Deepalaya - Enabling Self-Reliance

Saturday, the October 11, 2008: “When I approach a child, he inspires in me two sentiments; tenderness for what he is, and respect for what he may become”, thus said Louis Pasteur. In an unprecedented act, ‘what he is’ and ‘what he may become’ saw a spectacular fusion on Saturday at FICCI, as Deepalaya turned thirty.

The Deepalaya Choral Group

More than 225 children (who we talk of as special, not-so-fortunate, underprivileged and marginalized), a soulful orchestra, and a committed Choir master… together, they created magic. These were Deepalaya’s children, who after rigorous training for months, were formally launched as ‘Deepalaya Choral Group’, not only making the largest operational NGO in Delhi to become the pioneer to have one, but also giving the Capital, its first musical choir. True, tenderness did translate into respect, as these children transitioned from innocence, which invited affection, to confidence, which commanded admiration.

The Deepalaya Choral Group, which comprises children from all grades of Deepalaya schools, will soon add on to more than 700. “We really needed one in Delhi and Deepalaya made it happen”, said Ms Sheila Dikshit, Hon’ble CM of Delhi, who graced the event as the Chief Guest. Mr George Pulinkala, Director of Delhi Music Theatre, who launched the group, lauded Deepalaya’s vision and consequent efforts for the same.

Lighting of the Lamp

The event also marked the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Community Service of Rtn TK Mathew, Founder Member, Secretary and Chief Executive, Deepalaya, who has been the guiding spirit behind the organization. “I’ve personally seen Deepalaya contribute towards the nation’s cause and I really look up to Rtn Mathew for all the good work he has been doing over these years”, said the CM, who released a multimedia presentation on the same.

CM releasing ‘Deepalaya Impacting Lives’.

With the launch, the choir, conducted by Mr Sunny C Varughese, presented a couple of carols, showcasing their efforts and commitment. It was a sheer delight to watch little children understand their choir master, and successfully deliver the perfect choral music, note by note. The celebrations also extended to Deepalaya’s successful completion of thirty years of service, and another presentation was released to showcase how Deepalaya has grown and continues to, influencing lives everyday. Another highlight of the day was release of ‘Deepalaya Impacting Lives’, a document containing selected case stories where Deepalaya has made a difference.

Danielle releases the ‘Deepalaya Souvenir’

Children and staff from all the project locations marked their presence on the occasion. There were donors, sponsors, supporters, Board Members, Mr Mathew’s fellow Rotarians and the staff. Ms Danielle Brink, a supporter of Deepalaya, congratulated Mr Mathew with a special gift, as she launched the Deepalaya Souvenir for the year. After a round of felicitations to Deepalaya from donors, sponsors and other prominent people, the HRC staff staged a small skit titled ‘Social Entrepreneurs of the New Millennium’, a satirical comedy which was warmly received.

Social Entrepreneurs of the New Millennium

With the launch of Deepalaya Choral Group, the organization has ventured into yet another first. The Deepalaya Choral group and the children’s performance certainly proved to be the prime highlight of the celebrations of thirty years of Deepalaya. The show was called off with National Anthem and a formal lunch.