NGO

India is estimated to have about 635 indigenous communities. Each of these groups of people have a unique identity, with their very own brand of culture, traditions and folklore. Unfortunately, most of this knowledge is passed on from generation to generation in the oral form, and in the face of dwindling tribal population, advent of modern education and widespread displacement in the name of development, most of this ancient wisdom is getting eroded. This is where a group of individuals calling themselves Acoustics Traditional are making an effort to preserve the precious heritage.

Yoginder Sikand visits Asha Niketan in Bangalore - a home for the mentally challenged that is much more than an institution, being structured like a family unit where the members share love, joys and emotions with each other. He also meets Paul, the person who has held them together for more than twenty-five years, and has immense faith in his 'family'.

Akshaya Patra Foundation is the largest non-governmental partner of the largest school lunch program in the world - the Indian mid day meal program. Started with a vision that no child should be deprived of education due to lack of food, the mid day meal program in many cases affords a strong incentive for students to come to school and for parents to seek out education for their children. With several noteworthy innovations to its name, Akshaya Patra has scaled new heights in efficiency and continues to amaze. Our team visited one of their centralized kitchens recently, and have lots to show and tell.

Pratham Books celebrated International Literacy Day in a unique way - by holding storytelling sessions for thousands of children across India. Read an account of one such session held by our friend and writer in Assam, and learn about the beautiful experience storytelling can be - both for the listener and the teller, while serving as an important educational aid.

Our guest writer worked with under-privileged girls for a duration of 3 weeks. The experience left a lasting impression on her, and made her evaluate her priorities. She shares it with us here.