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The spirit of 'giving' touches young and old

Daan Utsav Samman 2019, in its fourth year, recognises schools and individuals who make 'Giving' an important part of their lives. Twelve Samman winners were felicitated on November 26, in Kolkata for their exemplary initiative. Vandana Yadav, Secretary, Commerce and Industries, Government of West Bengal and Managing Director, WBIDC, was the Chief Guest. She appreciated the 'Giving' activities and the recognition thereof.

Seven schools and five individuals received the Daan Utsav Samman (trophies and cash awards) at a befitting ceremony, honouring the true spirit of contributing to society arising from the desire to see positive changes in the life of people.

The Samman recognises initiatives in areas of Health and Hygiene, Education, Environment and Social Development. While Sri Sri Academy, Kolkata, got the Daan Utsav Sarvottam Saarvik Samman, the Uttam Saarvik Samman went to National High School (Hazra Road campus).

MP Birla Foundation Higher Secondary School was awarded the Harit Samman. Silver Point School was awarded the Aarogya Samman and Bharat Tirtha Vidyapeeth and Anando, the Ujjwal Samman.

Though the Utsav is celebrated from October 2-8 every year, the initiative continues throughout the year, keeping the interest of the less privileged in mind. This year, more than four million people from more than 120 cities and towns and 50 villages across India took part in the celebrations.

The 11th Daan Utsav was celebrated in and around Kolkata, with a bouquet of "Giving" events, from October 2-8, 2019. The Kolkata Running Squad, with Garbage Free India and the Daan Utsav Kolkata volunteers, collected about 120 kg of single-use plastic. By picking up litter while out on a jog, both the jogger and Planet Earth benefit.

More than 1,350 children from various NGOs of Kolkata and its suburbs had a Fun Day at Nicco Park, with free rides and lunch. Fifty differently abled children joined in the fun fare.

A collection drive for the Bengal Network of People Living with AIDS resulted in the distribution of at least 15,000 kg of rice and dal among those living with AIDS. Under the 'Fistful of Joy programme', donors contributed a fistful of rice/dal. New garments were distributed among them, ushering in Durga Puja.

Various schools, corporates and individuals also organised events to distribute clothes for the Pujas, food and blankets. Groups of people organized tree planting and garbage cleaning activities in and around their homes. Schools conducted awareness programmes on the use and responsible disposal of plastic waste.

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