Mumbai, 6^th April 2021: With an aim to celebrate the efforts of students who are striving to become alert, informed and active citizens – ACTIZENS, Desh Apnayen Sahayog Foundation hosted its annual awards ceremony with philanthropist and author Ms. Rohini Nilekani as the Chief Guest. The awards ceremony was hosted live on their Facebook page.

The Champion Schools Award was presented to ten schools – Agurchand Manmull Jain School, Chennai, DCM Presidency School, Ludhiana, HVB Global Academy, Mumbai, Narmada Calorx Public School, Bharuch, Our Lady of the Rosary High School, Goa, Pawar Public School, Dombivali, Shri Pragya Public School, Ajmer, Smt. Chandabai Pagariya Jain Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Chennai, St. John’s Universal School, Mumbai and The PSBB Millennium School, Chennai.

20 teachers received the Champion Teachers Award and the President and Vice President of the most active Desh Apnayen ACTIZENS’ Clubs were also felicitated during the event.

Desh Apnayen Sahayog Foundation was launched in 2015 by Mr. Vallabh Bhanshali and his associates with the dream to shape extraordinary citizens who will make India the world’s greatest democracy.

Commenting on this initiative, Mr. Vallabh Bhanshali, Founder and Chief Mentor of Desh Apnayen (and the ENAM Group), said that, “Desh Apnayen’s goal is to create a movement to achieve Democracy 2.0 in which passive citizens evolve into ACTIZENS such that citizens recognise that collective rights, such as peace, cleanliness, efficiency, progressiveness, etc. are essential to make the individual rights truly meaningful. To achieve this, we need to teach children that for democracy to deliver the optimum, it has to be practised every day and their informed participation is the foundation. Desh Apnayen is happy that its efforts are making a small dent in the passiveness and inspiring young minds to take charge of their future through innovative activities and sustained partnership with forward looking schools who are uniquely positioned to make this revolution happen. We know that it will always be a minuscule that will take the leadership – whether it be schools, teachers, parents and students. We have been able to get more leaders on board every year.”

Ms. Rohini Nilekani, the Chief Guest added, “If we are not active as citizens, what is called a demographic dividend can become a demographic disaster. My message to young people is to stay curious, stay connected, stay committed and have empathy. Learn more about issues that you care about and participate – in humility, without judgement and with self-reflection. You can start small. Do remember that it is okay to fail.” 

About the Organisation:

Desh Apnayen was founded by Mr. Vallabh Bhanshali, Co-founder and Chairman of ENAM Securities, and his associates in 2015. Its vision is to co-create Democracy 2.0, by building an accountable citizenry and society around three important themes: citizenship education, volunteerism and neighbourhood engagement.