About Helping Hand International
Helping Hand International is an organization established and working from Gujarat in India. Our organization was established in the year of 2016, under the leadership of Dhruv Panchal. Our vision is “All the people have access to and benefit of All-Round Prosperity and Social Justice.” We truly believe that we must reach the Seventeen Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations by 2030 through global collaboration and exchange of ideas. We primarily work on “UN SDG17, Spreading Peace, Social activism in youth around the world". We believe in the ability of the youth around the globe to bring a positive change for the environment and human beings. We initially started off with just ten members as a part of the organization in the year 2016. In a span of four years, we have built a large family with members from various parts of the country. We believe that empowering others can empower ourselves. Being a part of the Helping Hand International is a wonderful experience of bringing the change by empowering others. In this article, we would be highlighting the achievements of our organization in bringing a positive change in our country India.
Educational Initiatives For The Unprivileged
Education is one of the basic needs of every citizen in order to prosper and survive in the 21st Century. According to the MHRD Report published in 2018, the literacy rate in the country is nearly 69.1% which includes both rural and urban areas of the country. According to a UNESCO report, nearly 266 million adults can’t read and 12 million children do not get an opportunity to study in a school. Due to poverty and impoverishment, these children are forced to be work as child labour in various small scale and medium scale industries. Nearly 10 million children in the country are forced to be a part of child labour. This is a major concern for a country like India whose future depends on the youth and the children. These children lose their precious childhood. At the age of holding pens and notebooks, these children are forced to work in hazardous places risking their lives and putting their childhood happiness at stake.
Helping Hand International Member teaching the children from the slums and impoverished areas
In the year 2016, the members of our organization started teaching children from the slums of Gandhinagar and the neighbouring areas. We used to teach them basic science and mathematics every Sunday. We also made sure that these children are not just academically strong but also taught them good habits and moral values that can make them good citizens with a positive character. We used to provide them with textbooks and stationery with the funds we got from our acquaintances. We also taught them the importance of self-hygiene as a part of academic teaching. This initiative was appreciated by the senior citizens of the slum who believed that we could bring about a positive change in their lives by educating the children from the slum. Their words of appreciation were a major boost for our organization. With the help of the Right to Education Act,2005, we made sure that some children get an opportunity to study in a private school and these children have been doing very well in their academic pursuits. In order to help college students from a poor background, we started an initiative in the colleges of Gandhinagar where the seniors can donate their books to us and we made sure that these books are available to the unprivileged college students at free of cost.
Food Distribution for the poor Children on Sundays
Newspaper Clipping of the Local Newspaper appreciating our initiative of feeding the children
Environmental Protection Initiatives
The environment has been left in a state of neglect and dismay. The environment has been under constant threat due to rapid urbanization and industrialization. According to a report from the Environment Ministry of India, the tree felling rate has been doubled during the period of 2016 to 2019. According to the ISFR report, the forest cover in the country is 712,249 sq km which is nearly 21.67% of the total area of India. Nearly 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste is generated in the country per day and only 40% of it gets recycled. India has been ranked as the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world. This is a really serious issue that must be tackled as soon as possible without or else we might have to face dire consequences.
Helping Hand International Tree Plantation Drive
We at the Helping Hand International Organization truly believe that environmental consciousness must be inculcated at a very young age. In 2017-2018, we had started an environmental protection campaign at the Government Schools in and around Gandhinagar. We arranged an informative session about the environment for government school children. We made sure that these students would pledge to spend at least one hour a week to take care of the tree which they have planted. With this initiative, we were ready to support the Government of Gujarat’s ambitious goal of planting one million trees in the state. We allowed ten members from our team to have supervision over the trees planted by the school children. In order to spread awareness about environmental protection, we did a door to door campaign and street plays at various parts of Gandhinagar, Kalol City, and the neighbouring areas which were highly polluted. We also did the same strategy to create awareness in different highly polluted areas of the state in order to inculcate the people about the need for hygiene and cleanliness. Our initiative was successful when Kalol city became one of the cleanest cities in the state of Gujarat. This was highly appreciated by the then Governor of the state of Gujarat, Om Prakash Kohli Sir. Even Costa Rica’s environment Secretary, Carlos Mario Sir was truly impressed with the impact of the work by the organization.
Dhruv Panchal, the founder of Helping Hand International addressing the gathering at The Thirteenth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals organized by the UNEP held at Gandhinagar in Gujarat.
The Helping Hand International Team with Costa Rica’s environment Secretary, Carlos Mario Sir
Initiatives to help the poor during the COVID 19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has left the world in a state of shock and distress. With nearly 600k COVID-19 cases in India, many of the labourers have lost their jobs and livelihood have decided to leave their cities and head to their hometown. With no proper wages, more than half a million people working in the informal labour sector have been forced to stay hungry and travel back home. These labourers do not have access to basic sanitation needs and medicines amidst the pandemic. In a developing country like India, the informal labour sector has been badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. These migrant labourers need financial and psychological support amidst this COVID-19 pandemic. A proper supply of basic needs and medication to the migrant labourers is the need of the hour.
The members of Helping Hand International distributing nutritional and energy-packed foods such as biscuits, bread, and rusk.
We started distributing nutritional and energy-packed foods such as biscuits, bread, and rusk to the migrating labourers. We provided these migrant labourers with a 450 calorie meal which was cooked by a team of well-trained in-house cooks who follow standard operating procedures to maintain hygiene and quality protocols while working. We are working in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat to find out places where these migrant labourers are struggling to get a single meal in order to provide them with the food packet. We also distributed masks and sanitizers to those who are in need. We did massive campaigns regarding the practice of social distancing norms and hygiene protocols amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Online webinars regarding wellness and health care were initiated by the organization. If a migrant labourer needs to travel to another state, the person would need a migratory pass. Getting this migratory pass isn’t easy for a labourer who is illiterate. Our organization arranged migratory passes for 8000 labourers for travelling from Gujarat to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
The members of the Helping Hand International helping the migrant labourers to reach their hometowns
To Provide Justice To The Needy
The consistent growth of human civilization and its humongous needs, desires, aspirations have triggered a lot of conflicts in today's era than ever before. Justice simply refers to giving back what one is due. It is a prerequisite condition for the success of a civilized society. Justice in political, social, and in the economic sphere is crucial to decode its real meaning and to impart an effect on humanity. The emergence of India as a Democratic nation ensures Rule of Law and Rule of People on themselves i.e. Gandhi’s SWARAJ, Rather than an aristocratic or despotic rule. Man, as born equal is the Supreme possessor of himself, but in reality, is apt in theories only. The social environment which he gains, later on, determines the social status and so on the opportunities in society. Justice ensures foolproof availability of basic liberties and rights to everyone. The tragic report of over 3.03 Crore cases pending in India( Govt. of India, Ministry of Justice) reveals the reach of justice to the people, with 23% of its cases pending for more than 10yrs. Equal access to the law requires financial soundness, which is sadly a curse for the poor. It’s a reality to be tackled with robust determination, dedication, and hard work, With the motive of creating an egalitarian society and bringing the deprived and vulnerable at par with privileged ones.
Helping Hand International Founder Mr Dhruv Panchal leading the Youth Movement for Citizens Rights at Ahmedabad
Helping Hand International Is one of the most prominent civil society in India, active since 2016 Under the leadership of our founder, Mr Dhruv Panchal. The sincere and laborious efforts of our volunteers have alleviated the pain and distress of thousands of people. Our team under the Right to Education took the pious initiative Of teaching poor slum children who are deprived of Education because of massive poverty, unhealthy involvement, and lack of access to civilized society. We provide admission in primary schools, proper hygienic food, and nurture them with moral values to be a sane human. We are not limited here only. Each and every member is an active possessor of his-her rights enshrined in the constitution and aware of others for the same. In Gandhinagar, The postponement of clerical exam marked uncertainties and a question mark on the bright future of over 8 lakh candidates. And so in this crucial time, we aided our remarkable support to them. Under the leadership of our founder Mr.Dhruv Panchal with 5000 students with a 2-day long hunger strike, the authority knelt down and changed their policy thereby securing the future of 8 lakhs aspirants. Our team members exercise the tool i.e. RIGHT TO INFORMATION to question the government and to keep a check on their affairs. We believe the communication gap between the power possessor and the common citizens is a major hindrance and makes citizens oblivious of their Rights. Thereby we organize meetings and engagement with the Govt. officers, politicians to provide Justice to the needy immediately. Our team considers brotherhood and fraternity are very imp for spreading peace and tranquillity between communities and to uproot hatred and discrimination from society. We know the journey is long and tough but we all are set to turn the adversities into an opportunity and make this world a better place to live in. We believe in our true and Sincere efforts and will surely achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
The Helping Hand International founder Mr Dhruv Panchal meeting the Honourable Governor of Gujarat Shri O.P.Kohli regarding the NGO Work
Helping Hand International Spearheads the protest against Postponement of the Government Clerk Exam
The Gujarat Times Coverage of Helping Hand International Spearheads the protest against Postponement of the Government Clerk Exam
Helping Hand International Members addressing media it's Social activism in youth so youth can focus on Income generation, Health, Education, Clean Environment and Social Justice
Social, Cultural, And Team Bonding Activities
Human beings are the most interactive creatures on this entire earth and when it comes to communication, we are dependent on the concept of connection. Cultural bonding falls under one of those essential bases of an organization which ensures the strength of the organization. Through cultural bonding, we get to know the different cultures and different ethics of the members employed in a group or an institution or a foundation. A healthy and strong culture is portrayed elegantly in a team when all the members effectively take part unitedly in a work, collaborate with each other, share knowledge and grow each other's hands to support and maintain the decorums of fraternity all over. When the cultural bonding is strong, we can see the impeccable growth of a team and they come together to fight against any odds. Team bonding may turn out to be one of the most necessary steps for an organization to strengthen integrity. Based on a strong and healthy team, the workplace becomes much more comfortable, flexible and easy to comprehend. With the motive to create a great impact on the society, every organization should work on their team building, cultural bonding and inter-community relationship.
The Helping Hand International Members with the Sikh Community
Helping Hand International is one of the most proactive non-governmental organizations of India which comes under the spotlight in the year 2016. The eminent team, led by Mr Dhruv Panchal has been working efficiently towards the social upliftment. Again, when it comes to the arena of cultural and team bonding, Helping Hand has succeeded in making an enormous and powerful team with flying colours. From celebrating Indian cultural festivities like Navratri and Diwali together to keeping a good example in front of the society on the auspicious occasions of World Environment Day and International Peace Day etc. To boost up the mental strength of the team and make the bond stronger, team members are often influenced by the remarkable life histories of legendary freedom fighters and their contribution towards the nation. The team relentlessly works in maintaining the inter-community positivity by sharing good ethics, values, and caring for each other. The HHI team has taken two initiatives which indeed set an exceptional example in front of the youth of our nation; one is ANNADATA YOJNA where HHI team celebrates its birthday by serving food to the underprivileged children and another is SUNDAY FOR ASHRAM where HHI team volunteers spend the Sundays in an orphanage, or with HIV Infected Children and distribute food to them. The performances made by all the members are big proof that they have built a very good emotional bond between themselves and work to portray fraternity in a possible way. Besides, the team arranges several cultural programmes, community meetings, and religious festivals so that all the community members can thoroughly cherish the togetherness. From going to temples, mosques, and churches together, the team sets up a vision that supports no religious division. HHI is constantly striving towards making a peaceful society for the betterment of the nation. With a striking motto to establish equality in the society and to keep up the pace with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Helping Hand International shows a strong intuition through their noteworthy team bonding and cultural sharing.
Blood Donation Drive by Helping Hand International
The members of HHI being interviewed by the local media on regards with their display of solidarity to the soldiers martyred at the Indian Border
Helping Hand International Mr.Dhruv Panchal organizing Vishwakarma Revolution Organization Vishal Rally
Regional Gujarati Newspapers appreciating the social activism movement by the Helping Hand International
Humanitarian Assistance During the Floods
Floods are the most common natural disaster in India. The heavy southwest monsoon rains cause the Brahmaputra and other rivers to distend their banks, often flooding surrounding areas. Though they provide rice paddy farmers with a largely dependable source of natural irrigation and fertilisation, the floods can kill thousands and displace millions. Excess, erratic, or untimely monsoon rainfall may also wash away or otherwise ruin crops. Almost all of India is flood-prone, and extreme precipitation events, such as flash floods and torrential rains, have become increasingly common in central India over the past several decades, coinciding with rising temperatures. Nearly 312 people have died due to floods in Bihar, Karnataka and Kerala in the year 2019. This is the humanitarian aid by the NGOs and the Government is the only hope for those affected by the floods. India suffered Rs 3,78,247.047 cr loss due to floods that occurred between 1953 to 2018.
Helping Hand International sent humanitarian aid consisting of ready-to-eat food packets, milk powder, blankets, bedsheets, clothes, soaps and sanitary napkins to Kerala when it was hit by the worst floods in the year of 2019
For the second consecutive year, incessant rains across Kerala during the month of August 2019, along with the subsequent rise in water levels in multiple water bodies, caused flooding in many parts across the state. As of August 19, 2019, the floods had killed 121 people and injured 40 in several flood-related incidents. A further 21 were reported missing. Over 26,000 people were taken to refugee camps, as floods destroyed close to 1,800 houses. The highest number of deaths were recorded in the Malappuram district (58), followed by Kozhikode (17) and Wayanad (12). The Helping Hand International was ready to help the people affected by the floods in Kerala in the year 2019. We sent humanitarian aid consisting of ready-to-eat food packets, milk powder, blankets, bedsheets, clothes, soaps and sanitary napkins. Kerala is currently going through the worst floods in its history and many social organizations are coming to its aid. At such a time, Helping Hand International and NGO Rahi are working together to help the flood victims as much as possible. Not only food grains but also necessities of life like medical kits, food packets, clean water, sheets, clothes are being provided by the organization. The organization and NGOs are paying more attention to the flood-affected children and women so that they Can quickly return to everyday life. According to Sanjay Pillai, CEO of the organization, we will do our best to help the flood victims at every stage and help them return to their normal condition. "We have sent food packets to Wayanad. Now other necessities of life will be sent to Mundalur in Kannur. Our effort is to provide quick relief to the flood victims and after the rains stop we will help them return to their normal life in Kerala, Every citizen of the country is with the victims in this disaster" said Dhruv Panchal. (Director of Helping Hand International ).
Helping Hand International and NGO Rahi worked together to provide the victims of the 2019 Kerala with the humanitarian aid
Humanitarian Aid being distributed to the victims of the Kerala Floods in Kannur by the Helping Hand International and NGO Rahi
Gujarati Newspaper appreciating the work done by the Helping Hand International in Providing Humanitarian Aid to Kerala when it was affected by floods in the year 2019
The Letter of Appreciation For Helping Hand International’s 2019 Plantation Drive From The Speaker of Gujarat Vidhan sabha Rajendra Trivedi Sir
The Members of Helping Hand International With The Deaf and Mute Children
Mahatma Gandhi once told,
“Service can have no meaning unless one takes pleasure in it. When it is done for show or for fear of public opinion, it stunts the man and crushes his spirit. Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served.”
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