A student sets aside a rupee as part of the 'I Share' initiative, which has been taken up in 27 schools in Kerala.
Kochi:
Students from 27 schools in Kerala regions have collected Rs 4 lakh, voluntarily donating a single rupee a day over a sustained period, and have dedicated it to homeless people in North India, to help them fight the cold by buying them blankets under NDTV and Uday Foundation's "Blanket Drive".
But the uniqueness of this endeavour stems from the consistency of their donations. The students under their "I share" initiative collect 1rs every day and at the end of each term contribute towards a social cause.
To appreciate the efforts made by the students, Malayalam film giant Mohanlal met representatives from all 27 schools. "Sometimes, we do good things without our own knowledge. But when we consciously do good deeds, and take others along in our act, there is more value to it, he told the excited students, at a felicitation in Kochi.
"Sharing is a great thing. Under your 'I Share programme', I pledge to donate my body and my organs," Mr Mohanlal added, to applause from his young audience.
Since 2009, these students have contributed over 1 crore rupees for social causes ranging from helping dialysis patients, to supporting the education of 150 tribal students, helping out old age homes, helping build bus shelters many more.
Nandita S studying in Class XI in one of the 27 schools said, "We are like frogs in the well, and initiatives like this help us make a lot of difference in people's lives and get an exposure to realities around us. I remember when I visited Delhi two years back in the winter. It was difficult even with so many warm clothes my dad had bought for me. Imagine the people without clothes and shelter."
Mathew B Kurian, founder-member of the 'I Share' initiative, said, "Children save one rupee each day. At the end of each term, each of the 27 schools engages in a socially useful activity. At the end of every year, all students undertake a combined project of their choice."
As their contribution blesses many homeless this winter, it's a lesson worthy of emulation for several others.
But the uniqueness of this endeavour stems from the consistency of their donations. The students under their "I share" initiative collect 1rs every day and at the end of each term contribute towards a social cause.
To appreciate the efforts made by the students, Malayalam film giant Mohanlal met representatives from all 27 schools. "Sometimes, we do good things without our own knowledge. But when we consciously do good deeds, and take others along in our act, there is more value to it, he told the excited students, at a felicitation in Kochi.
"Sharing is a great thing. Under your 'I Share programme', I pledge to donate my body and my organs," Mr Mohanlal added, to applause from his young audience.
Since 2009, these students have contributed over 1 crore rupees for social causes ranging from helping dialysis patients, to supporting the education of 150 tribal students, helping out old age homes, helping build bus shelters many more.
Nandita S studying in Class XI in one of the 27 schools said, "We are like frogs in the well, and initiatives like this help us make a lot of difference in people's lives and get an exposure to realities around us. I remember when I visited Delhi two years back in the winter. It was difficult even with so many warm clothes my dad had bought for me. Imagine the people without clothes and shelter."
Mathew B Kurian, founder-member of the 'I Share' initiative, said, "Children save one rupee each day. At the end of each term, each of the 27 schools engages in a socially useful activity. At the end of every year, all students undertake a combined project of their choice."
As their contribution blesses many homeless this winter, it's a lesson worthy of emulation for several others.
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