This note is to thank the NAA Delhi office for the exceptional workshop conducted at Dehradun from Dec 16 – 18, 2011. It was a well-organized programme (in the spread of the varied interactive sessions at The Doon School and the adventure part – river-rafting and camping - at HRR, Shivpuri) and highly beneficial (especially with regard to the nature of the International Award programme in India fully subscribing to the international standards set by The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Association (IAA) all over the world and also with regard to the correct governance of the IAYP programme in India). Thank you for making it happen partnering with the Award Leaders in India.
The workshop was an opportunity for Award Leaders all across the culturally rich and different states of India to come together in one location to give added impetus to the qualitative conduct of the International Award programme in India. I am sure that all of us at the workshop shared the same excitement and enthusiasm as would diverse Gold Award aspirants/ participants during a residential project. The days spent at Dehradun and Shivpuri encouraged a brilliant spirit of comradeship and adventure, fostered a strong zest for life, permeated positivity, and reaffirmed the belief in oneself to make a good difference in the lives of others through the ever important volunteer service rendered by the Award Leaders.
I am especially happy to note that IAYP in India has opened its services as prescribed by The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Association (IAA) to constructively engage all youth of India not only
in schools but also in colleges, institutions of higher education, in corporate organizations, in NGO’s, in all places where youth can be found. Hence the role of Award Leaders is crucial to correctly harness, channel and hone this remarkable force in the country thereby nurturing future generations who will surely value life. It is without doubt that the IAYP programme in India is of great significance in shaping the quality of future Indian citizenry. We felt great to experience young Gold awardees conduct sessions at the Workshop and also to be in the midst of Gold Award aspirants with their residential project activities underway during this time at Dehradun.
Thank you once again NAA for bringing Award Leaders in the country together. I made friends of the attendees at the workshop and also of all who organized and conducted the workshop. We value the young people who shared their experiences with us – Devanjali, Rajarshi, Surabhi, Archit, Manya, Chitvan, Somya and Sahiba. (Excuse me if I left out any names.) Thank you to the trainers – Mr. Skand Bali, Ms. Parul Vij, Mr. Manu Mahotra, Ms. Pratibha Singh.
Special thanks to Mr. Sandeep Duttt (National Director) for his great and inspiring vision for IAYP in the India, to the stalwart Bivujit (Programme Manager) for his reassuring presence, infectious confidence and meticulous guidance, to the ever-positive and efficient Nivedita (Communications Manager) for her lively and very helpful presence and also to the gentleman holding the fort at NAA Office in Delhi- Mr. Chittaranjan.
Dr. P C Thomas (Principal) and Mrs. Elsamma Thomas (Sr. Vice Principal) convey their personal warm wishes and regards to the NAA team led by Mr. Sandeep Dutt. We immensely value your association with our school.
Thank you once again.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2012!
- Mr. Ajith P. Jacob, Director of Activities, Good Shepherd International School-Ooty