Day Highlights……

Interactive Discussion:
A thoughtful dialogue was held on the Fundamental Rights, Duties, and the significance of Constitutional values in our daily lives.

Community Kitchen (Sajha Chulha):
Youth participants took the lead in setting up a shared community kitchen. They brought grains, vegetables, spices, and dry wood from their homes and cooked together—breaking all barriers of caste, religion, and gender. Sharing this collectively cooked meal fostered a strong sense of unity and cooperation.

Flame of Change:
Through a symbolic activity, each participant lit a piece of wood, contributing to a collective “Flame of Change,” symbolizing their commitment to building a better and more just society.

The programme aimed to strengthen young people’s understanding of secularism, unity, and brotherhood, while nurturing leadership qualities among them. We are delighted that the event succeeded in achieving these objectives! Let us all embrace the values enshrined in our Constitution and work together to build a just, inclusive, and harmonious society.

Our team members Anil and Suraj are currently on a fact-finding mission to Sonbhadra. During the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls, we discovered that several Dharikar camp dwellers in Varanasi — originally from the Sonbhadra region — have not received their SIR forms, nor any information about the need to update their documents.

Many of them are unable to read or write, and without clear guidance they risk being left out of the voter registration process entirely.

To address this, Asian Bridge India has formed a small support team dedicated to helping illiterate and unhoused community members living on the streets of Varanasi. The team provides information, accompanies people through the required steps, and helps them either register as new voters or update their existing voter IDs.

Ensuring that everyone can exercise their democratic rights is at the heart of this effort.

The programme marked the beginning of the 16-Day Campaign and aimed to orient both youth and their parents about its purpose. It also sought to develop a deeper understanding among participants regarding the violence and discrimination faced by women in society.

As part of the session, Asian Bridge India’s video “Meri Raatein Meri Sadke” was screened to raise awareness about different forms of violence. Participants gained clarity on various types of violence—physical, mental and emotional, economic, and sexual. The video further helped them understand the everyday challenges and violence experienced by women, encouraging meaningful reflection and dialogue.

At Varanasi Ashram School, every Saturday is a bag-free day. While Uttar Pradesh currently requires at least 10 activity-based “bagless days” per year in line with NEP 2020, schools are free to go beyond this minimum. Our weekly practice supports the same goals: joyful, hands-on learning and meaningful experiences for children.

NEP 2020 encourages schools to offer regular opportunities for experiential learning and enrichment activities (NEP 2020, §4.26). Making Saturdays bag-free gives our younger students more room to explore, create, and learn with all their senses.

This Saturday, a group of interested students, guided by a knowledgeable teacher, began preparing a new khet on the school grounds. Together they loosened the soil, removed stones, and planned the space for growing vegetables — learning teamwork, observation, and patience along the way.

Grade 2 students from Varanasi Ashram School explored a toy shop in Baragaon last week —asking prices, comparing options, and discovering what is available in their local market.
Through this simple outing, children practiced real-life math, communication, and decision-making skills.

Experiences like this reflect the spirit of NEP 2020, which encourages joyful, hands-on learning and connects classroom concepts with the world around the child.

A total of 46 young participants (19 boys and 27 girls) took part with great enthusiasm. Through quiz rounds and discussions on education, health, social roles, and equality, the event encouraged reflection and teamwork among boys and girls.

The activity created a positive space for learning and dialogue, reinforcing the message of equal opportunities and shared growth.

The health camp provided much-needed medical services to women from the Nomadic (Nat) community, many of whom rarely have access to preventive healthcare. More than 50 women underwent health checkups, and blood samples were collected from 40 participants for further screening.

This initiative marks an important step towards promoting women’s health awareness, early detection of cervical cancer, and linking marginalized women to essential health services.

Asian Bridge India (ABI) expresses gratitude to Udaan Nat Community and Shivpur Sangam Hospital, and all supporting partners for their contribution to making this health initiative a success.

At Ambedkar Park, speakers highlighted Ambedkar’s role in social reform and the making of the Constitution, while senior citizens shared reflections on the struggle for freedom. At Pakki Bazar, Anganwadi workers and youth emphasized the importance of unity, peace, and fraternity in celebrating the nation’s independence.

More than 40 participants, including adolescents, youth, women, and community members, joined the events. The celebrations concluded with cultural expressions, and the distribution of sweets, leaving behind a strong spirit of patriotism and togetherness.