Dhakshina
Dhakshina
In change we believe, in youth we trust.
In change we believe, in youth we trust.
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About us
A hope, a dream, a passion, a fire. We can all inspire, we can all instigate. There is that spirit, there is that vitality.
An idea, if cultivated can build a healthier, more prosperous and peaceful world. It was this underlying vision that brought us, a group of dynamic youth from across the country, to form a youth forum. We called ourselves Dhakshina-a revered offering for the privileges enjoyed.
Believing in this spirit and humanity, we at Dhakshina have established ourselves as a youth forum that endeavors to remind society of the love, affection and responsibility that lies within. By utilising resources that are usually underappreciated, we look for a positive social capital development that will lead to a reformation of the country. All our projects have been initiated to tap the abundant potential of the youth. In a span of 2 years, we have expanded from one to over 120 members across 4 cities with long term projects and campaigns. Our efforts to arouse social initiatives have resulted in chapters across Delhi, Chennai, Kochi and Madurai.WHAT WE DO
We Believe you can get everything in life, if you help enough other people to get what they want...
PROJECT PAPERBACK
Mission: Reuse + Paper + Notebooks
As we all know, paper is one of the most wasted natural resource and it is often simply discarded. We want to reduce the wastage of paper by making meaningful use of it. Books that are usually thrown out with still a few unused sheets at the end are collected, made into new books and given to those who cannot afford them. Additionally we also collect used sheets which we recycle. While this may seem like any mundane project, we bring Dhakshina's touch to it. We have these books bound by differently abled children. Our own team teaches these kids how to segregate these unused papers and bind them into books for under privileged school children. Through this we wish to achieve three things : Optimum use of one of the world's scarce resources, a means of livelihood for children who would not otherwise be given a chance to work or partake in any activity of this sort and of course, the dream of subsidized education for students in rural schools. Paperback is now active across Delhi where we work with the Delhi Centre for Child Welfare as well as in Chennai and Madurai.
SOCH
Mission: Social Change Leaders + Conversations + School
A very common topic of conversation in India today is 'failure'. Failure of the economy, failure of the Indian polity, failure of justice, failure of the Indian family and the failure of our Indian culture. The acceptance of these statements may vary from person to person but the underlying notion still remains that India is disappointed in her people and herself. Yes, India lags behind in the spheres of education, technology and literacy. But we believe that this can change. All that is required is a jolt. A jolt to think, ask questions and not accept whatever is served to us. We will change this stereotype of the Indian being. The youth are labeled as' tomorrow's leaders'. We want to change this label and make it a reality. Hence we bring to you our latest venture - Soch
Soch is aimed at providing the nation with duty-encoded and productive citizens by rendering students with more opportunities towards community reinforcement that leads to a conscious citizen. This program is aimed at instilling citizen responsibility and sensitizing students to take up responsible actions for the betterment of society.Coffee on the wall
Reduce wastage of food + Feed people
The practice of going out with loved ones for a joyful meal is ever prevalent today. With Coffee on the Wall, we ensure that the under privileged get a chance for this as well. At restaurants across Kochi and Chennai, we encourage the public to make a small effort to order one extra thing on the menu. This item goes to 'The Wall'. At the end of the week, all the items of food on The Wall are taken to shelter homes in Kochi and Chennai with an attempt to bridge the socio economic that exists even 66 years on.
Pahel
Mission: Women empowerment!
While we miss hand-knit sweaters, they let their hobbies die. Pahel brings together women who love to knit but never pursued their art. We support them in making daily objects in their own way, using their skill sets. This accents their talents and helps them find a source of income in tasks they love! We provide them with a platform where they can sell their produce and hence translate hobbies to improved standards of life. It's ironic how they've been knitting all their lives and never noticed the potential their hobby has. The confidence and passion these women knit with are reasons for our Pahel. A job that we love and that helps our talents grow, don't we all want that? We ensure they get it! Pahel is currently active in Delhi.
Project Maruvazhvu
Mission: A better future!
We were told as kids to count our blessings and when we did that recently, we knew it was really important that we shared them. The kids at juvenile home don't have their sizzling silver platters and they couldn't care less for that. All they asked us for is companionship and we were bent upon bringing them trucks and trains of joy. It has been a privilege for us to organise pedagogic camps for these kids and through all the activities, tasks and tests we have all grown together. Maruvazhvu is Madurai's budding initiative towards a better world-a happy place.
CAMPAIGNS
Make My Day
Kochi
This project was a small gesture, a minor contribution that we wish to make to the kids at a shelter home in Kochi, by making their day. With Make my Day, Dhakshina volunteers went to shelter homes around the city of Kochi and ask the kids what they would like to make their holiday special. With this list, we put up our own stall at Oberon Mall and provided a platform for people who wish to contribute to making a kid's day. People were welcome to contribute either the items on the list or by donating money. Keeping in mind the spirit of welcoming 2015, Dhakshina also held a short cultural program for the public at Oberon Mall on December 31st and January 1st.
#YesIndia
India
India is a country that has been much loved. But today all we hear off is the corruption, rape, assault and attacks in the country. Where did our ‘much love’ go? Dhakshina seeks to remind her nation of this. The 15th of July witnessed the start of our newest initiative #YesIndia. Our project is simple – click a picture of yourself holding a sign stating what you love about your homeland. #YesIndia will go on for a month with a huge compilation on the 15thof August, celebrating the anniversary of our Independence. Our objective is to revive the citizens’ national pride and honour by a simple declaration of what they love.
#YesIndia
Avasar
Kochi
' I was always given clothes, but never had the option to choose them myself.' This is what an orphan feels like. Let's give them a chance to choose what they want to wear. Let's give them a chance to crib over an ill fitted dress, or the colour or the way they look in it without bothering about its price. Project Avasar - a shopping experience for the tiny tots who have never had this amazing experience before. Tiny tots from various unaided orphanages are accompanied with our enthusiastic volunteers to a textile shop where they are given an opportunity to chose clothes for themselves. We usually give them a budget of Rs.1000. We help them chose, try and enjoy over the experience.
BOARD OF ADVISORS
Alexander Lahner
Mr. Alexander Lahner, founder and CEO of ''www.timelack.com" , an online market place focused on extraordinary talents and skills. He has also co-founded ''Train your brain'' and ''www.checkrobin.com'' . He also works as a trainer in Communicationtrainer with the aim of imparting insights on leadership, motivation, time management and so on.
Andre Kwok Ka Ming
'Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.'
As we continue our journey to the stars, we feel honored to be guided by Mr Andre Kwok, Founder-President, ASEAN Entrepreneur Foundation and also the representative at Clinton Global InitiativeTEAM
Divya Joseph
Director
An Economics students at St. Stephen's College, Delhi, Divya has been working in the social sector since the age of 12. She is a firm believer in the fact that you don't need to be 45 or be rich to make a difference. The smallest things do make the biggest difference! Divya has been a part of various social initiatives in Chennai and Delhi and hopes to make a real impact in the field of education. A South Indian by heart, she is ever ready for a cup of steaming hot filter coffee and has an unhealthy love for beaches.
If you can help in any way, please contact divyajoseph.dhakshina@gmail.comAkshay Muralidharan
Founder and and Human Resources Head
It's difficult to come across people who live their dream, people who are truly passionate about what they do. Because to do that, you need to have courage, you need to show spirit, you need to believe in yourself and fight against all sorts of odds. Akshay is that and much more. He lives his dream, and while at it, he is adding happiness in the corners where it is most needed. Whether it be in the form of a doughnut or a mentor, he is definitely making a difference.
To volunteer, drop in mail toSneha Surana
Business Development Co -Head
An aspiring Chartered Accountant by profession Sneha is a social worker by passion. Her motto remains, 'Keep it simple. Keep it significant'. She believes that true joy and happiness comes from helping all sections of society. A person who loves baking, travelling, listening to music and dancing, Sneha is our own little workaholic!
Harshita Agarwal
Business Development team Co-Head
Harshita is a student of Economics at St. Stephen's College, Delhi. Ever so often, her routine hits her with new ideas to make the world more gracious and dedicating herself to the work that follows keeps her full of joy. She loves playing random compositions on the piano and though she can never play the same piece again, it is enough to keep her at peace!
Anand Sathyan
Marketing and PR
An entrepreneur at heart, Anand has his own business.He loves travelling and has a taste for Eastern food. He heads the Marketing Team at Dhakshina and is assisted by Ayushi, Abhilash and Rahul.
Coomar Prantik Barua
Finance
A Social Entrepreneur. Holds a B.Tech degree from SRM. Currently working as a Programmer Analyst with an IT Company. Has been with Dhakshina since the beginning with different roles, currently a Member of the Board. Past experiences include Enactus, Help Age India, JCI, and HPAIR. His mission : Impact, and improve people's lives.
AYUSHI SHARMA
Chief Designer
"The only way to do great work is to do what you love to do."
RAHUL BALU
Cinematographer
"There are particular images that I like. Allegro is composed of a series of still life photographs that has been put to speed. There is so much care that has gone into the composition of the cinematography."
WHO IS TALKING ABOUT US
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The I am in news network covers local community issues, events, personalities and happenings. Powered by its dedicated team of reporters, journalists and editors, each hyperlocal e-paper also features content from trainee journalists, local communities and experts.
The Indian Economist (TIE) is an online magazine published every Sunday at 8 am. The Indian Economist seeks to offer to its readers high quality articles and opinion pieces covering a wide range of subjects including economics, politics, public policy, finance, foreign policy and much more. The Indian Economist believes in satisfying the curious mind, thus we seek to provide the reader with knowledge that empowers him to see to view the world around him through the prism of facts, logic and awareness.
REGISTER
'Extend a helping hand to make them dream a little more'
Copyright 2013