Nagpur: ‘Prayaas,’ a social welfare organization of Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) is currently organising “JOY OF GIVING WEEK” (Daan Utsav), for the benefit of the flood-hit victims of Jammu and Kashmir. The students have installed many collection centres in their college campus where contributors can donate basic necessities like food or clothing which will reach the people of Jammu&Kashmir.
The noble cause got initiated on Friday, September 19, with collection centres located in NIT colony, Seminary Hills and various localities in the city. The students have set up collection centres in about 10-12 schools and four colleges in the city and two centres in VNIT college premises. A collection centre has also been set up at IT Park, Ambazari road.
Volunteers from ‘Prayaas’ are working in these collection centres. With so many events being organized round the year, there is no dearth of volunteers. From students to professors, parents to regular joggers, there comes a volunteer help from all.
This year, in association with the NGO Goonj, all collections will go to the victims in the flood hit areas of Jammu and Kashmir. Good quality torches, soaps, candles, children clothing, floaters and chappals, milk powder, dry ration primarily rice, spices and blankets and woolens, track pants, basic medicines etc. are the most important things required at present and thus people are requested to contribute as much as they can, so as to help people start their life once again after the deluge.
Speaking with Nagpur Today, one of the volunteers of ‘ Prayaas’ mentioned, “We were having a desk setup in NIT colony when a kid of age around 8-9 years came running towards us full of curiosity to know what we strangers were doing there. What are you people doing here? the child asked us and one of our volunteers took efforts in explaining him although knowing that the cause was much bigger than what he could perceive it as. He ran towards where he came from and even we ignored, but what followed was a surprise which set an example of humanity. The same tiny feet, came running towards us, now at double the speed with a bag weights more than his hands could hold. Taking a breath, he said-“These are my toys, you can take it, I have played with them” and he ran back, shocking everyone by his act of gratitude. This is just one example, there are numerous such examples which have changed my perception.” Anil was one of the hundreds of volunteers who is working in ‘Joy Of Giving’ organized by the’ Prayaas’ Club.
Prayaas is inspired by the vision of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam of making education compliant to social needs and providing knowledge connectivity to rural India. Prayaas is a fullfledged organization with more than 150 members spanning the entire college, including both students and professors.
Prayaas is providing supplementary education to students in institutions like Shraddhanand Anathalaya and a municipal school in Yashwant Nagar especially in the area of scholarship coaching. Every day, 2 hours of the school time table in the afternoon will be given to these volunteers. They even show some science experiments to these students every week.
Monetary contributions are also welcome for logistics. Collection Centers are also present within the
VNIT campus, for anyone interested, can contact the counters in their vicinity or call:
Anil Kumar Reddy,
8446638884,
Prayaas, Social Club,VNIT.
