By Mohd Faheem Khan | Associate Director- Udayan Shalini Fellowship
UDAYAN SHALINI FELLOWSHIP
Background
Udayan Shalini Fellowship program of Udayan Care is a unique academic excellence and personality development program for deserving and talented girls from weak socio-economic backgrounds aiming to turn them into empowered and dignified women or Shalinis. It is unique because it goes beyond being a usual scholarship program by not only supporting higher education but also providing regular mentoring and leadership development and inculcating a sense of social responsibility in them.
Summary
The beginning of the new financial year 2021-22 made us stare again at the vulnerable situation we faced last year. The 2nd wave of the pandemic was more devastating and catastrophic. All of us experienced unprecedented changes in our lives because of the pandemic which has been an eye-opener in many ways.
Despite the grave situation, the USF team was at the forefront to help Shalinis and their families in these desolate times. The Emergency Response Fund 2.0 was initiated again, and a survey was conducted to assess and prioritize the Shalinis according to their needs.
2896 shalinis (2717 supported once, 168 supported twice, and 11 supported once) were supported through Emergency Response Fund 2.0 based on the survey conducted to assess and prioritize the Shalinis according to their needs. The pandemic also brought to the fore the great digital divide which is being faced by students of lower economic backgrounds. A digital survey was initiated to assess the digital divide and access of a smartphone to shalinis. To bridge this divide 586 smartphones were distributed across chapters on a priority basis and according to the availability of resources. 144 devices which included smartphones, tablets, desktops, and laptops were also distributed.
The Selection Process for FY 2021-22 has also concluded and we have inducted over 1500 shalinis who are ready to embark on their new journey and we are equally excited to usher them into a new phase in their life. The entire USF team including our core committee members have played a vital role in the Selection Process, ensuring that the most deserving students are inducted into the fellowship.
We have also added 5 new chapters in the USF umbrella, Agra, Faridabad, Nashik, Ahemdabad, and East Delhi to expand our outreach and the first batch of shalinis have been inducted in these chapters too. The USF family has expanded to 26 chapters, 24 cities, and 13 states now.
USF is also delighted to share that our Shalinis have performed exceptionally well in their 12th class board exams. 1118 Shalinis appeared for the exams across 21 chapters spanning India and we are brimming with pride to share that 1037 Shalinis secured above 1st Division, 639 Shalinis secured above 80%, and 254 Shalinis secured above 90%. The achievement is much more applauding as our Shalinis faced various challenges owing to the pandemic, transition from offline to online mode, loss of livelihood of parents, and the lack of access of a digital device, but they overcame all challenges and came out victorious bypassing with flying colors in their exams.
Our workshops and sessions continued through the virtual and offline mode as per the ground situation, as it helps us in connecting Shalinis with experienced professionals who have vast knowledge and guide Shalinis in the right direction. We have also made great progress in mentoring, various corporates like EY, Tata Proengagers, IVP, and Genpact India joined us to hold hands with Shalinis who needed guidance and mentoring at this crucial stage. These workshops and mentoring sessions have helped Shalinis to be focused and ensure their mental wellbeing. We also conducted training sessions for our mentors to keep them updated.
Spanning from August to October, our Shalinis had the privilege of attending sessions conducted by experts from diverse fields. We conducted Employability sessions on the topics Non-Verbal communication, CV Writing, Workplace Biasness and Teamwork, and various small workshops and sessions were also conducted on topics Environment Awareness, Cyber Security, Public Speaking to keep our Shalinis motivated and positive. It has been a sheer blessing to have support from partners like Genpact India, Ernst & Young, and ICICI who have helped us keep our Shalinis encouraged through regular mentoring and positivity.
As an initiative to keep our Shalinis engaged, we celebrated Environment Awareness, Daan Utsav, International Youth Day, and Suicide Prevention Day to help our Shalinis become aware of our Environment and also stay positive and healthy. Various other activities were also conducted which included celebrating Mother’s Day, Nurses Day, Teachers Day and Parents Meet to keep them away from the effects of the outside world.
Key highlights
AUGUST 2021
Employability Workshop | Non-Verbal Communication
An employability session was conducted on Nonverbal communication by Bhaskar with Batch 17 girls where he talked about the meaning and importance of nonverbal communication. He started with very common examples and stories that helped shalinis to connect and feel comfortable then he started giving tasks to shalinis to show how they can use nonverbal communication skills in their daily life. He said that it also helps people to connect with each other easily. He said that sign language has an important role in nonverbal communication. The session was really interesting and interactive. All the shalinis participated.
Employability Workshop | CV Writing
Shalinis pursuing Final year graduation will be going to face the market world and apply for different jobs. For this thing, CV and GD is one of the most important parts. To develop their skills, and employability session has been conducted by Saurabh for Batch 16 shalinis. He started the session by sharing the basics of CV and what all needs to be there in a good CV. Then he continues with why a CV is very important and components of CV. Then he discussed the basic do’s and don’ts while writing a CV. He also shared how a CV impacts your employer, it is the first thing that talks about yourself to the Applicant. At the end of the session, he shared his experience of writing his First CV and also encouraged girls to share their experiences. If they have ever created a CV.
International Youth Day Celebration | All Batches
International Youth Day was celebrated by our all shalinis, they have participated in a campaign where they have created a placard and written the pledge, they are taking on this international day to develop a better world and give back to society. They have taken different pledges like they want to make this world greener, Peaceful and equal for each and every one. It was a wonderful activity where all our girls participated very enthusiastically.
Independence Day Celebration | 15th August | All Batches
Independence is one of the most important parts of our lives it enables each and every individual to get their rights and develop themselves with full liberty. But today the independence we are enjoying is the result of so many sacrifices of our freedom fighters Our girls are very much aware of it and respects the sacrifices. And to show their gratitude for it and celebrate these proud moments they have created different posters and videos from themselves and shared them over social media. Also, inspire their friends and family to become concerned citizens of the country.
Participation in suicide Prevention Day | All Batches
A competition on suicide prevention day organized by sisters living work who take suicide prevention and stress management sessions with us. In the competition, entries can take place in three forms 1. Short film 2. Poster Making 3. Creative Writing. Our girls from all the batches have participated in the same by creating a short film writing poems and essays and also creating posters. They have sent their entries by sending emails to sisters living organizations. The result will be out after 12th September.
Career counseling Session | Batch 18
Girls Who passed class 12th this year are very much worried about their college admission, to guide them and help them with their career choices a session was organized by Roma, she named her session as Mission Admission, where firstly she explained about different central and state Universities where girls can apply. She also said that state universities have more numbers of seats, so we need to consider those as well. Then she shares about the new courses B.ed, Bachelor of Fashion Technology and Universities like DUET, JNU, Ambedkar University, where girls can apply and get opportunities. In the end, she shared about different courses that girls can pursue after graduation.
Technical Support
Due to the lockdown and sudden conversion to online education mode, many of our Shalinis were lagging behind due to no access to a digital device or internet. Udayan Care believes that there should be no digital divide as it puts a student behind someone who has access to these technologies. Udayan Care and USF are trying to bridge this digital divide and smartphones were given to 11 Shalinis in the month of August.
SEPTEMBER 2021
Cyber Security | All Batches
A session on cyber security was conducted by Sebastian from Deloitte for all the batches of the NDEL chapter. The session was started with the definition of cyber security and what everyone understands when they hear the word. He shared about the starting of the internet and web world. He shared 2-3 stories about abuses to understand everyone the kind of abuses that happened through online means. He shared about social profiling which means that what kind of social media post you read or share affects your profile later, for this also he shared the story of a boy. He discussed many important points which include:
In the end, he shared about the strategies of protection, how one can be safe while using the internet. It was an informative session for all our girls as they are more prone to cybercrime.
Shalinis Participation| 10th Sep | GCF India – Youth Leadership Summit
There was an opportunity from GCF India Youth Leadership Summit, where shalinis can participate. There were 4 major topics on which a Group of girls needs to prepare a presentation and email it to the GCF India. 4 groups of shalinis, including 4 or more than 4 members in a group participated for the same. All of them prepared a presentation on different topics which are given below:
Group 1 Zero Hunger
Group 2 Quality Education
Group 3 Positive Health
Group 4 Health & Well Being
They have done proper research and prepared this presentation and shared it with GCF's official Email ID.
Decision Making | Batch 19
A session on Decision making was conducted by Deloitte for class 12th shalinis, the session was started with defining decision-making in technical terms. It is the logical choice that every individual takes while they do anything. The facilitator talked about three types of decisions: No decision, Snap decision, and responsible decision. Then he discussed factors that affect our decisions. These factors are our Age, Situation, relations, etc.
Decisions can vary according to person to person, it is an individual choice what he/she decides according to their age group and situation or occasion. The facilitator also shared that our decisions shape our lives and future, what kind of decision we are taking today will shape our tomorrow and for this, he shared a beautiful story of 2 cricketers. In the end, everyone shared about the different decisions that they have taken in their lives. It was an interactive and interesting session.
Written Exam Orientation | 17th Sept | New Applicants
The selection process for the new batch has been started, more than 300 applicants applied for this year's selection process. The very first step is conducting their exams. As COVID is there, it needs to be done online, to conduct this exam applicants and Panelists need to be guided. For this purpose, orientation has been conducted by our Associate Director Faheem in 2 slots. The orientation started with a brief introduction of the program, then it followed by the guidelines of the examination, like time duration, method, and marks of the written test. The applicants were a little worried and have asked many questions. He resolved all the queries of the Applicants and wished them luck for the exams.
The Same orientation was conducted for the Panelists as they need to invigilate the exams in 10 different Panels. These panels included members of HO and Alumna shalinis of the NDEL Chapter.
Written Test| 19th Sept |New Applicants| 10 Panels
Written test was conducted in NDEl chapter on 19th Sep 2021. More than 250 students appeared for the test in 10 different Panels. The test was for 2 hours, All the panelists started their Google Meet call before ½ an hour. Initially, they guided students for the exams and then noted down their attendance. The Applicants started doing their papers which included objective and subjective types of questions. In between invigilators were checking with students and managed all the internet glitches. After 2 hours, students submitted their papers and all panels submitted their final attendance.
Environment Sustainability | 24th Sept | Deloitte | 30 Shalinis
A session on Deep down environmental Sustainability was conducted by Deloitte. The session consisted of 3 panelists, who are doing their bit to save the environment and make it better for tomorrow. The panelist included Zainab, Sitara, and Neil, and the session was moderated by Parul. The session was started with the basic introduction of panelists. And then it goes on with the amazing techniques that they are doing to save the environment. Where Zainab has shared that she does planting from a really young age with the help of her Father. Sitara shared about a very unpopular but amazing way of planting (agriculture) without soil. And Neil shared about his amazing initiative related to best out of waste.
It was a very informative session with a discussion on the importance of plants, Hydroponic Technique (Soil-less farming), Compost making method and many other things which can help us to save planet Earth.
OCTOBER 2021
Workplace Biasness | 3rd October 2021 | Batch 16
An employability workshop was conducted by Bhaskar on Managing Workplace Biasness with third-year students as they all will be out of college next year and going to face the workplace world. It is important for them to understand the business and how to handle it. As always Facilitator made girls understand through his role plays. Where he did three role-plays with the shalinis on different situations where he tried to help them to understand the business. The session was really informative and interesting.
Team Work | 3rd October 2021 | Batch 17
A Session on teamwork was conducted by Reet with second-year students. Teamwork is one of the most important parts of one’s career and studies. The facilitator shared about;
- What is teamwork,
- Which are the places where teamwork is required,
- What is the importance of teamwork,
- Benefits and Challenges of Team Work,
- And finally, what are the stages of Team development, It was an interesting and interactive session where girls participated very enthusiastically.
Interviews of New Applicants| 3rd October 2021| 6 Panels | Total 132 Applicants
As the selection process for the NDEL chapter goes on the third phase of the process started, which is the interview. After checking answers sheets and shortlisting a total of 132 girls were selected for interview. Total 132 applicants being interviewed by 6 Panels. These interviews also included home visits altogether. All the interviews were completed on time and panels did a very deep analysis and discussions to select deserving girls. During the interview, we connected with their parents and family members too and understood their thought about their child’s studies and career. Also did their home visits online to select the most deserving candidate.
YuWaah DFC Session | October | Design for Change India
Design for change sessions have been started with 30 girls, it includes a total of 5 sessions for all 30 shalinis. In the first session, all of them got to know about the DFC project and what is all about. In the second session, they got to know about the change that one can bring with teamwork and their efforts. They also got to do many activities like making sandwiches and choosing their color. In the next session they got to know about the idea which helps a person to bring change in society which is (FIDS) Feel, Imagines, Do, Share, they understood all the steps with different activities. In the next session, all the 30 girls were divided into 6 groups and all of them have got a topic to make a presentation based on the same idea, and all need to present in the next session. In the next session, all the groups have presented their PPT and explained about it, and later uploaded it over Google classroom.
Harappa Placement Course Orientation| 5th October 2021|Team Harappa
A course for Second and third-year shalinis designed by a very famous Platform which is Harappa. This course is to make shalinis employment ready. The orientation session for the same was held by team Harappa on 5th October 2021 to help all the shalinis to log in for the course and start learning from it. In the session, the facilitator shared about Harappa and its course in brief, timeline, and benefits of course. In the end, they helped shalinis to log in and start learning through the course.
Orientation of New Shalini’s | 13th October 2021| 70 Shalinis & Parents
The selection process of New Batch for the chapter has reached to an end, after the hard work of all the team members and panels, finally, we selected new 70 shalinis in the program and for them, an orientation session was organized by Faheem on 13th October 2021. All the new shalinis and their parents attended the session. The Orientation included all the important details about the program and organization that Shalini and her parents need to know. They all were beautifully addressed by Faheem, who helped them to understand the importance of the program and its benefits it also the expected behavior of a Shalini. In the end, he resolved all the queries raised by parents and shalinis.
Public Speaking| 23rd October 2021 | Batch 20
A session by Deloitte was conducted for our most recent batch which is class 11th on public speaking. As all of them are really new and very much hesitant in speaking publically. This was the best session they got and learned many things about public speaking. The facilitators shared what is public speaking and shared about her first experience of public speaking which was not really good. Then she shared about why it is important and then she shared a video of a public speaker and her two activities with shalinis at the end she shared about the ways to become a good public speaker. The session was really interactive and interesting.
Mock Interviews Session| 14th October 2021| Alumna Shalinis
A session on Mock interviews was conducted by Manvika, HR Specialist for our alumna shalinis. As all of them are looking and applying for jobs and they are facing interviews at every stage, it is very important for all of them to know about the interviews and how to crack it. Manvika has started the session by talking about interviews later she shared about;
In the end, she shared the very common question that was asked during the interview and she also suggested how to answer those questions easily. It was really wonderful session.
Induction Ceremony of New Shalini’s | 28th October 2021|70 Shalini’s & Parents
The selection process has been completed and the Induction ceremony for the NDEL chapter has been held on 28th Oct 2021. All the shalinis along with their parents attended the ceremony. The ceremony was graced by Harpal Mentor & Chairman, Fortis Healthcare Ltd (Chief Guest), Bhupinder, MD AMP Motors (Guest of Honour), Kiran (Founder & Managing Trustee, Udayan Care), Jain (Chairperson, USF), Arun (COO, Udayan Care), Faheem (Associate Director, USF), Ashish (Core Committee Member, NDEL). Listening to Harpal was mind Blowing as it was so inspirational. Their motivating words were a source of inspiration for all the new shalinis.
The event started with the welcoming address speech by Kiran, she thanked our chief guest, Guest of Honour for their work and for marking their presence. She also thanked CC members and Shalinis and their families.
She talked about the initiative that was taken in 2002 with 72 girls. And now it reached out to 26 cities and 11000 Shalinis.” She shared about the selection process briefly also shared the meaning of the word 'Shalini'. She mentioned that financial support, workshops, and mentoring are important components of this program. But the beauty of this program is that "we want to shift the mindset of being a receiver to the giver, we inspire our Shalinis to do 50 hours of social work". Then at the end with the story of Diya.
Then our Host invited Jain to share his thoughts with our shalinis. He shared about the success of the USF program by sharing the story of Darshana Alumna USF program. He also shared about the activities that are being held for the growth and development of our Shalinis.
After his beautiful words, We shared a beautiful video of the USF program including Glimpses of all the components and activities of the program.
Then there was the speech of Faheem, he interacted with new shalinis and their parents. He said that the parents are the most important source of motivation for the children and shared how this program will help their family and their girls. By his speech he not only inspired Shalinis but their parents too to support their girls and develop better communication with them so that they can grow and develop. Then he ended his speech with a beautiful Shayari.
Then there was experiencing Sharing by two Alumna of North Delhi Chapter, Ankur from Batch 13, She shared that her growth and independence not only impacted her but her society too. Because in her community other girls’ parents are supporting them to study and grow. Shama from batch 15 shared the impact of the program on her life. She shared the impact of employability workshops and employability programs. Now she has got an internship opportunity at EY Company. With their words, all the girls got inspired and understood the importance of the USF program in their life.
Mentoring is one of the most important pillars of the USF program. To talk about it there was a person, who was doing mentoring for more than a decade. Ashish, the most senior mentor of our program. He shared that Mentoring is the essence of our program it makes our program different from others. He also shared about the mentor didi concept. He ended with congratulating and welcoming Shalinis to the USF Family.
Then there was an oath-taking ceremony after that, after which the chief guest Harpal was welcomed to speak a few words. He congratulated to all the Shalinis, he shared the story of many young leaders to inspire our shalinis. He suggested a few things to our Shalinis. Build on your Talent, sharpen your words, try not to expose yourself to wrong ideas in fact expose yourself to new & good ideas, Be hungry to learn, Keep an open mind, Work Hard and enjoy your journey of success.
Bhupinder shared that it is a pleasure for him to be here and support our Shalinis, then Arun shared his views with our Shalinis and shared the importance of their efforts. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Faheem and the National Anthem.
It was a wonderful session with lots of thoughtful ideas and experiences. All of our Shalinis enjoyed the event and learned from the experiences of others. Our Shalini Charu from Batch 16 beautifully hosted the session. It was a wonderful event and it created a lot of memories for all the new shalinis.
Success story
Komal from Batch 12 of the North Delhi Chapter belongs to a family which is not financially strong. She lost her father in 2012 after that her brother played the role of brother and father. Her brother is an auto driver. She says that “if my mother and brother had not supported me to join CA course in 2015 then today how could I become a Chartered Accountant and how can I add this prefix in my name”.The biggest support came from Udayan care. She says that Udayan Care is her second family who always supports her whenever she needs it, she cannot explain her whole journey from CPT to becoming a Chartered Accountant in words. She faced lots of challenges like when she has to go to classes, she had no money in her pocket but still, she had to attend her class on time because She is very punctual for her classes. During those days she cover long distances on by walking because she knew that Hard work definitely pays off. She quoted that “A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes determination and hard work.”
Recently she has also bagged a job with Vedanta Ltd. As Management Trainee with a package of Rs 12lac per annum.
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