Vodafone Idea Foundation’s fun-filled Children’s Day Celebration!

Children—the future of our hopes, our planet, our survival and our success. They represent so much of our future that it is most fascinating and humbling to watch a child grow into a being of their own, with their own thoughts and opinions, with their own ambitions and passions.

To honour, appreciate and celebrate these children, Vodafone Idea Foundation organized a fun-filled Children’s Day Celebration on Sunday, 14th November. Held as a live event at the Foundation’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, the event began with inaugural addresses by Ms. Amita Sharma, National Coordinator, Jigyasa, after which Mr. P. Balaji addressed the audience with his speech.

Mr. Balaji emphasised the role technology plays in creating solutions to enable students with the resources they require for a better future. He expounded on the various ways in which the Foundation catalyses social prosperity using its innovative technological interventions which include training sessions for teachers via Jigyasa, VI Scholarships for teachers and students, easily accessible quality content on Gurushala and many others.

The key note speaker for the celebration was Padma Shri Prof. H.C. Verma, eminent physicist and faculty at IIT Kanpur. He expounded on the way in which kids can empower themselves to further their personal goals. Professor Verma also motivated students to go beyond marks, identify their passion and devote their energy into achieving their goals!

The event’s chief guests were the Young Achievers identified by the Foundation for their brilliant academic and/or co-curricular achievements! These students displayed their sincere passion for the things they love and also demonstrated the sense of civic duty each citizen must feel towards their nation! These were young innovators with ideas that protected the environment as well as the future of the country.

One such Young Achiever was Priyanshi Chaudhari, the National Inspire Award Winner. She displayed her incredible speaking skills as she explained her journey of creating a seed germination box with the help of her teachers at school. She expressed her wish to become an agriculture scientist to develop methods of supporting the agricultural sector! Watch the Children’s Day video to listen to more students such as Priyanshi!

Three story books about and written by children were also released by the dignitaries, which are as follows:

1. ViR Ki Kahaniyaan: An integrated activity cum story book with the superhero, ViR, narrating stories of hardworking and talented students who have benefited from the many education programmes organised by Vodafone Idea Foundation. These are accompanied with activities for children to engage with to make it fun and educational at the same time! ViR Ki Kahaniyaan can be viewed by parents for their kids for skill-building with numerous brain teasers for them to attempt.

English: https://vicsr.flowpaper.com/Virkikahaniyaneng/#page=1
Hindi Translation: https://vicsr.flowpaper.com/Virkikahaniyanhin/#page=4

2. Chemmu Ka Jhoola: Written by Kumari VagehlaRaunakVishnubai, this entertaining tale about a monkey Chemu, who finds a very unique way to have fun with his friends!

English: https://vicsr.flowpaper.com/ChhemukaJhulaStoryBookEnglish/
Hindi: https://vicsr.flowpaper.com/ChhemukaJhulaStoryBookHindi/
Gujarati: https://vicsr.flowpaper.com/ChhemukaJhulaStoryBookGujarati/
Kannada: https://vicsr.flowpaper.com/ChhemukaJhulaStoryBookKannada/
Marathi: https://vicsr.flowpaper.com/ChhemukaJhulaStoryBookMarathi/

3. Main Tumse Dosti Kyun Karun: A story written by Rathod Trushti Ramjibhai, a 7th grader from Ahmedabad, about a fun-loving elephant who is feared for his size. This story follows his journey to making friends and learning valuable lessons in the process.

English: https://vicsr.flowpaper.com/MainTumseDostiKyunKarunStoryBookEnglish/
Hindi: https://vicsr.flowpaper.com/MainTumseDostiKyunKarunStoryBookHindi/
Gujrati: https://vicsr.flowpaper.com/MainTumseDostiKyunKarunStoryBookGujarati/
Kannada: https://vicsr.flowpaper.com/MainTumseDostiKyunKarunStoryBookKannada/
Marathi: https://vicsr.flowpaper.com/MainTumseDostiKyunKarunStoryBookMarathi/

It was then that winners of the VI Students’ Scholarship were presented with their certificates. The enthusiasm of the event increased even more when one of the winners, Priya Chorewar shared her experience of winning the scholarship and detailed the way in which the funds helped her continue her education. She also mentioned that she has found newer interests ever since she has access to resources just a smartphone. She has started taking painting classes and also showed a beautiful mural she painted on the wall to the audience. Along with that, she sang a beautiful patriotic song and ended her speech by showing the statue she sculpted herself!

Winners of GNAT (Gurushala National Aptitude Test) were also announced and with Dr.Nilay, Head of Vodafone Idea Foundation, giving his final remarks and vote of thanks, the Children’s Day Celebration came to a joyful end!

The evening was filled with laughter and joy, but more than that, it highlighted just how important it is for everyone to support and encourage all children. It is with our help that they will be enabled to reach their potential and we must do our very best to the same!