Star Member of the Month – June 2016
1. Tell us something about yourself.
A normal individual who is Very much interested in giving helping hands for those who were in need. Always ready to help where ever I can!!
2. What are your hobbies?
A Food lover. A movie freak. A veteran dancer 😉
3. Mention about your professional life.
Started my IT career with WIPRO and had a long journey for 5 years with it. Currently working as a Technology Analyst with Infosys.
4. When did you join Aashayein Foundation and why did you join it?
When? –> For the records I joined Aashayein on April 26 2015. My first visit was to Thara Orphanage and the event was Sunday Breakfast activity.
Why? –> As I mentioned earlier I was very much interested in giving my support/help for any one. But I was unable to find the right platform. With the help of my former employer I contacted Fazil and got to know about SBA.
I was really satisfied with the dedication of Aashayein in delivering their support to the people/kids who are in needy. So I decided to continue with Aashayein and I will be with it.
5. Share your experiences in your involvement with Aashayein.
Initially I was active only in SBA. Then I volunteered in PA activity. I was very much interested in teaching, unfortunately I wasn’t able to join SA as I won’t be able to visit schools on Saturdays because of my professional dependencies.
For BMKS I volunteered the survey program in 2016 and was able to get 5 sponsors for two years. For PA – 2016 I was able to gather 20+ donors. Participated in Blanket Drive. Used to prepare FLYERS for most of the events conducted by Aashayein.
If am not able to join any event, the least I can do is prepare a Flyer for the event so that I could be a part of that and won’t be missing the enthusiasm.
6. Which has been the most memorable day in Aashayein for you?
As people say First impression is the best, Thara Orphanage visit will be the most memorable visit for me.
It’s because on that day once the SBA was done, Kids were after us when we are about to leave. They were asking innocently that when we will be coming back there by holding our hands (with the intention not to leave).
Trust me, I really had Goosebumps with their actions and I felt very emotional. Truly a memorable one. Summer camp events will be the next one.
7. What are your expectations from Aashayein?
Gain more trust. Let’s spread more. Continue in motivating others 🙂
8. Tell us 2 things that you like in Aashayein and 2 areas that need more attention and how can we work on them?
I like:
Taking ownership of the activities by the volunteers themselves. This is the main thing I liked in Aashayein. All the volunteers are transparent always.
All kinds of ideas are considered and were almost implemented by Aashayein.
I wish:
Identify the orphanages which gets less donors and lets plan the SBA’s there.
9. What are the different responsibilities that you would like to handle in Aashayein?
Responsibility is the most respectful word in my opinion.
Once committed shouldn’t miss that. So as far as I am available, always ready to take any type of responsibilities.
10. Where would you like to see Aashayein in 5 years from now?
In the next coming years, Aashayein should be highly recognized and trusted by most of the people where it can have more and more helping hands. Only we – The Aashayein Team can make this happen.
11. Any message for Aashayein and its members.
I really believe that joining Aashayein is one of the best things happened in my life, where I really learnt what exactly a real life is. I am thankful to Aashayein in all the ways. Army of Volunteers – Let’s keep up the momentum and let’s be a part in spreading more and more smiles. Jai Hind.
Pustaka Abhiyana 2016 – A story behind the smiles
Date – 25th June 2016
Time: 6 AM
Place – Somewhere in Rebbanapally village
12 year old Samreen Begum woke up on an unusually warm Saturday morning with a mind full of excitement and questions. She had heard that people fromHyderabad are coming over to her village, she had also heard that MLA sir iscoming to her school and she had also seen a group of girls practice dance. Although she was excited for day’s event specially the dance, she was alsocurious. Why are the people from Hyderabad coming? Were they getting gifts?Painting her school? Cleaning the village? Thoughts & question flooded her mind as she began getting ready.
Place – Panjagutta, Hyderabad.
A group of youngsters began assembling at a community school in Panjagutta. Some of them had slept only a few hours, others had come after working a nightshift. They had one thing in common, commitment to the cause. These werevolunteers of Aashayein Foundation who had gathered to conduct Notebook distribution drive in Rebbanapally village, Adilabad. The meeting point was Panjagutta where they loaded books onto a bus and began their long journey to the village.
Time: 12 PM
Place – Zilla Parishad School, Rebbanapally Village.
Samreen was in the school and her curiosity had increased as she saw tents were being tied in the premises, headmaster sir was busy in preparation, extra meals were being cooked etc. She wondered if MLA sir was coming with an inspection team as that would explain the preparations. This was a yearly activity but she still didn’t understand the tents and why people from Hyderabad were coming. Nevertheless she enjoyed the day with her friends as none of the teachers looked interested in teaching.
Place – Somewhere near Rebbanapally village.
As the bus approached its destination, volunteers began to get ready for the challenge. The temperature and humidity was quite high but failed to lower the spirits. Teams were formed and tasks were assigned. Volunteers were ready to distribute hope (notebooks). They had already imagined the smiling faces of children and the exciting memories they would be taking back home.
Time: 3 PM
Place ‐ Zilla Parishad School, Rebbanapally Village.
Samreen was now tired. Along with her friends, she had watched in awe as people who had come from Hyderabad had unloaded notebooks and were busy working with them keeping some here and some there. Buying two notebooks at one time was a task for their families and here they saw thousands of books being brought in.
Samreen was lost in thought. She imagined her parents being happy and relieved if she went home with the notebooks. Her parents had struggled to get her books last year and this year seemed to be no different. She felt sorry for herself and her parents. She was now just staring at the books and imagining a good year ahead. Just then, all the questions she had in back of her mind came back to her: Are these for us? If yes, then when are we going to get these?
Unable to contain her curiosity she decided to approach the people from Hyderabad and ask if they were giving the books to everyone. She spotted one of them doing nothing and walked up to him (that was me). She asked for whomwere the books for?
I simply replied: “For you!”
A brief conversation followed on which this blog is sourced. 4000+ notebooks were given to 400+ students along with stationery items as per their requirement. Some of the children posed for pictures beaming with joy, some ran away to their homes eager to show the books to their parents. For us, they were just notebooks. For them, they were much more valuable and important.
That night, Samreen must have slept with a smile on her face and eagerly waiting for school to begin on Monday to use all the newly acquired stationery and books.I am sure that her mind must be relieved. This year she will not be scolded by her teacher for books. This year she will not have to see her parents struggle to buy her books. Most importantly, this year she will not miss out on important lessons due to not having books.
Note – This story is based on my conversation with Samreen and others from the village. Anyone who has contributed to make this event possible, be assured that your efforts meant more than just the smiling faces you would see in photographs. You impacted lives, you gave hope to Samreen and many others like her, you relieved their parents of some tension and you removed a hurdle from their path. The following Monday Zilla Parishad School, Rebbanapally recorded 41 new admission as a direct result of the drive Aashayein conducted. As I look back on that day and subsequent result, I cannot help but say this…
“Aashayein Khile Dil ki, Umeede Hase Dil Ki, Ab Mushkil Nahi Kuch bhi”
Many thanks to Fazil, one of the core members of Aashayein Foundation, Hyderabad, for this beautiful post on Pustaka Abhiyana event 2016.
Star Member of the Month January 2016
Anupama P
- Tell us something about yourself.
→ I am basically a simple, adjusting and fun loving person.
- What are your hobbies?
→ At my free time I like watching movies and I like hanging out with friends.
- Mention about your professional life.
→ I am currently with CTS.
- When did you join Aashayein Foundation and why did you join it?
→ I joined AF in November. I was initially part of SA and then joined SBA. I felt this is the best way of giving back to the society.
- Share your experiences in your involvement with Aashayein.
→If I had to sum up my experience in one word, I’d say ‘Life Changing’. I enjoyed teaching kids. Initially I was a bit scared because teaching kids was not my cup of tea but then eventually I realised it was a mutual learning experience. I learned a lot when i taught.
- Which has been the most memorable day in Aashayein for you?
→ Every Moment spent in AF was memorable. There were many moments that touched my heart beyond anything I had ever felt. To see kids smile, and to know you contribute something for that smile, gives ultimate joy and internal satisfaction.
- What are your expectations from Aashayein?
→ I believe its a very long process and we as a team can definitely make some change in their lives.
- Tell us 2 things that you like in Aashayein and 2 areas that need more attention and how can we work on them?
→ Things which I like in Aashayein are team work and dedication that each and every volunteer shows.
9. What are the different responsibilities that you would like to handle in Aashayein?
→ I am currently part of both SA and SBA and would always love to be there whenever AF needs me.
- Where would you like to see Aashayein in 5 years from now?
→ I would like to see AF as well established organization where it can function independently.
- Any message for Aashayein and its members.
→ I would like to thank each and every volunteer of AF because it’s your dedication and hard work which inspires me alot and would like to see huge number of volunteers joining AF with out any expectations.
SBA Anniversary 2016
“We cannot do all the great things, but we can do small things with great love” ~Mother Teresa
There might be many things that Mother Teresa had in my mind when she said the above line. However the interpretation and application of this wonderful saying differs from person to person. For volunteers of Aashayein Foundation, that small thing is to spend a few hours at an orphanage/shelter home/old age home every Sunday morning. This is possible through Aashayein Foundation’s core program-Sunday Breakfast Activity (SBA).
For the first timers, let me give an introduction to this activity. The objective of SBA is to serve breakfast at various orphanages, old age homes, blind schools, leprosy centers and other places, thereby to spend some time with the inmates to make them feel comfortable, to make them feel that there is somebody who cares for them and to share their joys and sorrows.
Naysayers might argue that spending a few hours every weekend at a different place hardly makes a difference to the lives of these people. However the fact is, SBA is not about making a long term impact. It is about entering new lives and giving them hope while sharing their sorrow and gifting smiles. Also SBA serves as a platform to develop a bond which enables us to make a long term impact somewhere down the line.
Now coming to the reason why this article is being shared….
22nd February 2015 marked the rebirth of Aashayein Foundation 2.0. For those who are unaware of this, please read “2015 – RESURRECTION OF AASHAYEIN FOUNDATION HYDERABAD” and then come back to read this post.
The first Sunday Breakfast Activity of Aashayein 2.0 was held at Sadhana Institute for Mentally Challenged, Nacharam. It was attended by 5 volunteers (Sadiq, Raza and myself being the old ones and new volunteers-Umair Hassan & Prafful). The start was tough. We struggled for volunteers and sponsors initially. However due to amazing commitment levels shown by new volunteers, Aashayein 2.0 grew and today has become a stable and strong organization.
The success of Aashayein Foundation Hyderabad was largely due to new volunteers coming in and sticking with us. A majority of them came through SBA. Therefore we decided to ask them what SBA means to them and share their favorite moments/pictures with us. The responses have been pretty great. Below are a few of them.
“I engaged myself more in SA but SBA is always a sense of responsibility for me. SBA is not about serving food and playing with kids, clicking pictures. Every life over there is spent in loneliness and helplessness every minute. Just sit back and listen. I am sure those experiences add refreshing and encouraging flavor to all our stressed lives.
The best moment happened in Amma Odi, I had an instant connect with Ritesh, an inmate. This is the favorite pic of mine in SBA.” ~Chavali Mangala
“Sunday breakfast activity held every week by Aashayein is like a breather to us as well as the children whom we visit. The way children respond and make me feel happy about being there is what draws me to make a point in coming there. For us, it’s j
ust another SBA, but for the children, it’s a special day. They’ll remember that they’ve played with us till their memory lasts and be excited about our next visit. The way they hold our hands and keep telling everything they want to with happiness beaming faces is worthy enough to get up too early on a Sunday morning and spend quality time” ~Akhila Veldandi
“I always tr
y to attend SBA if I am available in Hyderabad and every SBA leaves a different memory. I never feel bored because it is always nice interacting with kids every weekend and playing with them. They have no expectation from us except that we spend some quality time with them.”
~Rafiya Mohammed.
“There is one Proverb Annadanam (Donating Food)
is the best donation. I am happy that SBA is part of Aashayein. There are lot of people who donate food in lot of places like orphanages, temples etc. but SBA is something special. That is because we spend time with kids playing games and interact with them. ~Arun Kumar Guggilam
“
Every second which I spent with Aashayein is the most valuable and memorable time in my life. I learned transparency from children. They’re innocent and straightforward. Thanks Aashayein for giving this wonderful opportunity.”~Mohammed Sami
“It’s my immense pleasure to be a part of SBA. Seeing kids smile and appreciate the happiness of being with us gives a lot of satisfaction and happiness. There is no better way of spending my weekends than this. Not just kids but the entire team inspires me a lot.” ~Anupama Palakodeti
“There is no better way to begin your Sunday than spending some time in the company of children, and that is why I always look forward to Aashayein Foundation’s Sunday Breakfast Activity (SBA). Their smiles and enthusiasm are great stress busters and make for a fun weekend. I thank AF for giving me this opportunity to keep the child in me alive, and also help these kids in their daily struggle.” ~Kakoli Mukherjee
“Sunday Breakfast Activity (S
BA) is not only about serving breakfast to kids. It is more about becoming a memorable part of their life and to make a strong impact on their outlook towards world and life. Aashayein gives seeds of happiness, goodness, courage, inspiration and many positive qualities to sow in every child and make it their core memory which I believe will surely do wonders.” ~BikramJeet Singh
“This particular feeling makes me understand what exactly do people mean when they say “I am satisfied’ .This is how I feel being part of Aashayein. It has been a spectacular experience for me being a part of SBA. I feel 
proud when I see those kids grow up into such good human beings. When we achieve, we usually do so because others have helped. But when you become one of those who help, you just feel out of the world. My every Sunday becomes special when I serve as a member of Aashayein.
If I were to use only three words for Aashayein Foundation, then I would say –“You are Special”~Aparna Poojitha
Hoping that those heartfelt words of our volunteers and the moments captured have inspired you. Aashayein Foundation surely has touched many lives and brought smiles to them. We will continue to do so in the coming years as long as we are supported by building blocks of this nation, none other than you all! Cheers.
This special report is written by our guest blogger, Aashayein Volunteer Fazil Abbas.
Fazil Abbas Banatwala, or Fazil, calls himself a simpleton. He is a a
salHyderabadi surviving on mouth-watering Hyderabadi biryani, and prides himself on the culture of this beautiful city with Char Minar. He is an active member of a non-profit organization, Aashayein Foundation, and enjoys working towards the education of young children and students. Connect @fazil_abbas24
Star Member of the Month – December 2015
Rafiya Mahammad
- Tell us something about yourself.
→ I’m a very normal person who works hard daily at office and spends the rest of the time with family and friends. Always wants to learn something new but never gets time. Always wants to do social activities but rarely used get time but now I feel it as my responsibility to manage my time somehow. I am not a great speaker or writer so you have to bear with me for now
- What are your hobbies?
→ I always keep myself busy with some or other activity. I always starts to learn something new and try to make it as a hobby but never completed anything to 100% I think ☺. I like to play sports badminton, football. I also like to cook.
- Mention about your professional life.
→ I started my career immediately after my graduation as a SAP Consultant with Infosys and I am still working with the same company for the last 7 years.
- When did you join Aashayein Foundation and why did you join it?
→ I joined Aashayein in Oct’2015. I always like to do something good for children who are going to build tomorrow’s nation. I used to collect funds in my friends group and used to visit orphanages to help children in need but this was discontinued when I travelled abroad in 2013. So when I came back to India in 2015 I wanted to start this again and I was searching about possible options as I never wanted to join any NGO or donate there as I always had the fear of misusing it. Then I got to know about Aashayein through my friend Arun’s Facebook. That’s when I contacted him and joined first SBA in October. On the very same day, it happened that we met someone who wanted to do a project on NGO and Fazil, Sadiq explained him everything about Aashayein, what Aashayein did and doing always and I was listening to them. I liked the activities and the way Aashayein is organized, I felt fortunate and decided to continue. I feel happy when I do something good ☺ and that’s the only selfish reason why I wants to work for Aashayein.
- Share your experiences in your involvement with Aashayein.
→ I always try to attend SBA if I am available in Hyderabad and every SBA leaves a different memory ☺ and I never felt bored because it was always nice interacting with new kids every week and playing with them with no expectations from each other and forgetting the rest of the world and routine life ☺
I was involved in the ZOO event organized on 14th Nov and it was very nice to learn animals once again with kids…
I am also part of SA activity and I teach for 3rd class every Saturday at Susheela memorial. I feel very responsible and challenging with deciding the content and enjoy teaching them. I like to teach since college days. I used to teach kids during my college to fund my education and now I want to continue this for these children.
- Which has been the most memorable day in Aashayein for you?
→ All SBA’s were very special and memorable but especially loved the visits to Agape and Gracious Paradise, as there were young girls with whom I like to interact more ☺… Of course ZOO event was something special and memorable… ☺
- What are your expectations from Aashayein?
→ Aashayein is a great platform for people those who want to contribute to the society but waiting for opportunity and time. I expect that we as a team grows bigger and bigger and continue doing good for needy for a long and long time
- Tell us 2 things that you like in Aashayein and 2 areas that need more attention and how can we work on them?
→ I do not feel it as ‘Aashayein’ and me as a member of team instead ‘We’ as a team and it is named Aashayein. I really like the team, encouraging and supporting each other. I like everything about Aashayein ☺
I think we should concentrate more on SA on increasing the volunteer base in this area and spreading the program to other schools too ☺ and we can also think about teaching Computers. I think we should also make some big campaigns in corporate companies or something like walkathon of 2009 that I always hear about ☺ to make Aashayein bigger and more active…
I also think that it would be good to extend the BMKS program till graduation. Because from my life experiences I know there are many children who discontinue after 10th class because of high fees… Two of my friends discontinued their studies after 10th class because of the same reason and I really felt very bad at that time….
- What are the different responsibilities that you would like to handle in Aashayein?
→ I am currently focusing more on SA program and the course plans and how we can improve quality of our classes. I would like to continue the same and structure SA program in a better way rather than taking up different responsibilities.
- Where would you like to see Aashayein in 5 years from now?
→ I would like to see Aashayein more active and growing with time… Especially SA as a structured and organized program conducting classes at 4 to 5 schools at least ☺ and me teaching mathematics for 10th class that I like the most J and of course English as well.
- Any message for Aashayein and its members.
→ Everyone in Aashayein is Awesome and I can see the passion for doing good in each and every one. That’s what keeps the team Aashayein alive and let’s continue the same. Thanks to each and every one for your dedication, time and support…
Aashayein Foundation Hyderabad 