Deepalaya - Enabling Self-Reliance

It was way back in 1956 that President Dwight D. Eisenhower of the United States of America sought an alternative to the wars he witnessed as a soldier, general and Allied Commander. Having seen the horrors of war, he was convinced that there would be better alternatives for humankind. Deciding to utilise some of the best brains available in his search for solutions, he organized a White House Conference of 100 of the top American leaders. Out of their search for an answer to this issue was born the People to People initiative. In the words of President Eisenhower, the mission of this programme was to “promote peace through understanding”. One of the participants in this conference was Walt Disney, who became one of the founding directors of People to People initiative. He was to draw inspiration from the People to People initiative when he created the “It’s a Small World” attraction in 1964.The People to People initiative has developed a link with Deepalaya half a century after its birth and this development is both pleasant and welcome for us.The link developed in an unexpected way.

Transcending Cultural Barriers

In August 2008, Mr. Balu Menon of Worldwide Adventures India, an educational tour operator, brought a team of 18 members from the US-based The Global Exploration for Educators Organisation (GEEO) to Deepalaya.The team was very impressed with the work of Deepalaya and made positive comments.The tour operator, Mr. Balu was also equally impressed and he promised to include Deepalaya in the tour itinerary of his future visiting teams.True to his word, on 12th November he brought a team 21 people to Deepalaya School, Sanjay Colony these were members from People to People Organisation on a ‘Mission in Understanding’.The basic philosophy that motivated them to undertake such visits to different developing countries lay in the belief that mutual understanding and peace can be established through interactions with people.
Ensemble of budding talents

These visitors from the People to People initiative were from diverse backgrounds.Some of them are doctors, teachers, social workers and nurses.But the commonality among them is their desire to transcend barriers and develop understanding across cultures.They were given a warm traditional welcome.Then they were shown around the school and saw how it functioned. True to their philosophy of aiming for mutual understanding, the visitors easily mixed with the children and interacted with them with childlike enthusiasm.Exhibiting interest in the children’s activities, they asked questions and also showered praises on them.A cultural program consisting of songs and dances was organised and the hosts enjoyed the programs by children thoroughly.
Ms. Sudha Parthasarthy, Executive Director Trainee, addressing the delegates

Then they interacted with Rtn. T.K. Mathew who elaborated on the Gandhian values and Gandhian way of life.The visiting team was full of praise for the work done by Rtn. T.K.Mathew. They appreciated the facilities provided to the children and lauded the commitment of the teachers.Impressed with Deepalaya’s work they wrote appreciatively in the visitors’ feedback book.Some of them were as under:

What an inspiration you all are for us.Our good wishes for your continued success. -John Meyer

What a joy to see so much love shared with children.You have inspired me! -Barbara Woodard

Education is the great equaliser.Congratulations on providing equity. -Maruerite Salazar

What you have been able to accomplish is truly impressive and your work is inspiring. Thank you. -Melody Abraham

The visitors gave our children gifts like stationery items, books and chocolates.They promised to continue the relationship with Deepalaya through the many Students Programs they have planned for India in the near future.They also gave a Certificate of Appreciation to Deepalaya which reads as:


Overall it was a very fruitful interaction.We hope to contribute more to the People to People initiative and be part of their efforts to contribute to peace by raising mutual understanding.