Project Backpack

I took the initiative to organize a backpack drive to provide 60 backpacks to children in need in India. This effort involved collecting donations and spreading the word to gather support for the cause. I firmly believe in the principle that charity begins at home, and I wanted to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of these children by providing them with essential school supplies. 

While collaborating with my grandparents and family, we chose two locations to donate to. One was Arya Samaj School in Ropar, Punjab, and the other was a small village in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. Both of these locations have a sentimental and emotional connection to my family.

The Arya Samaj School in Ropar, Punjab, is well-known for upholding the principles of the Arya Samaj movement. The school offers high-quality education while promoting Vedic values and a holistic approach to learning. It combines traditional Indian cultural teachings with modern educational practices to foster students' intellectual and moral development. My great-grandfather was one of the founders of this school, which was dedicated to educating female children during that time. My aunt and cousins were kind enough to take the extra luggage from my side to donate to these locations.

My second location was a small village near Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh, India. The maternal side of the family was celebrating the 100th anniversary of Bauree Divas. They had invited villagers from the surrounding Kasauli township. My great-grandfather's father had built a water body in the village for my grandfather's birth. This body sources spring and year-round water for the villagers, animals, and locals. The water body never dries up.

The impact of our collective action was not just in the number of backpacks but also in the hope and inspiration it brought to these children. The locals were touched by the emotions that someone had put thought and effort into getting things for their kids from overseas.

Founder's Notes

My parents have always been generous and selfless, inspiring me to give back to others. They taught me the importance of helping people. I used my money to support my initiative to buy bags and supplies. My brother, Neer, helped me pack them. Instead of shipping them, my aunt took the supplies to India, saving us money. My grandfather and cousins helped distribute the supplies. This showed me that I couldn't have achieved it alone, and it truly takes a community to create an impact.