By Sargun Makhni : Spirit India, a student volunteers’ group of GGDSD College, working under the aegis of the NGO Aavahan, to raise the patriotic quotient among the youth, organised their Introductory Seminar to welcome the new batch of students and mark the beginning of their activities for the current academic session, in the college premises today.
On this occasion, the coordinator of this group, Mrs. Meera Sharma, offered a highly motivating presentation, through which she emphasised the need for the youth to “take charge” and work towards the betterment of the society. She also explained the idea behind concepts and initiatives like Spirit India and Spirit Divine, which motivate the youth “to involve themselves in various projects that are designed to help channelize their resources in a productive manner, besides arousing in them the spirit of nationalism and patriotism.”
The Chief Guest on the occasion, Mr. N. P. Manocha, a former faculty member in the college, also addressed the students and encouraged them “to put in sincere efforts in whatever they do, not depend on others in performing their duties and always do good.” He stressed that India today is disturbed by lots of maladies and it is the students who must “take a lead and work towards eradicating those ills from the country.” In a special appeal to the students, Mr. Manocha emphasised that “merely complaining would not help; it is important to be proactive and feel responsible towards the country.” He applauded Mrs. Meera Sharma and the volunteers of Spirit India for their commendable efforts over the years and wished them luck for the upcoming session.
Besides screening a documentary showcasing the activities of the group during the previous sessions, the senior volunteers shared their experiences with the new comers. They welcomed the new entrants by singing patriotic songs and also presented a skit titled ‘Talaash,’ through which they highlighted the trials, tribulations and unrest of those educated and well qualified youth, wandering in pursuit of a decent and honourable job. The thought provoking skit that foregrounded the corrupt forces that prevent talented people from entering a profession of their choice provoked a hot debate, where the volunteers deliberated upon the issue and thought of measures that could be adopted to address this unfair schema of affairs.
Mrs. Meera Sharma also declared the action plan for the upcoming session, where she threw a special light on the renewal of the Partnership Initiative Programme, an initiative of Aavahan in collaboration with the Department of Education, Chandigarh Administration, under which the volunteers of the organisation assist and supervise one centre of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan in Government High School, Sector 35, Chandigarh. Another highlight of the day included a musical presentation by students from ITE centre (Alternative Innovation Education) of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan School, Sector 35, Chandigarh.
The session, which was aimed at encouraging the students to feel for the cause and enrol with this group, which works at sensitising the youth about various issues of topical and immediate significance, besides instilling in them love for their motherland, drew an overwhelming response, as students signed up for the cause in large numbers. The talks were followed by a vibrant interactive session, in which the students shared their views about the cause. The seminar concluded with the volunteers taking an oath, as they committed to work for the group and its principles diligently.
Sargun Makhni a student of GGDSD College, Chandigarh pursing B.A. 3rd year Journalism | Category: Articles. Student reporters