OUTREACHHealth Care I Special Needs I Community Development Projects

Vedic Studies I Education I Free Student Hostels I Schools I College

ImprovedSanitation FacilitiesIn Tamil Naduand Madhya Pradesh

New Free Student HostelsIn Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh

Krupa Home Residents

Enthral Audience

Living for a CauseIn conversation with our donorShri. R.K. Shankar

January - March 2018

Educating Rural India

Accreditations

Dear Friends of AIM for Seva,

AIM for Seva has been educating and empowering children since its inception in 2000. Growth can be measured in varied ways; At AIM for Seva, we measure it through the impact we create in the lives of thousands of less privileged children. Working at grassroots level, we create a fundamental DNA change in every child spending over 8000 hours a year guiding, coaching and nurturing each child thereby transforming them into confident individuals.

Facilitating innovative thinking and a learning ambience, we have a 95% pass rate across our 95 Free Student Hostels accommodating 3700 students. This year 15% of our students went onto pursue higher studies and have found jobs in corporate houses like Sundaram Finance Limited, Wipro, and Tata Consultancy Services.

Many corporate organisations are choosing us for their employee engagement programmes and partnering with us to unlock the potential of rural India. We have been able to make a strong national presence with projects spanning across 16 states; each project is directly administered by AIM for Seva.

With your continued support, we can extend our reach; we can educate and empower every child in rural India.

Thank you

Sheela BalajiChairperson & Managing Trustee, AIM for Seva

TOUCHING LIVES EVERYDAY

On our cover page: Children from Swami Dayananda AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Amreli, Gujarat

Smt. Sheela Balaji, Chairperson and Managing Trustee of AIM for Seva and Swami Dayananda Educational Trust received the Nari Shakti Puraskar 2017 award from the Ministry of Women & Child Development for her contribution to the field of education, community development and sustainable living that has touched more than 20 million lives pan-India. The award was

presented by the Honourable President of India at the Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi. The award is the highest civilian honour and is presented to iconic women in recognition of their exceptional leadership skills and exemplary achievement.

“It is always a very positive feeling when there is recognition of the work we do - both humbling as well as a sense of wonder that one person's vision could have such far reaching benefit. Awards also inspire us to dedicate ourselves towards realising the full potential of Swamiji’s vision for creating a confident new generation - who believe and appreciate their cultural roots,” expresses Smt. Sheela Balaji.

RECOGNITION

Nari Shakti Puraskar 2017 Awarded to Smt. Sheela Balaji,by the Honourable President of India

AIM for Seva Receives theFICCI FLO Award

Smt. Sheela Balaji, received the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry - Ladies Organisation (FICCI FLO) Women Achievers Award 2017-18 under the Category - Social Entrepreneur (NGO) for 'Focus on educating rural India, community development, rural empowerment and support for differently-abled'. FICCI FLO acts as a catalyst for the social and economic advancement of women and society at large and endeavours to make women realise their strengths through its educational and vocational training programmes. Recognition by the body is an endorsement of all the work we do at AIM for Seva.

Cover Story

Livingfor a Cause

Children are the future of the country. They are most receptive, innocent and productive.

How important is educating rural India?

I have been involved with charitable work for the the last couple of years, but I have never received such great satisfaction. With AIM for Seva I felt more connected. I was in cognizance to where and how my donations were precisely used.

Why did you chooseto contribute to AIM for Seva?

The septuagenarian believes that every child must be taught and made to feel a part of the society; only then would the child develop an interest and contribute to the society. A disciple of Swami Paramarthananda Saraswatiji since 1996, his relationship with AIM for Seva began in 2017. Here is a short excerpt of the interview with him:

There is transparency and a clear account of my contribution and result. Any patron can walk into the Free Student Hostel anytime and interact

with the students. It is a genuine organisation.

Shri. R.K. Shankar one of our donors of Jaya Smrithi Dhama AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Udupi, Karnataka in conversation with the AIM for Seva team.

Shri. R.K. Shankar is an example of high thinking and simplicity. Generously supporting AIM for Seva for the construction of the new block within the premises of Jaya Smrithi Dhama AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Udupi, Karnataka, his actions speak louder than his words. After a brief stint at the US where he acquired an MBA and worked in a multinational company, he came back to his roots in India. He joined Godrej as a trainee and retired as a Managing Director of a subsidiary company of the Group in 2016. When it came to giving back, he chose to support his home state of Karnataka. The new block for which he has extended support, is named after his mother as the 'Late Smt. R.K. Lakshminarasamma Block'.

Cover Story

Jaya Smrithi Dhama AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boysin Udupi, Karnataka

Who are the children in this hostel?

Children hail from villages like Vijayapur, Belagavi, Bijapur and other nearby districts.

Which school do the children go to?

The children attend S.V.H. Innange, Padubelle

Shri. Narayana Guru English Medium School Padubelle

SDP Higher and Primary School, Bantakal

Kodu Shri Durgambica School, Panjimaru

What are the salient features of this Free Student Hostel?

The hostel is solar powered and has a considerably large garden space where children are taught the nuances of gardening. They also play in the garden during the evenings after school. There is a library that finds students occupying it on Sundays.

How has your experience withAIM for Seva been?

Inaugurated in – 2008

Number of Children - 125

The very fact that I know my money is in safe hands and I can see the results first hand is satisfying. Project reports sent are helpful. I have had a number of sessions on placement training with college students studying in Swami Dayananda College of Arts & Science in Manjakkudi, Tamil Nadu. The students are curious learners and enthusiastic. But we need to have more sessions with them. We are now conducting a programme for the teachers there as well so that they can engage with the students better.

Shri. R.K. Shankar has also been conducting placement ready workshops along with his friend for our students studying in Swami Dayananda College of Arts & Science in Manjakkudi, Tamil Nadu. His workshop focusses on resume writing, group discussion and personal interview and is designed to help students in domain knowledge as well as soft skills.

The workshop is open to all students of the college across all departments. Students shared that they found it very useful. Their self confidence has risen and they have a better idea of what they would have to face at the job interview.

Updates

A Place for Reflection

In April 2018, 45 students from AIM for Seva Free Student Hostels in Nandyal, Pedapadu and Repalle in Andhra Pradesh started off the summer holidays with a fun and educative camp. In the 9 days camp held in the hostel, teachers, doctors and personality development coaches conducted interactive sessions for the children.

The sessions included topics like crisis management, team work, effective communication, positive thinking, time management, natural disaster management and environmental preservation. The coaches used storytelling, lec-dems and theatre to teach the girls.

The ‘Swami Dayananda Saraswati Memorial Centre’ was inaugurated on March 19, 2018 at Manjakkudi, the birth place of Swami Dayananda Saraswati. Gathered for the auspicious function were revered Swamis and Swaminis from across India, dignitaries and devotees of Pujya Swamiji.

Located at the heart of Swami Dayananda Campus in Manjakkudi, Tamil Nadu, the centre has been carefully designed. Spread across an area of 3106 sq.ft. it is built of teak wood and has been dressed with sandstone flooring. The exterior brims bright with traditional red oxide floor, solid wooden pillars and a sunken garden area with granite that creates a picturesque welcoming view.

Dipped in quietness, the Memorial Centre is a welcoming destination for Vedanta retreats, lectures, discussions and meetings of AIM for Seva. The centre has an archive of Pujya Swamiji's three-year courses, a library and is a complete aesthetic and spiritual hub. For further information on Vedanta retreats, please write to us at swamidayanandaeducationaltrust@gmail.com.

Summer Camp

Spirit of the Earth - an Immersion Centre by AIM for Seva was

started to celebrate nature and to give back to the Earth. Here,

we shelve organic artisanal heritage rice grown in the lush fields

of Manjakkudi, hand-crafted products by our differently-abled

residents living in AIM for Seva Krupa Home and books authored

by Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati.

CORPORATEGIFTING OPTIONSSpirit of the Earth presents the ‘Box full of

goodness’- a natural and classy gifting option

for every occasion!

These specially hand-crafted gift boxes allow

you to customise your gift. Choose from our

freshly harvested varieties of organic

artisanal heritage rice, which have been

cultivated using traditional harvesting

practices.

The box comes in four attractive shapes and

sizes, along with recipe cards for the rice you

choose.

1/2 kg - Rs. 300/-

www.spiritoftheearth.in

1kg - Rs. 400/-

1kg - Rs. 500/-

1/2 kg - Rs. 250/-

An AIM for Seva Initiative

New and High

New Free Student Hostels

Karnataka

Uttar Pradesh

From electricity shortage to lack of water supply, rationing of food grains to pinching unemployment, people of Dighawat village in the Bhadohi district of Uttar Pradesh have been struggling to make their ends meet. This crisis is preventing many children from going to school and results in increased dropout rate. To help the children, AIM for Seva is building a new Free Student Hostel in Dighawat to educate and lead the children towards a path of fulfilment. The bhoomi pooja took place and the new block will be ready very soon.

A new Free Student Hostel for girls will soon stand tall in the Kusumbhi village in Uttar Pradesh. Kusumbhi is a village in Nawabganj Block in Unnao District of Uttar Pradesh State, India. It is situated 132 km from the state capital, Lucknow. The bhoomi pooja has been completed successfully and the building foundation work is in progress. Family members of the donor, Shri. Rahul Singh Srivastava from Toronto, Canada, Shri. Amar Singh Rathore from London and Shri. Pankaj Nigam from Lucknow also attended the bhoomi pooja.

Kusumbhi villageDighawat village

LIC Housing Finance Limited has supported construction of a new Free Student Hostel in Tondikatti, Karnataka.

Tondikatti village is located in Ramdurg Taluk of Belgaum District in Karnataka. There are three schools in its 5 km radius; 30% of the student population hail from under the poverty line families.

Supporting AIM for Seva in educating rural India, LIC Housing Finance Limited has graciously donated Rs. 92,11,900 for the construction of a new Free Student Hostel in this village. The hostel will cater to boys from this region. The new building will have a constructed area of 4595 sq. ft. as per the standard to accommodate 100 students. A bhoomi pooja was performed and construction has begun.

With an increasing number of students at our Swami Dayananda Rotary Matriculation School in Kadalur, Tamil Nadu there has been an urgent need to build classrooms.

• Karur Vysya Bank donated for two new classrooms

• ESSVEE Foundation supported construction of one classroom

New Classrooms in Swami DayanandaRotary Matriculation School

New and High

A new computer laboratory was inaugurated with four computers at AIM for Seva Tribal Girls Free Student Hostel in Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh. The centre has been named ‘Namagiri Lakshmi Computer Laboratory’. Along with the computers, a laptop, printer and a projector were also donated by Dr. Prathikanti Veerabrahmam and his family, who are the land and building donor of this hostel.

Though functional from last year, Smt. Godavari Khilanani Wellness Centre at Manjakkudi Village, Tiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu witnessed a formal inauguration recently. The focus of this centre is to promote quality of life, healthy development, outlook behaviour amongst the students of Swami Dayananda Matric Higher Secondary School, Swami

The bhoomi pooja for a new co-education school in Khargone, Madhya Pradesh has been completed and the foundation to transform lives of the rural children around this region is in progress. Our building donors, Smt. Bimla Kishor and Shri. Jugal Kishor flew in from California to partake in the ceremony. It was well-attended by over 200 local people and Shri. Radheshyam Julania, Additional Chief Secretary of Water Resources and Medical Education Department and Shri. Ashok Verma, District Collector were guests of honour.

This five-acre plot is designed to be a residential school for rural children. The site is located in the village of Padali in Khargone District of Madhya Pradesh, 50 km from Indore and 24 km from Omkareshwar. We also plan to set up Free Student Hostels for boys and girls, provide a rural ambulance service and create a health & sanitation programme for the local community.

Computer Laboratory in Andhra Pradesh

Wellness Centre in Tamil Nadu

New School inMadhya Pradesh

Dayananda College of Arts & Science and the 1500 villagers living in Manjakkudi.

Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Ltd, Mumbai has been consistently supporting our work. Recently, they donated two admirable book shelves for our children living in AIM for Seva Tribal Boys Hostel and Girls Hostel in Anaikatti, Tamil Nadu. They also donated 25 bunker cots for the boys.

In the News

We are in the process of implementing renewable energy systems across our 95 Free Student Hostels in 16 states in India. Many of our hostels are already solar powered. In our endeavour, we have received immense support from our patrons. Recently, Small

At AIM for Seva Shamlaji Hospital in Gujarat, an ambulance is sent to the villages to pick up expectant mothers; after the delivery, each mother is given a 'Welcome Home Baby' kit which includes a multi-utility bag, changing sheets, post-pregnancy information sheet, a box of sweets and savouries and Rs. 250 in cash. The pick-up, drop and treatment are offered at no cost to all people irrespective of their economic status. On an average the ambulance travels to villages within a 25 km radius and every month over 50 expectant mothers avail this service.

Zero Waste HostelThe Mayur Patel AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for

Boys in Kankanpur, Gujarat has implemented good waste management practices. Installing the gobar gas

plant, this hostel converts organic household waste or manure into cooking fuel.

SIDBI Sanctions Solar Water Heater Panels

Industries Development Bank of India sanctioned 1000 L solar water heater for AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Utnoor, Telangana. Use of solar heaters not only conserve electricity but initiate our young minds to move towards sustainable development.

Bunker Cots by DHFL

Welcome Home Baby Kit

Extended Support of Patrons

In the News

L&T Valves Limited supported the construction of compound wall at Swami Dayananda Rotary Matriculation School in Kadalur, Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu Mercantile Bank donated a sum of Rs. 30,000 as sponsorship for a student for one year.

Greenway Infra Developers India Private Limited contributed Rs.10,00,000 towards Student Sponsorship.

Sundaram Fasteners Ltd. contributed Rs. 4,00,000 for the purchase of computers and accessories for our students studying in Semmangudi Higher Secondary School in Sembangudi, Tamil Nadu.

Brakes India Private Limited gave a generous donation of Rs. 13,50,000 towards Student Sponsorship of girls at Bhavani Arun AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel in Chinnasalem, Tamil Nadu.

Brakes India Private Limited

Tamil Nadu Mercantile Bank

L&T Valves Limited

Sundaram Fasteners Ltd.

Gujarat Alkali and Chemicals Limited

Gujarat Alkali and Chemicals Limited contributed towards Student Sponsorship for our boys living in AIM for Seva Adivasi Boys Free Student Hostel in Limkheda, Gujarat.

Care in Kind

Our children at AIM for Seva 100th Free Student Hostel for Boys in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh now have a new den. At the in-house library, children are found glued to their story books. These books have been donated by Smt. Neeraj Rastogi, a long time well-wisher and donor.

New Clothes Bring Joy

Budding Bookworms

Shri. Hanif and his friends from Davanagere gifted the boys, in AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel in Chikkamagalur, Karnataka, new clothes. The 50 boys who live in this hostel are sons of drivers and daily wage earners from Bagepalli, Chikkamagalur, Halebedu in Karnataka while some of them have come to stay with us all the way from Meghalaya. The children were indeed overjoyed. While some wore theirs immediately, some have kept them for a special occasion. But nine year old Muthbha Phawa from the Mihmyntdu village of Meghalaya, son of a daily wage earner, is waiting to show his mother his set when he visits home.

Call of the Computer WorldShri. Bhise Mangesh and friends from Deloitte India Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai visited the Swami Dayananda AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Maval, Maharashtra to share their knowledge on the basics of computers to our students.

Books, Shelves and MoreComputer Age Management System (CAMS) sanctioned Rs. 76,500 for purchase of 50 study desks, 4 book shelves and books for our students living in S. Viswanathan Memorial AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Sriperumbudur and Venkat Shanker AIM For Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Mulvoy, Tamil Nadu.

Aspire

Children from AIM for Seva 100th Free Student Hostel for Boys in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh participated in their school’s annual sports meet and emerged as winners. Here’s what they grabbed:

P. Manikandan studying in 8th standard, lives in AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu. When many of the other boys would prefer to play outdoor games, he would enjoy drawing sketches in his art book. Nurturing his artistic talent by encouraging him in his hobby gives us great happiness. He is ever-enthusiastic to participate in competitions; he grabbed the second position in the District Level Drawing Competition organised by the District Child Protection Unit, Kanyakumari District.

Sports

Art

In the initial days of their Free Student Hostel life, children find it difficult to get up early in the morning and practice yoga. But over time, most of them have started enjoying it. Many of them in fact have started taking it to another level by participating in competitions. For example, children from AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Girls in Sembangudi, Tamil Nadu participated in the 8th Tamil Nadu State Open Yogasana Championship 2018, organised by Nehru Yuva Kendra, Tiruchirappalli Kalaikovil Yogalayam. They won a range of medals and certificates for their performances.

Yoga

100 m race

Rahul 1st prize

50 m Race

Heeraman 1st Prize

Nagendra 2nd Prize

Sandeep 3rd Prize

Hurdle Race

Vikas 1st PrizeShanklal 2nd Prize Rajesh 3rd Prize

Aspire

Eight boys from AIM for Seva 100th Free Student Hostel in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh participated in the ‘Educational Technology Summit Series’ organised by The Times of India Group in collaboration with Greenbery World School held in the city. The 2-day program was designed to bring out creativity and encourage innovative thinking in children. The teachers were also motivated to participate along with the children. The aim was to sensitise them towards environmental and social issues and brainstorm for appropriate ways to address them. Students from other schools also participated.

Our girls from AIM for Seva Balika Vidyalaya in Khategaon, Madhya Pradesh participated in the science exhibition held in Pushpdeep International School. They presented their model solar panel under the category, 'Contribution of Science in Rural Areas'. Children from 15 schools participated in this competition and our students emerged winners.

Our children at AIM for Seva Tribal Girls Free Student Hostel in Anaikatti, Tamil Nadu are taught knitting and tailoring. These girls are getting better with the needle and thread and when they complete a particular design, they feel delighted and confident.

Vocational Training

Exhibition

Environment

Events

AIM for Seva Tribal Boys Free Student Hostel in Alwal, Telangana celebrated their Annual Day last month. The Chief Guest for the event was Shri. Ravindran, District General Manager, SIDBI Bank. Present were Swami Vidya Ganeshananda Bharati, Shri. Bavi Rao, District Superintendent of Police, officials from the Telangana State Road Transportation Corporation, Hyderabad, Shri. Vara Prasad, SI - Alwal Police Station, Shri. S. Kumaravelu, Dr. Naga Sumanth of Yashoda Hospital, Shri. T.V. Raghunandan Rao, Shri. Y.V. Narsing Rao and representatives from other NGO’s. The short performance put up by the children was a testimony to their talent.

Under-nutrition has adverse, irreversible consequences for a child’s cognitive and physical development. In rural India, children face problems of hidden hunger: micro-nutrients deficiencies, iron deficiencies and vitamin deficiencies. These have long-term consequences on overall lifestyle, health and productivity of workforce. To link nutrition with food, one step that AIM for Seva has taken is, to include multiple micronutrient fortified salt which is enriched with iron, iodine, vitamin B12, folic acid, zinc and vitamin A.

In the first phase, the scientifically proven multiple micronutrient fortified salt has been introduced to 50 of AIM for Seva’s Free Student Hostels across the country.

Health Benefits:

Freedom from Hidden Hunger

Annual Day

• Improves Immunity

• Promotes Growth

• Improves Memory

• Improves Vision

• Prevents Anaemia

• Protects the Heart

Events

‘Aruna and the Raging Sun’, a noted cultural platform for artists with special abilities, was put together by well-known UK and Spanish performance management teams that work for disability rights. More than a 100 disabled and non-disabled performers took part in the event held on 24th February, 2018. Three of the residents of AIM for Seva Krupa Home were part of this spectacular performance and they were like little shooting stars in the sky leaving a trail of stardust behind. Very aptly the theme was centred on empowerment and standing up and fighting against all odds. It was a packed house of enthusiastic supporters and dignitaries from eminent business houses who cheered the splendid performances of these artists.

Learning - the Trip Way

Children from S. Viswanathan Memorial AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu were taken to the 7th Century caves of Mahabalipuram.

All of them were amazed to see the inscriptions carved on the pillars. They enjoyed a walk on the sea shore as well!

Up north, children of Seth Bhavani Das Binani AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh were delighted to visit the Sitamadhi temple in Varanasi. Our children are familiar with stories on Indian culture and mythology; they read books on the Ramayana and Mahabharata during their leisure time.

Uttar Pradesh

Tamil Nadu

AIM for Seva Krupa Home ResidentsEnthral Audience

On Going

Press Corner

Thank you media for your support! It is through your support that we are able to reach a larger audience.

Improved Sanitation Facilities

With the support of donors and crowdfunding via Milaap, we've been able to raise sufficient funds for the construction of two new toilet blocks at Semmangudi Higher Secondary School in Sembangudi, Tamil Nadu. At present there are only 10 toilets for the entire school of 1300 children. This lack of adequate sanitation facilities has been a primary reason for dropouts especially among adolescent girls; many students often forgo their entire lunch break to stand in queues to use the toilets. A few donors from the USA also stepped forward to help construct a new officeblock for the school. The bhoomi pooja was recently performed and the construction of the two projects is in progress.

Tamil Nadu

United India Insurance Company Ltd. has sponsored toilets at AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Dindori, Madhya Pradesh with Rs. 7.32 lakhs. Shri. Paramjit Singh (General Manager of UIIC Ltd, MP) and Shri. Jayant Raikwar (Divisional Manager) were present at the inaugural function."I am really happy to know the kind of noble work AIM for Seva is doing and its reach across India. We would be happy to support the organisation in the future as well,” expressed Shri. Paramjit in his speech.

Madhya Pradesh

News Today DT Next

Udayavani

Times of India

www.aimforseva.org aimallindiamovement@gmail.com aimforseva aimforsevaaim4seva

'Srinidhi' Apartments, No. 4, Desika Road, Mylapore, Chennai - 600 004, Tamil Nadu

PO Box 639, SaylorsburgPennsylvania 18353, USA

Phone: +1 570-402-1244 Fax: +1 570-992-9680E-mail: srini.seva@gmail.com

Phone: +91 44 2498 7955/66 I Mobile: +91 95000 60153

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