Fun events for Paniala school students

“There is no greater joy nor greater reward than to make a fundamental difference in someone’s
life.”


On 30th January 2016, students of Pragati cell of NSS, IIT Roorkee went to
Paniyala State School to conduct various fun events for the students. The village
is 6 km from the campus. A group of approximately 20 students went there.
Though it was a holiday for students yet students showed full keenness to
conduct the event.
The school did not have a very good conditions.The infrastructure was not very
good. Though it had a computer lab, but the lab had only three computers that
too not working properly. It had students of sixth to eight class. The school had
nearly 100 students.
The students were very cheerful and full of life. NSS volunteers were received
with great enthusiasm and joy.
The first event conducted was a General Knowledge quiz. It was a twenty five
minute quiz with fourteen questions. To everybody's surprise three students
managed to answer all fourteen questions correctly. So a tie breaker was
conducted. Sadman, a student of class 7th won the tie breaker and was declared
as the winner. Everybody was surprised to see the level of awareness and
knowledge of these children.
Then painting competition for girls and race for boys were organised. For painting
competition, sheets, colors, paints etc were provided by NSS volunteers. The
drawings were beautiful and it became very difficult to decide a winner. School
teachers were asked to judge and find the winner. Finally, the pair of Soni Gulnaz
and Nargis were adjusted the winners. The race was the most energetic of all
events. Excitement level among boys was very high. Sadbad Ali of sixth class
won the event.
School teachers were very helpful, cooperative and dedicated. They helped the
volunteers throughout the event. At the end prize distribution took place. Quiz
winner was given a dictionary, painting competition winners a painting set
whereas race winner a bag. Runner ups were given notebooks as prizes. The
event proved to be a success with high level of participation shown by the
students. Volunteers were happy with their work. The event ended with the
ringing of school bell and students went to take their mid-day meal.
The event was a eye opener. It made us realize that India has great potential
hidden in its villages. If given proper facilities and infrastructure, the village
children can do wonders and make India a world superpower.

Offering A Helping Hand To Paniyala

It is said that real India is found in the villages. The rural people have been safeguarding the true essence of the grand Indian culture till today. But the hardships of these people have always been overlooked by the government. Their interests are neglected and their lack of awareness is always exploited by others thus leading them to misery.

In order to tackle this nationwide problem, the dynamic Prime Minister of India launched an easy and affordable economic scheme named as ‘Jan Dhan se Jan Suraksha’. It aims at strengthening the financial stance of the people in rural areas.

To spread awareness regarding this government initiative, Pragati Cell of NSS, IIT Roorkee visited a village named Paniyala which is about five kilometers away from the campus.

Paniyala is a flourishing village where people welcomed the students warmly. The students interacted with the villagers and explained them about the scheme. The volunteers cleared the doubts of the people and helped them understand the benefits of the proposal. The people were also enthusiastic and showed interest. A total of about sixty people showed up for the event out which forty people got themselves enrolled to the various policies. There were two banks, Punjab National Bank and Bank of Baroda who attended to the villagers.

It was a successful endeavor by the Pragati Cell which plans on setting up a camp in Paniyala in September to assist the locals.

Jandhan se Jan Suraksha Yojana

 Our country’s farmer is in great distress today. He toils in the fields all day yet experiences financial insecurity. His wife sacrifices the joys of her life and works hard all day to save every penny she can for her child’s education. Yet every evening she is anxious to hide these pennies for she fears that her husband, who knows not how to spend his earnings wisely, may waste it all on alcohol and similar frivolities.

In order to alleviate these pains, our new Prime Minister has launched a program on the scale of a national campaign, the Jandhan se Jan Suraksha Yojana. It is a policy which encourages each and every Indian to avail the three insurance policies provided by the Government, namely the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and the Atal Pension Yojana.

A village named Paniyala which is about 5 kilometres away from the main campus, was surveyed by  the Pragati Cell of NSS, IIT ROORKEE in order to  promote this campaign . A group of about 30 students began their journey for the village early morning, covering the entire trip on their bicycles.

Paniyala was full of life and culture. Across the green fields and on the village roads walked the residents who welcomed us with care and hospitality. The children were very enthusiastic to meet us, some of whom dreamed of becoming IITians one day. Even the Pradhan of Paniyala was very supportive of us and the campaign.

140 people were surveyed of which 68 were yet not aware of the Jandhan Yojna. Hence, the volunteers sat down with these people and tried their best to explain the benefits they would reap by being a part of these schemes. At first, some of the villagers were a bit sceptical. However, the volunteers were successful in clarifying most of their doubts.

The Pragati Cell had also managed to acquire permission to set up a camp in Paniyala in the first week of September wherein the people would be assisted in registering for the various insurance policy schemes provided by the Government.

Dengue Awareness Camp

 “Dengue is now one of the most important tropical diseases. While it doesn't kill that many people, it has tremendous economic and social impact.” The Dengue awareness campaign was organized and executed by the Pragati cell.

On 18/10/2015, they put posters in the village of Paniyala so as to make the villagers aware about the signs and symptoms of dengue as well as the precautions against it. The event started by assembling at the local school and planning a strategy and subsequent division into groups. The aim was to make the villagers know what is dengue, how it spreads, its treatment and facilities  to that purpose. Dengue fever is a painful, debilitating, mosquito ­borne disease . Dengue goes by other names, including "breakbone fever" or "dandy fever." Victims of dengue often have contortions due to the intense joint, muscle, and bone pain, hence the name breakbone fever. Symptoms include severe joint and muscle pain, swollen nodes, headache, fever, exhaustion, and rash. The presence of fever, rash, and headache (the "dengue triad") is characteristic of dengue fever.

Dengue fever is a disease caused by a family of viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes. Other signs of dengue fever include bleeding gums, severe pain behind the eyes, and red palms and soles. Aedes aegypti species of mosquitoes is particularly involved, as it prefers to lay its eggs in artificial water containers, to live in close proximity to humans, and to feed on people rather than other vertebrates. As there is no commercially available vaccine, prevention is sought by reducing the habitat and the number of mosquitoes and limiting exposure to bites. Dengue does not spread from person to person i.e. not contagious. Maintaining proper fluid balance is important. Paracetamol is used for fever and discomfort while NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin are avoided as they might aggravate the risk of bleeding.

AIDING EYES

                             

Large number of registrations

NSS organised a medical camp at Tanshipur on 16^th October to help people suffering from eye problems.The Pragati cell was responsible for the registrations and seeing to it that the event went on without any hiccups. On the other hand,  it was the doctors of Ganga Mata Charitable Eye Hospital who devoted their time and resources to help the people present. The main aim of the Hospital is "to provide excellent eye and dental treatment and care services to all sections of the society without any extraneous consideration". Serving in 
accordance with this aim, the doctors helped 
everyone selflessly.

Patients going to Haridwar hospital

This event oversaw around 500 registrations.  Out of these, nearly 100 patients had a severe case of either myopia or cataract. They were immediately taken to a hospital in Haridwar and operated upon. The operation used an intraocular lens, a lens implanted into the eye to treat cataract or myopia. The other patients who did not have such severe cases were given medicines by the doctors.

All the operations were successful. Everyone thanked the doctors because without them there would have been no such event. The team members too were content with their efforts.

Doctors working selflessly

Our eyes are our windows to this world.  The doctors of Ganga Mata Charitable Eye Hospital have done a commendable job on keeping many such windows open and clean. "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others". Truly the doctors seem to cherish this saying by Mahatma Gandhi in their hearts. They believe in the below-mentioned saying by John Wycliffe and try their best to follow it:

 "Visit those who are sick, or who are in trouble, especially those whom God has made needy by age, or by other sickness, as the feeble, the blind, and the lame who are in poverty. These you shall relieve with your goods after your power and after their need, for thus biddeth the Gospel."

Pragati members visit Paniyala

The Paniyala village, a small and secluded village about 9 km away, was visited by Pragati Cell member of NSS IIT Roorkee on October 1, 2014. The volunteers were welcomed by a group of enthusiastic youngsters, all with a zeal to learn and grow.

Volunteer explains Gandhiji's principle to children

 

 The theme of this event revolved around the life of our famous leader and the Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The purpose of this visit was to instill Gandhiji’s valuable life principles into the youngsters' minds.

Students focused on giving quiz 

 The children were shown inspiring movies and presentations on Mahatma Gandhi. The videos showcased Gandhiji's principles, his life and background. They were about leading a better and successful life. The videos caught the attention of the kids and they thoroughly enjoyed the presentation. The teachers too loved the videos and felt that it was a good source of history knowledge for them and their students

Team spirit seen after football match

This activity was followed by a 45 minute quiz which the children attempted with dedication and enthusiasm. Following the quiz was a football match meant to instill the values of team spirit and to bring forth the leadership qualities of the children. It was decided that all the children who played well would get prizes.  The winners were announced after the match and the teachers distributed the prizes. Photos were taken and everyone had a good time learning about the historical heroes of India .

Teacher distributes prizes to students

The event ended on a happy note with everyone present feeling proud of their motherland's heritage.

NASHA MUKTI SHIVIR

Appreciable work by NSS

The small village of Panialla witnessed a young group of enthusiastic teenagers who tried to eradicate substance abuse, alcoholism and smoking. 9 kilometers away from IIT Roorkee, Panialla is known for some serious substance users and alcoholics. Posters were put up everywhere and students were assigned a poster each. Their job was to try and make the villagers understand the harmful effects of these bad habits through these posters. A doctor was present too and free medicine was available. All these amenities including the posters had been provided by the ‘Brahmkumaris’.

Our volunteer convincing Mr. Rakesh 

The event opened by the entry of Mr. Rakesh, a sweeper by profession. He has been a ‘Beedi’ user for the last 30 years of his life. Students explained the consequences he could suffer in a beautiful way and the doctor, B.K. Lakshmichand, encouraged him to quit Beedi. Rakesh says ‘It was very informative. I had a pleasant experience. I earn about ten rupees a day and used to spend four rupees on the bad stuff. I have realized I was wrong.’ Risha was the first woman to attend the event. She too has been a Beedi user. The doctor didn’t judge her. He did his best to help her and she was happy to be a part of the event.

                                             

Slowly the crowd increased. A fair number of women were present too. Two young users Pankaj and Bittu found all the presentations informative. They left happily with their medicines. Old women and kids were present too to see what was happening. They had a fun time when the photographer took pictures of them.  Video presentations were shown by the seniors as they felt that it was better to show the ill consequences rather than just talking about it. Kids watched the videos enthusiastically.

A blessing in disguise

 Salman and Salim were two kids aged ten. They were very shy. Salman had come here to learn about the consequences of alcohol. It turns out that his father is a chronic alcoholic. He says he’ll never drink or use drugs. He was happy to get some useful information from this event. It is hard to find such maturity in a kid of his age.  Salman is a bright kid with a bright future.

B.K. Lakshmichand, the doctor

B.K. Lakshmichand, the doctor, is an amazing person. He was non-judgmental and very knowledgeable. He spoke a lot about life and emphasized on the fact that it’s all in the mind. Just sufficient will power was required to quit bad habits. He also gave examples as to how costly cancer and gangrene treatment could be. He kept telling the parents to think about their children, to think about their future, to love them and to teach them the good habits and ethics which are essential to live a good and comfortable life. He told everyone that they must return to God the way he sent them, in sobriety. Everyone spoke highly of the doctor. Dr. Lakshmichand is truly an amazing personality.

Our Nss Team

 Arshad, the cell secretary, was very pleased with the outcome. There were sixty people who turned up and the event went on smoothly. He is looking forward for the next one where the Pragati team will cover two villages. He hopes that the people who turned up understand the consequences of their actions and will quit immediately.

The Great work by NSS

 The event was a success. Everyone was happy with the outcome. The students did a wonderful job. The doctor was given appreciation for donating his valuable time. The localities were satisfied and they hope that their loved ones will soon become clean and healthy. All in all it was a successful event.

                        

                   

                      

                     

                 

                

A helping hand to paniyala

Explaining the reason to visit

Imagine being trapped in the most remote villages of India. Imagine a place where most facilities necessary for a basic standard of sustenance are absent. Imagine a place that hasn’t yet developed from its medieval ages, a time when one still relies on idols and rituals for rain and good harvest…. Imagine being insignificant in a competent world…

Paniyala…

Having survey of villagers

 Date 23/08/14 when Pragati Cell of NSS IIT Roorkee decided to make a change to that matter. A decision to make the people aware of the facilities they are offered and make it avail to them. The members of the Pragati Cell conducted a survey on the village. 

The survey took place upholding two major prospects. One was to find the number of people whose feet were disabled. This was solely a Pragati Cell motive. They were to take the count and details in order to submit it to the The Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayatha Samiti (BMVSS) as a part of their program popularly known as Jaipur Foot. The objective of this program is to provide artificial legs to those who have lost their foot.

The secondary objective of the survey was a central one relating to all off-campus cells, including Pragati Cell. The aim was to conduct a survey based on the needs of Toilets among the residents of Paniyala. The results of the survey is to be handed over to the Sulabh International Social Service Organization which is an NGO working for the sole purpose of improving the sanitation in Indian Communities as a part of their program known as Sulabh Sanitation Movement.

This program has lately gained tremendous public support and its enthusiastic social activities has been praised by honoring its founder, Dr. Brindeshwar Pathat with the Stockholm Water Prize and many more.

NSS team visited Village

The team consisting of around 20 people surveyed through the village, visiting almost 250 or more houses and interacting with them gathering necessary information about the programs. Almost 57 people or families were either handicapped or were lacking the basic sanitary facilities. The response of the villagers seemed to be positive as they welcomed the offers with gratitude. Thus the Pragati cell has once again proved its values as a off-campus students social organization.

Pragati Cell Motivates School Students

On the very occasion of Independence Day, members of Pragati cell NSS IIT Roorkee, set out to interact with the young vivacious minds of Junior High School in Paniyala, a village at the distance of about 7 kilometres from the IITR campus. The team, consisting of a total of 16 students, participated in Schools’ Independence Day Celebration.

Quiz conducted by NSS Pragati Cell 

Followed by the flag hoisting ceremony, the students sung the National Anthem and paid their homage to their country. The program was attended by 130 students of the school. Following the “Learn involving Fun!!!” motto, the NSS group conducted a Quiz in which the students participated exuberantly.

Performances by the Junior High School students

The event followed was a vibrant show of singing and dancing performances on the patriotic tunes, by 8^th standard students, that won the hearts of the audience. After awarding these talented performers, Mr. Arshad Ali Shaikh, executive member of Pragati cell and Mr. Vikash Yadav, a volunteer of the cell, addressed the students. Through their influential speech, they appealed the students to be proud of their motherland, fight against prevailing injustice and to be faithful to their nation and fellow citizens. Mr. Shaikh also expressed his patriotism through a beautiful poem. The children seemed quite inspired by them.

Mr. Arshad Sheikh addressing the students

The principal, Mrs. Ritunan Kainthila, concluded the ceremony with a vote of thanks to the Pragati team. She encouraged the students to follow the advice given by them. The top five winners of the quiz were awarded with various attractive prizes. 

Prize distribution ceremony

Independence Day was then celebrated by distributing sweets to everyone. The programme thus ended with cheers and smiles on the faces of children and with a feeling of deep satisfaction spread across the faces of volunteers. Someone rightly said,

          “The change you make today could be the difference of tomorrow.”

NSS Pragati  Team

Survey at Teliwala : NSS Pragati Cell

Survey at Teliwala : NSS Pragati Cell

A survey-cum-awareness programme was organized by Pragati Cell of NSS IIT Roorkee in a nearby village Teliwala, about 6 kilometres from the institute in the outskirts of Roorkee. It was conducted on October 13^th, 2013 during the late morning time and involved the support of the first and second year students of the cell. The major objective of the programme was to walk door-to-door of the local families and enlighten them of the major schemes of the government, collect data of families eligible for these schemes and also to encourage them to send their children to the school undertaken by the cell. The cell is actively involved in providing free and quality education to the local children at the ‘New Sofia School’ in the core of the village. The schemes that were publicized were:

        i.            Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension Scheme

      ii.            Indira Gandhi National Disability Scheme

    iii.            Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme

    iv.            National Family Benefit Scheme

Additionally, the villagers were also encouraged to open a post-office account that is required for the scheme beneficiaries as it is very affordable and likewise flexible. The families also requested for renewal of their Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards, which are prerequisites for entitling of the scheme benefits. The outcomes of the survey were a great success in itself; they collected the data of over 35 families that are eligible for the enlisted schemes. Now the group is trying to bring these families under the schemes through official paperwork. Through the survey, the cell has proved the real meaning of its entitled name, ‘PRAGATI’ literally meaning progress of the village, Teliwala in every aspect.

Movie Screening at Telliwala : NSS Pragati

Movie Screening at Telliwala : NSS Pragati

Moulding a child’s mind through ways that interest him, in order to motivate him to work for the society can be served. With this principle as the backbone, NSS, Pragati Cell conducted a movie screening at New Sophia School in the Telliwala village on the 2^nd October, 2013. This is the same school where the cell performs its activities.

The movie, ‘I am Kalam’ was screened before a receptive audience consisting of about a hundred students and some of their teachers. The numbers met easily, if they did not exceed the expectation of the organizers. The movie that was screened focuses on the story of an underprivileged boy who gets inspired to achieve greatness in life while watching Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, being interviewed on television. The rest of the movie narrates an inspiring tale of how he approaches his achievement. The day for the screening was well chosen because Gandhi Jayanti created a nationalistic atmosphere which added gravity to the message behind the movie.

The students felt inspired by the way of living of the Father of Our Nation as well as the Missile man of the country. Their involvement could be easily seen by the cheering that took place during the screening. Once the movie was over, the students enquiringly put up questions relating to Gandhiji, his ideology and its relevance in the today’s world. It was astounding to watch such young minds put up some really thought provoking questions. Sweets were distributed amongst the students who took part in the discussion to further increase their inquisition.

The event came to an end with all the participants felling motivated towards self-achievement and service to the society. Hence, the movie screening served its purpose of creating the will to achieve amongst the children which is essential for the development of the nation!