Rapidly growing with its mission of 'Literate India, Empowered India', Manthan celebrated the inauguration ceremony of the expansion of its Sampoorna Vikas Kendra (SVK), located at the slum cluster of Baba Farid Puri Colony, Patel Nagar, Delhi, on April 18, 2015. It is noteworthy that this SVK, inaugurated in April 2014, was designed out of a factory outlet by the enthusiastic members of the Rotaract Club of Shri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce, Delhi University. The current expansion of this SVK is also the fruit of the Club's collaboration with Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS) for second time. The second floor of this centre is now ready and therefore, the centre will give admissions to students from III to V standards.
The ceremony was graced by Swami Sumedhanand and Sadhvi Surjita Bharti from DJJS, Rotarian Prashant Sehgal, Secretary and President Elect, Rotary Club of New Delhi, Rotarian Vir Philip, Chair of District, Rotaract Club, Ms. Pooja Malhotra, Child Psychologist, Mr. Jitendra Meena, ACP, Delhi Police, Mr. Sanjay Sati, Dairy Engineer, DMS, Mrs. Poornima Vidyarthi, Councillor and Former Mayor, and Mr. Brij Mohan Sethi, Social Worker and Businessman.
All the guests were felicitated with bouquet of flowers by tiny tots of Manthan.
The ceremony commenced with lamp lighting by guests, which was followed by a dance performance by Manthanites on Ganesh Vandana.
Speaking on the occasion, Sadhvi Deepa Bharti, the Program Coordinator of Manthan, said that the social and economic living conditions of these children often keep them neglected even if they have potential to learn and grow vividly. Therefore, the need of the hour is to focus on their core educational development and provide them the possible opportunities to nurture and raise high. Along with educational assistance, Manthan–SVK helps slums and rural children grow holistically. They are provided regular nutritional diet, health checkups, life skill trainings and moral values classes. She also made an appeal to the audience to lend their cooperation to such deprived children and sponsor their education.
Rotarian Vir Philip spoke about the association between DJJS and the Rotaract Club and appreciated the integrated efforts made by both the teams for a noble cause.
Manthanites also came up with a skit, which underscored the significance of education and a fancy dress show, which symbolized 'Unity in Diversity' as Manthanites were dressed in different cultural attires. Further dance performances by tiny tots on 'Dil Hai Chhota Sa, Chhoti Si Asha' and 'Bacche Man Ke Sacche' endeared them to the audience and added different flavours to the program. It was an amazing presentation by Manthanites who were once hesitant of performing on stage and now exhibited their talent with full zeal while surpassing their stage fear.
Testimonies shared by parents of Manthanites revealed that Manthan has helped their children unleash their potential and strengthen their core educational foundation. To add more, some Manthanites also shared their feelings about Manthan and expressed that studying amid the comforble environment of Manthan brings them happiness.
The young Rotaractors shared presentations on their jubilant journey with Manthan. A documentary outlining the aim and work done by Manthan in India was also screened.
At the end, Rotaractors were presented with a Trophy and a Certificate by Sadhvi Deepa Bharti and Swami Sumedhanand. Rotaractors also honoured Manthan with a Certificate. Thereafter, guests proceeded for the Ribbon cutting Ceremony of the centre's second floor.
The program manifested the spirit of team work and cooperation between both Manthan team and Rotaractors who understood their responsibility as youth of the nation and stepped forward for a noble endeavour. This bond is going to stay forever and both the teams will keep working hand in hand for more such initiatives.
The social cause and initiatives taken by Manthan in educating the deprived children and emphasizing their holistic growth were highly praised by guests and all the invitees. Guests also penned down their views about Manthan on a board and gave best wishes to both the teams.
