October 2014 was an overwhelming month for all of us at Akshara. It was the month we held 38 holiday camps for 2800 children across Hoskote.

Aptly titled ‘OUR CHILDREN, OUR PRIDE’, These 3-day camps comprised of village walks, games, singing and drawing competitions, a Spelling Bee, clay modeling etc.
Needless to say, they were a big hit with the children.

Such a large-scale event would not have been possible without the untiring help we got from over 235 volunteers. So on the 24^th of January, Akshara recognized these volunteers with a ceremony befitting their efforts.

Smt. Pavithra Devi, the Block Resource Coordinator from the Education Department was the chief guest.

She was joined on stage by our head of Operations and Community Development Shankar Narayan from Akshara Foundation and one of the teachers from GKLPS Pethhalli.

It goes without saying that the highlight for the day was a splendid dance that the children put up. Decked in multi coloured ethnic clothes, flowers and blushed cheeks, they were a complete riot. Not to forget, the smiles on their faces were proof enough of how much they enjoyed performing on stage.

While a thank you speech by our guests said it all, our volunteers were also given a memento and certificate, followed by a grandiose lunch.

And the best part of our day was their parting words: “We are all comingback and helping Akshara again, when the need arises.” It is precisely these kind of relationships that Akshara cherishes and values.

Below is detailed report of the event, written by our very own Srikanth Bhat.

– SRIKANTH BHAT