Light Of Life Trust & DNA Media Ltd Presents - 19th of March, 2010   News 2009:  (Archives - News and Events 2008) Sparking Lives With 'The Light Of Life' By Katie Dubey The shed like hall in Karjat is spruced up; decorated for the Balkala Mahotsav organized by The Light of Life Trust: It's a celebration of rural children's talent and a platform for exhibiting them. 2057 enthusiastic children from 52 schools of approximately 80 villages in Raigad district participitated... Read More >>> September 7, 2009 : Bombay Times Pg 1: "Salman reaches out " Covered by: Reagan Gavin Rasquinha , TNN 7 September 2009, 12:00am IST A tiny fire can burn bright, so goes the saying. And the spark provided by the Light of Life Trust (LOLT), established in 2002, hopes to create a burning fire of awareness, through its outreach programmes. LOLT is an NGO that seeks to transform the lives of the underprivileged by focusing on the three Es —Education, Empowerment and Employability. Better articulated by its founder Villy Doctor, "We believe that roots must be strengthened and nurtured in order to grow healthy plants. Our roots are the rural people of India. We nourish this foundation through education and the creation of a holistic community living environment and provision of health care so that our people can flower into healthy, wholesome and happy individuals." LOLT has established its presence across 361 villages in Maharashtra and impacted over 2,000 children and their families. Immense research and resources have been invested in these pilot projects to create templates and models that can be efficiently replicated anywhere, across the nation. Its programmes receive excellent feedback from Indian and International NGO communities as well as the support of the government. This year the organisation has embarked upon a unique project, Jagruti, to build a holistic community that will integrate three generations. It is a wholesome environment for homeless children, destitute women, and deprived senior citizens to live in. Always known for having a large heart, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has pledged his support for this NGO. "I will always be available for the great work the Light of Life is doing. I look forward to participating even more at the Community Center, Jagruti in Karjat, when it opens." And summing up all that this NGO has done so far and has to offer, will be an audio visual event, tonight at the Crystal Room, Taj Colaba, 7.30 pm. September 9, 2009 : Bombay Times Pg 3 : "The elite do it for charity" TNN 10 September 2009, 12:00am IST The children sang straight from the heart and the words wafted in the air and touched the soul of the swish set who had gathered at this SoBo five-star hotel on Monday night. Yes, Mumbai's bold and the beautiful are always there to support a cause and this time it was the Light of Life Trust (LOLT) vision to transform the lives of the underprivileged. Enriching and empowering people's lives through integrated, holistic, sustainable social models was what it was all about with the proposed project encompassing: Anando (education), jagruti (model community centres) and Angan (health). The cheer went out to the cheerful children and also to the happy hosts: Villy Doctor, Gayatri Ruia, Sujal Shroff, Jitendra Mehta and Manoj Murarka. It was a classy and understated affair, orchestrated by Chhaya Momaya and compered by Simone Singh. Besides heart-felt speeches by Villy Doctor and Gayatri Ruia, the night included a presentation by noted architect Karan Grover on the new building project in Karjat. And who was there at this do for a cause? Aarti and Kailash Surendranath, Nawaz Singhania, Bijal Meswani, Sangita Jindal, Anita Dongre, Sangita Sinh Kathiwada, Rupa and Haresh Fabiania, Lata Patel, Padmini Mirchandani, Harsh Goenka, Gauri Pohoomul, Naaz and Remu Javeri who was looking at his watch since he had a late-night flight to catch to the Maldives where, he said, he was going scuba-diving. September 13 2009: Times of India Page 4: 'One girl's mum sells flowers, she's an air-hostess' – An interview with Light of Life Trust Founder TrusteeVilly Doctor. Anando Children Founder Villy Doctor Printed from : Mahafreed Irani, TNN 13 September 2009, 03:05am IST Fifty-eight-year-old psychologist Villy Doctor's expensive Carter Road apartment is embedded in an all-too filmy neighbourhood. Abhishek and Aishwarya Bachchan live next door, Rajesh Khanna is a few blocks away and Salman Khan has threatened to move in opposite her building. But Doctor's heart beats not for the glamour of Bollywood but for the folks in rural Maharashtra, large swathes of which are dry-eyed with drought. The soft-spoken former Head of Department of Psychology at Sophia College says it was divine intervention that made her start The Light of Light Trust (LOLT), an NGO that aims at empowering rural children. Today, Doctor works with a team of social workers, teachers and volunteers out of zilla parishad schools and 29 centres in Karjat, Nerul, Khopoli, Khandas, Mandgaon and Alibaug. Looking forward to the January inauguration of a new centre for orphans, destitute women and senior citizens in Karjat, Doctor wants LOLT to spread to Rajasthan and Orissa too. For her India will only shine when village children go to a proper school. Excerpts from an interview. Q. Why did you choose Karjat for your new centre? A. For starters, it's close to Mumbai, 40 km or so away, and it suits our rural-centric focus. The idea of the new centre, Jagruti, is to build small family units. For example, one destitute woman can take care of eight orphans and abandoned senior citizens can become surrogate grandparents to the orphans. Built by architect Karan Grover (his Godrej building in Hyderabad won a prestigious LEED green award), it is a green project, which will use minimum electricity. The brickwork gels with the village environment and won't intimidate the inhabitants. It will also have a stress management centre, a soul spa of sorts, where managers from the corporate world can come and talk to the children and destress in the process. Q. Do parents readily send their children to study at your schools? Do the kids like to come? A. It's simply beautiful to see how parents react after they realise the benefits of education. In Mohili village, some parents were so happy that they actually offered their land to build centres. They also collected sums of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000 and so on. Children are often tempted to stay away from school because of peer pressure. To counter that, we hold corner meetings and ask our students to invite their (truant) friends. At these meetings, our students tell their friends about the fun they have at school. Karjat's DM Vidyalaya even runs a bicycle bank for students to help make the commute easy. Q. In five years what have you achieved? What are some of the success stories? A. Most of the students are first-generation learners, and their stories have inspired me to carry on. A girl from our Khandas centre scored 80 per cent in her SSC exam. As a child she studied without electricity and so wanted to study electrical engineering and take electricity back to her village, which is close to Karjat. She was awarded a scholarship and now motivates other girls to study. Another student, whose mother is a flower seller in Alibaug is now an air-hostess who went to Frankfinn. Many other students are not doing the jobs their parents did, like selling vegetables. The daughter of a domestic servant is now a security guard. Her mother earns Rs 300 and the girl, who talks with a lot of conviction and confidence, earns Rs 4,000. A few students from the Cathedral school who visited the Karjat, Mohili and Nerul centres for a social studies project decided to come back and volunteer with us. Most people who come to the centres go back home happy because they can see so much activity. Q. What is your teaching model? A. I can't reveal it but it can be easily replicated. Our emphasis is on education, empowerment and employability. We inculcate reading habits and also hold vocational training programs like stitching, candle-making, farming, housekeeping, vermiculture and catering. Music and art are taught by professional teachers. Q. You have recently expanded into drought-hit Vidarbha and Marathwada. What is it like? A. People live in tough conditions there. Parental resistance is higher and child marriage and child labour persist. We plan to start in Nandurbar (a poor tribal district), which is supposed to be the toughest because malnutrition deaths are high and there is no means of livelihood. Most NGOs have failed there because it is a primitive land where the people are very aggressive and education is not respected.

Our Events 2011: Diwali Carnival at High Street Phoenix supported by The Light of Life Trus The Light of Life Trust is pleased to support the 'Diwali Carnival' organized by the High Street Phoenix Group at their premises at Lower Parel. Two stalls set up by the Light of Life Trust will be offering for sale, a range of Hi-end Diwali decorations – Lamps, Torans, Wall hangings and more. The Light of Life Trust will also be conducting creative and interesting workshops on Singing, Dancing (courtesy - Abhishek Zaveri Dance Studio) and Painting (courtesy - Mr. Abdul Gani – Alumni of JJ School of Arts). There will also be workshops on Pottery, Tattoo, Paper Quilling and other surprises. Come, be a part of this wonderful celebration and support a cause.   Scholarship Top-Ranking students of the 'Light of Life Trust' get scholarships from the Somaiya Trust! About Help A Child Study Project: 'Help – A – Child' to Study Project was conceived in 2001, initially as a rural focused scholarship programme operating in Bagalkot and Belgaum districts of Karnataka. Through this project, the 'Somaiya Vidyavihar Trust' will promote the importance of education and encourage students to follow their dream.The project has now sponsored more than 1350 students, with 584 currently supported in 2011. The aim of the project is to ensure that bright students can complete their higher education and escape the cycle of poverty through the use of their own talents. The 'Help a Child Study Project' has come forward to provide scholarships to deserving underprivileged students from Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Mumbai. This year on the basis of a thorough study, the project has selected creditable NGO's and identified dedicated students who require financial support to complete their education. Sixteen top-ranking students of the Light of Life Trust have been given scholarships by the 'help-A-Child' Project. "We are happy to see that there are organizations in the society taking up such initiatives and supporting deprived children. These children are not only neglected but lack any motivation from their parents too. Due to poor financial capabilities, academically talented children lose hope and are forced to drop out. Such scholarships help to boost their confidence. It is elating to see our students receive scholarship from this program. It makes us proud to see the children we have nurtured, growing up to become independent and earn credential scholarships." Says Ms. Villy Doctor, Founder Trustee of the Light of Life Trust. She further adds, "It is high time that the state and the country as a whole should realise the importance of education and provide facilitated programs for such underprivileged children. Until and unless this class of the society is uplifted with the tools of education, we will always continue to struggle on our way to become a developed nation."   WORLD SMILE DAY The 'Light of Life Trust' – an NGO dedicated to the upliftment of underprivileged children and destitute women celebrated the 'World Smile Day' as a part of the 'Joy of Giving' week. The Light of Life Trust is the only NGO focused on secondary education in rural Maharashtra and has its operations centered around District Raigad. Eighteen students from the Worli center of the 'Light of Life Trust' braved the October heat outside Churchgate station and invited as many commuters to celebrate 'World Smile Day' by offering a rose and a 'Smiley' sticker to them. The idea was to create an awareness of World Smile Day and lend an extra smile to as many people as possible. People rushing to work appeared truly touched by the gesture of these children attempting to spread miles of smiles to everyone they encountered. Many gave an ear to what a child had to tell them about the 'World Smile Day'. It was a delight to see people actually break into a smile when approached by the children who were explaining to one and all the reason behind the gifting of the rose and a smiley. Men and women, young and old, college students, tourists and even the local pan-vendor on the premises appreciated the warm gesture of these children and yes, everyone walked away with an extra smile that day.   The Education Material Distribution Activity: This takes place every year tentatively during the 3rd week of June across all the 33 centers of the Light of Life Trust. The 'EMD' activity which comes under the purview of Project Anando entails a series of programmes which are organized prior to the onset of the new academic year. Text books, Stationery, Note books and School bags all of which are sponsored, are distributed to the students who eagerly await this occasion and welcome the support whole-heartedly. The SSC results were declared in the month of July 2011: The top-ranking students across all districts are: Parag Thakur : 90.36 % ~ Choundhi Centre, Alibaug Taluka Ajinkya Mhatre : 89.27 % ~ ChoundhiCentre, Alibaug Taluka Priya Shinde : 86.73 % ~ Nizampur Centre , Mangaon Taluka Nandini Rasal : 86.18 ~ Nizampur Centre, Mangaon Taluka Shaha Babu : 85.82% ~ Mathpimpalgaon Centre, Jalna District Akshay Kamble : 82.20% ~ Manora Centre, Washim District Durga Bhamre : 78.55% ~ Shahada Centre, Nandurbar District Anando Plus: The month of July 2011 saw some heart-warming support from various sources. Five girl students who completed their Std XII (Science) successfully have joined a two year Diploma Course at the 'Pune Blind Men's Association – H.V. Desai eye Hospital. Some financial concessions have been granted for the course fees as well as for the hostel accommodation from the college itself. Some financial support has come as a scholarship from the NGO 'Disha' which grants scholarships to underprivileged children. Lawrence & Mayo has extended support wherein they have made the concerned children sign a bond on the understanding that after their graduation they would work for Lawrence & Mayo for a period of 3 years at a salary of Rs 17000/- per month. Concerned parents have contributed a small amount in their respective capacities towards the entire process. JULY 2011 'Help A Child' supported through the 'Somaiya Trust' has agreed to grant Scholarships for top-ranking students for their further Studies. A much welcomed support. Aptitude Tests: A first-time activity - These aptitude tests were organized for the students of Std X (Anando beneficiaries) at all centres except Nandurbar. A total of 270 students were tested and have been guided in their pursuance of an appropriate and suitable academic stream befitting their interests and skills. The tests were conducted across 4 districts in the early part of June 2011. Visitors to the Anando Project: Maya Rajani from the 'Children's Hope India' visited the Kadav Centre to interact with the children. The foundation supports on 6th February 2011. Welspun Foundation – On the 14th June 2011, members of the Welspun Foundation visited the Alibaug centre. They had planned and organized a one- day workshop for the girl-students at Alibaug. The workshop was focussed on adolescent girls and related issues. Morgan Stanley Team: A group of 50 (as a part of their annual charity week for the second consecutive year) visited 5 centres in Karjat on 18th June 2011. They participated in an interactive session with the Anando beneficiaries and took home a indelible experience. Edelweiss Team - 15 personnel visited the Kondivade centre on the 25th of July 2011 and had a very interesting and interactive session (fun-day) with the children during the 'Rainy Picnic'. Summer vacation Camps: A 15-day summer vacation camp was organized across the centres. The activities included: English Language communications, Art & craft, Mehendi, Warli painting, Gass painting, Batik painting, Pottery, Theatre workshops. IMangaon Centre: This centre saw Parents attend a workshop on the art of 'doormat-making' which was a huge success. Morgan Stanley personnel interacting with the 'Anando' children Summer Vacation – Craft workshop at Mangaon centre. Pottery workshop at Karjat Pottery workshop at Karjat Theatre workshop at Alibaug EMD at Khopoli. EMD at Washim EMD – at JALNA EMD at Karjat. Guru Poornima celebrations – Karjat Guru Poornima - Mangaon Aptitude Tests Anando beneficiaries from the Worli Centre and Karjat Centre - visited the USIS Library on the 23rd of April as a part of the Summer Kids Festival 2011 along with the SFSEP (Student Friendly Supplementary Program) teachers. A new Centre (33rd) was initiated with the support from Mr Shivaji Dam in Nandgaon on the 11th of June, 2011. Functions celebrating Gurupoornima were held in Karjat on the 17th July 2011 & at Mangaon on the 31st July 2011. An 'external evaluation' visit by the Edelgive Foundation personnel was made during the 16 - 18th of August '11 in Jalna and during the 2- 4th August 2011, Nandurbar District. The parents of students at the Mohili Centre celebrated 5 years (17th April 2011) of existence of Project Anando on the 17th of April this year. The function was planned and organized by the villagers and parents and was a very happy occasion for all. TISS CSR HUB – A team of about 15 personnel from NPHC visited Karjat on the 4th of May 2011 and interacted with both, the trainees at the 'Rural BPO' as well as the Anando beneficiaries of Tiware Centre. All other scheduled activities as per the Anando Annual Calendar are being undertaken as per plan. PROJECT JAGRUTI Jeevan Asha - Community Centre, Karjat Computer Training Programme - The first basic computer training, Programme was initiated in the month of 22nd January 2011. Nine Students have completed the first course. Rivera Stiftung: A group visit from this organisation which supports the entire 'computer training programme' visited the centre on the 28th of January 2011 along with members of the 'Chance of Life' organisation. The signing of the MOU was undertaken at the centre itself between the Founder and Managing Trustee - Mrs Villy Doctor and Mr & Mrs Klix from 'Rivera Stiftung' and Ms Rita Steinau from the 'Chance of Life' Rural BPO training programme – This was initiated on the with 46 participants. Twenty-three (23) of these participants were Anando beneficiaries Rural BPO: - This became operational at 'Jeevan Asha' since 16th August 2011, Forty-six (46) students have been trained and a total of 28 have been 22nd of March,2011 successfully employed at 'Allbestjobs.com'. Eight (8) have been employed at 'Tata Power- Khapoli' Sewing & Tailoring programme - in collaboration with WIT the programme was initiated in July 2011 with 44 women from the local community At the Worli Centre Sewing & Tailoring Programme - in collaboration with WIT 15 women are undertaking training at the Worli Centre Beautician Course - 15 women are undertaking training in this field. The Course was initiated on 18th July 2011. LoLT is a registered NGO for the 'Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon' Raksha Bandhan – Motilal Oswal – requested the Light of Life Trust to set up a stall at their office premises in Malad & Nariman Point to create awareness about the organization. This activity was organised on the 5th, 8th and the 9th of August 2011.   Our Events 2010:  "SPANDAN" – an appeal from the heart An initiative of Light of Life Trust Joy of Giving Week, 2010 The programmes will be organized In Karjat: Sunday 26th September 2010, 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm In Alibaug: Saturday 2nd October 2010, 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm For tickets & sponsorships please contact us on 26557792 & 9821399002. More Details >>   Our Events 2009:  The year 2009 has been the year of communication and reaching out for the Light of Life Trust. August 21, 2009: Light of Life Trust launches its contest "Learn to Earn" in association with the Adclub Bombay and AAAI at the EMVIES 2009, Taj Lands, Mumbai. Launch Picture Mr. Sujal Shroff (LOLT Trustee), Villy Doctor (Founder LOLT), Bhaskardas (Executive President Times Of India Group),Apurva Pandit(Ex VP The Ad Club Bombay),Mr.Bipin Pandit(GM –The Ad Club Bombay) The Light of Life Trust in association with Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club Bombay announcing their contest "Learn to Earn" – a contest to empower rural India. This contest is for: Advertising Agencies / Creative Professionals: Multimedia campaign Media Planners: Media Plan Institutions / Students: Media Campaign The campaign is to be created for ANANDO - an initiative of Light of Life Trust. The contest open's on August 21, 2009, and Closes on October 26, 2009 for receipt of entries. Eminent Jury - Mr. Alok Nanda Mr. Prasoon Joshi Mr. Ravi Deshpande Mr. Vikram Sakhuja The winner's campaign will be released in the media. The winners will be felicitated. For further details please mail to: learntoearn@lolt.in or bandra@lolt.in Tel No: 022- 40929013 or Ms. Valeena - 9819626640 September 7, 2009: Light of Life enters 5th year and showcases its project "Jagruti" special presentation.: The Light of Life Trust in association with Tajmahal Hotel Mumbai had organized a celebration as it ushered in the 5th year. A momentous occasion for all LOLT beneficiaries and patrons. Event Pictures: Sept 7 - Set up Prior to the Event Jagruti Model - Light of Life Trust at Karjat LOLT Partners Founder LOLT Villy Doctor with LOLT Children Founder Villy Doctor with LOLT Social workers & children Founder LOLT Villy Doctor & Dr. Nilima Mehta Project Jagruti Presentation By The Architect - Karan Grover Architect Karan Grover's Presentation, Guests Seated LOLT Guests LOLT Children at the Event singing "Jahan Dal dal pe" LOLT family, Children Singing "Jahan Dal dal pe" When the kids sang September 27 – October 3, 2009: LOLT participates in the Joy of Giving Week Light of Life Trust at High Street Phoenix this Joy of Giving Week For the spirit of giving I paint... This Diwali usher in the light in the life of the rural children and rediscover the spirit of living. India has the largest number of out of school children in the world, clocking a size of 4.5 corers, in order to assist in the noble cause of rural education and empowerment during this joy of giving week the Light of Life trust has set up a kiosk at the Courtyard, High Street Phoenix. Come contribute your mite towards this cause during this joy of giving week by buying: * Hand painted DIYAS, * Auspicious modak CANDLES and many more * Bid for an antique textile printing machinery * Support by dropping your donations at the retailers desk. Your contribution will help empower, educate, and enlighten the life of many rural children. Children with parents painting diyas Villy Doctor, Founder LOLT at the Kiosk For the spirit of giving I paint...   News and Events 2008:  JANUARY - ANNUAL SPORTS DAY - 2007 The year 2007, ushered in by an enjoyable and fun-filled event – "The Annual Sports Day" On January 7th, the Anando children, their families and friends turned out in numbers to support the participants. 159 children from four Anando zones assembled enthusiastically on the grounds at Tiware village, Karjat. Grit and determination to overcome all odds was the motto of the day. The event was commenced with a song 'Hum hoge kamiyab – we will be victorious” which, was particularly relevant for the disabled children participating in the event. The Sporting events were a blend of traditional and modern, with the inclusion of “cricket” and “kabbadi” and were designed keeping in mind various factors. The most important aspect was to give the disabled and infirm children a platform for performance. These children, who are rarely able to participate in robust action due to their infirmities, were enthused by the chance to perform and win. Girls, normally allowed to participate only in Kho-kho or track events, were able to enjoy the universal game of cricket as well. Games like cricket were especially included to imbue the children with a sense of bonding and team spirit. The inspiration and guiding light of Sports Day was Mrs Villy Doctor, founder of the Light of Life Trust. She was supported in her work by eight social workers of the trust, ten volunteers and several personal guests who went from Mumbai. The day concluded jubilantly with prize distribution, refreshments and happy faces and bold sloganeering support for the Light of Life Trust. The Mumbai Marathon - 2007 Asia's most spectacular race. The Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon Race was run on January 21st 2007. More than 28000 professionals, amateurs, and athletes ran for the event. The Give India Dream Team had its best year ever yet with 59 individuals who collectively grossed in excess of Rs.2.5 crores. Sujal Shroff, Natesh Nathan and the youngest member on the Dream team Aaran Patel ran for the Light of Life Trust. Collectively, over 5 lacs were donated to the Trust. The Dream Team started their run at 9:30am at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Terminus Junction. After a brisk 6 km run, Aaran, the youngest in the Dream team was one of the first few to reach the finish line. Health Check-up Camp 2007 Health Check-up Camp 2007 was inaugurated on January 28th 2007 in the presence of Villy Doctor, the founder of the 'The Light of Life Trust' The camp was organized at different zones 1.   Karjat (10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. at School No. 1.) 2.   Kondiwade (2.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. at Z.P. Primary school) 3.   Mohili (4.00 p.m. to 6 p.m.) More than 250 underprivileged children from various villages benefited through the medical camp. Objectives of the camp were:- 1.   To assess the health of the child 2.   Suggest prescriptions on the basis of diagnosis 3.   To identify disease among beneficiaries 4.   To make the participants aware of the importance of hygiene and good health. 5.   To assess the need of a medical centre Doctors who gave their voluntary service for the one-day medical camp:   Dr. Roda, (M.B.B.S.)   Dr. Mahadevkar, (M.B.B.S.)   Dr. Bhadwar, (Oncologist)   Miss. Payal Rohra, (Optometrist) Other Assisting Volunteers from Mumbai:   Mr. Vali Merchant   Mr. & Mrs. Mahatab Palkhiwalla   Mrs. Priya Rohra   Mrs. Jaya Ahuja   Mrs. Sujata Wagle   Mr. Amitab Sinha   And LOLT social workers Findings: 1. 90% of the children were diagnosed with medical problems. 2. Problems like de-worming, infection of the stomach, throat, eyes and ears and mal-nutrition were common. 3. Contagious diseases like scabies, chicken pox and tuberculosis were identified amongst children 4. Children with bad and deteriorating eye sight were identified. 5. Need for a medical centre was recognized for the local underprivileged population of Karjat. Remedial Action: 1. Tonics to boost immunity are being adminsitered. 2. For common health problems, medical prescriptions were given. 3. Contagious diseases were given immediate attention by way of isolating them from other children and prescribing the required medication. 4. Children with eye-sight problems were guided to local eye doctors Snippets: 2007 January:- Students living in remote rural areas and having minimal interaction with the student fraternity are subjected to a traumatic situation when finally at the end of school they have to appear for a general All India Board examination, like the SSC: Senior School Certificate. To ease the situation for students of the 10th standard in such areas, the Light of Life Trust invited a counselor, Mr. Devanand Birari to speak to the students. Simple techniques were taught for remembering and reproducing what has been already learnt during the exam. This gave the students enormous confidence and boost. March: M/s Lawrence and Mayo, opticians, sponsored an eye-checkup programme over a period of two days. A van was fitted out as a clinic. It toured six villages in and around Karjat and Neral. On the 10th and 11th of March, doctors examined 408 children. 79 children were provided with glasses by Lawrence and Mayo. 16 cases were complicated and a hospital in Mumbai was organised where they would receive further treatment. April: Summer vacations. 100 Anando kids were invited to a birthday party in town. They dressed to kill and excitedly came to Mumbai on 15th. Shy at first they soon flowed into the spirit of the occasion and had fun mingling with others. Getting to know and experience other people in a party atmosphere was an entirely new and absorbing experience for them. Sports - 2006 Sports day was held on the 29th of January at Tiware village in Karjat. The event was flagged off by the founder after which the children along with their social workers marched in procession through the village holding banners aloft after which several sporting events took place and children joyously participated. Objective of the event: To provide a sporting platform for the children to bring forth their athletic abilities. Awaken sportsmanship Develop team spirit and co-operation among them. The Effective Parenting - 2006 On 7th and 8th June, 2006 monthly parent meetings as well as distribution of educational material took place at all the centers of Anando. Palak Mela: A parents camp was inaugurated by founder Villy Doctor, in September with the aim of throwing open a window to the world for these people and showing them how they could actively participate to give their children a better and brighter future. A workshop of this nature took place for the first time in Karjat. Snippets: 2006 May Summer Vacation Activities: A painting workshop was held from 11th to 17th May to guide and enthuse those children who displayed a latent for art. The workshop was conducted by professional painters. Workshops for Adolescents: A workshop for adolescent girls was held on the 9th of May 2006 and another for boys on the 18th of June 2006. These workshops were organised with a view to helping adolescent children understand the physical, psychological and mental changes that effect them during this stage of life, but due to social and cultural pressures of their conditions they are unable to discuss this change or seek guidance about it. Bharari: A special educational workshop was held for Std.X students in October. Bal Din - 2006 The birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru, on the 14th of November, was celebrated two days ahead on Sunday the 12th of November by the children of Anando in Karjat, through a programme completely orchestrated by them. Eager to perform, they sang, beautifully in choir and solo, mimicked and shared jokes with a hall full of schoolmates, The Light of Life founder, Villy Doctor, 13 social workers of the trust, volunteers of the trust, local school teachers and parents were present for the programme. The final address by Villy Doctor, bade the children bloom like roses, the favourite flower of Chacha Nehru and spread their fragrance far and wide through good works. The event was concluded, to the great delight of the children with a set of T-shirt and jeans for all. Art for Life - An Art Fair, Alibag, November 19 - 2006 Conceived by architect Pinakin Patel and arts manager and writer Anupa Mehta, the event was supported by eminent art collector Harsh Goenka and Pinakin Patel. This art fair was a community effort to aid the Light of Life Trust. As part of this effort, Mumbai's most eminent galleries exhibited works by important artists. 25% of the proceeds from the sale of art works were donated to The Light of Life Trust. The Cause To Help raise funds for underprivileged /orphan children of the Alibag and Karjat areas. To launch the Alibag Center. To create awareness among citizens to come forward and support the neglected children who are the major resources of our country in rural areas.