Article in "The Hindu" - Used Book Drive by SMILE Trust

Many ways to make children smile

Build a library: By Children - for Children

If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children,” said Gandhiji. What better way to take this notion forward, than on Gandhi Jayanti?

Child by child

Smile, an organisation working for the cause of children, did just that! They organised a used-book drive at Shantibagh Apartments, Begumpet and Vaishali Gardens, Tarnaka, to build a library for the students of Government Girls School, Picket.

Smile was initiated in December 2004, by Mr. Shyam, who wanted to do something for the children. The group started off on a child-by-child basis, wherein the members started helping individual children in their education and other needs.

This is the first school-wise programme that Smile has taken up. The group proposes to build an English-language library, because English is a medium that is not easily accessible to the children of Government schools such as these. “We spoke to the District Collector with some proposals for schools. However, he informed us that he would be taking up similar activities and therefore, we chose to help schools in any area where the school feels it needs help,” says Mr. Shastry. What is strikingly different about this group, is the fact that this group does not take money in the form of donations.

“We do not want to take donations, until we know we can utilise it correctly,” says Mr. Shastry.

By the end of two hours, a sizeable number of books had been accumulated at each of the venues, all of which will be put up at the English library in the school.

The organisation is located at West Marredpally and you can contribute your bit, by donating old and used school books, story books and general books can do so.

Interested in reaching out to the lesser privileged children?

Contact: Shyam Mantha: +91. 995 994 1212, Anita Narayanasamy: +91. 970 100 0945, Hyderabad

Source: October 21, 2008: http://www.hindu.com/yw/2008/10/21/stories/2008102150211400.htm

Great response - Used Books Drive on October 2nd, 2008 - A moment to thank everyone

Today, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, SMILE planned its first public event ("Used Books" drive)in aid of Government Girls High School, Picket, Secunderabad. It is very heartening to note that the response has been great at both the locations - Begumpet and Tarnaka. We have collected quite a number of books on variety of children topics ranging from English, Maths, Science, GK, Stories, comics etc.

It was a great experience to interact with parents and kids who donated their used books.

I need to thank few people who made this event a great success in its own terms.

1. Anita Narayansamy, who pushed this drive right from the beginning till date. She has taken all the pains of running pillar to post in making key things fall in place like Designing posters, leaflets, banners, visiting cards and getting them printed.

She has taken the responsibility of getting them printed and borne entire cost of the work. She never took anybody's help in the entire process and pushed the printer to deliver stuff on time. Its really commendable.

2. Mallika and invisible supporters: I say this because, Anita has sent few mails to her friends across India and USA. That mail traveled from Hyderabad to other metros and finally to USA where Ansh (Anita's friend) posted it on Ryze Business Networking ite. From there Mallika picked up and sent it to her friend Suresh who works for NTV. Quickly he took action by inserting in scrolling advt.

It was a sheer surprise to all of us to learn that SMILE advt was coming in NTV. Even before we realized that fact, Anita started receiving calls from public from various parts of Andhra Pradesh. We were surprised and Anita decided to reach its end and crack the mystery. To cust the story short, Anita figured out that it was Mallika who shared this event with Suresh

It was happy ending and a great beginning too.

3. Farida and The Hindu: When Anita shared this news with Farida who works with The Hindu, she quickly informed her team to cover this event. They approached Sastry at Begumpet location, who is a SMILE member, Independent IT Consultant and Strategist.

4. On the day of the event: Anita and I looked after Vaishali Garden Apartments and Sastry and Chandra looked after Shanti Bagh Apartments. We didn't have major problem as people turned up quickly at our place. However, it took a while at begumpet to get the response. If it was not for Sastry, event may have taken U turn. Chandra was handling the counter and Sastry went floor by floor, door to door to remind about the event and made it a success.

First I thank my team - Anita, Sastry and Chandra for their continuous support. Then Anshie, Mallika, Farida and Suresh. Then the printer Srinivas.

Last but not least, Mr. Gomez, secretary of Vaishali Apartments, Tarnaka, who immediately accepted my request and allowed me to tie banners, display posters, distribute leaflets and help me setup the counter. Another person who helped us alot is Shanker, resident of Shanti Bagh Apartments. Without his help, we couldn't have done this event at his apartment complex. He was kind enough to support us and honour Sastry's request to setup a counter.

Thank you again for all your support. Look forward to your continuous support in the coming event

Warm Regards

Shyam S Mantha
Founder Trustee
+91. 995 994 1212 (M)

"Used Books" Drive on October 2, 2008

You are all cordially invited to join SMILE Team either at Tarnaka or Begumpet. Details of the event are in the poster

Look forward to meeting you all at the event

Regards
Shyam S Mantha
Founder Trustee
+91. 995 994 1212 (M)

October 02, 2008 - "Used Books drive" at Tarnaka and Begumpet

"Used Books drive" is being organized for the benefit of Government Girls High School, Picket, Secunderabad, which SMILE has adopted recently to create good library facilty, provide tutors to take up Communicative English classes, Basic Computer lessons, creative way of learning Science and Maths thru' fun and interactive sessions

This is organized on October 02, 2008 at Vaishali Gardens, Tarnaka and Shanti Bagh apartments in Begumpet between 10 am - 12 noon. For more details, you are most welcome to contact Mr. Shyam S Mantha - 995 994 1212 or Anita Narayasamy - 970 100 0945

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