Daan Utsav

India’s festival of giving began in 2009. The ‘Joy of Giving Week’ is celebrated across India for seven days starting 2 October – the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. To take the initiative from urban centres to across India, a name that would be understood by all, was coined - ‘Daan Utsav’. The ‘joy’ and celebration, inherent in a festival are captured in the name. 

In Goa, Amey Hegde initiated a discussion on a trainers group about being part of the Daan Utsav. Many trainers offered to train for free. People came up to support two free learning events. The one in Margao – called Udaan – is taking place today. The one in Panaji – called Rainbow – takes place today. Senior trainers like Les Menezes, Vaman Gaitonde, Atul Shah are part of the 15 trainers who will facilitate free learning.

As organisers, we experienced the real joy that comes from seeing generous support for propping up the event. In fact, big sponsorship was easily coming in. But we chose to ask for smaller contributions in terms of money. The need was to reach out to those who need the learning event most. To identify deserving participants, we needed many volunteers. And it was so easy to get enthusiastic support from social organisations as well as individuals.

The Daan Utsav confirms that people can generously give the gift of their time, only if they come together! The trainers, volunteers, social organisations as well as institutions have so easily joined hands. The united efforts have ensured the impact. This year, it is two free learning events. Next year we will reach out further across more communities on all seven days. For we have discovered the joy of giving that comes from coming together for a cause.

It is easy to experience the purpose of our living...
every time we ‘unite to impact’ the Joy of Giving!

                              

- Pravin K. Sabnis

Goa, India.