Manav Sadhna Project:
Synopsis:
In December of 2023, amidst the spirit of the holidays, my mother and I embarked on a journey to Ahmedabad, the capital of the prominent Indian State Gujarat. Prior to traveling, we had collectively raised over $15,000 USD to put into LEGO robotics kits for teaching, and had also raised $10,000 USD for a corresponding project, Steps of Kindness. We worked very closely with a NGO (Non Governmental Organization) called Manav Sadhna who helped us with organization and logistics to ensure that our time in India would be the most beneficial. The “workshop” as we called it, ran for a week, where we visited a different Ashram (place of knowledge) each day and exposed robotics to 30 kids in 5th grade at each. After we left, we used the remainder of the donated money to hire a teacher for long term exposure. out of the 150 kids we taught, the best 20 were chosen to take part in a competitive robotics team, who will soon be competing at the WRO (World Robotic Association).
Personal Experiences:
When I first arrived in the slums where I would be teaching, it didn’t feel real to me. The amount of support and trust that people had put into me just for me to arrive there left me shocked at the opportunity I was presented. I am incredibly grateful for everything/everyone that contrubuted to my time in India. Every donation, affirmation, and blessing I received along the way pushed me to this. I feel honored to be able to utilize my skills by teaching children who, if i’m being honest, have more talent, are naturally more creative, and willing to learn than I will ever be able to supplement them.
Statements:
Shiv created an inspiring project called Roboreach that has profoundly impacted our Manav Sadhna children from underprivileged communities by exposing them to the world of Robotics and much more. He had dedicated immense heart and time to preparing for his volunteering workshops in India, ensuring the project's sustainability by both building a team to continue the effort and securing funding. Shiv is a soul with the mind and potential for great leadership and passion, yet his heart is rooted in helping others as well. His work with Roboreach exemplifies his commitment to uplifting and empowering those around him through work that he is deeply passionate about!
Nimesh Patel - Manav Sadhna Co Leader
Some of The Children Selected
