PRANAY

ESPOUSE.ENLIGHTEN.EMPOWER NEWSLETTER EDITION # 4

Created by: Team Pranay

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From the Editor’s Desk With the inception of Pranay it has always been our Endeavour to address the issues faced by the less fortunate and the downtrodden. With changing times and sensibilities we are far from making this world a better place for those who do not have the opportunity to do it by themselves. With this issue of the newsletter we bring to the forefront some of the many issues the less fortunate face in our environment, on a daily basis. “At the end of life we will not be judged by the number of diplomas received, or the amount of money in our bank balance but we will be remembered for our noble deeds. ‘I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was naked and you clothed me, I was homeless and you took me in.’ Hungry not only for bread — but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing — but naked for human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a room of bricks — but homeless because of rejection.” ~ Mother Teresa aptly defines what is happening around us today and this is exactly what Pranay strives to accomplish. This milestone is far from reality and yet has to be achieved. With a new set of enthusiastic members on board; we look forward to an eventful year ahead under the guidance of our senior members and the perennial support rendered by our Faculty in-charge, Prof Dr Pradnya Chitrao. Hope you enjoy reading this edition of the fourth Pranay Newsletter, as much as we did in preparing it!

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“PRANAY is not just about sacrifice and selfless work but also about loving yourself and your work so much that it touches the lives of the people around you.”

The core values of Pranay are:

Espouse - to adopt or render support to a cause

Enlighten - to shed the light of truth and knowledge upon

Empower - to enable or permit

Pranay is a social initiative managed by SIMS students. It is a combined effort by

the entire SIMS family to contribute to society in some manner. It is a one-of-a-

kind, social initiative launched by a B-school. Pranay helps the less fortunate, in

realizing their true potential, value and deliver their best. This is achieved by

working in tandem with NGOs and by comprehending the significance of CSR

activities.

Pranay is associated with the following NGOs:

Akanksha

Pankhudi

Maher

Muktangan

Mobile Creches

Adhar Sparsh

Green Hills Group,

And many more.

Pranay is also associated with the corporate; including companies, such as; Infosys,

John Deere and Cognizant. CSR activities are undertaken every weekend with the

aforementioned companies.

Pranay is on its way to being a registered NGO. Though this process could take

anywhere between six months and two years, Pranay shall continue doing what we

do best: creating opportunities and delivering performance.

Pranay has recently registered itself on the internet. Pranay has launched its very

own website.

Everyone can visit us on: www.pra-nay.org

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Senior Pranay Team

Junior Pranay Team

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CANCER WALKATHON

Cancer Awareness Walkathon was a big success!!!

-Dr. (Capt.) Ritu Biyani organized the 3rd Annual “Highways Infinite Walk beyond

Cancer” on 3rd Feb 2013 to honor World Cancer Day. Pranay team along with the

volunteers from SIMS, Pune also participated in this event. Volunteers from

other colleges and schools were also there for the walk. The event started at

7:00am with the registration & kit collection process at the COEP ground. After

the registration process, Ritu Mam addressed the volunteers. Opening ceremony

included the street play by AFMC, Pune volunteers.

Once the opening ceremony finished, a Shraddhanjali was given in remembrance

of those who lost their life due to cancer by releasing multi-colored balloons in

the sky. It was extremely heartbreaking to witness that so many lives have been

lost due to cancer. Finally, the Cancer walkathon commenced at around 8:00 am.

Approximately 5 kms were covered for the walk, starting from the ground of

College of Engineering, Pune, covering JM road and FC road on the way. Pranay

teams along with volunteers were carrying handmade posters during the walk. At

the end of the event, refreshments were offered to all the participants at the

COEP ground. To sum it up, it was an incredible experience.

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THE MAHER TRIP

Pranay team organized a visit to Maher Main Centre, NGO in Koregaon Bhima on

17th Feb 2013 to spend quality time with the kids at Maher.

After reaching Maher at 3 pm, the kids were very excited to see us all. Each

volunteer was at least surrounded by 5-6 kids at a time. Then they took us inside

the hall where all the kids were assembled by their caretakers and they sang a

welcome song for us. All of us received warm welcome with the tilak.

We took the kids outside for playing games and divided the kids into groups of 10

each. Then, the volunteers sat down with their groups and personally got to know

all the kids. Once the kids were comfortable with us, we started a painting

competition. We chose the best 3 entries from each group. At the end of this

painting competition chocolates were distributed to all the kids. It was followed

by cake cutting. Once the kids finished their snacks, we started with the prize

distribution for the painting competition. In the end we also distributed balloons

to all the small kids present.

At 6 pm we all decided to say bye to the kids, they came to say bye to us till the

bus. We promised them that we will visit them again very soon.

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MAHER VISIT DURING ORIENTATION OF BATCH

2013-15

Pranay is associated with various NGOs like Akansha, Pankhudi, Maher, Muktangan. As part of this year’s CSR activity, we went to Maher, on 23rd June

2013. One day prior to the visit to NGO's, student managers actively participated

in creating paper bags, zig-saw puzzles, etc. which were distributed among

children.

We left for Maher at around 8:30 A.M. on Sunday (23rd June 2013) and reached

there at around 9:30 am. We received a warm welcome by the management and

children. They did a short welcome song. Mr. Suryakant, the manager, briefed us

about the Maher and its operational activities.

There was an open space next to the Maher NGO where we played cricket and

football. Children were very active, disciplined, participative and knowledgeable.

It was nice to see their creativity and propensity towards learning. In between we

distributed chips and chocolates to them.

We should learn a lesson from them and how in spite of many difficulties they

still know how to turn weaknesses into their strengths. With warm wishes we left

from there and came back to SIMS at around 2:00 pm.

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AMRUTVARSHA MAHOTSAV

Kadhi-chawal, Rajma-chawal, Rasam-chawal, Machi-bhat, Chole-chawal or the all-

time favourite Dal- chawal, some names that have gotten our taste buds tingling

already? India has a towering list of rice types all the way from the state of

Punjab to Kerala. Many of us have passed by the rice cultivation farms with a pool

of water and grass-like structures emerging from it, but how many of us have

been a part of that plantation? Among those who can raise a hand to affirm to

this question are a group of students from Symbiosis Institute of Management

Studies (SIMS) who volunteered to be a part of the humble initiative called

“Amrutvarsha Mahotsav”. The central theme of this mission is to bring people

from the cities back to the rural ground and connect them to the simple life of a

farmer, as a farmer! This noble idea was pursued by Mr. S. G. (Nandu) Phadke who

felt a driving need for connecting the rural and urban India by bringing them to

help each other.

With the first blush of July 19, 2013 SIMSites were up and ready to head out

for their day at the fields. Gathering together with students from other

institutes of Symbiosis International University, we all headed out towards the

villages.

We arrived at our location and our designated farm was in midst of scores of

other farms in that area. We had to walk over an immensely slippery, muddy and

narrow path with scary climbs and turns. At that instant the spirit of team work

enveloped us, as we helped each other cross the path.

Having successfully reached our farm, we were told to step inside what looked

like a pool of muddy water, with random knots of grass-like rice plants spread

over the entire area. A couple of farmers present there, taught us the right way

to open the bunch of grass knots and plant it – from the bunch, we are required to

separate 4-5 sticks and firmly place them well inside the mud and make sure it

doesn’t come right back up due to the water.

To guide us with the correct location of the plant, two farmers held a rope tied to

two sticks on either side of the field, to this rope were tied multiple colored

cloth, and we had to plant exactly in front of that cloth. This was supposed to

happen line by line and as soon as we finished a line, the sticks would be moved

backwards, taking the rope with it and we had our next set of locations. So just

like that we had become a part of “Bhat Lavni” meaning rice cultivation.

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The farmers were very professional at their work, scolding us if we faltered and

appreciating those who learnt it quickly. After having successfully finished the

plantation we stepped out to walk back and at that moment a rewarding feeling

swept by, as what stood in front of us was “OUR” farm!

Villagers offered our drenched gang some piping hot tea which seemed heavenly

against the chill. Finally back to the bus and changed into dry and warmer clothes,

we settled down to enjoy some nice sabudana khichdi over talks happening

between the various groups, enthusiastically sharing their experiences.

The tag line of this initiative “Eak divas sheti sathi, Shetkaraynchya madati

sathi”, meaning a day dedicated to the farms by helping out our fellow farmers,

makes a lot of sense as it is a phenomenal experience to connect with our rural

friends, learning their ways and molding ourselves to become a part of them. So

the next time someone talks about rice cultivation and farming, I can proudly

retort “Been there, done that!” and I also believe that each one of us should

stump for any such thankworthy events that let us rotate the kaleidoscope of life

to evoke a new actuality.

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MISSION LIQUID LOVE- BLOOD DONATION DRIVE

The mission undertaken by SIMS student managers on 27th July 2013 was for a

noble task: blood donation camp, “Mission liquid love”. The presentation,

conducted by doctors of SCHC was informative and motivating. The presentation

was supplemented by real life scenarios of blood loss shortages with the help of a

skit and a short film.

On 1st July 2013 - the 78th Birthday of our Founder, Padmabhushan Dr. SB

Mujumdar – the blood donation drive was organized at SIMS at the AV Hall of

SCHC. The event was conducted by Pranay, in collaboration with SIHS and SCHC.

A staggering 179 units were collected.

Of the collected blood, 152 units were donated to Poona Hospital- Rakesh Jain

Memorial Blood Bank and 27 units to Gholap Blood Bank. SIMSites continued to

make a difference with their enthusiasm. Also actively participating in this noble

cause of blood donation were student managers of the executive PGDM batch,

SIMS faculty, doctors of SCHC and SIHS, supervisory staff, working staff of

the SIMS mess and even the security staff of SIMS.

A team of doctors and nursing assistants ensured that the donors were fit, with a

healthy hemoglobin count and blood pressure level. Also, the donors immediately

got food to re-energize their energy loss. At the end of donation, a certificate of

appreciation was provided to all the donors, acknowledging their efforts.

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ON INDEPENDENCE DAY AT SIMS

Pranay team celebrated Independence Day with around 100 children from Janwadi and Mobile Crèches in SIMS, Pune.

The event started with the cutting of cake by Director Sir and Prof Chitrao Mam.

After eating the snacks and cake, the kids were shown few short cartoon movies

like ‘Tom and Jerry’ and ‘Mr. Bean’, in the auditorium, followed by a painting

competition for them. The kids showed their amazing drawing skills and few of the

drawings were really amazing. After lunch, the kids were again taken to auditorium

where they showed their talent in dance, singing, poem recitation etc. At the end

of the activity, all the kids came on stage and danced on latest Bollywood songs

very enthusiastically. In the end, gifts were given to kids for their participation.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our Director for always supporting

Pranay. We would also like to thank Patil Sir and Mohini Ma’am for helping us with

this event. We thank our Faculty in charge Dr Pradnya Chitrao for being a constant

source of inspiration. We would also like to extend our heartfelt and sincere

thanks to Dr Shubhada Sabade Ma’am for contributing in a big way, she donated

200 (100 English and 100 Marathi) books and 100 chocolates to the kids who came

for Independence Day celebrations.

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ZERO WASTE CAMPAIGN

In several groups of 3-4, we left the SIMS campus at 3.30 pm. At around 4 pm

we all gathered at Deccan Gymkhana along with thousands of other participants

from different colleges of Pune. The rally was organized by Organization of

Social Service & Trust. We were given banners and posters by the organizers to

express the theme of rally. Before the rally started we had lots of fun at the

roadside. While we were waiting for the rally to be flagged, many of us saw our

country’s ex-president Mr. A P J Kalam passing the venue in a car guarded by

commandos from front and rear. It pumped the crowd with great enthusiasm, but

he was there for some other event.

After a long wait the rally was flagged off by the city Mayor. At 5.30 pm we

began the march and started moving towards Balgandharva chowk, through F C

Road. Though it was a common rally but people were very much divided internally

in the several small groups. Everyone was shouting slogans relating to environment

to raise awareness. While doing the march, the volunteer’s from the host

organizations were distributing eco-friendly carry bags to the passing by people.

On reaching the final destination, our college was given a memento for its lively

participation in the event.

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CLOTHES DONATION TO ASHRAYA INITIATIVE FOR

CHILDREN NGO

Pranay team along with few student volunteers from SIMS, Pune went to donate

clothes to Ashraya Initiative for Children NGO on 21st Sept 2013. We donated

clothes for children in the age group of 6 to 13 years. They were really glad to

receive clothes from us which they can use for their children in the NGO.

We also met the organizers over there Mary Kay and we spoke to her about the

volunteer work by students also. They are very keen in having volunteers from our

college who can go to their NGO and teach students on the weekends. But they

just want the student volunteers to be consistent with their volunteer work. We

would start with the volunteer work by November 2013.

Pranay team would like to thank Director Sir for giving us permission to tie up

with Ashraya Initiative for Children NGO. We would also like to thank Prof. Dr.

Pradnya Chitrao mam for her continuous support.

Photograph of pranay team member with members of ashraya

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VISIT TO THE PARAPLEGIC CENTRE

"PRANAY ~ in its most organic form means LOVE!”

And love is what we could see, feel and sense when we, the Pranay Team of SIMS

visited the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre on 27th of September 2013 at Kirkee

at Pune's Range Hills. The aim of this place is "To ensure best after care and

rehabilitation of personnel's of Defense Forces of India who are medically

boarded out i.e. retired form service due to Spinal Cord Injury while serving the

Nation."

We saw all the retired Defense Force personnel there, our heart was full of

pride. Love not only means loving and sharing and patience, it also means

SACRIFICE!! Who else than these respected Soldiers of Our Country would

epitomize this feeling better?

Ceremony started by cake cutting followed by various activities from vibes, sur

and aks. The soldiers gave equal contribution and enjoyed with us. At last there

was thank you note from our faculty and the director of Paraplegic Home. As the

WORLD HEART DAY DRAWS TO AN END, our heart is full of love and gratitude,

yet again."

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VISIT TO THE QMTI

On the occasion of World Disability day, we the members of Pranay team

celebrated the day in QMTI with the brave and courageous soldiers, wounded

during war or battles. The presence of our honorable Director Brig Rajiv Divekar

Sir and our Faculty In charge respected Dr Pradnya Chitrao made the evening

remarkable.

We started with a cake cutting ceremony by their CEO Col Gupta and Dean Col

Deshmukh followed by an introductory video of Pranay. Our cultural team sur, aks

and vibes gave their marvelous performance which was loved by all. Next in line

were the performances of members of QMTI. The dance, the song, the acts

performed by them not only encouraged us to live life to fullest but also made us

realize that happiness is from within. They are proud to fight for the country and

their joy and celebration proved the feeling in them.

Once all the performances were over, the member of QMTI and all faculty and

students were given refreshments. Pictures were clicked, experiences were shared

and joy was spread around. Finally we came back with lots of respect and

motivation to lead a life with dignity and strength.

On a whole, the event was worth remembering and memories worth cherishing.

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CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Pranay on 25th December held a Christmas celebration for underprivileged

children at SIMS. With Director Sir's support, we called in around 90 children

from Mobile Crèche, around 20 children from the Gol Market slums near Range

Hills Road, and around 40 children of Maintenance staff.

Dr. Shubhada distributed a baked delicacy called Anarkali to all the children She

and her daughter enthusiastically interacted with the children. Pranay core team

members were enthusiastically aided by many juniors’ and seniors. Mihir danced for

the children and exhorted them to come on stage and dance along with him. Sir also

was present for the cake cutting ceremony.

Children were given gifts, note-book and stationery as Christmas present. It was

an amazing celebration for all of us.

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SARASWATI ANATH SHIKSHAN ASHRAM

On 25th January, we the members of Pranay team along with some volunteers

visited Saraswati Anath Shikshan Ashram, Dapodi. The presence of our Deputy

Director B.R. Londhe Sir and Dr Pradnya Chitrao Ma’am made the evening

memorable.

There were about 30 children. We started interacting with the kids first, followed

by the cake cutting ceremony. Then the refreshments was distributed to the kids

and the other members present. After that we turned on the music and kids

started dancing, all excited and enthusiastic. The kids loved the dance with

Londhe Sir’s and Chitrao Ma’am. Pranya, SIMS also donated Rs 2000 in the memory

of Late Prof Ashwini Purandare Mam. The amount was contributed by SIMS faculty

and Staff.

After that there was a drawing competition that took place followed gifts

distribution. We clicked photographs, saving the memories forever.

We would like to thank Director Sir for his unending support, Deputy Director B.R

Londhe Sir and Chitrao Mam for gracing the occasion. Our thanks are also due to

the volunteers who made this event a memorable one.

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“AABHAR”

This page is dedicated to all those who along with Pranay have helped the society in

some or the other way:

Batch (2012-14)

Feeding the Dogs- Vivek Vishwekar and Anupama Sinha- Feed dogs infront of

the college gate every day. They play with them, give them the love and care

they couldn’t get.

Dog Rescue- A car hit a dog infront of the college. Four students from the

senior batch, Anupama Sinha, Vivek Wishwekar , Anshul Goenka, Rohan

Naidu, Aisha Noronha and Aditi Dutta brought it inside the college, gave it

the medication, and took care of it for several days but hard luck couldn’t save

it. And finally took it for cremation.

Anurag Kaushik- He volunteers for all the Pranay Activities and always Provides

logistics support for the events.

Batch (2013-15)

Accident case- At 10:30 pm on Christmas Eve a person met with an accident

infront of the college gate. He was taken to hospital immediately as he was

bleeding a lot. Surjit Roy gave Rs.1500/- for his treatment without expecting

anyone else to contribute.

Feeding dogs at MH- Vinay Tomar buys bread and feed the dogs at MH

Khadki.

Gaurav Sharma- Volunteers for every activity of Pranay and also helps the

Pranay team in organizing the events.

Akshay Chabbra- Regularly visits Shirdi Sai Baba Old-age Home.

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Recent associations of Pranay include: Ashraya initiative for children

Pragati foundation

Range hill school

Be a part of Pranay and spread happiness around you