EDUCATION TO EMPLOYMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 OUR FOUNDER AND INSPIRATION

AIM for Seva’s anthem ‘Bharata Desa Hitaya’ (for the well-being of the nation) truly encapsulates the life and vision of our founder Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati. An acclaimed spiritual leader, profound thinker, philosopher and master of Vedanta, he dedicated his life to the upliftment of the poor.

Born in the village of Manjakkudi, on 15th August 1930 as G. Natarajan, he completed high school from Government Board High School, Ohai and left for Chennai in 1947 in search of employment. The next few decades saw a significant transformation in Swami Dayananda Saraswati’s life as he found his calling in spirituality. He embarked on his spiritual journey - studying, teaching and travelling across the world spreading the vision of Vedanta. He was given the name Swami Dayananda Saraswati after taking Sanyas from his Guru in 1962. He attained Samadhi on 23rd September 2015 in Rishikesh and was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2016.

Swami Dayananda Saraswati strongly believed that we grow by caring, from being only a consumer to becoming a contributor. According to him, Danam, the philosophy of giving and sharing, is the true mark of growth. There are many ways to caring and giving - giving time, lending a sympathetic ear, expressing words of appreciation, encouragement, empathy, sharing knowledge and many more.

It is in line with this philosophy of Danam, that he worked towards societal transformation at the grassroots level to unlock the true potential of rural . He founded AIM for Seva in keeping with his vision of bringing value- based and healthcare to the least privileged sections of society.

Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati Founder

2 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 CHAIRPERSON’S MESSAGE

Dear Friends,

Namaste. It is my pleasure to present to you, the more families from the neighbouring regions to enrol Annual Report of AIM for Seva for the year 2017-18. AIM their children in our hostels. This stands as a testament for Seva is now a 17-year-old organisation and the year to our impact. gone by has been a monumental one for us, as we saw Last but not the least, to supplement our Free Student many of our students march ahead from education to Hostels, we are also realising the need for high-quality employment. It has been a rewarding and encouraging educational institutions. Having set up 6 institutions year, thanks to all your support. between 2001 and 2014, AIM for Seva is slowly breaking When AIM for Seva was founded, our vision was to ground in providing quality education to those transform society through a network of hostels and who need it the most. The year 2017-18 witnessed schools. While our primary focus is on enabling remarkable growth in enhancing education levels of our students to successfully complete their school over 5000 students in 4 districts. In the coming years, education, we realised that our journey is intrinsically we hope to take this initiative forward in many other tied with the career ambitions and dreams of our districts to enhance the quality of education for our students. For the past 6 years, we have been focusing students. on bringing their journey full circle, by continuing Our vision for the future is to ensure that our philosophy our support for them as they traverse from school to of Seva extends deeper into our existing initiatives and college and onward as young professionals. We are harnesses momentum for new initiatives. We want proud to announce that in 2017-18, 80% of AIM for Seva to venture into more rural regions through our Free students who completed secondary education have Student Hostels and educational institutions. We want gone on to pursue either higher education or jobs with to deepen our engagement with the differently-abled reputed organisations. adults through the AIM for Seva Krupa Home. Finally, Another heartening development is the reduced we want to propel our sustainability initiative, Spirit of dropout rate in schools following our intervention. the Earth, and ensure that it transforms the lives of at When the Free Student Hostels were conceptualised least 300 farmers in the coming year. in 2000, our ground research showed that in rural areas, close to 80% of students were dropping out of school. When we started the hostels, many students would leave and go home. Over the past 17 years, the fabric of our interventions has become stronger and our permanency has grown. Today, I am happy to Chairperson and Managing Trustee announce that dropouts from our schools and hostels have reduced by 90%. Furthermore, the children at our hostels are enthusiastic learners, which has inspired

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 3 4 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 TABLE OF CONTENTS

06 - Our Philosophy

07 - Our Journey over the Years

08 - Our Impact 2017 - 2018

09 - Our Reach

10 - Impact Assessment 2018

12 - Educate 14 - Free Student Hostels: Education to Employment 21 - Educational Institutions 22 - Skill Development & Training

24 - Care 25 - Krupa Home for Adults with Special Needs 27 - Shanmuga Society for Children with Special Needs 27 - Healthcare Facilities

28 - Innovate: Spirit of the Earth 29 - Organic Heritage Rice 32 - Initiatives for Outreach and Awareness

33 - Highlights 2017-18 34 - Reaching Out 38 - Community Engagement 41 - Awards and Recognitions

42 - Upcoming Initiatives

44 - Our Stakeholders

46 - Funders Speak

47 - Our Corporate Partners

49 - How Can You Support Us

51 - Governance and Management

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 5 OUR PHILOSOPHY

The AIM for Seva (AFS) philosophy of Vision: sustainable development is supported To transform society through a network of Seva, of caring, to bridge by the three pillars - Care, Innovate and the urban-rural divide, empowering every person to contribute to Educate. Each of our carefully designed the progress of the nation. projects resonates with one of these Mission: pillars, ensuring a structure and form for Empowerment through value-based education and reaching out to AIM for Seva to reach the depths of rural the children of rural India through a network of Free Student Hostels and schools. India.

Our SDG Goal Targets:

Educate The Sustainable Development Goals charted by the United Nations address the global challenges we face. India has leveraged the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda Free Student Hostels 2030 to map out comprehensive targets in all the 17 goals. On our Educational Institutions part, we have incorporated the following goals into our agenda: Skill Development Centres

Care

Krupa Home Shanmuga Society Healthcare Facilities

Innovate

Organic Farming Krupa Home Products Philosophical Publications

6 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 OUR JOURNEY OVER THE YEARS

AIM for Seva, a pan-India, registered charitable trust began its 6 healthcare facilities, a day care for differently-abled journey to provide value-based education and transform the children, a home for elderly women, a residential facility lives of rural communities in India in the year 2000. Today, for differently-abled adults, and organic farms. As we turn a AIM for Seva has under its umbrella - 95 Free Student Hostels score shortly, we believe this is just the beginning of a new (FSH), 6 educational institutions, 5 community skills centres, dawn.

Our Journey in Education Other Projects

2001 2002 First Hostel for Boys First Sewing Centre for Women, AIM for Seva Dayananda Tribal Boys Uttarakhand Free Student Hostel, Tamil Nadu

2001 2002 First College First Day Care for Differently-Abled Swami Dayananda College of Arts & Children, AIM for Seva Shanmuga Science, Tamil Nadu Society,

2004 2006 First Hostel for Girls First Healthcare Facility, AIM for Seva AIM for Seva Tribal Girls Free Student Jawahar Dharmarth Chikitsalaya, Bihar Hostel,

2005 2006 First Matriculation School First Home for Elderly Women, AIM for Swami Dayananda Rotary Matriculation Seva Vrudhashram, Andhra Pradesh School, Tamil Nadu

2009 2010 First School for Girls First Residential Facility for Adults with AIM for Seva Balika Vidyalaya, Madhya Disability, AIM for Seva Krupa Home, Pradesh Tamil Nadu

2014 Hundredth Hostel Established AIM for Seva 100th Free Student Hostel for Boys,

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 7 OUR IMPACT 2017-18

We are happy to announce that we have made tremendous progress in each of our focus areas in the past year.

EDUCATION

Students 8248 Foundation laid for 80% pursuing higher Children in schools 4 new hostels & education or jobs and colleges 1 co-educational school

Inauguration of new building premises : 59 Women trained Jaya Smrithi Dhama AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys, in tailoring Udupi, AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys, Pune,

Inauguration of two new hostels : AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys, Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys, Kamareddy, Telangana

CARE

Patients 13,500 34 Adults with 22 Children with served through disability provided mental disability healthcare facilities with support being educated every month

INNOVATION

63 Farmers signed up for a Farmer’s Training programme in Manjakkudi, Tamil Nadu to preserve and cultivate heritage rice through Spirit of the Earth, an initiative of AIM for Seva

Over the past two decades, AIM for Seva has impacted the lives of over 20 million people across 16 states

8 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 OUR REACH

Himachal Pradesh

1 24 2 55

Uttarakhand 1 18

1 3

1 40

Uttar Pradesh

3 103 2

2 97 Bihar 1 26

1

Madhya Pradesh 8 430 1 6 215 1 1 70 2 49

Odisha 2 55

Maharashtra

9 349 1 46

Telangana

4 210

1

Karnataka

8 374 Andhra Pradesh

8 291 4 125 3 129

1

Puducherry Tamil Nadu 1 19 18 629

3 85 6 210

2 1

1 4

2 2 Organic farms

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 9 IMPACT ASSESSMENT 2018

Having traversed 17 years in the journey of caring, innovating included interviews with 300 stakeholders including and educating, we felt a strong need to conduct a third-party students, parents, wardens, hostel coordinators and project impact assessment of our programmes. We started with coordinators. We are delighted to share the results with all our flagship programme, the Free Student Hostels (FSH) in of you. Tamil Nadu. The assessment conducted by Sattva Consulting

Key Findings:

Change in academic performance of the students • More than 35% of the students have reported an increase in interest in their academics • 97% of the students have reported an overall increase in their marks

i s

s

Change in the career aspirations of the students

• More than 90% have clarity on their future career

• 38% students perceive that AIM for Seva helps them in realising their career aspirations by providing them with good education

Aware about various career options available

Not aware of career options available

10 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 Change in the behaviour and skills of students

• 37% of students have reported improved ability to communicate with their teachers and friends

• 32% students have reported better time management

• 24% students have reported better management of stress and other emotions

Activities enjoyed by students in the hostel

Sports

Yoga

Dancing

Writing

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 11 12 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 EDUCATE through a Network of Free Student Hostels, Schools and College

Overview of Projects

95 Free student hostels

6 Educational institutions

5 Community skills centres

SDG Focus Areas:

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 13 FREE STUDENT HOSTELS: EDUCATION TO EMPLOYMENT

Key Observations AIM for Seva’s Free Student Hostels aim to end the school dropout crisis and to bring schools and quality education to When AIM for Seva started the first Free Student Hostel (FSH) the children’s doorstep. The very first hostel was launched in 2001, the dropout from secondary school education in in Anaikatti, Tamil Nadu in 2001 and now our Free Student India was at 80%. 1 The primary reason for this was the lack of Hostels are well-established residential facilities known for access to educational institutions. Over the course of 17 years, providing uninterrupted access to education in a nurturing these numbers have improved significantly. However, even environment. Value-based education, accommodation, today, 17% of secondary school students drop out. The main nutritious food, clothing, after-school academic support and reasons for this dropout today are children being engaged in extracurricular activities are provided to all children at zero domestic activities, lack of interest in education and financial cost to the families. In simple terms, children are given the constraints in sending children to school.2 These issues can opportunity to go to school and are encouraged to stay on in be linked to the fact that many of our students’ parents are school, pursue higher education and find employment. part of India’s 139 million migrant labourers.3 In a recent third-party impact assessment, several such parents said that AIM for Seva is looking to establish at least one FSH in “we are not able to give our children adequate attention.”4 every district across India. We believe this will support families affected by a lack of access to quality education, so that their children can realise their aspirations and have the

Relevance of the Project opportunity to become self-sufficient.

To address the requirements of enabling children to complete What started with a dynamic vision by Pujya Swami schooling from primary through to secondary, AIM for Seva’s Dayananda Saraswati, to provide holistic care to students Free Student Hostels are: from classes 4 to 12, has gathered momentum over the years with AIM for Seva accumulating insights into every facet of • Enabling access to high quality educational institutions their student’s experiences. Armed with this knowledge and • Creating the right environment for children to complete an inherent zeal to enable access to quality education for schooling students, such as the determined Nalini Vitthal Shelake, we • Providing children with a framework of support and are poised to take the journey with each of our students from guidance education to employment. FSH’s are more than an accommodation, they are homes for our students. They get to study and play, learn responsibilities and receive mentorship, with the added benefit of both peer interaction and the care and counsel of our excellent AIM for Seva staff. Due to the culmination of ideal experiences that we provide for our students, they are now choosing to stay with us as they journey into higher education and realise gainful employment.

Project Details

1 Census, 2001 2 School Education in India: Flash Statistics, 2015-16; NSSO data (71st round) 3 Census 2011 4 Third-party impact assessment of Free Student Hostels in Tamil Nadu by Sattva, 2018

14 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 Hostel Life One can picture a typical AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel to There is no single feature that creates ambitious and studious be surrounded by beautiful green lawns and open windows AFS students, it is a culmination of everything the FSHs have where students can sit in the veranda and study, surrounded to offer that allow them to explore and achieve their full by an aura of peace. Most of the children hail from different potential. parts of the state or the country, but in that space, they are family – they are one. “We did not go to school regularly. A third-party impact assessment of the hostels conducted But now I love going to school. I in Tamil Nadu in 2018 reveals that 97% of the students have want to grow up and become a reported an improvement in their marks after enrolling in the teacher.” hostels. Apart from this, 35.7% of the students interviewed also reported an increase in their interest in their academics - Aishwarya Pratap, Class 7, Dr. after enrolling into the hostels. Rangrao N. Jadhav AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Girls, Bidar, The primary focus of an FSH is to enable access to quality Karnataka education but AIM for Seva has found that the enrichment and success of the student experience also requires after- school academic support, comfortable accommodation, food, clothing and health check-ups for the students at zero In many of the hostels, there are tuition teachers who cost. After providing these facilities for the students, steps volunteer their time teaching in the evenings. In others, have been taken to enable holistic development through: children have adopted self-study, so they can rely on themselves and their peers to learn. The environment • Indoor and outdoor sports provided by AIM for Seva and constant engagement in self- • Yoga and daily prayers developing activities, have ensured that students continue to • Extracurricular activities like story writing, art, theatre go to school and crave for growth. and computer training

“It is easy to tell an AIM for Seva student apart from the rest of the students who come to our schools. They come in a single file, are very disciplined, they are prepared for class and participate in all activities. They are eager to learn and excel.” reduction in the dropout rate of children from schools - Sapna Shukla, Teacher, Heera Lal 90% Yadav Inter College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Nalini reflects on her childhood and says “I always wanted to be a police officer, but I never believed it would happen for me” She knew her parents could not provide the right support system and environment for her dream. Nalini’s home was located 2.5 km away from the nearest school in a forest area, where it wasn’t safe for her to travel regularly by herself.

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 15 Developing a Career Mindset and Aspirations

“I come from a tribal area, “Sometimes, we shadow the Sonbhadra in Uttar Pradesh. I have plumber or electrician, so that we only seen forests in my childhood, learn how to do these quick fixes. and I used to help in kheti (farming). We help the coordinator maintain When I came here, I got exposure accounts. I help her with data entry to the world outside. I met boys in on the computer system. This has other hostels who are now going helped me explore and develop my for jobs. I have realised I can do so skills. We have gone to other hostels, much more with my life and build a met graduates from there. It is career.” inspiring to see them working – even I want to be like them.” - Suraj Kumar Gound, Class 9, AIM for Seva 100th Free Student - Harinarayan Chaudhary, Class Hostel for Boys, Lucknow, Uttar 9, AIM for Seva 100th Free Student Pradesh Hostel for Boys, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

AIM for Seva’s Free Student Hostels have provided a rigorous According to the third-party impact assessment conducted but nurturing environment for young minds to achieve their in Tamil Nadu in 2018, 38% of the students believe that AIM full potential since 2001. Within the sheltered alcoves of AIM for Seva hostels are helping them in realising their career for Seva’s FSHs, students are under the constant guidance ambitions because of good quality of education that they and mentorship of the hostel coordinators and wardens and are able to provide them with, along with extra skills that students who have been with AIM for Seva for many years are they learn through the different activities being conducted today, finding their way into gainful employment. in the hostels. Students also express a marked improvement in vital life skills, with 39% seeing an improvement in their communication and 32% feeling like they manage their time better.

Increasingly, students are developing a career mindset from a young age, with their educational infrastructure being supported as well as their future dreams being cultivated by motivational FSH staff. of AIM for Seva students have clarity on 90%their future career

Nalini (left) fondly remembers how she managed to join an AFS hostel:

“We are 3 sisters. Typically, only 2 children from one family can go to the same hostel. In my case, all 3 of us were allowed, because they believed in my dream.” Her hostel coordinator introduced her to a police officer. Moved by her determination, they both took it upon themselves to give her the right access to police training coaching, prepared her for interviews and helped her access platforms to develop physical skills like running and athletics.

16 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 Pathway to Employment

Through a natural progression, we have decided to keep our The validation for AIM for Seva students has come full circle, hostel doors open to those pursuing higher education. This as employers are resoundingly impressed with the drive and has enabled 80% of our students to take up professional commitment of our students. A regular interaction with some courses and degrees or a vocation, with AIM for Seva also of the branch managers who engage with our students, gives providing monetary assistance to those in need. As a result, us the confidence that the organisation’s efforts are yielding all sixteen of our students who went to Swami Dayananda results. College of Arts & Science, Manjakkudi have been placed in reputed organisations this year. “Ajay Kumar (an alumnus of Swami Dayananda College of As AIM for Seva continues to hand-hold students after class Arts & Science, Manjakkudi) is a fast learner. His diligence 12, they are humbled and overjoyed to see that the students and excellent customer service have led to new client have found employment at Wipro Technologies Ltd., Tata proposals for the company. In his area of work, he is on Consultancy Services Ltd., Sundaram Finance Ltd., ICICI par with his peers and we are very happy to have hired Bank, Lucas TVS Ltd., City Union Bank etc. and many of them him.” have joined the armed and police forces. - Mr. Venkatesh Raja, Branch Manager, Tata Consultancy Services, Velachery, Tamil Nadu “After completion of high school, I was worried that I may have to give up higher studies and work instead AIM for Seva started with a humble mission to create at a meagre salary. AIM for Seva an environment for children to dream big, experience a gave me a home and supported comprehensive support system and have access to a quality me financially to pursue B.Com at education. After establishing this foundation for these Swami Dayananda College of Arts children, AFS has boldly continued to uphold the support & Science at Manjakkudi. A lot of framework for these success stories from schooling through young students from my community to higher education and beyond. Nalini Shelake, Ashutosh look at us and take inspiration from Gupta, Ajay Kumar, Harinarayan Chaudhary, Suraj Kumar our journey. I want to continue to and Aishwarya Pratap are all part of a complete journey that be associated with AIM for Seva and began with an opportunity created by AIM for Seva to become give a small part of my salary every their truest selves at their Free Student Hostels and now they month as a tribute.” are giving back to us with their inspiring stories.

- Ashutosh Gupta, B.Com, Employee at Sundaram Finance, Bhopal,

Nalini has now cleared the police officer interviews and is completing her training course. “I will join as a Police Constable soon and I will be posted in Mumbai. One day, I aspire to be an IPS Officer.”

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 17 RISING STARS OF AIM FOR SEVA

R. Gayathri

R. Gayathri is an 18 year old ambitious young woman who Gayathri became a part of the AIM for Seva Free Student stays with us at the Atmalayam Swami Dayananda AIM for Hostel for Girls in Udumalpet when she was in class 9 and Seva Free Student Hostel for Girls in Udumalpet, Tamil Nadu. continued her education till class 12. She is now pursuing B.Com at the Government Arts College, Udumalpet and Gayathri’s father was a labourer in Udumalpet, who wanted continues to reside at our hostel. his daughter to pursue her education against all odds. After her mother’s demise when she was 13, Gayathri’s father Despite studying in Tamil medium till her higher secondary tried his best to take care of her as a single parent until he education, she has scored an 84% in her semester developed a condition known as Parthenium allergy, an examinations in her second year of college. airborne contact dermatitis that prohibited him from leading a healthy life. At a time when Gayathri just stepped into her teens, her father was no longer able to earn and support her education.

18 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 RISING STARS OF AIM FOR SEVA

S. Divya Bharathi

This ambitious 18 year old fashion designer hails from However, Divya soon realised that her interest in fashion Siruvani Estate in Kerala, a village 40 km from the AIM for designing could be a rewarding career option. Guided by her Seva Dayananda Tribal Girls Free Student Hostel, Anaikatti, hostel warden and the exposure she got through her studies Tamil Nadu. Divya became a part of our Free Student Hostel and travel, Divya decided to pursue a Diploma in Fashion network when her parents were unable to afford quality Designing and Technology at Government Institute of education for her to pursue her dreams. Fashion Designing, Kerala.

Divya completed her school education from class 3 to class She aims to be a Public Relations Officer in the long run, but 10 while staying at the AIM for Seva hostel. She moved to for now, she looks forward to creating extraordinary designs Pollachi to complete her PUC in the Commerce stream. for ordinary people.

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 19 RISING STARS OF AIM FOR SEVA

Pavan N.P.

Pavan stayed at the Jaya Smrithi Dhama AIM for Seva hostel and support with the administrative duties while AIM Free Student Hostel for Boys at Udupi from 2008 to 2017, for Seva would take care of both my tuition and lodging. This till he graduated from Shree Madhwa Vadiraja Institute was wonderful news for me.” of Technology & Management with a B.E. in Mechanical Pavan was placed with Immidart Technologies LLP, an Engineering. He hails from a small village named Thirthahalli IT company, but he dreamt of pursuing his career as a near Udupi where his mother and younger brother still Mechanical Engineer. He kept searching for opportunities reside. His mother is a wage labourer at an arecanut farm in and finally landed a job with India Nippon Electricals Ltd. his village. Pavan lost his father at a very young age and has (Lucas Group) in January 2017 in Bangalore. hoped to give his family a better life since he was a child. “I have joined as a Graduate Engineering Trainee here and I “My old school was shut due to low attendance and the work in the Production Engineering department. There is a next school was 3 km away. I used to walk everyday through lot of facility and cost reduction planning involved, and you the forest area”, says Pavan. He joined AIM for Seva while have to be updated with new technologies at all times. I love in class 8 and attended a private school near the hostel. He my job and I feel I am growing everyday”, says an enthusiastic continued to stay there till he completed class 12. “I realised I Pavan. will have difficulty in paying tuition and hostel fees if I go to a college in the city. The coordinator said I could stay on at the

20 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Swami Dayananda Rotary Matriculation School, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu

The Problem Project Details

According to data published by the Ministry of Human Established in 2005, soon after the tsunami hit the Resource Development (MHRD) in 2015-16, for every 100 coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Swami Dayananda Rotary elementary schools (classes 1 to 8) in rural India, there were Matriculation School in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu started 14 schools offering secondary education (classes 9 to 10) and in a small way for primary school students and will see the only 6 schools offering higher secondary education (classes first batch of class 11 graduating in 2018-19. 11 to 12).5 Moreover, studies suggest that in India, out of every 100 teachers, seven are on contractual basis with many of them lacking professional qualifications.6 “The coaching is very good here. I want to become a mechanical engineer and set up my own Relevance of the Project automobile repair showroom in Kadalur. Studying here has not only The natural progression for AIM for Seva has therefore improved my scores but has also been to establish high-quality secondary and high school made me a better person.” educational institutes in our communities to close the loop on the students’ school education journey. Key features of - Vatsan Sivanesan, Class 10, Swami our schools include: Dayananda Rotary Matriculation School, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu • Ideal student-teacher ratio • Student-centred teaching methodology • Integration of culture and discipline into school education

5 Annual Survey of Education Report (ASER), 2017 6 District Information System for Education (DISE), 2016

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 21 Leading on from the success in Kancheepuram, five other educational institutions have come under the umbrella SKILL DEVELOPMENT & of AIM for Seva in various parts of Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh which include 4 schools and 1 college. TRAINING

Most parents who send their children to AIM for Seva schools The Problem are wage labourers, farmers, fishermen and small business owners. To them, a school like this is a welcome relief in Only 15% of the women in urban areas and 23% of the terms of both affordability and safety of their children. women in rural areas are engaged in the workforce. Economic empowerment of the woman naturally leads to improved education and health of the children.7 “If it wasn’t for this school, I wouldn’t have been able to support the education of my children. My eldest Relevance of the Project is now in 10th standard, and he has been attending school regularly With the aim of empowering women in rural India and since class 2. That itself is a big promoting self-reliance and financial independence, AIM for thing for us. You can easily tell the Seva has launched 5 vocational training centres across Tamil children apart from others in the Nadu and Uttarakhand. locality - they speak respectfully, admit their wrong-doings and always ask for our opinion. Because Project Details of this, we trust them to make the We have trained 59 women in sewing and knitting in the right decisions.” year 2017-18, and an average of 40 women are trained in our - Hussein Puranjery, Parent, Swami centres every year. Additionally, the computer skills training Dayananda Rotary Matriculation centre trained 10 candidates in the past year. School, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu

Through our implementing partners Swami Dayananda Educational Trust (SDET), AIM for Seva is a key partner to the Swami Dayananda College of Arts & Science in Manjakkudi, Tamil Nadu. Initiated in 2001 with 200 female students, the college saw an enrolment of 1427 students in 2017. The college is also home to Wipro Technologies’ Business Processes Service unit, with 90% of its employees being graduates of the college.

From these experiences, today we have a proven model for educational institutions and AIM for Seva is poised to replicate schools like these across India. We believe that ensuring accessibility, quality and strong value-based education will support the potential of every child.

AIM for Seva Sewing Centre, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

7 McKinsey Report on Women in the Workforce

22 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 23 CARE through care-giving and healthcare support

Overview of Projects

4 hospitals with 105 beds

Home for differently-abled adults

Day care centre for mentally challenged children

5 million meals served

Wellness centre

Ayurveda clinic treating 450 patients a month

SDG Focus Areas:

24 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 AIM FOR SEVA KRUPA HOME FOR ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

AIM for Seva Krupa Home, Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu

The Problem Relevance of the Project

The Census 2011 showed that, 8.3% (207.8 lakhs) of the AIM for Seva Krupa Home provides adults with developmental total households in the country have at least one disabled disabilities, in the age group of 18 to 65 years, with an member and 71% of them are above 20 years of age. Of these environment that keeps them active for life. Sprawling over households, 71% are in rural areas. For parents of disabled a ten-acre campus located in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, adults, it is a challenge to be caregivers 24/7, while also the facility can presently accommodate 40 residents and working to provide for their child’s medical needs. provides them with end-of-life care to lead a life of dignity and purpose.

AIM for Seva Krupa Home became “A very heartening moment for me, was to watch two cognitively disabled residents challenge each other in a a logistical training partner of the game of chess. Every day has been an eventful one.”

National Institute for Empowerment - Dr. Radhika Soundararajan, Director, AIM for Seva Krupa of Persons with Multiple Disabilities in Home, Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu 2017

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 25 Project Details

AIM for Seva ensures that their parents and families continue to be an integral part of their lives through detailed updates, regular family visits and parents being able to take residents home over the weekend. As part of the residents’ occupational therapy, they engage in a variety of skilled work at the in- 4 Cottages 8 Caretakers 1 Full-time house vocational training centre. This includes handloom Psychologist weaving, packaging for local industries, manufacturing of and 1 Visiting Psychiatrist incense sticks, marble painting and others.

AIM for Seva has initiated upgrades including a new full-size dormitory and a convention centre for training programmes, as well as a residential quarter for parents visiting from afar. However, currently Dr. Radhika Soundararajan, the Director, 2 Special 1 Full-time receives over 30 applications a month and she feels that we Educators Nurse and 1 have a long way to go in supporting the needs of individuals Pharmacist with special needs.

AIM for Seva Krupa Home, Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu

26 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 AIM FOR SEVA SHANMUGA SOCIETY FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

AIM for Seva Shanmuga Society, Hyderabad, Telangana

The Problem Project Details

Approximately 3% of the children between 0-14 years of The centre provides special education classes, speech age have developmental delays associated with mental therapy and counselling sessions for the students. What disability.8 started as a small initiative, has now become an established facility which currently enables 22 children to integrate into Relevance of the Project mainstream society. To enable children with mental disability and provide them with a space to learn, the AIM for Seva Shanmuga Society was established as a day care centre for children aged between 4 and 15 years. HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

The Problem of facilities include 4 hospitals with a total of 105 beds, an ayurvedic clinic and a wellness centre. Over the past 12 years While India meets the global average in the number of since its inception, these centres have treated over 13,500 physicians, 74% of its doctors cater to a third of the urban people a month in 5 districts. population. In rural areas, the Primary Health Centres see a shortage of over 27,400 doctors.9

Relevance of the Project

In an attempt to improve access to quality health services in rural India, AIM for Seva has initiated 6 healthcare facilities across the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.

Project Details

The consultation, medicines and treatment at all 6 institutions are provided at a subsidised cost. The range Khilanani AIM for Seva Eye Hospital, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

8 Eshwar Kale Report, Child Rights and You, 2010 9 India’s Healthcare Sector, First post, January 2018

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 27 INNOVATE through Sustainable Living: Spirit of the Earth

Overview of Projects

Swami Dayananda Farm for cultivation of organic heritage rice

Krupa Home products

Philosophical publications

SDG Focus Areas:

28 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 ORGANIC HERITAGE RICE

The Problem Project Details

In India, pesticide usage increased from 24.32 thousand The initiative has gathered momentum, with the procurement tonnes in 1970 to 75 thousand tonnes in 1990, which has of 135 varieties of heritage seeds from local farmers across an adverse impact on the aquatic life, plants and animals. 13 states. AIM for Seva is now planning farmer training Organic farming occupies 41,000 hectares in India, only programmes in Manjakkudi where a group of farmers will be 0.03% of the total cultivated area.10 Inspired by various trained on organic farming practices and growing heritage indigenous rice campaigns, Smt. Sheela Balaji (Chairperson rice. So far, 63 farmers have signed up and we eagerly and Managing Trustee) embarked on a mission to organically anticipate engaging with these agricultural entrepreneurs grow and preserve heritage varieties of rice in a 40-acre as a first step to bring 300 farmers into the fold of organic organic farm in Manjakkudi in Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu. farming.

30 Varieties Relevance of the Project 2017 5 States

Spirit of the Earth, an AIM for Seva initiative, aims to foster sustainable living and leave a positive impact on the planet. The initiative was launched in July 2017 to showcase and 135 Varieties 2018 13 States retail heritage rice and develop a business model that can be replicated by rice cultivators. The success we have with our preservation efforts and the resulting propagation of harvest, leads to a renewed vision: enable all farmers of rice 240 Varieties Planned to grow and sell heritage rice varieties in an environmentally safe and sustainable manner.

Best Practices: • Adoption of traditional methods of rice farming • Manures from the goshala used as natural fertiliser • Preserving seeds and sharing seeds

10 Scope of Growth in Organic Farming in India, Business World, March 2018

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 29 30 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 31 INITIATIVES FOR OUTREACH AND AWARENESS

Made with Hand and Heart Philosophical Publications

As part of their occupational therapy programme, AIM for Swami Dayananda Saraswati’s talks and lectures reveal the Seva Krupa Home’s differently-abled adults weave fabric on most profound truth that is Vedanta, and the richness of our traditional handlooms. This is tailored into contemporary tradition. The wisdom he shares is essential for the fulfilment lifestyle products. Spirit of the Earth launched ‘Elimai – the of life and the study centre house over 50 titles from his ‘Travel & Exploration’ collection in January 2018, featuring publications. The centre offers a space for all age groups to a line of travel essentials. The collection is 100% cotton and come and immerse in philosophical study. includes versatile and unique sling purses and passport covers.

32 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 HIGHLIGHTS 2017 - 2018

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 33 REACHING OUT

May 2017: Shankar Mahadevan Live

Through a unique multi- genre concert in six cities in the USA, Shankar Mahadevan toured the United States of America to raise funds for AIM for Seva’s Free Student Hostels in India.

June 2017: NGO Expo and CSR Show

AIM for Seva participated at the 7th edition of the NGO Expo and CSR Show organised by LiveWeek in Mumbai. The exhibition is a unique platform for leading corporations, organisations, foundations, social entrepreneurs, philanthropists and NGOs – to exhibit the initiatives adopted and supported by them.

34 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 July 2017: Launch of Spirit of the Earth

Chennai’s one-of-a-kind immersion centre called ‘Spirit of the Earth’ was inaugurated at AIM for Seva premises in Mylapore, Chennai. The immersion centre curates and sells organic heritage rice, handmade products by the residents of Krupa Home and books on philosophy and spiritual living written by Swami Dayananda Saraswati.

October 2017: Remembering Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

Our students of AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Girls in Belgaum, Karnataka came together to commemorate the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by cleaning the surrounding areas and planting trees

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 35 November 2017: Antar Yatra tour of the USA

Choreographed and directed by Odissi dancer Sharmila Biswas, Antar- Yatra toured across 12 cities in the USA to raise funds for AIM for Seva and received fantastic reviews from the audience.

December 2017: Global Youth Leadership Programme (GYLP)

The GYLP provides volunteering opportunities to Indian students in the United States of America to work with rural children in India as well as partake in a cultural exchange. In 2017, GYLP volunteers worked at the Swami Dayananda Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Manjakkudi, by teaching our students English, Science, Indian classical music and dance, History of USA and US sports.

36 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 December 2017: Threads of Compassion

To commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, sketches and paintings by Krupa Home residents were displayed at an art exhibition inaugurated by Smt. Bombay Jayashri Ramnath. The exhibition served as a glimpse into the complex minds of the differently abled. This event was conducted in association with Chennai Weekend Artists (CWA).

March 2018: Swami Dayananda Saraswati Memorial Centre

The ‘Swami Dayananda Saraswati Memorial Centre’ was inaugurated on March 19, 2018 at Manjakkudi, the birth place of Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati. The centre is a welcoming destination for Vedanta retreats, lectures and discussions.

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 37 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

May 2017: Initiation of Alumni Meets

The very first of our alumni meets was conducted at Seshachariar AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Theni, Tamil Nadu. The students came back and spent a day at the premises. They shared their experiences from both jobs, as well as their new way of life. In continuation with the initiative, an alumni re- union was held in January 2018 at Dayasagar AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Sawantwadi, Maharashtra where regular supporters were invited and felicitated.

July 2017: Gyan Utsav

DHFL organised a Gyan Utsav in Hyderabad, wherein a wish-list of materials for AIM for Seva students was shared with the employees of DHFL and the employees donated to the cause from 3 centres – Hyderabad, Chennai and Noida.

38 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 August 2017: Eye Camp by M.N. Eye Hospital

M.N. Eye Hospital team conducted an eye camp for the students of Swami Dayananda Rotary Matriculation School, Kancheepuram.

August 2017: Founder’s day commemorated

Our Founder’s Day was commemorated at all 95 Free Student Hostels across India. The functions included prominent members of society as Chief Guests.

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 39 September 2017: One Day, One Story

AIM for Seva registered for Pratham Books’ annual ‘One Day, One Story’ event this year. On September 9, World Literacy Day, all 23 of AIM for Seva’s hostels in Tamil Nadu conducted story reading sessions to encourage a reading habit amongst our students.

January 2018: Art for Development

A Window to Creative Expression, is a workshop AIM for Seva initiated with Titan in five of our hostels. Children were introduced to the basics of drawing, painting, collage and craftwork during the weekends, which was exhibited at the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bangalore.

40 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

FICCI FLO Award, February 2018

FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) was set up with a view to encourage ladies to maximise their own human potential as entrepreneurs and business women to serve the community and nation at large. Smt. Sheela Balaji, Chairperson and Managing Trustee of AIM for Seva was awarded the FICCI FLO Women Achievers Award 2017- 18 under the category of Social Entrepreneur (NGO) for her focus on educating rural India, community development, rural empowerment and support for the differently-abled.

Nari Shakti Puraskar, March 2018

Smt. Sheela Balaji, Chairperson and Managing Trustee of AIM for Seva was awarded the 2017 by the Ministry of Women & Child Development for her contribution to the field of education and community development. The award presented by the Honourable at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, , is the highest civilian honour presented to iconic women in recognition of their achievement.

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 41 UPCOMING INITIATIVES

Ahmedabad, Gujarat : 1 boys hostel (in the pipeline)

Khargone, Madhya Pradesh: 1 boys hostel (in the pipeline) 1 girls hostel (in the pipeline) 1 co-educational school (initiated 2017 - 2018)

Washim, Maharashtra: 1 boys hostel (initiated in 2017-18)

Bidar, Karnataka: 1 boys hostel (in the pipeline)

Belgaum, Karnataka: 1 boys hostel (in the pipeline)

Boys Hostel

Girls Hostel

School

Home for Adults with Special Needs

42 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 Mathura, Uttar Pradesh: 1 boys hostel (in the pipeline)

Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh: 1 boys hostel (initiated in 2017-18)

Unnao, Uttar Pradesh: 1 girls hostel (initiated in 2017-18)

Dewas, Madhya Pradesh: AIM for Seva Balika Vidyalaya Foundation laid for new school building and accommodation facility

Mahabubnagar, Telangana: 1 boys hostel (in the pipeline)

Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu Swami Dayananda Rotary Matriculation School Extension of school premises to a new classroom block

Vellore, Tamil Nadu: Going forward, AIM 1 girls hostel (initiated in 2017-18) for Seva’s primary focus will be in strengthening Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu its hostel network with AIM for Seva Krupa Home for Adults with Special Needs schools. Dormitories and larger service facilities being built

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 43 OUR STAKEHOLDERS: THOSE WHO MADE IT HAPPEN

At AIM for Seva, we believe that every hand makes a difference and we would like to extend our gratitude to every stakeholder in the AIM for Seva network who has played a part in making our dreams a reality.

Coordinator Assistant Coordinator

“There is no punishment. I teach “Through Seva, I have derived Ananda. I have them that it is alright to make learnt lot from students and I am very happy mistakes, as long as they admit and that many of our first batch hostelers from try to fix their wrong-doing. ” Madhya Pradesh have done us proud.”

Brahmachari Mohan, Swamini Tattvajnanananda Saraswati, Assistant Coordinator of Free Student Hostels, th Coordinator, AIM for Seva 100 Free Narasinghpur, Dindori and Jabalpur Student Hostel for Boys, Lucknow

Principal Volunteer

“Our school is sought after in the “After retirement, I wanted to use my region as we differ in our pedagogy. teaching experience for social good – We advocate value-based education I was keen to help educate students and foster all round development in rural India who had no access to of our children. Last year many education. I visit the hostel twice a students won prizes at the district week and conduct remedial English level painting competition.” classes for the children. It has been a wonderful experience with the Mr. Vinoth Kumar, Principal, Swami Dayananda Vidyasramam Nursery children as well as the AIM for Seva and Primary School, Dharmapuri staff.”

Smt. Bhavnaben Desai, Volunteer Teacher, AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys, Surat

44 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 Kitchen Helper Teacher

“I feel good being here - the children “I have watched the school grow are like my own children”, through my childhood. It is an honour to be teaching here.” S. Rani, Kitchen Helper, AIM for Seva th 100 Free Student Hostel for Boys, Smt. N. Divya, Teacher, Swami Lucknow Brahmachari Mohan, Dayananda Rotary Matriculation Assistant Coordinator of Free Student Hostels, School, Kancheepuram Narasinghpur, Dindori and Jabalpur

Alumnus Parent

“When I was studying, we were 20 “My children are completely in their students. Now there are 120. I feel care and I see them grow year on proud to have graduated from here.” year. Five other parents have sent their children to this hostel on my Pavan N.P., Alumnus, Jaya Smrithi recommendation.” Dhama AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys, Udupi Mr. Saigal Natarajan, Parent, Swami Dayananda Rotary Matriculation School, Kancheepuram

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 45 FUNDERS SPEAK

Corporate Contributors

35% 65%

Public Sector Companies Private Companies

Individual Contributors

47% 29% 20% 4%

Direct (Foreign) Direct (Local) Website Appeal

Patrons Share their Experiences

“The head office and ground team are both perfectly “I chose the project where I wanted to contribute and I am coordinated. I have had a good interaction every time. happy that as per the donor report, the entire amount has Disbursement is done on time and reports shared. They are been disbursed to that project. I am extremely happy with professionally sound and are doing a good job.” the team’s transparency and responsiveness.”

Mr. Jeevan Anand, Assistant Manager, Corporate Strategy & Mr. R. K. Shankar, Individual Contributor Planning, IDBI

46 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS

Automotive

Banking, Financial Services and Insurance

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 47 Energy and Chemicals

Others

Greenway Infra Atlas Equifin Developers India Pvt. Ltd. Pvt Ltd

48 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 Foundation

Nihchal Israni Sree Sarita Jain Foundation Foundation

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT US?

Infrastructure Sponsorship of a Student Development Specific Project Sponsorship

Partner in projects that align with Sponsor the complete care of Construction of a new project the organisation’s CSR focus like students in a hostel for 1 year Extending maintenance support for education, health or inclusion of including education, boarding and an existing project differently-abled special programmes designed for the students

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 49 50 Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Name Position Professional Background

Ms. Sheela Balaji Chairperson & Managing Trustee Entrepreneur

Mr. R. Kannan Treasurer Board Director in Shriram Group

Mr. Ganesan. R. Trustee Retd. IPS Officer / Secretary to GOI

Mr. Ravee Malhotra Trustee Industrialist

Dr. E. S. Krishnamoorthy Trustee Neurologist

Mr. Arvind Balaji Trustee Industrialist

Ms. Priyamvada Balaji Trustee Industrialist

Educating Rural India | Annual Report 2017-18 51 AIM FOR SEVA

SRINIDHI APARTMENTS, NO 4, DESIKA ROAD, MYLAPORE, CHENNAI - 600 004, TAMIL NADU, INDIA

PHONE: +91 44 2498 7955 / 2498 7966 | MOBILE: +91 95000 60153 E-MAIL: [email protected] | WEBSITE: WWW.AIMFORSEVA.ORG

aimforseva @aim4seva aimforseva