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Estd: 26th SEPT 1996 Regd No: 1980/2005

SRUJANAVANI

be the change…

ANNUAL NEWS LETTER

April 2017- March 2018

SRUJANAVANI, PLOT No: 29-16, SIMHAPURI COLONY PHASE-II, VEPAGUNTA (PO),

VISAKHAPATNAM, PIN-530047, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA (Phone: 9346908717)

info@srujanavani.org www.srujanavani.org

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Contents Greetings!!! ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3

YUVAKIRAN ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Opening ceremony of Skill Development Centre (SDC) ............................................................................................................................ 4

Yuvakiran Scholars Training Program ............................................................................................................................................................... 5

Training to KGBV Teachers ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Maths Mela ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 6

CAREER GUIDANCE ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

ANDHRA PRADESH SCIENCE CONGRESS .............................................................................................................................................................. 8

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FREE COACHING CLASSES .............................................................................................................................................. 9

National Means cum Merit Scholarship (NMMS) .......................................................................................................................................... 9

Srujanavani Vidyanidhi Scholarships ................................................................................................................................................................. 9

Telangana Gurukul Patashala Entrance Exam ............................................................................................................................................ 10

Free PolyCET Coaching 2017 ............................................................................................................................................................................... 10

TEACHERS DAY CELEBRATIONS ............................................................................................................................................................................ 11

NSTL VISIT BY SAC SCHOOL CHILDREN ............................................................................................................................................................. 11

INCEPTION DAY CELEBRATIONS ........................................................................................................................................................................... 12

NATIONAL DAYS CELEBRATIONS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Srujanavani Blood Donation Camp ........................................................................................................................................................................ 14

Books Donation ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 14

Communication Skills Program at SAC................................................................................................................................................................. 14

Communication Skills Program at SDC ................................................................................................................................................................ 15

Deepavali Celebrations at Loyola old age Home ............................................................................................................................................. 15

Eye Camp at Lalitha Devi Anada Ashram ............................................................................................................................................................ 15

Food Serving at Keerthana Foundation, Hyderabad ..................................................................................................................................... 16

Last rites to a mother during her last days ........................................................................................................................................................ 16

Medical Camp .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16

Plantation Drive ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

Summer Blood Donation Challenge ....................................................................................................................................................................... 17

Support to the Student .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 18

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Greetings!!!

We at Srujanavani, have added another eventful year to our kitty of experiences. The satisfaction

of standing to our core ideology of serving the needy and the poor, particularly in the rural countryside,

has made us work with renewed energies. Identifying the most deserving has ensured that the most

eligible beneficiaries were empowered to the extent possible with our limited financial resources. Overall,

the activities undertaken this year have infused us with renewed spirits and increased commitment for

working towards empowering the neglected. As expressed time and again, ‘Education sector’ continues to

be our core area of work. Nevertheless, these events would not have been a possibility without the

unflinching support of our donors, patrons, well-wishers, and partner agencies.

Skill Development Centre (SDC) established with the support of M/s South Asia LPG Private

Limited, in the serene settings of Vaddadi has started spreading its fragrance, evolving into a

foundational platform for many training sessions. Our YUVAKIRAN’s are making the best use of the

infrastructure. The Centre enables them to interact with inspiring personalities in various domains,

separated by miles. Similarly the support extended towards the establishment of Computer Training Lab

and Tailoring Project shall further ensure increased use of the infrastructure to reap rich dividends in the

coming times.

Partnerships with Chegg India (Vizag), Members of Telugu Association (TABALA), Uppalapati

Foundation, Akhila Bhartiya Marwari Mahila Samiti, Indian Development Foundation, Shikshadaan

Foundation, and Vagdevi Foundation, have enabled us to extend our helping hand in the form of

scholarships to students who are in real need of financial support. Our tryst with ‘PolyCET Exam Coaching’

has yielded many successes, evident from 35 students being admitted into the best Polytechnics in Andhra

Pradesh. Foundations to such achievements were laid through our ‘Career guidance program’ taken up in

more than 25schools creating awareness among the students on the multiple ways to pursue their

dreams.

Encouraging results were evident from the student’s ability to crack the ‘National Means cum Merit

Scholarships’ (NMMS), coached at our Activity Centres. A total of 35 students achieved Merit scholarships

this academic year. Besides, activities like Maths Mela, Science Expo, etc. have infused the spirit of

scientific temper and spirit of competition among the rural students and the teaching fraternity. This year

is marked by a difference in role played by the teaching fraternity, as teachers themselves have

volunteered to play an active role in shaping the projects in the run up to various competitions organized

by us. Our personality development sessions and our extended support to Loyola Old age home help

shape the young minds and help them recognize the importance of ‘caring’.

Adding more flavour to our activities, collaboration with the Department of School Education, GoAP

has revealed an unexplored arena and a potential area of intervention. We were able to organize trainings

to KGBV Teachers on the ongoing developments in the field of Education and evolving pedagogic

practices. Besides, sporadic activities led by our young brigade have strengthened our belief to foster

meaningful collaborations with other partner agencies.

Lastly, on behalf of Srujanavani, I take this opportunity to thank one

and all, who continued to repose faith in our work and for supporting us in

all our endeavours. We are confident that we would live up to the

unflinching confidence reposed by our donors, patrons and well-wishers shall

continue and lay ground for an extended relationship. T S Rama Krishna

President Srujanavani Voluntary Association

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YUVAKIRAN Under the flagship banner of “Yuvakiran”, Srujanavani has witnessed crossing major milestones in

bringing forth the initiatives under various CSR projects, Government sponsored programs and other skill

development trainings. Since the inauguration of “Skill Development Centre” (SDC)with the aid of our

esteemed partner M/s.South Asia LPG Private Limited on 9th April, 2017, SDC has become home to many

trainings, seminars, presentations, skill development activities engaging equally the Students, Teachers

and Unemployed Rural Youth in the Madugula and Chodavaram mandals. Few activities that were

undertaken this year include Maths Mela Program, Scholars Training Program, KGBV Teachers training,

Mobile Training Mobilisation, Career Counselling Programs, Tailoring Program, and Computer Lab

inauguration etc.

Opening ceremony of Skill Development Centre (SDC)

Pic 1: Srujanavani Skill Development Centre (SDC), Vaddadi

Srujanavani in its attempt to work on the skills of the rural youth found yawning gap in the availability

of proper training infrastructure. The same when presented with M/s SALPG Team, the team has been

benevolent in acknowledging the glaring gap and granted us the critical infrastructure, bringing it to light

at the earliest possible time. We are very thankful for M/s. SALPG for providing major funds for the

project. Opening of SDC is done ceremonially on 9th April, 2017. Sh.P.V.Subramanyam garu honoured the

event as Chief Guest. Addressing the event, he emphasized the role of critical infrastructure in imparting

SKILL DEVELOPMENT

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skills to rural youth. Mrs. Subramanyam garu encouraged the

girls to make use of this opportunity to grow beyond the

social boundaries.

Yuvakiran Scholars Training Program In tune with our belief that Education is not just for

academics but for imparting all-round development in an

individual and making students a responsible citizens of the

country, Srujanavani organizes Monthly scholar training

Programs to the YK Scholars. This year witnessed a total of

53students being eligible for scholarships for whom monthly

trainings were conducted at SDC, Vaddadi. These training

Programs provided a platform to the scholars for improving

their Academic skills, Presentation skills, Computer skills etc. The success of the trainings is evident in

their changed personalities and the performance of the students in their academics.

Training to KGBV Teachers Srujanavani firmly believes in the potential of a

“TEACHER” and their capability to act as change agents in the

society through their thought provoking insights and value

induced discussions. Such insights not only make deep

imprint in the minds of the students, but also nurture them to

continuously shoot for stars. In order to rekindle the spirits

among the Teachers and thorough discussions with PO-

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, a training Program is organized at

Skill

Development

Centre,

Vaddadi, Visakhpatnam District on 16th December 2017 with

the help of our esteemed partner “M/s.CTC Training

Resources Private Limited” and in association with the

Department of School Education(SSA), Govt. of Andhra

Pradesh. Through this Program, Teachers have realized the

importance of “Communication” as an important tool to

connect to their students. Important aspects like ‘Role of

Body language’, ‘modulation of the tone and language’, etc.

in expressing the concepts were explained to the teachers.

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Teachers were also trained on the importance of succeeding as a Team by not distinguishing between the

performing and non performing students. Leveraging the role of being a Mentor to the students was also

deliberated. Lastly, teachers were trained on aspects of Career counselling the students and guiding them

toward a right direction. 160 career counselling books and the requisite soft material have been

distributed to the teachers for undertaking the same in their respective schools.

Maths Mela To raise the scientific fervour on Mathematics among the children and to dispel the myths surrounding

the learning of Mathematics, Srujanavani organizes “Maths Mela” event every year on the eve of Srinivas

Ramanujan’s Birthday. This year, Maths Mela was conducted on 4th January 2018 at SDC, Vaddadi.

Students turned up to the event beyond imagination as more than 280 students from nearly 20 schools

have come to showcase their Maths models. A spirit of competitiveness pervaded the environment with

students betting on their ability to make to the best and their teachers guiding them in explaining the

models to the judges and other students. Adding more life to the event was our Chief Guest

Prof.V.N.Murthy garu, HOD, Mathematics Department, Andhra University. His elucidated talk with the

teachers on the methodology of teaching Mathematics to the current generations was very inspirational.

Adding to the spirit was the “Mathematics Quiz” prepared by Shri. Prasad garu, mathematics teacher

(Gopalapatnam High school). The quiz ignited scientific fervour among the students. The event has laid

much needed platform in raising the spirit of teachers and bringing out the creative side of Students in the

preparation of the projects. At this juncture, we would like to thank our patron, TABALA Group, for

extending their support to the event.

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Science Expo: In our sojourn to infuse scientific vigour and temperament amongst the student community,

Srujanavani continues to explore platform like science expos to identify the best amongst the children. As

is the case every year, Srujanavani celebrated its 5th Science Expo on 1st April 2018. Science Expo 2018. A

remarkable change was observed in the quality of projects at display and quantity of participants who

partook in the event. In total, 35teachers along with 250 students representing 22 schools have

participated in the event. This has been a significant jump from the last year’s record. In short, a total of

90 different projects were at display. Adding essence to the program were our judges for the day, Shri.

KVS Krishna Apparao garu, a retired Scientist at NSTL and Shri P. Venkata Lakshminarayana,

Assistant Professor- Andhra University. Shri L. Suresh garu, Member - Srujanavani has graced the

occasion, on behalf of the organisation.

Computer Lab: With the objective of imparting basic digital literacy skills among the youth living in and around Madugula

Mandal the Computer lab infrastructure was established. Through this we aim to create youth enabled

with digital literacy skills enabling them to apply for various job opportunities.

Tailoring Workshops: The primary objective of the tailoring training to rural women is to enhance the income generation

capabilities among the women. With new skill being imparted we are sure that these activities will multiply

the options for the women to enhance their livelihood opportunities.

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CAREER GUIDANCE Walking through the history of Srujanavani, interactions with the

student community, has revealed several gaps in the student’s ability

to choose careers of their own liking. To address this perennial

problem, concept of ‘Career Guidance’ to students completing their

10th education has taken shape. Approximately 2000 students from

26 Schools were provided guidance on various career choices

available to them. In particular, dedicated sessions were taken for

students who wished to pursue technical educations.

Post these sessions, students who have achieved ranks in POLYCET 2018 Exam were assisted in their

course selection, and the polytechnics at which the course is being offered. A total of 26 students were

enrolled into Government

Polytechnic, Visakhapatnam is

in itself a standing testimony to

our efforts. Members of Telugu

Association have actively

participated in undertaking

Career guidance program for

students of Government High

School Turuvolu, Cheedikada

Mandal. Career guidance charts

were also distributed to the

students post the completion of these sessions.

ANDHRA PRADESH SCIENCE CONGRESS It was indeed a proud moment when two teams of students from Srujanavani Activity Centres

participated in the AP Children Science Congress, at Andhra University Campus. The Student teams

presented on ‘Zero net carbon Houses’ & ‘Renewable energy’

EDUCATION

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SCHOLARSHIPS AND FREE COACHING CLASSES

National Means cum Merit Scholarship (NMMS) As is the case with every academic year, ‘Free NMMS’ Training program was undertaken to equip the

students to perform well in the exam. The training program was organized both in the urban and rural

settings. With the experiences gained from the yester years, a thorough methodology to screen the

students was employed. The selected students were carefully nurtured to ensure that they are fully

prepared for the exam. With 250 students from 10 schools being shortlisted for the training program,

nearly 38 students have achieved the feat and are entitled for this year NMMS scholarship. The entire

credit to the success of the program goes to the systematic guidance of the teachers and sustained hard

work of the students.

Srujanavani Vidyanidhi Scholarships Srujanavani continues to extend its support to the students who are in dire need of financial support to

fund their education via Vidyanidhi Scholarships. For the first time, meaningful collaborations were forged

between Srujanavani and various other development partners such as, Abhayam Foundation, Chegg India,

Shikshadhaan, etc. These associations have enabled us to increase our financial kitty, and thereby

extending scholarships to more students this year. Finally, after careful scrutiny of the student profiles and

undertaking house visits, it was decided to extend scholarships to 173 students, both in rural and urban

settings put together.

It was our privilege to host Mrs. Bindhu and Mr. Krishna from Shikshadhaan for an interaction with our

scholars. Their interaction with the students has motivated them to aim big in life and aspire for the best.

Similarly, active volunteers (employees) from Chegg India have interacted with the students and made

them feel excited about upcoming opportunities and made them recognize the importance of ‘CV making’.

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Telangana Gurukul Patashala Entrance Exam Another successful feat has been achieved by 7 students from Srujanavani Midhani Learning Centre (a

free tuition centre running in the slums near Midhani, Hyderabad with the support of IDF Bala Gurukul).

These students have achieved seats in Telangana Gurukul Patashala, being assured of their education for

the next 6 years. These kids will be sponsored for their higher education for the next 6 years by the Govt.

of Telangana in a residential model.

Free PolyCET Coaching 2017 The primary objective of the PolyCET coaching program is aimed to train students who are from

economically weaker sections and who are passionate to pursue their technical education for better

employment opportunities. The program has been taken up in both the urban and rural (4 Mandals) of

Visakhapatnam District. A total of 120 students (40 students from urban and 80 students from rural) were

shortlisted for the program.

S. No Rank Achieved

students

1 1027 1

2 Below 5000 6

3 Below 10000 10

4 Below 20000 22

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TEACHERS DAY CELEBRATIONS ‘Pada puja’ (Anointing the feet of the teachers) a novel way of conveying our respect towards were

taken up in Government High School, Gottivada Village on the eve Teachers Day. Students have happily

participated in the event and recollected the support given by their teachers in their growth. Teachers

have extended their choicest blessings to their students

NSTL VISIT BY SAC SCHOOL CHILDREN

Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) a subsidiary of

DRDO is working to ensure excellence in design, development and testing

of surface and sub-surface vehicles, weapon control systems, surface and

submerged platforms conforming to state-of-art technology apart from

rendering expert services in all grey areas of

associated science and technology.

60 students from ZPHS Gopalapatnam

Boys & Girls have visited NSTL under the

assistance of SAC Coordinator. The scientists

at each stall have explained the students about the various equipment and

missiles they develop at NSTL and showed them the latest equipment with

underwater technology.

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INCEPTION DAY CELEBRATIONS

Srujanavani Inception Day 2017, marks 21 years of

our journey in this less travelled path. New membership

confirmations, games, followed by a family gathering

marked the celebrations for the day. The day was

celebrated at our SDC Centre. We have felicitated Smt.

Venkatalakshmi garu (running old age home at

Appalarajupuram) and Smt. Surya Kanthamma garu who

single handed fought all odds to support her parents and

children after the demise of her husband. These two

inspiring personalities have given us inputs on important

lessons of life. Similarly PolyCET 2017 rankers and best

performing Yuvakiran scholars were felicitated.

NATIONAL DAYS CELEBRATIONS

Regular activities like Republic Day, Independence Day and

Children’s Day were celebrated at all our centres. These

occasions provided us the opportunity to felicitate the students

who achieved ranks in polytechnic entrance exams and various

other entrance exams. Scholarships extended by Srujanavani

were also disbursed during these important events. Cultural

programs were at display by the students and the children were in

their best energies during these days, ushering in festive mood.

Similarly, Republic Day was celebrated at all our offices

and work stations. They include Srujanavani Vepagunta Office

(Urban), Skill Development Centre, Vaddadi (Rural) and at

Midhani Learning Centre, Hyderabad. Various cultural activities

and competitions were held to mark the importance of the day.

On the occasion of Children’s Day, uniform distribution program

was taken up in association with Sri Satya Sai Yuva Brundam to

the students of Government Primary School, Gangubudi Village,

Vizianagaram District. Students have immensely benefitted from

the program as most of them belonged to poorer sections of the

society.

ORGANIZATIONAL DAYS

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Man Making Sessions continue to be our platform to strengthen our value systems. During the

discussions and presentations, topics such as personality development, philosophy, spirituality, and

Srujanavani’s ideology are nurtured. Besides theses, technical sessions covering topics in Physics, Maths

and Chemistry are taken up by the senior members of Srujanavani. Book reading is another major activity

which engulfed the students with rapt attention. Similarly, importance of news and art of newspaper

reading are also discussed.

Similarly for the senior members, Sangam (congregation of the senior members) to reflect upon the

path travelled and the assessment of the values ingrained in one’s life were taken up.

MAN MAKING

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Srujanavani Blood Donation Camp Response to the problem of acute blood shortage

in rural areas, Srujanavani Voluntary Association along

with “Help the Helpless Organization”, in association

with AS Raja Blood Bank swung in to action by

organizing a blood donation drive at Dronaraju

Kalyana mandapam, V Juttada village, Pendurthi. A

total of 36 volunteers donated the blood on 28 May

2017.

Books Donation To inculcate reading books as a habit in the life of

a school kid at an early age, Srujanavani has started

an initiative to set up a library in the premises of

Srujanavani Activity Centre, Gopalapatnam with the

support of Trendsetter Charitable Trust on 22nd July

2017. We have received 400 books related to various

genres such as academics, educational magazines,

student novels, kids story books, arts and crafts, etc.

from their trust.

Communication Skills Program at SAC Communication skills are very essential to get employability opportunities in this fast track world.

Corporate schools can impart them to their students while the students who hail from government schools

face the difficulty to grab such opportunities, despite of their potential.

Srujanavani shouldering the responsibility to provide a platform by conducting the two-day workshop

on Communication skills by CTC faculty at Srujanavani Activity Centre, Gopalapatnam on 24th and

25thDecember, 2017 which benefited 40 students on various aspects of English language.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

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Communication Skills Program at SDC Communication skills and Spoken English are two major skills that are required for every student to

get employability. But rural youth lack opportunities to learn essential soft skills, so that they are

competent enough for earning a good job.

To address this issue and to impart these skills, Srujanavani has undertaken a three day training

program on Communication and Spoken English from 3rdMay to 5th May, 2017 at Skill Development

Centre, Vaddadi. Over 20 students were benefited from this program.

Deepavali Celebrations at Loyola old age Home Spreading love & joy in the lives of senior citizens in an old age home, Srujanavani volunteered to

celebrate this year Deepavali at Loyola Old age home, Pendurti on 19th Oct 2017. Volunteers interacted

with elders and made them feel happy and excited by singing, dance and lightening of the sparkles. Later

lunch was served for the inmates sponsored by Srujanavani. Sri. Prakash Founder of Loyola old home

expressed sincere gratitude towards the organization and for making Deepavali a memorable event in

their lives.

Eye Camp at Lalitha Devi Anada Ashram One of the major health challenge among the senior citizens

in rural areas is loss of eye vision during their old age. To

address the issue, Lalitha Devi Ananda ashramam organized an

Eye camp at Appalarajapuram on 23rdNovember 2017 on the

occasion of BhagavanSriSatyaSai Baba birth anniversary for

which they had honored Srujanavani as chief guest.

Srujanavani volunteers have actively participated in the event

and made it a grand success.

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Food Serving at Keerthana Foundation, Hyderabad Srujanavani volunteers join their hands to support the Annapurna team to showecase their love and

affection towards the physically challenged and the old by providing them food prepared from their own

hands in Keerthana Foundation, Hyderabad on 5th November 2017.

Over 120 inmates of the foundation savoured delicious lunch and cherished volunteer’s interaction.

Last rites to a mother during her last days Smt. Lakshmi garu, a single mother was suffering with chronic

illness and was declared by doctors that she would survive for only

few more days. She had a son, who was studying 8thclass with the

support given by her neighbors. By her willful request, Srujanavani

member Mr. Gangadhar joined her in Loyola Oldage home on 5th

September 2017. She was very happy and pleasant during her last

few days.

Medical Camp Due to non-availability of qualified doctors and lack of basic medical

facilities, tribal people living in far off hilly areas are genrally prone to

dangerous and life threatening infectious diseases. To address this

grave situation, Srujanavani organized a medical camp in collaboration

with Rural Development Service Society in Kimidipally&Baljipeta Villages

of G.Madugula Mandal on 16thJuly 2017. The treatment administered

pertained to addressing viral fevers like Malaria, , Diarrhea, and other

Epidemic diseases,

A total of 218 patients,from 8

months old to 60 years old,effected

by seasonal ailments were diagnosed

and administered with required

medications and antibiotics.

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Plantation Drive Srujanavani organized a Plantation drive at Government high school, Gopalapatnam with the extended

support given from Mr JayaSuresh, yoga teacher at summer camp on 5th December 2017. School teaches

along with their students haveparticipated in the event with enthusiasm .

Summer Blood Donation Challenge While it is a known fact that donation of blood during summers falls drastically. This period is tough

time for patients suffering with thalasemia and sickle cell anemia and other blood related ailments. Acute

shortage is observed more in coastal areas. In order to address this condition Srujanavani initiated a

unique blood donation Challenge to challenge people of their notions towards blood donation. People have

actively taken up the challenge, creating a massive wave of blood donations. Many people are actively

donated the blood and each donor is challenged others from their community. This creates massive wave

of awareness on Blood Donation.

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Support to the Student Mrs. Mastani, a proud mother of two was thrown into

desperate condition with her husabnds demise. She was

hardly able to raise the family besides educating their

children. ON the other, the two kids were best in their

respective classes, achieving the best mark. When heard

about their pathetic situation Srujanavani has readily

donated an amount of Rs. 31,500 towards the education of

her children. We are sure that this year academic needs are

addressed.