, galleries wherein
the work of the children was highly appreciated.
10. As Samvedana provides platform to the like-minded people, last year children from
all the age groups in the mid of April had enjoyed the 15 days big event of the year
“Happeee Summer 2012” and its “Annual Day” – a unique Summer Workshop,
conducted by volunteers, coming from privileged section of the society to share
their expertise and happiness. This workshop includes lots of performing arts
activities in three groups of children – Joy, Smile and Giggle. Thus Samvedana
children met their new friends – didis and bhaiyas, with whom they shared their
smiles, love and care. During the annual day kids performed different dances, drama
and shloks in the presence of nearly 300 people and the programme also got its
charm by the presence of Mr. Darshan Jariwala.
There has been wonderful development seen in all the domains of the children and people.
Also, have observed fighting spirit among some of the children who have faced problems
and critical situation in their support system.
Our Beneficiaries:
Sr.
Our Initiatives
No.
1
Akshara:
Area of Functioning
No. of
Beneficiaries
A. Vadaj
a. Vasukinagar& Tulsinagar Slum,
New Vadaj
a. 300
2
B. Vastrapur
Gyaan
b. 125
110
3
Eklavya
4
Udgreev
5
Sakhi
6
Mitra
7
Baal Ghar
b. Sarkari Vasahat Prathmik Shala
Swami Vivekanand Institute of
Training, Akhbarnagar,
Ahmedabad
Swami Vivekanand Institute of
Training, Akhbarnagar,
Ahmedabad
Swami Vivekanand Institute of
Training, Akhbarnagar,
Ahmedabad
Slum Communities – Vadaj and
Vastrapur
In all projects at different interval
of time
a. Chandlodia – 31 anganwadis
b. Ghatlodia – 21 anganwadis
c. Thaltej – 36 anganwadis
50
30
300 parents
80
volunteers
Total 2160
preschool
children
1. ‘Akshara’
The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, "The children are now
working as if I did not exist."
– Maria Montessori.
AKSHARA is a humble initiative, a genuine desire followed by relentless efforts to enable
this ‘tryst with destiny.’
A tryst with destiny …for children who have the right to education, as much as anyone else.
It starts at the grassroots and involves children at the primary and secondary level.
To empower and enrich the less-privileged children in their formative years, so that they
can carve a better future for themselves
Education means more than academics; it means health, hygiene, sports, extracurricular
exposures, activity-based programmes, interactive interactions with sensitised privileged
volunteers and organisations, global exposures through interns from around the world,
picnics and more.
Vision:
 To empower and enrich the less-privileged children in their formative years, so that
they can carve a better future for themselves.
What AKSHARA Does:
1. Regular school structure for grade 1 to 7 supporting 250 students.
2. Two special classes and bridge programmes for children with
special learning difficulties.
3. Provides child friendly library, AV room and computer lab.
4. Organizes monthly picnics.
5. Provides daily nutrition.
A team of 15 teachers and one academic head run the school very efficiently.
School this year reopened on June 10th for the staff and June 14th for the students.
Activities last year:
During last year apart from regular teaching following activities were conducted:
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12th to 19th April: Students gave had their final exams of this academic year.
22nd April: Students enrolled themselves for the Happeee Summer 2012 programme
23rd and 24thApril: Parent’s teacher meeting was conducted for two days, wherein this
year Samvedana launched its report card, including different criteria for assessing the
children.
26th April to 5th May: Students did various activities during summer workshop along with
volunteers. They enjoyed different dances, hands on activities – with paper and other
materials during art sessions, enjoyed different interactive session.
3rd to 5th May: All students got their results and passed with flying colours.
4th May: Samvedana had its annual day for its parents at the centre, where nearly 500
people gathered and witnessed different programmes of different cultural performances.
5th May: Samvedana had its summer workshop’s final presentation infront of nearly 600
people, wherein the chief guest was Mr. Darshan Jariwala who not only became part of this
event, but was with Samvedana kids for 4 days to give them the experience of theatre, and
thus conducted theatre workshop. Parents of volunteers, friends of samvedana became part
of this grand event and appreciated the effort of all the children of samvedana.
22nd May: students were taken to perform during Shiamak davar’s SDIPA’s programme
6th May to 14th June: Summer break in Akshara.
22nd May: Kids performed dance during Shiamak Davar’s SDIPA’s summer funk
programme.
14th June: Re-opening of the school.
After 15 days bridge and revision program in the month of june, teachers begun new years’
academic session from this quarter.
16th July: Gauri Vrat or Gouri Puja, Molakat Vrat, an auspicious austerity dedicated to
Goddess Gowri, is observed for 5 days in Ashad Maas as per Gujarati calendar. Hence, on
this occasion of “Gauri vrat” girls were distributed dry fruits by one of the members of
Samvedana Ms. Varsha Shah.
22nd July: Riverside school invited samvedana’s 4th to 8th std students for Street Smart
programme, wherein they on the streets make children explore various games, dance, art
and other activities. Total 68 students participated in this programme.
27th July: This year to motivate the students and to improve their behavioural pattern,
Samvedana introduced “Rewards and negative re-inforcements” for Akshara students, here
on every last Friday of the month, students are being awarded for five following categories –
attendance, academics, uniform, behavior and extracurricular activities. Students need to
fulfill the sub criteria for each above criteria and thereby they get rewards.
27th July: Dental Camp was organized by Dept. of Public Health Dentistry, College of Dental
Science & Research Centre for Samvedana’s 1st to 8th grade students. This was divided on
two days. Nearly 150 students are being diagnosed for further treatment. The doctor’s team
showed presentation on “teeth and their care” and thereby did the checkup of each student.
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And after this camp, students every Friday are being taken for their follow up treatment to
the college.
29th July: Anandniketan school organized a park mela for the younger kids wherein
samvedana’s 1st to 4th std students participated. These students enjoyed puppet show,
storytelling session, art activities, jumping activity, dance and other games.
31st July: This year Samvedana celebrated the festival of Rakshabandhan in a unique way.
Students went to different NGOs and celebrated the festival with their beneficiaries.
Students went to Manav Sadhna, Utthan working for disable, Mother Teresa home for
mentally disables, Baal ghar and also Anandniketan students came to celebrate with our
young ones. Children really
enjoyed this festival and got
sensitized towards different target
groups.
8th August: Samvedana celebrated
Janmashtami by the procession of
“matki phod”, followed by “garba”
by the students.
15TH August: Samvedana’s akshara
students were divided into various
groups some went for March past
organized by Anandniketan school,
some to riverside street smart
programme and some went to
cultural programme with a theme
of Freedom to witness the different dance forms at GMDC Auditorium. This was organized
by the group named Damani’s.
21st August: On this day Samvedana celebrated its founder Ms. Janki Vasant’s birthday with
tree plantation in all the different projects.
25th August: Riverside 4th std students had an field work with their teachers and mothers to
Samvedana’s 4th std students’ homes. Students after looking at the ground reality of
Samvedana’s students shared their experience with all and thank god for all that they are
been given by their parents.
8th September 2012: 247 Students were taken to watch the “Ice age” Movie in 3d. Children
for the first time saw the 3d movie and were very happy to watch it.
19th September: Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated by the Samvedana students and team. With
lots of happiness, excitement and pomp children brought Ganeshji’s idol and worshipped
for 1 day and then went through the streets in a procession accompanied with dancing,
singing, and fanfare to immerse in a river.
24th September : Samvedana’s 4th graders along with their Buddies from Riverside school
went to ANIMAL FARM where they were able to see different farm animals like hen, guinea
pigs, horse, ducks etc. Each buddy of riverside was explaining different things about farm
animals; Samvedana’s kids were able to share their experiences with the kids. Kids indeed
had a wonderful time.
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24th September TO 1ST October:
Students had their 1st term exam.
On 19th October 2012 : Grade 1st,
2nd and 4th were invited to Bal
Garba Mahotsav by Shaishav
Foundation
On 20/10/12: Grade 3rd and from
grade 5th to 8th were invited by “
VIVA Event and current affairs”
where different ngos were invited.
This whole event was organized by
Samvedana and nearly 1500
people gathered in this event.
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Samvedana’s young leaders of Udgreev organized Diwali Mela for all Akshara and Gyan
children, all the children enjoyed different rides like small merry go round, columbus,
games like-balloon shooting, find the coin and had tasty snacks like samosa, panipuri, lemon
juice, pauva and etc.
 09 November to 29th November: Diwali
break for all the children
 Akshara teachers analyzed the results of the
students for understanding the growth of
the teachers
 21st December: H.L.College invited various
NGOs during their cultural festival
programme. They invited 20 students from
Samvedana. Students from grade 5th and
6th went various games organized.
 22nd December: 27 students from 5th,6th
and 7th grade were invited to Vodafone
House
for
celebrating
Christmas
celebration.
 23rd December: Akshara students went for
the audition for Sabse Bada Dramebaaz,
wherein group of 6 children performed
“group skit” on “shiksha humara adhikar”
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26th December: Children enjoyed CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL organized by Miloni, one of the
old volunteer of Samvedana. Kids enjoyed different games music, dance and rides, followed
by dinner.
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Children of Akshara enjoyed the festival of
uttarayan by flying kites along with
volunteers, gyan students at Vastrapur
Centre.
During the 15 days of Corporate Cricket,
children workshop was conducted
wherein everyday 20-30 children from
grade 5th to 8th std used to participate. The
workshop included art & craft activities,
one minute games, environment activities,
etc.
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100 Akshara kids were taken to Anand
Mela organized by H.L. College
students. Students enjoyed the
different activities and games planned.
Training programme was organized for
Akshara Teachers for learning the
different methods of teaching at
Gandhinagar.
The students from 5th to 7th participated in
the dance competition at “Pahel” an
initiative by Gujarat Law College students.
Samvedana students got 2nd prize for their
dance “Jai Ho”
In the month of March, with the support of
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parents, Samvedana started community
teaching.
H.L. College students under
Development Communication program
took 3 days workshop with Samvedana
kids. For two days, they were with
Akshara kids from grade 5th to 8th. The
workshop included workshop on
Recreational Activities for the kids,
Shoes – Need or Comfort and
Community Visits. The objective behind
the whole workshop was to understand
the needs of the children residing in the
community and taking up a small
survey through different mediums of communication like games, counseling and surveys.
2. Gyaan:
High School Education
“We are here to add what we can to life, not to get what we can from life.”
GYAN tries to add to life.
– William Osler
Vision:
 Support the students in their quest towards a better future through higher
education.
 To help deserving students, who despite all obstacles, social and economic, manage
to make it till here on their own mettle.
What GYAN Does:
1. Supports free high school education (standard 8th to 12th) through daily classes.
2. Organises workshops on various subjects such as computer software knowledge,
personality grooming, career counseling, HIV and sex education, environment
awareness and other issues.
3. Counselling and parents meetings held monthly.
4. Helps in getting admission to high schools of the neighborhood.
Activities of last year:
Last year, in the middle of the 2nd term, Samvedana had to shift Gyan’s functioning to
Swami Vivekanand Institute, with constant support from Shri Surendrabhai, Mr. Ashok
Pandya and their team Samvedana was able to provide supplementary education to slum
students going for higher education, with lot of efforts we were able to again in the month
of October, strength of Gyan was back to 130. Students due to other programmes running
in the instituted were benefitted by getting the exposure by interacting with students
studying in different field of education. A whole new direction and perspective have been
observed in this programme.
Apart from regular teaching to these children following were the workshops and
activities conducted:
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16th April to 21st April: Students had their final exams
22nd April: Parent- teacher meeting was held wherein parents were guided for their
child’s better tomorrow. This year Samvedana was successful in reaching out and
educating parents. Parents have now started asking question related to academics
for their child. This indeed gives us the sense of belongingness and responsibility to
reach out more and more children.
22nd April: Enrolment for Summer workshop started
26th April to 5th May: All the students participated in the different activities they
opted for Summer workshop. Some participated in dance, some in theatre, some in
English and computer programe and some for heritage. All the students showed
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different interest and understanding which in turn helps them to grow and develop
their interests.
4th May: Samvedana had its annual day for its parents at the centre, where nearly
500 people gathered and witnessed different programmes of different cultural
performances.
5th May: Samvedana had its summer workshop’s final presentation infront of nearly
600 people, wherein the chief guest was Mr. Darshan Jariwala who not only became
part of this event, but was with Samvedana kids for 4 days to give them the
experience of theatre, and thus conducted theatre workshop. Parents of volunteers,
friends of samvedana became part of this grand event and appreciated the effort of
all the children of samvedana.
May: Summer Break in Gyan
14th June: Re-opening of the school.
Total strength of Gyan increased to 135 from 80 students.
After 15 days bridge and revision program in June, teacher begun new years’
academics from this month.
13th July: Students from 8th to 12th std, had interactive motivational session with Mr.
Amit Trivedi wherein he shared about how being positive results into better
scoring.
15th August: Samvedana’s Akshara students were divided into various groups some
went for March past organized by Anandniketan School, some to riverside street
smart programme and some went to cultural programme with a theme of Freedom
to witness the different dance forms at GMDC Auditorium. This was organized by
the group named Damani’s.
21st August: On this day Samvedana celebrated its founder Ms. Janki Vasant’s
birthday with tree plantation in all the different projects.
28th August: 247 Students were taken to watch the “Ice age” Movie in 3d. Children
for the first time saw the 3d movie and were very happy to watch it.
19th September: Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated by the Samvedana students and
team. With lots of happiness, excitement and pomp children brought Ganeshji’s idol
and worshipped for 1 day and then went through the streets in a procession
accompanied with dancing, singing, and fanfare to immerse in a river
24th September to 1st October: Students had their 1st term exam.
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During the month of October, students of Gyaan had their second term exams.
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Navratri was also celebrated for two days in Gyan
o On 20/10/12: Alongwith Akshara students, all Gyan students were also invited by
“ VIVA Event and current affairs” where different ngos were invited.
On 25/10/12:
Garba Mahotsav
was organized by
Ram Krishna Samiti
and students at
Swami Vivekanand
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Gyaan
students
organized
Diwali
Mela for
their
younger
Samvedana friends, i.e. for Akshara students. The young leaders of Samvedana, kept
different stall of eateries, games and rides for the little ones. Through this concept,
they learnt the process about “enterpreneuship” by deciding upon “what” to keep in
stall, from “where” to get it, “how” to collect money for investment and “who” will be
at stall and all.
Students went for Diwali break of 20 days, after which they started with their
regular academic session.
Nidhi – volunteer intern
from Delhi University,
started organizing various
development workshops for
Gyan students. She in this
quarter organized talks on
“career counseling” – by
Sanjeev Agrawal,
“determination – important
essence in life” by film
appreciation – Iqbal,
“Aspirations” – by film
appreciation – “I AM KALAM”
and “common errors in
English – we make”( this
specially for 10th to 12th std students)
Gyan this year got full time teachers for all the subjects and volunteers for teaching
English.
The students also were felicitated with rewards for their outstanding performances
in different criteria’s.
Gyan’s youth – 11th to college students, this Christmas, organized “Samvedana Santa
on the Streets”, wherein the students prepared 290 gift hampers of 1 pair of cloth,
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biscuit packet, chiki and Vaseline to give as a gift to those who live on the streets.
Around 35 students and 12 volunteers, walked silently on the streets of Ahmedabad
from 12am to 2am and quietly use to keep the gift hamper near the pillows of the
people sleeping. Kids also gave tea to the security guards on duty at night and once
they all were back celebrated the festival by sharing their insights on the whole
process.
On 26th December, students enjoyed Christmas with dance party, different games
followed by dinner organized by Miloni, one of the old volunteer of Samvedana. 10
girls of 11th std, also performed medley dance, specially to thank Miloni.
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Gyan students enjoyed the festival
of Makar Sankranti with Akshara
children at Vastrapur campus.
World Daughter’s Day was
celebrated by the Gyan students
and teachers. They went for a
daughter day programme, which
involved dance, speech and prize
distribution to the daughters.
Students from 8th to 12th std and
parents had a special meet to
address the concern of “Gang
Rape and its repercussions’. It was
an open discussion with the
parents and the students. The
panel for the discussion was Ms.
Kajal Oza, Mr. Prashant Bhimani,
Mr. Chirag Trivedi and Ms. Janki
Vasant. The discussion involved
how to take safety measures for
girls and also imparting the values
among their boys to respect girls
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and sensitize them as well.
Price Water Copper House,
one of the leading consulting
company initiated the culture
of CSR for their employees and
thus with Samvedana’s
different beneficiary groups
workshop was conducted.
Gyaan students for 3 days had
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interactive sessions with the employees. One day they also visited the students’
houses and understood the life of the communities.
GYAN Students participated in Samvedana’s Corporate Cricket for a Cause by
playing Cricket. Samvedana Team reached to Pre-quarters
All the teachers and volunteers went to wish the students of 10th and 12thstandard
for their Board Exams and thereby from 7th March Board exams had commenced for
10th and 12th standard students.
On the completion of Board exams of 10th std & 12th std, students were taken to
Science City where they enjoyed 3d movie – Titanic and enjoyed the day.
3. Sakhi:
Counselling, Community Visits and Awareness Programmes
“He that gives good advice, builds with one hand; he that gives good counsel and example,
builds with both.”
– Francis Bacon, Sr.
Through SAKHI, we try to build with both hands.
Vision:
 To be the friend in need, the bridge to a happy destiny.
SAKHI provides counselling work that is integral to Samvedana’s projects.
To help him grow out of the conditionings and grow beyond their environment of abuse,
trauma, neglect and deprivation into a space of freedom to dream, inspire them to design
their life with dignity courage and honesty.
What SAKHI does:
1. Home visits to children
2. Counselling with children, parents and teachers
3. Orientations of volunteers
4. Teachers training
Activities of last year:
Apart from regular home visits by the teachers and other staff members every
Saturday following are the activities undertaken in this quarter:
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Parents Meeting: After final term exams
conducted in Samvedana, parents meeting
with an focus to share the results as well as
to know the progress and issues faced by
parents at home becomes necessary. This
also calls for the participation of parents
who are labourers and thus due to their
work are not able to spend time with their
children. It was successful meeting as
parents were accepting their duties and
thus it seems they now believe in their
children and their dreams.
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Two
eye
check up and
follow
up
camps were
conducted,
one
at
Samvedana,
VADAJ
CENTRE and
another
in
Urban Health
Centre, Gul
Bai
Tekra.Calculating the numbers of both the camps, Samvedana reached out to 700 people
(300 vadaj + 400 uhc). These all patients were not only diagnosed for their complaint, but
follow up session had also been tied up with big eye hospital named – Nagri Hospital,
Ahmedabad. At vadaj, Rotary club helped in organizing and funding the camp, they also
arranged for spectacles to those who got numbers. At UHC, young volunteer, named Namrata
helped us in organizing and she tied up with Lawerence and Mayo, spectacle company to give
spectacles. Their has also been patients of Catrack, Squint eyes of which the follow up is
taken care of.
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Samvedana had its staff’s team building programme of one week. RESOURCE PERSON Mr.
Chirag Trivedi – took the staff into the world of “Self”, helped each individual understand
their
strengths,
weakness,
opportunities and also
made them realize the
importance of team
members
and
contribution in their
role.
Again
Ms.
Purnima,
took
up
session with teachers
on – teachers in
classroom – wherein
she explained how the
elements in teachers
helps children to gain
better understanding
of self, their interests, moods and how it can hamper their growth if teacher is not having
self reflection.
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Last Summer
Samvedana
kept its annual
day exclusively
for the parents
at vadaj centre,
wherein nearly
500
people
gathered and
witnessed the
programme by
the
children.
There was one
part during the
programme of
“Reading
letters”,
wherein
few
students wrote letter to their closed ones and read these letters infront of this crowd of
which the impact was so strong that everyone eyes filled up with tears. This whole idea was
to help student share their feelings with their closed ones and to give message to listen to
their children.
Surveys conducted for various upcoming programmes.
Counseling of parents for their children’s better future
Regular
home
visits by teachers
and counselor of
students
Orientation
of
new teachers in
Samvedana Team
Teacher Training
by
TATA
INSTITUTE
on
CREATIVITY
IN
CLASSROOM was
organized
wherein teachers
learnt
how
creatively
they
can teach maths,
science
and
especially boring subjects like Social studies and languages.
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Another Teacher training programmes wer conducted by Calorx Teacher’s University on
“Positive approach towards children” and “Higher order thinking skills”. Both the topics
helped teachers understand the psychology and the development in the education field.
Apart from regular counseling sessions a special parent meeting was conducted to share the
critical situation of Samvedana. Parents were told about vacating the premises and shifting
to new place, which if may take time we will need to close any of the projects, parents
shared their views on not to close for single day as well and invited to teach students in
their chawls. It indeed was overwhelming meet.
Also as a part, Sakhi’s team facilitated women in getting job work by giving orders for
different products to be made in Udgreev.
Surveys conducted for various upcoming health and vocational programmes
Students screened with Dental problems during Dental Checkup are been taken for follow
up treatment to the Dental college on every Wednesday and Friday, since the beginning of
this quarter.
6 students were shown to Eye specialist for their vision and eye complaints
Constant field visits by teachers and counselor, as well as ongoing counseling to parents for
their children is been undertaken.
Ongoing Teacher Training on lesson planning, different teaching methodologies of 1st to 8th
grade students is being conducted by Ms. Varsha Shah.
Motivational Session by Mr. Sanjeev Agrawal for aspiring students of Gyan and Eklavya
project
Akshara teachers along with the support of counselors and resource persons did analysis of
the results of the students, to help each child in their respective weak areas to grow better.
As a part of welfare programme, the staff of SAMVEDANA post Diwali, had get together @
Vasant Farm, where whole staff enjoyed being with nature and each other.
Special Meeting: Looking at the negative impact of the “Gang Rape In Delhi”, a
special meet was organized for all the parents of the Vadaj slum of Samvedana to
address their insecurity towards their daughters’ safety. This was an open
discussion for the parents and the students held with the panel. The panel involved
Ms. Kajal Oza, Mr. Prashant Bhimani, Mr. Chirag Trivedi and Ms. Janki Vasant. The
discussion involved how to take safety measures for girls and also imparting the
values among their boys to respect girls and sensitize them as well.
 Samvedana organized
two
eye
check-up
camps in association
with Rotary Club. One
camp was organized at
Anganwadi located at
Thaltej and other at
Ghatlodia area. Total
beneficiaries of the
both the camps were
437. Out of which 207,
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are for spectacles and 47 for advanced treatment.
Students from HL College who undertook 3 days workshop with Samvedana kids
did small survey on facilities of basic amenities, recreational activities and
counseling for the slum communities.
Special 1 week CSR
programme was organized
with Gyaan students. Price
Water Copper House, one of
the leading consulting
company initiated the
culture of CSR for their
employees and thus with
Samvedana’s different
beneficiary groups
workshop was conducted.
These workshops included
discussions, games, art &
craft activities, sports and
field visits.
Teachers’ training programme was conducted at Gandhinagar for the Akshara
teachers, where teachers were given training for different teaching methodologies
and the process of teaching was also explained to them.
Apart from these all constant field work activities, providing nutrition kits and
medical support to those in the communities took place during the whole year.
4. Eklavya:
Adopt/Sponsor a Child for Education
“I have no yesterdays, time took them away, tomorrow may not be, But I have Today.”
– Pearl McGinnis
Through EKLAVYA, the children live their TODAY.
Vision:
 Lend a hand to carve a future.
What EKLAVYA Does:
1. Nominates deserving students for scholarships.
2. Helps meritorious but economically constrained students to continue further
studies.
3. Provides three hour daily tuition classes.
4. Organises additional workshops during the summer and Diwali vacations.
Today, we have 45 such students supported by Samvedana for their higher education
and educated future.
Activities of last year:
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EKLAVYA Student Bharat with distinction completed his “chemical engineering” and got job
at INTAS Pharma. He at present is also preparing for SSC EXAM.
Deepak student of EKLAVYA and Mitesh from Udgreev and STeP project passed Air Force
exam and got deployed.
As 10th Std result came out - Amisha scored 76%, Rushabh scored – 76% (maths -96) Hetal
scored 75%, Siddharth scored 71%, Girija scored – 69%, Aarti scored – 63% and manisha
scored 63%.
Hema, nursing student once again in her 3rd year scored top in her college and secured 71%
The 12th board results also made us proud wherein Dipali Parmar scored 76%, Rajesh
Makwana scored – 69% and Heena Dagaya scored – 65%
7 new students were taken under this project and thus now the number of students has
increased to 50.
7 students could get into R.J.Tiberwal college of Commerce for their graduation. Out of
these 7 students, 2 undertook in English medium and rest in gujarati medium
2 students Siddharth Chavda and Rushabh Vaghela opted for Science field in their 11th
std.
Rajesh Makwana, undertook his C.A. and is working hard to fulfill his dream.
Hetal jogi, 2nd year B.com student started practicing her Tally prog. Hetal also learnt
making Candles and is making wonderful candles.
Eklavya students alongwith Gyan students had their career counseling session with Mr.
Sanjeev Agrawal, he is into career counseling and consulting field
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Tanvi, 12th Science student, who aspires to become Architecture is starting her
preparations for NATA. Ace Edutech, an educational institute which supports in
preparation of designing exams is supporting this girl’s for achieving her dream. Her
family is being counseled for letting Tanvi do architecture,as family wants her to
pursue her career in engineering field.
Vijay Prajapati, new Eklavya student of Samvedana, is doing his M.Sc from
Gandhinagar. He aspires to become Researcher and
his dream is to become Scientist. He is very
hardworking boy, who to support his family is also
teaching science to students at his place.
One more success stories this 10th year for
Samvedana - Hema Belaramani, who consistently
stood among top 3 during her nursing, this year
completed her nursing by standing 1st in her college.
Dipak Makwana, who got into Air force training, got
deployed in West Bengal as Airman was being awarded during the corporate cricket
for a cause.
 Students who achieved
distinction
during
board exams were
felicitated by Mr. Munaf
Patel & Mr. Sanjay
Gadhvi on the closing
ceremony of Sahyog Corporate Cricket.
 Innate Intelligence Test
of 18 students is
undertaken
through
finger print testing.
This test helps one understand – one’s skills, intelligence, learning style and which
field can lead a successful life to them.
Students of 10th and 12th had their board exams in the month of March.
Likewise, Eklavya programme today reaches to 50 students and with the support of 12
donors is creating success stories and transforming lives.
5. Baal ghar: Aanganwadi Initiative
“Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.”
– Rabindranath Tagore
At BAAL GHAR, they realise that Godliness comes through the goodness of man.
Vision:
 To be a responsible and proactive organization and act as a catalyst to the existing
government system.
In India, child mortality is a threating challenge. A child rights group, ‘Save the Children,’
conducted a survey in 2009, which reported that two million children, under the age of five,
die annually in India. We at BAAL GHAR take care of children in the 78 Aanganwadis. Many
of these are in the rural areas. The project is challenging but interacting with the women
and children bring forth a satisfaction that is beyond the expression of words.
What BAAL GHAR Does:
1. Fights the high child mortality rate in the country.
2. Confronts the challenges of undernourishment amongst pregnant women, lactating
mothers and young children between 0 and 6 years of age.
3. Partners the government as a responsible organisation in
shouldering social responsibility.
We run 78 Aanganwadi centres spread across the western periphery of
Ahmedabad, under the ICDS project of GOI.
.
Activities of last year:

Consecutive three days monthly meetings every month with all the workers and
helpers.

Special Motivating meeting conducted with a focus on
appreciating the workers and helpers for their
commitment towards the work and their passion
towards children. This meeting was conducted by the
founder, Ms. Janki Vasant
Every month once “Mamta din” is being celebrated at
the Anganwadis.
Last year, “tithi bhojan” at different interval of time was organized by GIHED.
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During the month of June, at the time of re-opening there was a big function
organized to welcome the students and in one of the wards, Mrs. Anandi Patel,
Minister was present to give away the token of love to the toddlers.
22nd & 23rd June: 15 selected Anganwadi workers attended the nutrition training
programme.
Consecutive three days monthly meetings every month with all the workers and
helpers.
Every month once in all the Anganwadis, cooking show was organized to promote
the utilization of the premixes provided by government for toddlers.
Government Cooking show for the parents, anganwadi workers and helpers was
conducted at different Anganwadi centres with an objective to show how 100
different nutritious food items can be prepared from the premix flour given by
Government. This “recipe shows” have now become every month practise in
different centres to help the
workers as well as helpers learn
different new food recipes from
same flour.
Every month “Mamta Din” was
being organized to do regular
health checkups of pregnant
ladies by the MPHWs and provide
medicines to them as per the need.
1st August: Rakshabandhan was
celebrated by different
anganwadis, wherein students of
5th std of Samvedana came for celebrating with Anganwadis, they tied rakhi and
gave small gifts to each other. Anganwadi children presented action song and
Samvedana kids sung song for them.
15th August: Independence day celebration in various anganwadis was done,
students took part by performing dances and then did flag hoisting.
7th August: Janmashtami
was celebrated by different
anganwadis wherein kids
dressed up as krishna and
radha and did dance show.
20th August: Tree
plantation in different
anganwadis was
conducted a
25th August: All the
workers and helpers as a
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part of welfarewere taken for movie “ Ek Tha Tiger”
27th August: Health Camp: Two days full health camp was organized for
community people in Ghatlodia ward of Anganwadi wherein different health
checkups was conducted. This health camp also included calcium testing, blood test,
sonography for pregnant ladies, vaccination camp for kids from 0 to 10years, fully
equipped medical van for check up of pregnant ladies, skin specialist and physician
to do all the checkup.
 9th Septmeber: Awareness Rally
for what and how to give nutrition
to children.
 Training programme for all the
anganwadi workers on daily basis
is being conducted by the
supervisors on different topics
related to Nutrition, Education and
Welfare of the children, pregnant
ladies, adolescent girls and
lactating mothers.
Anganwadi workers kept their stall during Diwali Mela. They also played garba and
enjoyed the festival of lights with the kids of samvedana.
On the occasion of Diwali, sweets were
given to the workers and helpers.
Anganwadi centres celebrated Navratri
in different centres
In the month of October, awareness
programme for adolescent girls was
organized by one of the youngest
volunteer of Samvedana, Rhea, with an
objective to sensitize the adolescent
girls on health and hygiene, she
alongwith Dr. Sonal Desai, Gynaecologist
took up this session. Rhea also arranged for 100 “sanitary pads” for the adolescent
girls.
 After the horrifying incident of
Delhi gang rape – a special
consultation for all the
beneficiaries of Samvedana
was organized. For this the
adolescent girls of anganwadi
participated. The speakers for
this consultation were
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renowned personalities - Ms. Kajal Oza, Mr. Prashant Bhimani, Mr. Chirag Trivedi
and Ms. Janki Vasant. They gave detail understanding to the beneficiaries as to how
girls need to get empowered and boys also need to be taught to respect women.
On the occasion of Daughter’s Day, adolescent girls & anganwadi workers
participated to the Daughter’s day event organized at GMDC Ground by Daughters
Foundation. Beneficiaries witness different dances and songs by singer Aishwarya
Majumdar.
Rasoi shows were organized in
different anagnwadis to teach
healthy cooking to the anganwadi
workers and helpers.
On 8th March, women’s day, at thaltej
centre Samvedana organized get
together for 500 women, wherein all
enjoyed the games and had fun. The
games involved 1 minute games,
race, group building games etc.
Few students distributed gifts to the
children in the anganwadi
celebrating the “joy of giving”
On 13th & 16th March, in Thaltej and
Ghatlodia ward, Eye camp was organized by Samvedana, in association with Rotary
Club wherein 500 beneficiaries were diagnosed out of which 85 beneficiaries need
advance treatment and 190
beneficiaries need to be given
spectacles.
 Apart from the special events, all
the festivals were celebrated in all
the anganwadi centres.
6. Mitr
Inclusions, Volunteer Interactions and Workshops
“The night is dark kindle the lamp of love with thy life and devotion.”
– Rabindranath Tagore
With MITRA the lamp of love lights the path for all and it is the society that emerges
enlightened.
Vision:
 When you make service the purpose in life, you find purpose in action.
It is about volunteer service, giving back to society and learning and bettering ourselves in
the process. MITRA; are volunteer run initiatives.
What Mitr Does:
MITRA is all about loving, caring, sharing and service; it is all about likeminded people
coming together to make a difference. . Although many questions still remain, we have
learned that the power of love can heal, transform and traverse all barriers.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Workshops, Interactive sessions by volunteers for children.
Happeee Summer Creative Workshops organized by volunteers
Alternate Sunday volunteer programme
Community Awareness Programmes.
Festival, Birthday, Anniversary and other memorable days celebration by volunteers
Special Activities last year:
At Samvedana different likeminded people get
associated with children who depict ray of
hope and spread smiles on the face of children
at Samvedana
Last year, Samvedana began Mitra with one of its
chief programme “Happeee Summer –
2012”, this took place for 15 days. Nearly
60 volunteers joined in 25 volunteers
came from schools, 20 volunteers came
from colleges and 15 volunteers were
professionals working in different
sectors. Samvedana students this year were given registration form for summer workshop where
they had to choose, what
activities they would like to
participate there were 9
groups – 3 for each Joy,
Smile and Giggle. Activities
this year were Art, Theatre,
Dance, English, Computer,
Heritage, Movie
Appreciation, Cooking
classes, Jewellery making
and Values. There were 70
volunteers to conduct this
15 day workshop, Mr. Darshan
Jariwala, theatre actor and his team
came to conduct the theatre
workshop for the theatre group.
Children for 15 days took part in
different activities, they also
enjoyed exposure visits to different
heritage places, glass factory, farm,
etc and as a culmination on the last
2 days had a show in front of their
parents and next day in front of the
people of Ahmedabad. In this
programme children performed 9
dances, 1 drama, 3 letter reading – this letter reading act was hilarious, the youths of samvedana
wrote letter to their dear ones and shared their feelings, they even shared what they makes them
sad and what happy. These acts lead to tears in audience’s eyes.
Apart from this each day at Samvedana, different individuals from different sections of the society
come with just a desire to give – either their service or to experience happiness through celebrating
their birthdays, anniversaries etc. Following were the different volunteers who gave their immense
service in last year, to whom we acknowledge as an organization, as their presence leads to
inspiration, happiness and aids in shaping the lives of the children.
o Ms. Monali – Designer by profession, trained students on making different
items with corn flour and lamasa clay. She for exhibition made “decorative
top jars” of glass bottles - out of corn flour, bowls and plate product made up
of lamasa clay and envelopes with clay designs.
o Ms. Rupal – Art is her passion - she taught children to make small flowers
out of paper for diferent products and taught to make decorative mirchi
lights.
o Ms. Nidhi – Student from Delhi University, she is an intern with Samvedana
for 1 year she taught students to make “floating diyas”
o Ms. Nupur (management personnel, but art in her heart) and Ms. Rupal
– they both alongwith students created decorative cylindrical bags.
o Ms. Pooja – She is a business woman, handling her family’s business, she
felicitated the students with designs for footwear and also in structuring the
Udgreev processes.
o Samvedana also got volunteers from Swami Vivekanand Institute wherein
young college students who are currently preparing for different competitive
exams took part in managing Navratri Celebration, Diwali Mela and different
activities of Samvedana.
o One, among them, Sampan – M.Sc student, will be from the month of January
start teaching chemistry to our “two 11th grade Science students
o Nidhi, volunteer intern with Samvedana, started development workshops for
Gyan students on topics like “Career counseling”, “common errors in English we
make”, she also took session on “determination” through “film appreciation” –
of “Smile’s – I AM KALAM” and “IQBAL”.
o Arpita, volunteer came to teach Economics to grade 12th Commerce students
o Maulik Chauhan, since last 10 years teaches Science to 10th Grade students
and he has become one of the role model for the children. He not only would
teach what is in the curriculum but also gives exposure of different fields to
children due to which they widen their horizons and today are able to know
about different
professions.
o During this
Christmas,
Samvedana’s
volunteers gave
their support to
the youth of
Samvedana for
“Samvedana
SANTA on the walk” where youth of Samvedana with 290 gift hampers walked
on the street from 12am to 2am to give hamper consisting of cloth, biscuit and
Vaseline.
o Miloni, old volunteer of samvedana, is getting married in January 2013. She
shared her thought to celebrate the joy with Samvedana and thus organized
christmas party for all 350 children from grade 4th to 12th std, as a treat of
her wedding in January 2013.
o Samvedana’s volunteers
Shailja, Harsh and Nidhi,
for Miloni’s party
together trained 10 girls
for medley dance to be
performed as surprise
gift to Miloni and her
fiancé.
o During Corporate
Cricket for a Cause,
Samvedana got
introduced to different
volunteers who made cricket happen. Mr. Fenil Shah, Mr. Anuj Vasant, Mr.
Harit Manek and Ms. Shailja gave in all their energies to make 10th Corporate
Cricket a Success.
o Ms. Shivani & Ms. Ashish, pursuing their career in media from Pune created a
beautiful documentary on Samvedana
o 35 Employees from PWC Company got associated with Samvedana and
organized 1 week’s workshop with different beneficiary groups of
Samvedana.
o This quarter, Udgreev got its benchmark, Candle training programme of
Udgreev was taken to Singapore with the help of Mr. Yash Kothari, a young
exporter is empowering the artisans by promoting their vocational skills and
help them get job work where they every month get an order of 1000 candles
and can utilize their skills for earning their livelihood.
o 60 students from HL College took 3 days workshop with Samvedana children
which evolved around the themes of Recreational Activities, Sexually
Transmitted Diseases and requirement of Counseling.
This way once again Samvedana is blessed with lots of likeminded people who together with us
are putting efforts in fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of our children.
‘Udgreev’:
Vocational Skills – Earn and Learn
“Vocational education programs have made a real difference in the lives of countless young
people nationwide; they build self-confidence and leadership skills by allowing students to
utilize their unique gifts and talents.”
– Conrad Burns
Through UDGREEV we want to make this difference to our children’s life.
Vision:
 Lend support to the adolescent youth so they can stand on their own feet with self
pride and confidence.
 To find a solution beyond education, one which prepares them to be economically
sustainable.
What UDGREEV Does:
Education alone does not answer all the questions for our children at Samvedana, so
Udgreev.
Teaching our children to live life with confidence and realize their self-worth. UDGREEV is
just not about economic independence but also about self-esteem, better understanding of
the world and for building a brighter future. Through UDGREEV, attempts are made to link
the creativity and talent of the children to the requirement of the market, so that they are
economically independent. Children learn to make hand made products like diyas, handcrafted textiles, table accessories, decorative envelopes, environment bags, paper bags,
other paper products, mud mirror work frames, wooden mobiles, hand painted t-shirts,
abstract paintings and more... Hence, Udgreev
1. Provides vocational skill training through expert faculties to 30 students.
2. Organizes exhibitions where their expertise can be showcased.
3. Support trained youth to find jobs in the market and thus, providing them assistance for
livelihood.
Special events of the previous year:
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Children during the summer workshop learnt to make paper flowers, paper table
mats, paper costers and cards.
Three successful exhibitions of Udgreev had been conducted wherein artisan’s work
was been appreciated.
Previous year Udgreev stepped out of Ahmedabad, one of the exhibitions was
conducted in Baroda for 3 days, where people liked the products and services of
Samvedana.
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H.L. College gave order of 40 diaries
for “gifting”, out of which the boys
completed the order in just two
days. The diary is being handmade
by the boys which is been
decorated with ribbons on it. After
looking at the work, college
provided the order of other 60
diaries to the boys and likewise
boys got the employment.
 Two volunteers – Pooja Todi and
Nupur Pandya, joined Udgreev for
logistics and for providing
vocational guidance, soft skills to
the students of Udgreev. Thus, both of them supported in polishing the skills of the
students so as to be skilled
artisan, understanding all
aspects of market.
Other design volunteers –
Monali and Rupal trained the
students with designing of the
products.
Last year, Udgreev students
learnt different handicraft skills
from volunteers –

Monali – she made kids learn
top jars out of corn flour, then
products made up of lamasa
clay and envelopes with clay
designs.
 Rupal – she taught children to make small flowers out of paper for diferent
products and taught to
make decorative mirchi
lights.
 Nidhi – taught set of
students to make floating
diyas
 Nupur and
Rupal – they
both along with
students created
decorative cylindrical bags.
 Pooja – felicitated the students with designs and skills of preparing the footwear
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Last year again with team
efforts of students and
strategies of volunteers
Udgreev could earn profit of
Rs. 35,000 at Beyond Gallery,
total sales was of Rs. 1,25,000
and Cost was of Rs. 85,000,
thus it indeed was
achievement for Udgreev
students.
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During Diwali, Udgreev’s students got the platform for exhibiting its products in one
of the 5 star hotel of Ahmedabad - Courtyard Mariott.
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During Christmas, Udgreev kept it stall at Vodafone and Reliance wherein, Vodafone
its was a success and at Reliance it was flop show. At Vodafone, it was just for 3
hours the stall was kept and stock got finish and the situation was vice versa at
Reliance.
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In the month of January from 4th to 10th Udgreev had its exhibition at Ahmedabad
Haat organized by Craftroots. Craftroots, organized by Gramshree is a platform
displaying and selling an assorted variety of stunning handcrafted products having
innovative designs of traditional craft of talented artisans and exquisite craft
traditions from across Gujarat.
Last year was a benchmark for Udgreev and the students, Udgreev first time got the
export order of Candles. With the help of Mr. Yash Kothari, a young exporter,
Udgreev is now able to reach its product to international market. This was really big
achievement for all the artisans in Udgreev.
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E-Clinical works on Women’s day gave Udgreev opportunity to display its products
for their employees.
Likewise, Udgreev, got different opportunities to train their students in various handicraft
items and with a concept of reviving the craft, and promote handicraft items – its exhibits
and creates platform for showcasing the art work at different places.