Srujanavani Bal Gurukul at Madani

Indian Development Foundation launched Srujanavani Bal Gurukul at Madani, Hyderabad on the Gandhi Jayanti Day.

Mr. Suryaprakash from Kendriya Vidyalaya CRPF Barkas inaugurated the Bal Gurukul and congratulated Mr. Sanjay Ram from IDF and Mr. Ravi and Mrs. Gayatri from Srujanavani for the meaningful collaboration to help the needy children.

World Food Day 2014 @ Kendriya Vidyalaya , Madambakkam, Chennai.

Every year, the entire world observes the 16th of October as the World Food Day.

As a part of the world food day celebration, Indian Development Foundation organised a drawing & slogan competition at Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2, Madambakkam, Chennai.The theme of this year's World Food Day, "Family Farming-Feeding the World and Caring for the Earth. Around 200 students participated in the competition,  which is a positive sign in the student community.

The fact that having access to good, healthy food is a basic human right. Of the over 7 billion people in the world, one in nine suffers with chronic hunger. That is about 805 million people worldwide who live their lives with serious hunger issues. And the sad part is that the world’s most vulnerable make up the majority of that 805 million. More than half of the hungry in the world are women. In fact 60 percent are women. If that’s not bad enough, 5 million children under the age of 5 die of malnutrition-related issues yearly.

Ms. Anitha, Social Ambassador, IDF and Mr. Sathyamurthy, Development Executive also participated in the event.

The event was co-ordinated by Mrs. Rajammal and Mrs. Padma Balakumar.

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Spreading Sweetness..... Pongal celebrations at Blossom Bal Gurukul, Guduvancherry

IDF team comprising - Dr. Narayan Iyer, Mr. S. Sreeram, Mr. K. Sathyamurthy, Mrs. Siva Kamakshi, Mrs. B. Rajammal, Mr. Anil Kumar and Mr. Satish Kumar - visited Blossom Bal Gurukul at Guduvancherry in the outskirts of Chennai to celebrate Pongal Festival with the young minds. The students were explained on the importance of the festival and also towards spreading light, knowledge and wisdom. The students expressed happiness as they received sweets and gifts from IDF team. Ms. Kalyani, Co-ordinator of Blossom Trust and her team conveyed thanks to the visiting team for organizing such a meaningful event on the festive occasion. Guduvancheri is a suburb of Chennai, situated 35 kilometres from Chennai, between Tambaram and Chengalpattu. IDF spreads smiles on many lives.

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IDF launches a Bal Gurukul as Pongal gift at Perambur

IDF launched Dr. Ambedkar Bal Gurukul at Agandhiapuram, Perambur, Chennai on 11-01-2013 in collaboration with Montfort Sirahugal. IDF team Dr. Narayan Iyer, Mr. S. Sreeram, Mr. K. Sathyamurthy, Mrs. Kamakshi Siva and Mrs. Rajammal conveyed Pongal Greetings to all the volunteers and students as they launched the Bal Gurukul. Bro. Mark from Montfort Sirahugal appreciated the role of IDF in estabilshing Bal Gurukuls in urban slums as they are the need of the hour. The children felt extremely happy with the Bal Gurukuls and also as they received gifts and hot and yummy Pongal.

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Knowledge as a Treasure - Daisy Rani from Infant Jesus School Trichy

KNOWLEDGE AS A TREASURE - (English translation given below) (recorded on 06-12-12)

Daisy Rani, student of class VI from Infant Jesus School, Khajamalai, Trichy responded quickly to the request for a story in Tamil. Daisy Rani aims to become a lawyer and help people at large. IDF runs Infant Jesus Bal Gurukul in the school premises and empowers children for a better life ahead. IDF has over 100 Bal Gurukuls in India (Dec.2012) providing education to those who need the most. 

READ THE TRANSLATED VERSION OF THE STORY.

Knowledge as a Treasure!!

Once upon a time a scholar and a goldsmith were travelling together. The goldsmith carrying rich valuables with him teasingly mocks the scholar to be penniless. At this the scholar spoke gently reminding the goldsmith that he is carrying such a treasure that can be distributed but cannot be stolen - `the treasure of knowledge'

Ignoring the great scholar's words the trader moves on where he finds himself in the midst of a pack of thieves, who robs his gold, wealth and treasures that he carried. Turning their attention to the scholar they charged. The scholar declared penniless but promised to sing a folk song for the group, which they would love. Accepting the proposition, the thieves listened with eagerness.

Impressed by the song, they begged him to sing it repeatedly. With love for the song and the singer the thieves gifted all that they had stolen from the goldsmith to the scholar. Rejecting the offer the scholar requested the thieves to gift him anything that was earned out of their own hard earned money.

Moral: The most important treasure in your life is the knowledge that you accumulate and share.
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You support, we do the rest !!!
www.idf.org.in

IDF touching lives ....... A face-lift to Sudhagad Education Society Sc...

IDF Brings Smiles !

Sudhagad Education Secondary School, Chindran village, Panvel, Maharashtra. 
IDF runs Tilak Bal Gurukul at SES School from August 2009.

Earlier status in Chindran school.
• 320 children -- 60% girls. 
• No potable water/ no sanitation facility/ no electricity. 
• About 100 children walk 7+7 kms. from home-school-home everyday. It is too burdensome for these small children, but do they have an alternative? 

Actions taken by IDF to help Tilak Bal Gurukul -- Status achieved -- June 2012

• Power supply was brought in from source 4 kms away through street poles 
• Fans and lights in class rooms were provided 
• Bore-well dug with good supply of water - Submersible pump fitted 
• Pipe lines were laid and tanks fitted - Water Filter arrangement done. 
• 6 Toilets- 4 for girls and 2 for boys were constructed and commissioned.

Action in September 2012
• Distribution of 50 bicycles to the needy and poor children.

Upcoming Projects
Science Lab
Computer Lab
Sports Facilities
Teachers' Training
Student Empowerment Programme
Social Exchange Programmes

Our special thanks to all the Samaritans who supported Project Miles of Smiles. 
Grateful Thanks to Capt. Bala for making this project possible.
IDF is committed to bring smiles on many lives :-)

You support, we do the rest !!!

www.idf.org.in

Raising Hopes with Umeed

IDF joined hands with Air Force Women's Welfare Association (L), Air Force Station, Agra to start Umeed Bal Gurukul and help the students in Umeed Vidya Kiran School at AFS, Agra. Wg. Cdr. S. Balasubramanian (IAF Retd), VrC and Mrs. Shyamala Balasubramanian inaugurated the Bal Gurukul on 16-11-2012. Mrs. Anju Kapoor, President of AFWWA (L), AFS Agra, Mrs. Soma Nath, Vice Principal of Umeed Vidya Kiran School and Fg.Offr Sunena Malik, Hony. Jt. Secretary, AFWWA (L) welcomed IDF team and appreciated the gift of Bal Gurukul during festive occasion. IDF team congratulated AFWWA (L) team and also wished all the students success in their studies. IDF is committed to spread smiles on many lives.

Diwali with a difference

Indian Development Foundation organised a citizens' reach-out programme on the occasion of Diwali at Vimala Dermatological Centre, Versova, Mumbai on 09-11-2012. The event was organized in collaboration with Rotary Club of Mumbai North End. Prof. K. Chandana, Principal of Rizvi College of Education was the Chief Guest of the event who congratulated the efforts of IDF and Rotary Club in organizing such a meaningful event. Rtn. Aunali Rupani, Rtn. Sana Rupani, Rtn. Sanjay Bansal, Rtn. Sridhar, Mr. Rajiv Phadke, Mr. Cecil O. Joseph, Mrs. Neeta Sanghavi, Dr. Geetha Mohan, Mr.&. Mrs. Gada, Ms. Annabella, Sr. Sisily and Mrs. Rekha Bajaj joined Dr. ARK Pillai, Dr. Narayan Iyer and IDF team in wishing the inmates of the Centre and children a Happy Diwali. Volunteers from WAH, Vivek College of Commerce and UPG College of Management helped in organizing the gala event which brought smiles on many lives.

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IDF launched Annam Methipara Bal Gurukul at Saidapet, Chennai

IDF launched Annam Methipara Bal Gurukul at Saidapet, Chennai on 08-11-2012. This is the 101st Bal Gurukul of Indian Development Foundation (IDF). Annam Methipara Bal Gurukul will benefit the children in Dhobi Colony and resettlement families of Saidapet area in Chennai. The Bal Gurukul is run in collaboration with Montfort Sirahugal (an organisation working for child welfare in urban slums). Special thanks to Mr.Tomi Methipara for supporting Annam Methipara Bal Gurukul. IDF is committed to bring smiles on million lives.

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IDF Bal Gurukuls at Malayadipatti (Trichy) - 07-11-2012

IDF team visited St. Theresa Bal Gurukul and Rockfort Bal Gurukul at Manaparai, Malayadipatti, Trichy, Tamil Nadu on 07-11-2012 and shared happiness with the young minds. The students were found with brimming energy and enthusiasm. The dreams are high which keeps them active and sportive. IDF is committed to bring smiles on million lives. || You support, we do the rest ! || (07-11-2012)

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IDF plans to open more than 400 Bal Gurukuls in two years

THE HINDU

PANAJI, September 26, 2012

Indian Development Foundation (IDF), formerly Indian Leprosy Foundation, plans to increase its ‘Bal Gurukuls’ under its poor children’s elementary education programme scheme across the country from 93 to 500 in the next two years, said A.R.K. Pillai, president of IDF here on Tuesday. Mr. Pillai was addressing a gathering at an IDF award distribution function 2011-12 under Resource Generation for humanitarian causes at Don Bosco High School in the city.

Students and teachers of different schools such as Don Bosco High School, Red Rosary High School, Miramar, and Sharada Mandir, Miramar, were given awards for excellence in resource generation. Pradeep Korgaonkar, Chief Medical Officer, TB Control Programme, Uday Gaonkar, and Rajiv Phadke were present.

“In elementary education for the children of rag-pickers and similar neglected lot and stray children, we have found a method to remove this barrier by opening up ‘Education Programmes’ or ‘Bal Gurukuls’. From a beginning of five students in a tribal area of Karjat, IDF now covers over 6,000 students from Kanayakumari to Ladakh under this empowerment programme,” said Mr. Pillai.

IDF’s focus continues to be on health with 120 hospitals involved in the programme.

- Courtesy : The Hindu (26-09-2012) - LINK

Every support counts for IDF Centre of Excellence

Mr.Cecil O. Joseph, IDF Social Ambassador in Chicago launched a Donation Box on the Easter Day to mobilise resources for IDF Centre of Excellence in Bangalore. `My dream is to see that i contribute my part and also seek help from my friends and contacts for building IDF Centre of Excellence in Bangalore, India', said Mr.Cecil.

Mr. Cecil Joseph has been involved in social programmes of Indian Development Foundation for nearly three decades. During his recent visit to India, he visited IDF Bal Gurukul located in the Asia's second biggest slum (Malwani) and shared joy and happiness with the children. He also sponsored uniforms and books for the children in IDF Bal Gurukul. While in Rajasthan, he visited Tilak Bal Gurukuls in Langadiyawas village and Nonpura village in Jaipur. The children of these Bal Gurukuls felt extremely happy to meet Mr.Cecil Joseph. IDF Bal Gurukul in Panvel touched his heart. Children studying in extreme difficult condition - without electricity, water and sanitation. He decided to promote the work of IDF among his friends and mobilise funds for the cause of education.

IDF Centre of Excellence in Bangalore is a Dream Project of IDF. It will have a state-of-art training centre which will cater to the aspiring youth of this country. Little ones will have their Bal Gurukul and the grown-ups will have a leadership school. Women will have a women empowerment programme while adult education will also be part of IDF Centre of Excellence.

Mr. Cecil Joseph has taken the first initiative in mobilising resources from friends and contacts. IDF will soon be appealing to the people to contribute their mite for this mega project.

A step towards excellence to excel the young minds.

Cecil Joseph spreading joy and happiness.

Happiness unlimited at Holy Spirit School, Malwani - 02-03-2012

Happiness Unlimited at Holy Spirit School, Malwani, Malad, Mumbai......A wonderful time spreading the message of goodness among the `Gods of little world'........IDF runs a Bal Gurukul in collaboration with the school imparting excellent education.....IDF spreads smiles on million lives...(02-03-2012)

Parichay 2012 - NGO Cricket - IDF's 4 Bal Gurukuls participated

4 IDF Bal Gurukuls team participated in the NGO Cricket Match hosted by DJ Sanghvi College of Engineering as part of their Annual Social Fest - Parichay 2012. Daya Sagar School, Malwani - Gurukul High School, Malwani - Utkarsh Vidyalaya, Malwani - St.Thomas Mar Thoma School, Pathanwadi. Two pairs were made and Daya Sagar and Utkarsh made to the finals. Utkarsh won the match. MCA Cricket Coach Vinod Raghavan was the Chief Guest for the event. (03-03-2012)

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IDF's CSS-NAM Bal Gurukul launched at Hyderabad - 08/02

IDF launched its 70th Bal Gurukul at Hyderabad. CSS-NAM Bal Gurukul was launched on 8th February 2012 by IDF Social Ambassador Mr.Sanjaay Ramm. The Bal Gurukul is run in collaboration with CSS-NAM School, Hayat Nagar, Hyderabad. The School committee members Mrs.Janaki, Mrs.Prameela, Mr.Paul, Mrs.Indira along with the Principal, Staff and the students were present for the event. Ms. Manaswi, daughter of Mr.Sanjaay Ramm entertained the students by performing dance. The school children presented a beautiful cultural programme and some skits. Parents and wife of Mr.Sanjaay Ramm too graced the event and congratulated the students for getting IDF Bal Gurukul.

— in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.

IDF Neela Saraswathi Bal Gurukul at Chennai.

IDF Neela Saraswathi Bal Gurukul at Chennai.

Salutations to IDF Social Ambassador Mrs.Kamakshi Sivafor managing the Bal Gurukul and teaching English to the kids......The cute kids in the pics are from the music class run by Mrs.Kamakshi Ji.........Dr.ARK Pillai, Mr. Sreeram, Mr. Sathya and i had the opportunity of visiting Neela Saraswathi Bal Gurukul on 06-02-2012 at Chennai. Mrs. Vijayalaxmi Sheshasayee is also a great supporter of IDF.

IDF launches Dayasagar Bal Gurukul on 26/11

IDF inaugurated its 57th Bal Gurukul - DAYASAGAR BAL GURUKUL at Malwani, Malad, Mumbai on 26/11/11. Paying rich tributes to the Martyrs of 26/11, Dr. ARK Pillai, Rotarian Sana Rupani and Dr. Narayan Iyer launched Dayasagar Bal Gurukul for the empowerment of students in Dayasagar School. Principals present at the function - Lion Simson (Holy Angels School), Mr. Sujith (Bharatmata School), Mr. Feroz (Utkarsh Marathi School) and Mr. Janardhanan (Holy Spirit School) congratulated Mr.Laiju, Principal of Daya Sagar School for taking IDF Bal Gurukul concept in his school. IDF Social Ambassadors/ Volunteer - Mr. Prajesh Trotsky, Mr. Nilesh Jain and Mrs. S.N.Iyer were present at the function. Mr. Laiju expressed his thanks to IDF and Rotarians for the launch of Dayasagar Bal Gurukul. Unnati and Pooja - children from Dayasagar School - expressed their desire to become air hostess and doctor and serve the society at large. IDF educates - enlightens - empowers the young minds.

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Computers for Bal Gurukuls in Bangalore

IDF's Shanthi Bal Gurukul and Sri Ayyappan Bal Gurukul in Bangalore received computers which was donated by Standard Chartered Bank team. Our special thanks to SCB Team for their kind gesture. Mr. Samuel Vincent, Zonal Officer, IDF did the presentation at both the Bal Gurukuls and children express their happiness.