The hands that serve are holier than the lips that pray

Oakridge International School decided to change the school uniforms this year. The earlier uniforms would be redundant and to ensure that they are put to good use, an initiative ideated by Ms. Riddhi Reddy of XI IBDP; led to collaboration of the school with a Non-Profit Organisation; which would disburse them for a good cause. This is in line with our philosophy of helping our students contribute to the society and imbibe the art of giving, as an attitude.

  

The uniforms were sent to Goonj on 26^th September 2013 which shall further distribute it to children based on the need that arises from a particular area. The students of Oakridge International School, Newton Campus; participated enthusiastically in this initiative, by collecting the old uniforms and sending it to Goonj.

Nobel thought by Oakrider's:

“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” 

When I first heard that we would be getting new school uniforms this year, the thought immediately struck me, “What would all the kids in school do with their old uniforms?”

I realized that none of us would ever use the old uniforms again and instead of stacking them up in our cupboards and collecting dust, giving the uniforms to those who really needed them would be much more beneficial. Then I thought of collecting all the old uniforms and donate them to the needy through a Non-Profit Organization.

With the support of the principal, Captain Rohit Sen Bajaj, and my teachers, Srikanth Sir and Rachna Ma’am, I was able to take this initiative forward. I got in contact with a well-known NGO, Goonj Foundation, who gladly agreed to take the old uniforms and donate them where they could be used in the right way.

The collection for the old uniforms started in the first week of August and the uniforms were handed over to Goonj on September 26^th, 2013.

This entire initiative was an entirely new experience for me. When we actually handed over the uniforms, I was overwhelmed and I had a very good feeling within me as I was doing something to help the community. I am very happy with the experience and hope to initiate and engage in similar project in future and will look forward to many more opportunities like this.

- Ridhi Reddy

IBDP 11B