“As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.’’ – Mary Anne Radmacher.
This new year at Bhumi was one filled with ‘Smiles.’ Why you may ask!
Bhumi is completing ten years of its Scholarship Program – Bring Smiles in 2023. The efforts of the decade-long support were captured in the program’s first-ever beneficiary-donor get-together – Bring Smiles Scholar Meet-up. The event conducted on January 7, 2023, was filled with joy, and brought together members of the Bhumi community including scholars, parents, volunteers, donors, and supporters. The attendees got a chance to learn more about the organization, the program, and about each other.
Ms. Ashweetha Shetty, founder of Bodhi Tree Foundation and recipient of many accolades for her youth empowerment work was the key speaker at the event. It was inspiring to listen to her transformational journey from a bright-eyed girl in a conservative underprivileged locale to a first-generation college graduate. She is an advocate of equal opportunities, the right to dream, and education for all. Her ‘rules of life’ and words of wisdom empathized and resonated with the students and their parents to believe, be kind to themselves, and push the envelope.
Our champion scholars on the ‘Aspiration Wall’ marked ambitious, confident dreams with clarity.
‘Just wanna be independent & free and always the kindest one’.
‘I wished to become a doctor, but I am currently doing my Bio-Medical Engineering with happiness. I want to achieve more in my course and want to do higher studies abroad’.
‘I want to become a great and calm person; I want to be an IAS officer’.
Out of all the little big notes that were shared, there was one which said: ‘To join Bhumi as a donor as soon as possible’! How profound and moving!
Another highlight of the day was listening to the journey of Bhumi’s long-term scholars, *Mirakline & Renuka, who joined Bring Smiles as school students seven years ago. They are currently at the cusp of becoming first-degree holders of their families. They shared their stories filled with challenges, determination, sheer will, and perseverance.
Bhumi extends our gratitude to our donors and supporters. They have enabled us to be agents of change in our students’ lives and hope to see more of them on the stage in the coming years.
Our student scholars hail from parentless, single-parent, or low-income households. Their caregivers toil day and night to enable opportunities for their children to learn. Most of them are first-generation learners. It was moving to see a group of driven young adults coming together, hoping to carve a better future for themselves and others.
Bhumi has lit the torch to self-reliance & empowerment. It will burn bright and be carried forward, bringing smiles to deserving students.
