Girl Scout Troop Supports Sahasra Deepika

October 2009

"Selling girl scout cookies is the main means of fundraising for Girl Scouts of America Corporate. After the Girl Scouts have taken their cut of the cookie proceeds the individual troops may use the remaining money for themselves. Often times, the girls vote to go on a trip or participate in an activity that is purely for their pleasure as they participate in community service throughout the year. This year I am pleased to say that our girls voted to donate their cookie money to an organization that supports girls whom find themselves in a less fortunate situation than themselves. This group saw the video about the children at Sahasra Deepika and they were unanimous in their decision to support the efforts of the Institute. Although their donation will not be the largest you receive, the girls of Troop 3195 hope that their cookie money ($500) will help the girls (and boys) at SDI in a significant way. " (Local Girl Scouts Mom)

Sahasra Deepika Featured in Times of India!

August 2009

That's right. Sahasra Deepika was featured in the August 2009 Times of India for providing "a home and education to children who would otherwise be on the street." View full article here

SDI Kids Make Friends Through Letters

February 2009

The Sahasra Deepika children are experiencing the fun of having pen pals from halfway around the world, through the Wellesley College W.R.I.T.E. Program and Peace Buddies. W.R.I.T.E (Writing and Reading Into Top Education) is a pen-pal program to promote better writing and reading skills for children. The program started out as Wellesley students writing to children in elementary schools and community centers in the Boston area, but has expanded to elementary schools across the nation and internationally. For 2009-2010 year, Sahasra Deepika Institute is one of 5 schools chosen for the program.

Peace Buddies was started in 2006 by Daniella, a sixth-grader from Illinois, “to spread peace and friendship to kids around the world who are living in less fortunate places.” Daniella and her classmates write letters to children around the world, including Israel and Iraq. The SDI kids have enjoyed making friends with children their age and learning about their families, schools, hobbies, favorite books and movies. Both programs exemplify the ideals of Sahasra Deepika---people from around the world reaching out the hand of friendship to children in need.

The Students Take a Field Trip to HAL Museum

October 2008

In October, volunteers from ARM took a group of students from SDI on a field trip to HAL Museum and Heritage Center, the aerospace museum in Bangalore. Students got to see military aircraft up close and learn about the history of the aerospace industry in India. They were amazed by the scale of the rockets and planes, and inspired to think about careers in this field. Many thanks to Mr. Arun Kumar for organizing this educational outing, and to the ARM employees who chaperoned the trip. We also appreciate the ongoing support of ARM Managing Director Mr. Anil Gupta.

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Sahasra Deepika Featured in Charleston Daily Mail Newspaper

"The Sahasra Deepika Institute in India is celebrating a decade of providing housing and education for children who have been abandoned, orphaned, or whose families can't afford to care for them."

View Article here

Sahasra Deepika celebrates its 10th Anniversary and the opening of Deeksha High!

August 2008

The 10th anniversary of Sahasra Deepika was celebrated in conjunction with the grand opening of Deeksha High on our campus. Deeksha High represents a unique partnership with Sahasra Deepika. This top-notch private school will be open to paying students. Their tuition payments will in turn help subsidize the cost of education for the students of Sahasra Deepika. Our students will be able to receive a great education alongside students from the larger community while we focus our efforts on increasing the number of disadvantaged children served and improving the quality of our programs. Presently, our kindergarten and elementary school students attend Deeksha High and our older students attend the nearby Silicon Valley School. Eventually, all Sahasra Deepika students will have the opportunity to attend Deeksha High.

Swami Harshanandaji of Ramakrishna Math in Bangalore, who had performed the ribbon cutting for Sahasra Deepika Institute 10 years ago, honored us by again cutting the ribbon to formally open Deeksha High. Guests were treated to terrific student performances and inspiring speeches by Dr. G. Sridhar, founder of Deeksha High (and Deeksha College), Dr. T.V. Ramakrishna, founder of Sahasra Deepika, Swami Harshananda and Karnataka Minister for Medium Irrigation, Mr. Basavaraj Bommai. Approximately 150 guests were in attendance for this inspiring occasion. Following the program, lunch was served at Sahasra Deepika Institute. The day’s events honored the vision of the founders of both institutions, who share a deep and abiding passion for educating children.

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Prince Andrew presents donation to Sahasra Deepika

March 2008

HRH Duke of York Prince Andrew presented a donation of 2000 hours of community service by Bangalore employees of UK-based ARM to Sahasra Deepika Founder Dr. T.V. Ramakrishna on March 13, 2008. Sahasra Deepika Institute was one of three Bangalore social service organizations that were honored as part of ARM’s Corporate Social Responsibility Program. Pictured from left to right are: Bill Parsons, Executive Vice President for Human Resources; Prince Andrew, Dr. T.V. Ramakrishna, and Chief Operating Officer Tudor Brown.

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