Weekend Visits to Govt. School, N.B.T. Nagar

Date: 4th November 2006

Place: N.B.T Nagar Government School, Banjara Hills.

Time : 10: 30 am

Team Pankhudi : Surya, Kranthi, Mrs.Montero (Pattu), Ruchira, Sunil.



We had gone to the School to finalise the number of kids who are going to take part in the Drawing Competitions on 5th, i.e. the next day. The headmistress there had already selected 8 from among the kids, who were good at drawing.

Initially, we had some interaction with all the kids regarding their performance in the previous exams. As we could see, the kids were faring well, raising the school’s grade from C+ to B this year. We felt happy for the development and applauded the children.
Today, We tried teaching those kids for the first time. The response was really good as the children were very co-operative and excited seeing us teach, out of their routine. Me and Sunil taught Mathematics to class 1. One problem we faced was that we weren’t able to de-code the Telugu technical terms in their text books, but managed with the help of teachers there. We felt it would be really good if we can take some classes during weekends .Some of the teachers there were not even aware of the basics of math. Probably, we might include teaching in our Schedule from next month.

Later, we sent a formal request to the parents of all those 8 kids, whom we were taking for the competition. It was necessary to have a letter of consent from their parents. We got positive responses from all of them, and in fact, some came to the school personally and thanked us for it. Once done with it, we asked those kids to practice some drawing. We gave them some sheets and asked them to draw anything they felt like. While these kids were busy doing this, Mrs. Pattu was busy telling stories to all the other kids. They were totally immersed in the stories; some even related to themselves and enacted. Next we engaged them in some games. I apologise for not knowing the name of the game as it is in some local terminology . All the kids enjoyed the session thoroughly and so did we. With the close of the game, we wound up our day and asked the respected kids taking part in the competition to assemble the next day at 7 30 am.

Sunday 5th November

We assembled at the school by 7 30 am. Vasanth and Jyotsna had joined us today. Also, one of their teachers took interest in coming along with us. We waited for all the kids to come. At 8, when everyone was there, we started off to the Venue of the competition- B.M.Birla Science Centre.

It was a huge turnout for the competition. There were around 250 kids from various schools taking part. We were keen on the participation of these kids, than actually winning prizes. We wanted to develop an exposure in them first. The kids enjoyed the outing, as they are not used to such trips. They scanned the whole of the surroundings and made themselves comfortable moving around there.

The competition started at 9 am and was of one hour. As the kids went inside, we sat outside and had some discussions about our activities and functioning. Thanks to the kids, we got time to do this physically, after many days of postponement .

At 10 am, the competition was over and the kids came zooming out of the halls. They were all to excited with their performance and each of them were claiming a first prize for themselves . Some were too modest in saying they were happy with the Pencil Boxes and Crayon Sets, which they got as gifts and those were no less than Prizes. We had then got them some tiffin, and they recharged themselves for the next lap. It was actually a sudden plan that we take those kids to the Planetarium, for some knowledge and thrill about our Universe. As there was a show scheduled for then, we booked tickets for all those kids and took them in. There was mixed gossip from the kids during the show and even after about it. Some were fascinated by it and for some it was just another fun activity.

It was 12 30 pm when the show ended. As we promised their parents to get them back by lunch, we had no other choice than to call it a day and drop them back homes. With all the fun and excitement, the kids were looking forward to share all that with their teachers and friends, in school the next day. I am sure the other kids will envy these guys . They thanked us in their trademark style and bid adieu after we left them at their place.
With two days of solid fun and satisfaction, we were very happy that the kids had enjoyed it thoroughly. Hoping to see them enjoy the children’s day activity much more……


Cheers…
~Pankhudi Team Hyderabad

Diwali at Krushi Homes

Date : 21st October 2006.

Place : Krushi Homes, Medchal.

Team Pankhudi : Kranthi, Harini, Jyotsna, Vasanth, Lakshman,Prabhakar and Me.

The Festival of Lights this year was Glowing Brilliant in Hyderabad. Team Hyderabad had Spent its Diwali with the kids at Krushi Homes. It was a Bright and Sunny start of the day while Team Hyderabad ventured on the Long Drive to Krushi Homes. It being a Festival, not many could make it there. But it was not the Quantity, but the Quality that really matters. With the wishes of all the other team members, seven of us had made it. We could reach the Place at around 9 am, by when the kids had just finished their Breakfast. Vasanth had the Privilege; rather the kids were privileged to have their Breakfast with Vasanth. He reached a bit early as he was on his Yamaha R1 . Since they were energised with the Breakfast, they were too Jubiliant for our first session. Now that we share a very good Rapport with the kids there, we really didnt need any Ice-Breaking session.

We had taken some Diyas with us. So we gave one to each and asked them to light them, to mark the Begining of the Festival. They did so, and as u can see in the album, they were too creative and made different shapes, out of which one or two are seen in the Album. We asked all of them to sit with their Diyas for some pics. A they were stable and Quite (which is rarely seen), We started telling them about the Festival, its Resemblance and Significance in today’s lives. The kids, i think, found it Boring at first, but then they were Interested when I actually told them the Whole story which was the Reason for celebration. They were eager to share the things they knew. And we found some really great Questions like “If Krishna was residing in India, why cant we see their houses now” etc. etc. Vasanth very patiently answered all of them.

They then were eager for their usual Dance session. (Now that Vasanth has joined Shamak’s classes, we Hope we have another Puneet with us [:D] ). While they were on the Dance session, we Distributed sweets to all the Kids and Faculty. We were actually lucky to meet the Management Members who had just dropped in to wish the Children and Brought along some sweets and Crackers as well. We had an oppurtunity to talk to the Management and we shared our Learning Experiences with them. The kids were too close to the Management, they couldnt resist dancing along with the Kids. As we knew the Dance would go on and on and on, we thought we would move onto the Most Awaited and Interesting part : The Cracker Bonanza.

We gave them our gift-wrapped kit of all the Ammunition. (It was a tragic scene when the kids tore open the Wrapper in seconds, which i took some Half an hour to pack [:(] ).The Management also Joined them for sometime. As expected, the kids were more keen on the Bombs than any other items. We didnt want to restrict them, and hence had to put mine and Naval’s principles aside for them [:(] . The kids enjoyed this for Around, say, two hours. They wanted more and more of it. But we were Philosophical that everything is limited in this World [;)] .

After that, we had an Oppurtunity to talk to the Management there about our plans with them. They were too happy to listen to what we were planning and said we would always be welcome to conduct any program with them. Our Boss (Read- Kranthi) has discussed the possible timing for Conducting some Workshops at their Splendid Campus. They were ready for it and they gave us many Useful tips for Progress. As it was already noon, and we needed to have Attendance at Home as well, we started off around 12 30 pm. The kids thanked us for making it upon their request, and we too had a lot of fun with them. I take the side of the whole of Hyderabad Team to say that it was Great Fun and it was one of the Best Diwali we had. Thanks to the Kids……

Cheers..
~Pankhudi Team Hyderabad

Distribution at Govt. School, N.B.T. Nagar

Date : 16th September 2006
Place : Government School, N.B.T Nagar, Banjara Hills.

Team Pankhudi : Surya, Kranthi, Praveen, Gowtham, Sunil, Siddharth, Ramesh K, Ruchira and two of Praveen’s colleagues


On Saturday we have visited the Government school to distribute some Slates, Pencils and Erasers among the kids. The kids were waiting enthusiastically for us as we have told them prior that we shall be spending time with them on that day. As we couldn’t inform to all our volunteers well in advance, the Attendance was limited to 10 people. We were at the school by 10:30 am and the kids had just finished their Exam. As we went, we were Welcomed us with Reverberating voices of “Good Morning Sir” and “Good Morning Madam”…. The excitement of the Kids could be felt form their Tone itself. There were around 150 kids present there. But unfortunately, we had only 50 Slates with us. So we had to distribute them to those kids who didn’t have Slates. As we had some 100 Pencils and Erasers, we first distributed them among kids who didn’t get the Slate and followed to rest kids.


After distribution, we engaged in some Dialogue with the kids. We asked them to Sing Songs, repeat some Rhymes in Chorus and asked kids who could Draw and Paint to exhibit their talent the next time we come and win some Gifts . So we are sure of having some Masterpieces the next time we visit them. As always, Gautham had thrown some light on the Necessity of Education in today’s World in order Prosper in life. His speech was so appealing, that I am sure those kids grasped it. For some Lighter Moments, we asked them about their Favourite Film Stars.

They also danced to some songs of their Favourites. As it was time for Lunch, we had to Wind up our session for then.Later, we talked to the 6 kids, whom we got admitted into the school. They were Happy with their own progress. We also talked to their Elders who were equally satisfied. At the school, we tried finding if there are any Immediate Necessities and we felt they need some Chart Papers for Activity work and more importantly some Motivating Spirit, which we promised ourselves to fill them with. This school was no Exception from other places; we could cast our Spell on the kids and Teachers there and that they didn’t want to leave us so soon. They were happy and excited about the Prizes to be won for their Craft works.

Promising them our next visit as soon as possible, we made our way out among those Repeated Resonating “Good Afternoon, Bye and Thank you”s. We were happy with the outcome and are planning for some further Assistance to the school. Hoping and wishing to have the same Response form our Members for every visit. We are sure we can take ~Team Hyderabad to greater heights with our Efforts and Encouragement.

Cheers !!!~Pankhudi Team Hyderabad

Teacher’s Day Celebrations

Date : 05th September 2006
Place : Government School, N.B.T Nagar, Banjara Hills.

Team Pankhudi : Surya, Kranthi.

Today Team Hyderabad has visited the Govt. school in B’hills; in which we had joined 6 children from the local Slum. We had informed the Headmistress in advance coming today, to spend time with the Kids. They Welcomed us and the kids said they were looking forward to celebrate the day with all Extracurricular activities, Sans Studies . We promised to keep the Spirits Soaring High.

We were at the school, Sharp Half past Nine. The kids Assembled on time, as they were the sole in-charges of the School today . They welcomed us with a Bouquet which they had very skillfully arranged with the flowers from a local garden. Today the attendanc of kids was in full number. After all, it was their day.They gave us an Itinerary composed of Dances, Songs and more Songs . Also, the Six children (joined through ~Pankhudi) turned up very neat and trim. Although they were new, they took part in the Activities along with other kids. They Sang, Danced to many songs and gave their best possible Pose for the Pics .

Sitting with all those kids there, we felt Nostalgic about our school days. We had the Reminiscences of Teachers day celebrated in our schools with all the Hype and Hard sell. Even though that Infrastructure was missing, I can doubly surely say we had no less fun here. All that’s required was the Spirit and it was Abundant. As always in our visits, we found multi talented children even here. We were amazed by their update on the latest Entertainment buzz. But then we were equally depressed seeing the amenities they had in that very small so-called school. There were 230 kids in-toto and there was a single fan. There were not even chalks to write on the Boards. The Boards were in no good shape. They had worn out their finish long ago.

The kids didn’t have proper Notebooks to write in. More Importantly, to go by what the teachers said, they have not been receiving Salaries regularly and the Government has stopped sending supplies to the school some two years ago.

Considering all these Hitches, we assured the Headmistress that we would definitely do any help we can afford from our side. We can in fact supply them with basic Stationary like Chalks; Pencils, Erasers and Notebooks for the kids, some Chart papers to start some Creative Activity and some Slates if possible. They were also requesting for any number of Disposable Water Bottles for the kids to use , which we would otherwise trash in our households. They is also severe Water Shortage and they put forward a request for Water Container.

We were very disappointed with the quality of Clothes these kids were wearing. The headmistress said the kids would accept any help even with Clothing. So I thought we could help them with the clothes as well. And as we are now registered, we shall also accept Funds now on; and any help from anyone in that regard would be a Welcome Development.
Please try playing ur part as we are planning to Concentrate on this school and take it from Grade ‘C’ to Grade ‘A’ with regard to the Govt. Standards. Spending a Nominal share of our Time or Money on such Activities will never be too tough, Provided we assert the real intention to do so.

Come… Join… Together, WE can make the Difference!

Have a look at the Pics at: http://www.pankhudifoundation.org/photos/hyderabad/Banjara+Hills+School/

Hyd Team Independence Day Celebrations

Date : 15th August 2006
Place :Teja School, Champapet Slum. Saidabad.

Team Pankhudi : Praveen(Adept), Ramesh, Gautham, Sandeep, Kapil, Shiva, Madhura, Priyanka, Sunil, Ananth, Satish, Sampath and 2 of his friends.

A very Happy Independence Day to all…

Here goes the update of the events of ~Pankhudi Hyderabad…

Like our previous summer camps, today’s celebrations were also a big success with many volunteers coming in to participate for the event today…We all assembled at Teja School in a slum close to Saidabad. The day started off with Flag Hoisting followed by Prize distribution for the kids. We had talked to the kids about efforts of our great leaders that went in to gaining India’s Independence and the advangates of being an Independent nation. We also tried to inculcate within them a Patriotic feeling for their country and its men. We felt we were successful seeing their response. The school conducted games and pankhudi team had conducted Essay Writing and Drawing. Our pankhudi team was aksed to distribute the prizes for all the events. It was good to see those kids assemble there so promptly for the occasion.

After the prize distribution, the kids gathered inside the school. We talked to the parents of few kids who were also present for the event. Many of them had a lot hardships which they were managing to overcome and get their kids educated. But many of them are still in a pathetic condition. After that, Gautham and Sandeep spoke to the kids and tried to motivate them about studies and also to inspire their friends to study along with them. Later we distributed choclates among the kids and bid adieu to the kids for the day.

After the event in the school few of the volunteers assembled for a meeting to discuss regarding our activities towards the slum.

It was nice to see so many of u guys there!!! Hope to have the participation of all the volunteers for the further events too…

Jai Hind!!!
Team Hyderabad.

CSR Week at TCS

Date : 8th August 2006
Place : TCS Kohinoor Park, Hitech City.

Team Pankhudi : Surya, Chinnu, Gautham, KK, Shiva, Sandeep, Sunil, Kapil.

Hyderabad Team got an opportunity to put up a stall at TCS on this 8th of August. One of our volunteer Mr.Chinnaswamy is with TCS and he had put forward the request to the concerned authorities, who accepted his request and allotted us a stall. Even though it was for a short duration, we had a good kick start into the Corporate publicity.We had taken some Posters and a Banner.

We had a very good response. Many of them from TCS were willing to help us out in any way they can. Most of them were very willing to help us monetarily. But as we are not accepting donations now, we said we would get back to them when we would accept. Apart form that, We have got some 25 volunteer forms and many feedback forms. We have the data and will try to stay in contact with them whenever need be.

We felt that even if 10 people turn up to be active in participation, it will be of good help. As they were all the employees of TCS, they were all from Hyderabad and not many out station queries arouse. But one man from Chennai approached us and took the contact details of Chennai Representative and I learnt that he already did contact her. And one more person from Maharastra had said that he knew ~Pankhudi in Mumbai and took their details.We had some paintings done by the children and collages of Orphanages on display. They were quite attractive on the walls. Some people working with other organisations were interested in knowing about our activities in Hyderabad. Many of them were impressed to know we were majorly students and youth working for this cause.

When it was time to wrap up, we had our routine Photo session. All our team members at the stall and individual pics too. We pasted one poster of ours on the Notice board there in TCS. That will remain there for another two weks or so. We are expecting some more people to turn up with queries.

Welcome Party at Govt. School N.B.T. Nagar

Date: 30th JUNE 2007
Attendees: Uday, Tanvi, Surya, Ramesh, Jeevan, Madhura.

After a long wait, the new school building which was constructed atN.B.T Nagar was finally inaugurated and the kids were shifted intothe new premises. We had scheduled for a welcome party for the kidsthere, before the commencement of their new academic sessions inorder to encourage and counsel them and also to create a good rapportwith their teachers. This event was initially scheduled on 23rd Junebut due to bad weather then, we had to postpone it to 30th June.Nevertheless we still had a rocking welcome party!!!

It was almost 11.00 am by the time all the volunteers arrived and weall assembled in the office room of the school. Here we had abrainstorming session with the teachers. We discussed various issueslike the availability of books and resources for the kids and the newmaterial that they had received which would make teaching moreinnovative and interactive. The teachers there were very verysupportive, not only did they enlighten us on these issues but theytook pain to show us all the available material and also answered allours queries with great patience.

After this we all sat down to plan a rough academic schedule for 1month for the kids in English, Math and Telugu; right from alphabetsand numbers in order to brush up the kids with their basics.Meanwhile the kids underwent a counseling session from Surya where heencouraged and motivated the kids to study , simultaneouslyreprimanding them for not working hard and finally he took a promisefrom everyone that from now on they would work hard and performexceptionally well in their exams.

It was almost 12.30 by then and while the kids left to have theirlunch, we made arrangements so that on their return they couldparticipate in the games we had planned for them. We first dividedthe kids into 2 groups based on the classes they belonged to. Theyounger ones (classes 1st and 2nd) were made to play a tumbler game,similar to Bowling where the pins were replaced by the plastictumblers , while the older ones were made to play Doggy Tail(”tookaaata” as the kids called it in Telugu) where they had to draw thetail to the Dog drawn on the Board. The kids were very energetic andenthusiastically took active part in the games. There was chaos attimes since everyone wanted their turn first; and in order tomaintain certain order we had to use lot of lung power…thankfully wemanaged to get things under control with all kids getting their turnand we completed the session successfully..

Then the winners were declared and the prizes were given out. Somekids were disappointed on having not won, and we had to console themand advised them not to get disheartened as it was only a game. Suchactivity sessions are necessary in order to inculcate in kids ahealthy competitive spirit and would also help them in acceptingdefeat in a more sportive manner. At the end we had a singing sessiontoo, where few kids came forward and exhibited their vocal talent,and they were well versed to all the latest tunes much to ourastonishment
Finally we distributed chocolates to all the kids and wrapped up forthe day. We all said our goodbyes and left feeling very Satisfied,Happy and Yup… Exhausted too….:)

Documented by ~Tanvi.