Union Minister of State for Home Affairs - a Gold Award Holder

Shri Ratanjit Pratap Narain Singh, from Kushi Nagar Constituency in Uttar Pradesh, represents the Indian National Congress in the 15th Lok Sabha.
He has also been a Member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly for three terms.

He attended The Doon School and graduated from St. Stephens College, University of Delhi with B.A. (Hons.) History.
He reads in his pastime and loves to travel, having visited France, Indonesia, Italy, Thailand, U.S.A to name to few. He's also fond of sports.

He's a true Gold Award holder as he continues to serve the society and the nation at large...

Gold completion in Welham Girls' School the largest in India: a peek into their Residential Project with HESCO

Welham Girls' School (WGS), among the Top 5 best schools for Girls in India, makes headlines for the committed, talented, energetic and driven young women that graduate every year. WGS has a very robust, extensive and rigorous Award Programme and 20 Gold Level completions have happened in the last three years, making it the largest number of Gold Award completions in one Award Operating Unit in India. 

Gold Award participants engage in exciting and innovative activities that range from learning traditional India dance forms from Gurus such as Birju Maharaj, to learning digital media, exploring different art forms, foreign language, sport including leading in basketball, athletics, badminton, karate, etc, to making their presence felt in the communities in Dehradun with their Service. 

The 'sulabh shauchalay’ project, with partnership with Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation or  HESCO (http://www.hesco.in/) at Donkwala village is a recent Residential Project completed by the Gold Awardees at Welham this year. The HESCO-Welham partnership, operational since over five years has transformed lives of villagers in the Uttarkhand region and of the young Gold Award participants. 

The school students and teachers undertook construction work from 21 September at the village. While Welham Girls provided the financial input for raw material and the labour to complete the project, HESCO empowered the girls with their technical input. Toilets are built with bathrooms- an essential hygiene empowerment tool. Identified beneficaries say that through this initiative by HESCO and WGS, Welhamites learn about the need for and the importance of sanitation in villages, and the local people are encouraged to work for better living conditions. 

The 5 day project was attended by Kunwar Singh Rana and Jaipal Singh Chauhan from HESCO, WGS teachers Sonia Bawa, Sapna Sharma, Sudhir Kailthola, Vishal Rawat and 20 Gold Award participants from WGS.  At the concluding ceremony, the founder of HESCO, Dr Anil Joshi, praised the work done by the students. He pointed out that the poor faced a range of difficulties in obtaining a better life, which is why it was important to work in the rural environment. One needed to use one’s resources for the good of others.


It is important to note that Alumni and Award Holders from WGS have been active in Volunteering and Exploring Opportunities with The International Award Programme in India. Since the set up of the National Office in Delhi, Gold Holders and Welhamites have spearheaded the Open Awards Centre campaign, provided invaluable support in Digital and Print media for the Communications team and in operations and monitoring of the Award Programme in India. 

- Excerpts from The Garhwal Post (26/09/2011) and from National Office Archives and NAA team feedback

'Getting to the Award'- personal experiences by Manan Mipun, Gold Award participant from YES Centre Assam Valley School

The last question that may run through any Award participant can be “Why am I doing the Award?”

Well, the same question popped into my head as well when I decided to participate in The Award Programme. The way it happened is an interesting and really unorthodox story that I WANT to share.

As a student in 9th standard, I was going about my own business that studying and wasting time in wandering about ( yes, I am very imaginative) in my school. No, I do not consider activities such as reading, sports, art as a way of spending time cause they are there for my good, spending time implies when you have nothing to do, in fact it means you spend quality time with yourself! Anyway, one bright afternoon as I was trudging through my daily routine, an obscure notice caught my attention.

“Interested pupils to apply for IAYP, contact the teacher in charge”

At that point I don’t know why or how I joined the Award Programme in school, bearing in mind that one can easily get led into the formation of gangs, alcohol and/or substance abuse. I will agree and confess to succumbing to peer pressure at some point in my life.  

The first thing the Award did to me was that it gave me an opportunity- an opportunity to escape, to build my life (yes I was a deviant)! As I progressed through the various activities and requirements of the Award, I also picked up some valuable life skills. That is the value of working together as a team and the value of friendship among many other positive things. Yeah, sounds corny and straight out of a recruitment poster, but understanding the value of it when you begin with nothing, literally nothing is a realisation of a lifetime.

I too was sceptical with the Award at first, because I was thinking like “dude how it’s going to affect me? “ Maybe I was worried about my future at that time as I was a boarding school student then its okay to get nervous, cause my grades were not that good and maybe I was worried about my college, but slowly things started improving.

The major breakthrough that came my way was the Indo-Mauritius exchange programme in 2010. I got to learn about all about how people from different parts of the world can be so similar. The programme helped me understand how much diversity exists and also let me make lasting friendships that cannot be expressed in words.

Doing The Award Programme has taught me to be tolerant and to be patient to work hard for a goal, the challenges there taught me to that diligence and honesty can help you achieve any goal. It gave me the life I never had.

So when the question comes that whether to join the program or not? Don’t think twice about taking the leap. Just do it! It’s worth it.

Calendar of Events

Gold Holder and Regional Intern attends the UN High Meeting on Youth in New York

To celebrate the conclusion of the United Nations (UN) International Year of Youth (IYY), the UN hosted the “High Level Meeting on Youth” at their headquarters in New York. More than 500 youth delegates from organisations across the globe attended this historic event, alongside representatives from 193 member states, including various UN entities, governments and NGOs. Gold Award holder Dinesh Gajendran from India was invited to represent the IAA. He shares his experience and shares his thoughts on youth development.

The meeting was opened by the Secretary General H.E. Mr Ban ki Moon, who highlighted the plight of young people across the globe and called for governments to engage these youth in decision-making.

Speaking at the meeting, Ban ki Moon said: “Young people lack in education, freedom and opportunities they deserve. Unemployment rates for young people are three to six times the rate of adults, and informal, low-wage and insecure work is the norm.

“Young people are standing up for the rights of those who suffer discrimination based on gender, race and sexual orientation. This is especially true for young women, the disabled and indigenous youth. Failing to invest on our youth is a false economy.” Watch Ban ki Moon’s full address.

The opening session was followed by two consecutive informal interactive thematic panel discussions, which everyone was invited to take part in. The first panel discussion focused on strengthening international cooperation regarding youth and enhancing dialogue, mutual understanding and active youth participation as indispensable elements towards achieving social integration, full employment and the eradication of poverty.

The second discussion of the day explored the challenges to youth development and opportunities for poverty eradication, employment and sustainable development.

There was also a youth panel on "Giving it back, passing it on": Corporate Engagement and Youth Philanthropy as Pathways to Development, which was part of a series of youth events organised by the UN, NGOs and related UN agencies.

United Nations and the Award: A bridge for youth

I believe that youth engagement is key to the success of the Award. Youth delegates representing the Award at a global level often prove their mettle and showcase how positive youth engagement makes a difference. Attending the UN Meeting as a Gold Award holder gave me the opportunity to take part in an international debate on youth development, to make decisions alongside adult leaders, as well as to showcase how the Award is a key player in this sector.

Youth delegates also met H.E Vanugopala Menon, Ambassador of Singapore permanent commission to UN, which was organised by James Soh – Executive Director of the Award in Singapore & Hon Advisor for the Asia Pacific regional office. This gave us an insight into the UN working system and how the UN works and acts as a platform for youth.

Earlier in the year, I was also given opportunity to be a part of a consultation held with the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), held in Bangkok in April. Here, I contributed to the formation of a concept paper on ‘The Network of Emerging Leaders in Asia and Pacific (NELAP)’ which will offer development opportunities for youth in our region. Through NELAP, hundreds of Award holders will be given the opportunity to become citizens for social development and become part of a global-decision making process.

Life after Gold

Representing youth is something I have been keen to do since completing my own Award. I have been a participant, a leader an assessor and an ambassador for the Programme, having represented the Award at several International conferences, including the Beyond Sport Summit in Chicago last year. The Award has given me many opportunities and I would like to pass on these opportunities to other young people. Currently, I am working as an intern for the Asia Pacific region, collecting transformative Award stories as part of the Peter Cruddas Initiative. I myself was long-listed for the Initiative in year one for The Audacious Academy for Sports and Social Development (AASSD), a sports initiative that encourages young boys to channel their time and energy into sport.

Having attended the UN Meeting in New York, I am determined to see that young people continue to be represented and that their rights are extended. I would like to launch series of campaigns to support and empower young people, including the establishment of more open Award centres, a health programme for young people, and sports for employment. We have already started a blood screening test for young people from rural areas in India.

As a region, we are also about to launch a Gold Award Holders’ Alumni with three country community projects. There are also plans to set up an Asia Pacific Advisory Group with key stakeholders under the age of 35, as well as the Network of Emerging Leaders, which will be piloted in India, Indonesia and the Philippines.

There are many ways for Award holders to stay connected to the Award way beyond Gold and, if governments are going to address the issues affecting youth, society needs to give us a chance to participate.

---Dinesh Gajendran, Gold Award Holder, IAYP, India.

(Peter Cruddas Regional Intern, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Asia Pacific Region)

"The Award taught me the essence of human life"- Bronze, Silver and Gold Holder Anwesha Ghosh candidly shares her experiences

Some day in June,2005

At the Modern High School for Girls, Kolkata- My Alma Mater.

Somebody from the other end of the third floor corridor, called out .

‘’Anwesha, today is the admission to IAYP.Wont you come?’’

Me: ‘’Admission? Huh? IAYP? What on earth is that?’’ was my first reaction on hearing about the Award.

A friend very enthusiastically explained that it was all about trips and camping. Being complete unaware that the Award programme is much more that just camping, I somewhat unwillingly joined in. Days passed and the only significance of DEAS was the meeting held every alternate Wednesday at school.

I still remember those early days when the meeting room was filled with ‘’enthusiastic Awardees’’ and I used to silently stand in a corner, rather bored. Time was flying away at its own pace. I had somewhat managed to squeeze in three additional activities into my already over packed routine. The sense of it was still hazy in my mind when one day I suddenly saw a notice saying ‘Camp to Talsari, Orissa. A sudden desire sprung up and I knew I had to be a part of it.

Talsari, a sea coast in Orissa was just the place to be in. With breath-taking scenery and crushing waves hitting the shore, I first got the feel of the Award- the need to be equipped for life. The early morning treks, the coconut water, singing, dancing, with winds blowing my hair at all directions- I completed my bronze preliminary trek successfully. From there I came to know Mr.Bivujit Mukhoty, popularly known as Chandansir-my mentor, guide, assessor, my Sir.

With the next camp at Kaushani, near Nainital I qualified for my Bronze Award. The diary came back from office. It said ‘’qualified for Bronze, signed Mr.Mukhoty.’’ The sense of Achievement overpowered me. Just within six months, I had learned karate, took drawing lessons, proved myself at the high mountains and roaring sea and worked several hours at the hospital looking after newborn children.

The Silver Award was not far away. By this time I had realized what the Award could offer to the young people. I had felt the change myself. A programme which is non-competitive, which challenges you to better than just one person-Yourself! A programme that motivated you to utilize your leisure time fruitfully-a programme meant to ‘’equip’’ every young person ‘’for life’’.

While working toward my Gold Award, many opportunities came up. From attending camps with the ‘’special projects units’’ to making videos with them, accompanying introductory sessions at various schools and colleges to being a part of the Indo-Mauritius exchange programme, I did it all.

The content of serving the society, the joy of learning, the pat on the back, inspiring lectures, and few words of appreciation -the Award offered me more than I could want from life. It taught me to ‘’Cherish Service and Relationship’’.

While receiving my Gold Award on the 12^th of May, 2011 all the memories came rushing back. The images ran in my mind like a slide show. Am I quite the same person anymore? I wonder if there is any similarity between the Anwesha sitting in the hall at Talsari with Chandan sir explaining the Award and the Anwesha who is considered capable of being an Assessor today. Maybe without the Award I could just be another student pursuing her honours , fighting with the competition, racing to come first –completely unaware of the learn meaning of human life. Who knows?

- Anwesha Ghosh, Award Holder, Mentor, Assessor, unedited shared her experiences with Communications Team on the way back from College.

Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Gold Award Holders' Society

The first AGM began with GAHS President-Ishita welcoming everyone, specially our guests and observers, Ms. Gilly Shirazi, Secretary General, International Award Association and Ms. Sue Walker, Asia Pacific Regional Director. She proceeded to introduce GAHS for the benefit of new members.

The Gold Award Holders’ Society registered on March 8, 2010 is the premier Alumni network for Gold Holders in India. With the motto of Cherishing Service and Relationship (CSR), GAHS is an effort to create more awareness about the Award in our country and to rope in exuberant Award Holders, who feel for the Award and are keen to give back. GAHS exists for the provision, promotion and preservation of the International Award in India. The GAHS Office runs currently from the National Office but has presence all across the country. With Honorary Secretaries currently in the South, West and East Zones, for better administration, communication and growth of the Award, GAHS supplements growth of the Award Programme as per the Strategic Plan of the National Office.

All Executive Committee Members introduced themselves. Vice President- Tripti Bansal, Secretary- Pranay Kapoor, Joint Secretary- Saachi Sarin, Treasurer-Sandeep Dutt, Member-Rohit Saxena, Gold Award Holder & Honorary Secretary- West- Juzer and Hon. Executive Secy-GAHS- Nivedita Samanta support President-Ishita Khanna to make GAHS a successful alumni network. The Executive Committee features Award Holders from over the years so that there is diversity of experiences for best possible growth. To supplement GAHS’ efforts to round up maximum members across the country, enthusiastic Award Holders and otherwise have been identified and function as Honorary Executive Secretaries. To date Bivujit Mukhoty (East), Juzer Shaikhally (West) and Sridhar Lakshmanan (South) are the Honorary Secretaries.

Ishita proceeded to ask all individual members to introduce themselves and say a few words about their Award experiences. This exercise reflected the great experiences that the Award allows every young people. Most people felt that the Award is the complete package for enhancing personality, to grow in a well-rounded manner. There were several comments from members who have completed all Award levels that they had experiences of a lifetime. Residential and Service Projects particularly allowed them to improve their personalities, become a team worker, learn about new things, and overcome fears through fun learning. Some felt that it is absolutely necessary to become volunteers to promote the Award in their schools, localities in an effort to allow more young people to go on self-discoveries, think beyond marks and academics and cherish the importance of small things.

GAHS till today: GAHS organised the first GAHS Summit on 23rd December, 2009 in New Delhi. This first effort brought together some Gold Holders from generations and introduced to them the National Strategic Plan for the growth of the Award Programme in the next three years. With the challenge to grow, especially in the 18-25 age groups, and introduce half a million young Indians to the Award, garnering Gold Holders, the best ambassadors for the Programme, as volunteers and Award Leaders will successfully create a network of people trained to ensure quality and service our society. Since, volunteers at the National Office have worked towards the registration of the Society with the Registrar of Societies in India and with the efforts of Accountant- Mr. Sunil Trehan of Sunil Trehan & Co., GAHS was registered on March 8, 2010. Over a few small meetings with the President, Treasurer and GAHS Members an event to bring together Award Holders, Award partners and potential partners from education, government, corporate and social sectors was felt necessary. The CSR Summit held on June 23, 2010 was successful in bringing together different stakeholders of the Award Programme to collaboratively engage youth in our society. Sunil Trehan, Sunil Trehan & Co. functions as auditor for GAHS. Audited statements will be made available soon. Every member of GAHS can look at statements on formal request.

Plan ahead for networking and Award development. Some ideas put forward and agreed on included:

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  Annual/bi-annual events like a trek or Residential Projects or Service projects for GAHs in collaboration with Volunteer Organisations and/or Service Providers


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  Each zone can do pilots on a section of the Award Programme Events like music concerts that may help provide finances to sustain future events.


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  International exchanges/events can follow once we can prove sustainability.


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  GAHS Members as Award Ambassadors NEED to talk about the Award to create more visibility Share Award stories and experiences on all Public Relations/Communications Mediums. As PR/Communications are at a nascent stage, it is important to lay ground work collectively and record Award stories to National Communications Team


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  Try to help Bronze, silver to complete Gold and to ensure better Gold completion rates in Award units in all zones.


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  To create more word about the Award, get young professionals/interns involved in Communications and PR strategy.

Confirmations to work together- give support and introduce at least 5 other Gold Holders to register with GAHS in the next one year

The meeting concluded with all members sharing their Goals for the year. T-shirts for all Gold Holders were distributed and new Gold Awardees headed for the Presentation Ceremony at the Vice President of India, Residence.