AIESEC in Delhi University presents yet another brilliant initiative – this time, for helping the lesser-privileged realize their dreams. Shirin Rai Gupta tells us more about Udaan 2011.
Young minds understand young dreams the best. This July, the largest youth organisation of the world, AIESEC presents a large-scale social event that concentrates on turning the dreams of the lesser privileged students of the Capital into a more significant presence in society than ever before.
Udaan 2011 hosted by AIESEC in Delhi University at 4 different venues for pre events and a cumulative finale, Balakalakaar aims to impact at least 5,000 under privileged children by giving them the opportunity to unleash the artist within and interact with members, volunteers and interns from AIESEC, building up life skills and gaining confidence in the process.
The main focus of the events remains the overall growth and development of young minds, giving them exposure to an international experience as they meet interns from all over the world at the same. Each pre event, held at a different location, engages children between the ages of 5-18 years in creative arts workshops, art and talent competitions and multi dimensional educational sessions conducted by teenagers from Delhi University.
The festival is spread over a fortnight, from 15th-30th July 2011. Breaking the boundaries of conventional social responsibility fulfilment, the events so far have created a deep impression on the teenage volunteers, who have been involved in varying capacities as photographers and trainers.
Asmita Singh, Vice President Development Traineeship in AIESEC in DU says, “I was left absolutely stunned when I witnessed the absolutely incredible kind of talent in the children at Seemapuri today. It left me thinking about the numerous kids all over our country, let alone city, who never even get a chance to discover their abilities and talent. Through Udaan we’ve aimed to give as many kids as possible in our city that chance. It’s still not enough but then, it can’t be. But it’s getting somewhere, at least. And that makes me feel pretty damn good “
Udaan has been independently organised by students from the top twenty colleges of Delhi University and not only carries a social message but also revives the spirit of personal responsibility as it continues to gain support from NGOs, educational institutions, media houses and corporate partners of AIESEC in Delhi University. With media partners like The Pioneer, 93.5 RED FM and sponsors ranging from CRY, Literacy India and Udayan Care to individual contributions made by Delhites via the Adopt a Balakalakaar programme, the youth organization has successfully established a culture that celebrates childhood beyond economic barriers. This has been a national project of AIESEC India, successfully carried out in Chandigarh, Baroda and Jaipur among the others in the past.
