interesting video

A friend of mine posted this video on facebook, and it clicked for me the first time i saw it. It builds upon the working model of AKSH - to put aside that amount of money which does not change our way of life .. but when added together it becomes enough money to help pay for graduate education for so many kids.

I shared the video with my friends, and got some interesting comments on it :-)

I upload the video here, and if you have an opinion on it .. just add to the comments ..

story of Kiran* and Subash*

Last two months have been interesting times for us - as we look forward to next set of students who will write their qualifying exams this summer.

This is about two students Kiran* and Subash*

Both Kiran* and Subash* are very hardworking kids. There is a positive energy in their talk and an eagerness to make a good career for themselves. Within their own compulsions at personal front, they are determined to excel in studies. We had a long talk with them and figured two main areas where we can help them.

Firstly - we could help the kids with guidance. As we all know, X+2 preparations are confusing at best and intimidating at worst. There is lot of stress and a good direction can improve the scores dramatically. From our group, Ghansham and Deeksha volunteered to take up this role. Ghansham talks regularly with Subash* about how he can plan his studies and manage time. Deeksha will start her interaction with Kiran* this week. Later as the exams approach, we plan to help them with college selection and application process.

Secondly - we figured if there is some quality coaching made available - it can be a huge booster for them. Good coaching institutes in Patiala were all very expensive and there was no way for them or us to finance this kind of fees. Amit Aneja came up with a beautiful solution to this. A friend of his, Arun Goel - coaches students in Patiala for X+2 examinations. He discussed with Arun about our AKSH project. Gopal Kapur was also in Patiala and could meet Arun in person. Arun was convinced about our intent and need of quality coaching for the kids. He agreed to coach them at his institute.

In between all this, there were several logistic problems like the fact that Kiran* lives very far from the coaching institute and is not comfortable cycling all the way there and back. Such problems will always be there - we solve some and go around the ones we cannot solve.

The most amazing thing about this experience has been to see how collaboration can bring about changes which none of us individually can perform. It is an example of the exact intent with which AKSH initiative begun. "our collective contribution is worth much more than the sum of our individual efforts"

For sure, in coming years - more such examples will be written about :-)

Thanks Gopal, Amit, Deeksha, Ghansham and Arun for playing out vital roles :-)

* name changed to protect the identity of student