UDAY 2011

UDAY is one of Aashayein Foundation's annual events, which provides a platform for students of Government/Government aided schools to showcase their cultural talents.

Quite a few people I've come across have argued that UDAY is not inline with our vision, which is to provide quality education to underprivileged children through monetary/non-monetary support, and that a lot of volunteering effort goes waste, which could be put to a better use streamlining our projects. All I have to say to those people is, 'All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy.' and read ahead!


UDAY '11 was held at Udaipura, a remote village near Channarayapatna (CR Patna). students of 4 government schools competed in dance, drama and vocals to win the coveted prize for their respective schools. All through the event, I was witness to the enthusiasm of children, aged between 6 and 12, eager to compete and win. Yes, to win! Which many grown ups today have lost the appetite for! On Jan 29th 2011, these tiny tots came out in their best attires, put on their best smiles and gave it their all. Ever wondered when was the last time you did the same, and for yourself?

I tottered around near by villages to get children from 3 other schools to Udaipura. The kids were eagerly waiting at the afore mentioned spot, to be picked up, wearing the colour of their uniforms and badges given to them. They cheered as the bus arrived and wished us, 'Hello' and enthusiastically shook hands. So proactive, I thought! And this was how every volunteer of Aashayein Foundation was welcomed, with true spirit. I again wondered, whether they needed us, or we needed them more. I was humbled by their gestures and upright attitude.


There's an enormous gap between students of government schools in villages and those in metros, in terms and attitude and gratitude. The former are well-behaved, eager to learn, easy to coach and refrain from fights, jealousy or insecurity. The students are a close knit unit, which I believe comes from the way of village life, where all families lie on the same social strata. Village life is simple, indeed.

UDAY, was a humongous experience! I learnt a lot from the young guns, but I also realized, why India is still a developing nation, 60 years after independence. 70% of the Indian population resides in villages. No, that's not the issue. The issue is the standard of education available to these lots. I'm proud that we, as an organization, we have ventured into villages. This innocent talent needs to be tapped and nurtured, else they wont stand a chance in main-stream society. I hope the innocence of these minds is not shattered in the process.