When
it comes to Self Defense I’m pretty paranoid. I worry about a number of
different situations that may be very unlikely to happen, but it is always very
important to feel safe because today on the streets of this country anything
can happen. And therefore, when I read about Colorss foundations’ Seven day
online Self-Defense workshop, I was instantly fascinated by the workshop and
was very keen on attending it. The best part about the workshop was that it was
online. I didn’t have to take out much time from my busy schedule to be
physically present at a place for these classes.
The
workshop made me understand myself, my fears and my abilities better. I learnt
that self-defense is not about getting into fights with others, but about how
you can extricate yourself from certain situations, which includes general
awareness of the surroundings and the importance of being steady and remaining
calm at the same time in a bad situation. We covered things like how to get out
of wrist grabs, body grabs, chokes, and as women where our strength comes from.
It’s not about getting into a one-on-one fight with the attacker but to create
enough impact to get the time to escape and run to a safe place. The best part
about the workshop was that every technique was demonstrated with pictures and
we could also ask questions and clear our doubts about any of the techniques.
Besides
all of this, the workshop also inspired me to get in good shape, as the
principle of self-defense involves being ready and fit both mentally and
physically. Since those seven days, I’ve regularly been practicing the
techniques taught in the workshop. I’m glad I came across such a helpful online
workshop. I hope and also encourage Colorss foundation to come up with more
such helpful techniques in self-defense.
Nielsen is
a leading global information and measurement company, provides market research,
insights & data about what people watch & what people buy.
As a part of their
'Global Day Celebrations ' Nielsen (Baroda, Gujarat, India) has partnered with
Colorss Foundation to involve 25 disadvantaged children and 5 women from the
Sanjaynagar slum area at Nature Park, Sindhrot, Baroda – Gujarat.
Colorss Foundation strives to build a better future for the disadvantaged children and women. The foundation aspires to build a family of like-minded people whose motive would be to empower socially deprived children and women with qualities like self-confidence, responsibility, and self-esteem, at the same time ensuring that the disadvantaged children complete their school education. Colorss has been working towards its vision, thus contributing in whatsoever manner possible to strengthen the deprived communities and get them in closer proximity to what may seem alien or new to them. It has also been striving hard to inspire and transform individuals and volunteers to take action and serve the society and in turn give back to the communities where we belong.
Launch of E-zine created by the children from disadvantaged community
On 13th
June 2013 we launched the E-zine - created by the children from disadvantaged
community - Baroda, Gujarat. E-zine is the output of a Colorss Foundation
project - ‘Colors of Life’. ‘Colors of Life’ uses technology for lowering school dropouts. Children write essays on specially chosen topics that
trigger brain stimulation and create curiosity. These topics are published to
E-zine, this significantly increases their self-esteem. You can click the link to read the E-zine.
Namrata
Namrata
sharing about her experience about the event, she says,’ I really enjoyed my
journey to the Nature Park. The surroundings, nature and ‘Neel Guy’ that we saw
were a great moment. When the E-zine was launched it thrilled me thoroughly and
when I saw my photograph in the E-zine I was very very happy. That particular
moment is very precious and I can’t explain it. When the cartoon strip
competition started I was little scared, unsure about my performance. However,
when we got the topic ‘Environment’ I was able to understand what I will put in
the cartoon strip. It’s a thoroughly great experience that we had. I am very
happy and thankful to you all’
Aruna ben parent of Aarti
Aruna Ben – parent
she says,’ When I saw my daughter’s photograph in the E-zine, I was very happy.
I realized the potential of my daughter. It was a great feeling my daughter
made me feel proud. Today in front of everyone when the E-zine was launched I
was not aware of what’s happening. It was only when my daughter got the copy
and showed me. The nature park trip has been an eye opener it made me realize
the talent of my daughter. Thank you.’
Sonu Shah
[Associate Director Nielsen] – We are happy to partner with Colorss Foundation
on our Global Impact Day. We have got the children to Nature park near
Sindhroth village. This was a one day event and the interaction with the
children was great. Generally the children don’t interact when they see new
faces, however in the case of the children from Colorss’ it was great as they
mingled with each other and with the entire staff of Nielsen. The cartoon strip
competition was wonderful and they have performed really well. The theme of the
cartoon strip competition was ‘Environment’. We all had a wonderful time.
Colorss Foundation is offering a
fantastic opportunity to gain invaluable experience, while also making a
positive impact on society. If helping the underprivileged women and children
of India is something that appeals to you, a part-time role with Colorss Foundation
is the perfect opportunity to give back to the people of India, while also making
your CV stand out.
Colorss Foundation is an Indian
NGO that works towards enhancing the lives of less fortunate children and women through
the use of art and technology. For many children and women in India, access to quality
education is simply not a reality. This lack of resources and training leads to
a vicious cycle of poverty, which continues through generations and is almost inescapable.
Colorss Foundation takes an innovative approach to this issue and provides these
children with invaluable skills, and more importantly, the confidence to lead successful
lives on their own terms.
Colorss currently has an amazing
opportunity for a part-time employee based in Pune and Baroda. The successful
applicant will be fluent in English, Hindi and Marathi [for Pune] and Gujarati
[for Baroda] and be internet savvy. Access to two-wheeler and indepth knowledge
of Pune city / Baroda city will definitely be advantageous, also. The role
involves project management, volunteer coordination and corporate presentation.
This will be a 4-5 hour commitment daily.
If you think your values and
goals align with the vision of Colorss Foundation, a part-time role with the
organization could be a perfect match. This opportunity will allow you to
display leadership qualities and take initiative in your career. We believe
that a positive change in society can be achieved by breaking the vicious cycle
of poverty. To help us in our goal, contact Colorss today and help us in our
quest to liberate the ostracized members of society.
These are some real deserving NGOs with impeccable
background and real focus on making change at the grass root level
Badhai.in, India’s
premier online gift voucher company, has added another feather to its cap. After launching various firsts in the
industry Badhai.in has now added NGO’s as its affiliates. Now users can not
only shop at leading brands but also donate to NGOs. Mr. Ajay Pandey, CEO
and Founder, says, “It’s a direction in our endeavour to add goodwill to
gifting. These are some real deserving NGOs with impeccable background and
real focus on making change at the grass root level”.
Given the fact that not all NGO’s have the distribution strength to raise
funds, some deserving NGOs may end up losing out. Badhai.in has extended
its platform and reach to these very organizations. Badhai.in has tied-up
with Colorss Foundation - works towards the well being of underprivileged
children. [Please click here to go Colorss’s page on Badhai.in and make your donations.] Then click on Donate and your donations.
Ajay adds that “Many people are willing to donate but do not know if their
contribution would ever reach the needy. Also there was an issue of time
and convenience towards this effort. Therefore, we decided to open up our
platform to these very people who could contribute without the slightest
anxiety. It is a chance for individuals and corporate to connect with
and support different charities, anytime and from anywhere, even abroad”. Source:
http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/Badhai.in-opens-its-platform-to-NGOs/5540101490
No other time of the year or festival conjures up as much
excitement as Diwali! The festival of lights which illuminates the country with
its brilliance and dazzles everyone with its joy is coming soon!
The lights
illuminate our homes and hearts and empower us to commit ourselves to good
deeds. A celebration of light, love and prosperity, the spirit of Diwali
entices all.
This year let’s combine the spirit of Diwali and the joy of giving
by spreading the virtues of the festival by illuminating the lives of children!
Make the Diwali of the children at Colorss brighter. Be a part of 'Joy of
Giving' this Diwali.
Any help that comes from your end would bring in joy at Colorss.
Colorss does NOT accept donations from countries other than
India.
50% deduction to all donations to Colorss are exempt from tax under sections
80G, of the Income Tax Act. Tax exempt under Income Tax act 80G(5) Registration
No: BRD/CIT/1 80G (20) (105) 2009-10.
You can send in your contribution directly in our account and let us
know.
Colorss Foundation
Current A/C number: 30562854518
IFS Code: SBIN0009737
State Bank of India
New Sama Road (9737) Branch
Vadodara
Reducing the number of school drop outs,
brightening children’s lives with martial and creative arts, and teaching
skills to poor women: some actions have a great potential of change. This is
what Colorss Foundation believes in. This is what we do: use knowledge to
transmit knowledge. Colorss Foundation
has been operational since
Sep 2008 having its presence in Baroda, Gujarat and
Pune, Maharashtra.
By developing programs to improve disadvantaged
groups’ lives, Colorss Foundation is doing its part.
1.Project Enhance – 110 girls [Pune]
Underprivileged
children face stress in many aspects of their lives: family, academics, health,
and more. The situation is often worse in female children; because of social
stigma, girls tend to be seen as inferior or even neglected, which leaves them
with a sense of worthlessness and low self-esteem. The truth is, however, that
they deserve much more than this.
How can we brighten
these children’s lives? How can we empower these girls and foster their
confidence? Thinking about this, Colorss Foundation has developed a program
called Enhance. This project uses the benefits that Karate and Creative arts
bring to reach a better life for these kids.
2.Project ‘Colors of Life’ – 100 students [boys
and girls – Pune, Baroda]
Observing government
schools in India, we can face a bad reality: 50% of students drop out of school
before the 8th standard. This is very worrying when we think about the
importance of education, a key for the development of individuals and of the
society. And this is the point when creating a program like Colors of Life. How
this can be done? The students are given topics for creative writing –they are
either encouraged to write in Marathi, Gujarati or Hindi. These topics are
thereafter translated into English and published as an E-zine.
The program works with
brain stimulation games, workshops on life-skills and different issues, drawing,
music and dance, creative arts, and PBL (project based learning) too.
3.Project 'UrjAa' – igniting the fire within – 15 women in
vocational training [Baroda]
Helping on the
development of children is very important. However, we do not work just with
children: Project UrjAa that attends to disadvantaged women is important as
well. It intends to break the vicious cycle of poverty, in which these women do not have access to training
and resources and, consequently, have little or no education. Then, they stay
in poverty, and the same thing keeps happening.
Only education can solve this
problem. The children of their families are provided with needful education.
Different workshops are conducted for these women and their families. Building
up these women current skills and introducing new skills, we can empower them
and impact positively their families. This is the basis of Project UrjAa:
professionals, peers, community, awareness programs, and mentorships teach
vocational skills to a group of women from the slums of Sanjay Nagar, New Sama
Road, Baroda.
4.Risachi - It is the research wing of Colorss
Foundation, recently formed in early July 2012. Despite its recent inception,
Risachi has successfully completed one major survey study involving 62 subjects
and has three other major projects in different phases. The outcome of the
research will involve designing novel strategies to improve the health of the
underprivileged population.
5.Aircel a+ a CSR initiative in partnership with
Colorss Foundation – 480 students [Pune,
Maharashtra State]
480 students are in a+
Center in Pune. This is an Aircel CSR initiative to help bridge the digital
divide in India. The initiative will help empower underprivileged children and
adolescents with computer literacy and vocational training and provide them
with employability skills.
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill
When I first contacted Anand, founder of Colorss Foundation for volunteer teaching at one of the several schools run for the underprivileged in Pune I was not sure what I was getting into -- there was a will to help but not a true grit; there was a path to tread on but no one to lead the way.
But having been associated with the kids and the foundation itself for quite a while I can affirmatively say that it has been a truly rewarding experience. From the very first day when I was introduced to the principal and members of the staff at Dr. Ambedkar Memorial High School school by Anand , everyone including the children have been very warm and welcoming . I have no previous experience as a teacher/tutor and was initially skeptical about how I would handle a bunch of exuberant kids but I was surprised at the level of discipline and knowledge in the students of Project Enhance which made the ice breaking process seamless and easy.
From playing "Fire in the mountain" to singing "Happy and you know it" in perfect harmony to teaching me the basics of Karate and martial arts the kids have been lovely and I have enjoyed every bit of my time with them. Some of the kids are particularly brilliant and surprised me with a "Nice to meet you" and a firm, confident handshake at the end of one of my sessions at Dr. Ambedkar Memorial High School with the enhance girl students.
This Saturday I got an opportunity to visit the Mahadji Shinde High school where I was introduced to the principal and the team of volunteers including Dhiraj , Neha and Nikita. I interacted with the girl students of project enhance who have been learning karate at an average duration of one to two years variably amongst the group and got their feedback regarding how karate/martial arts has impacted both physiological and psychological aspects of their lives.
The girls were very enthusiastic about sharing their karate learning experience and willingly stood up to talk about the same. Most of them agreed to the fact that their posture has improved and slouching/sluggishness while walking and other normal daily activities has reduced to a great extent. Showing off their power with a mighty punch on my palm they also said that their efficiency and stamina in lifting heavy objects and other tasks that involve a firm grip like holding on to a bus pole steadily has also improved. They said that the karate classes has given school a whole new perspective and that not only has it been a great learning experience but also immense fun . Some of them admitted that the karate classes were the highlight of the school for them and that they attended just so they could be a part of it all.
Amongst psychological aspects they said that the physical well being and a sense of self reliance which comes from the fact that they are better equipped to defend themselves in the face of danger has promoted an overall sense of well being and comfort in their minds. Even though the rigorous physical nature of this sport would leave them exhausted by the end of the class, girls said that they felt very mentally active and alert after the karate sessions.
They also admitted that their concentration level has improved and studies have become fun because they listen and understand better. Some felt that their minds were able to reject the antagonism, hardships and anguish in their life amidst their community because they are simply happier on account of having learnt something novel and fun which they can share with their family and members of the community.
I believe I have seen only one facet of this magnificent problem of education that our society faces today and that it will take generations to uproot it completely. But a firm belief in the capabilities of these children, a helping hand and little bit of your time can go a long way in bringing a smile on the faces of these little kids who never have and never will have access to the same opportunities that you and I had growing up as a child .
It is immensely gratifying to be a part of a great cause like this and there is no joy greater than sharing a part of the bread that you have earned for yourself.
Many underprivileged people are stuck in a vicious cycle of poverty. How would YOU like to help break this cycle? Colorss Foundation has developed the concept of Project Urja; this innovative project aims to develop vocational skills in women. This gives them the power to uplift themselves as well as their families so that they have a chance of a brighter future. Since 2011, Colorss Foundation has its Project ‘Colors of Life’ for 25 students of Navprerna Day care at Navrachana School, Baroda, Gujarat. And now we are starting our first vocational training in Baroda. how does project urja help them learn?
Currently, the needs assessment has been conducted and a training program has started on from 18th March 2012. 25 women are undergoing training program and they are being taught 6 products to start with; Keep your imagination wild till we upload the photographs of the products
1. Designer Water pot ready to hang outside home/balcony – this summer be humble and sever water to the thirsty birds.
2. Paper earning – something you should wait till we upload the photograph
3. Night lamp
4. Designer show basket – useful to decorate the home and also a gift
5. Pen-stand made of clay
6. Hair-band – beautiful hair-bands for the little angels and for you as well. how does project urja make a difference?
Disadvantaged women have no access to training and resources, which means that they have little or no education, resulting in poverty. This is where Project Urja comes in, to break this cycle. By both improving their existing skills and teaching new skills, disadvantaged women gain the training they need to become self-sufficient, productive members of society; their financial and social independence is strengthened. how can you change someone’s life?
It is obvious that this one-of-a-kind program (at Baroda, Gujarat) is the key to improving the lives of disadvantaged women and their families... But we need your help, especially since Project Urja is still in the development stages. You can contribute to this good cause by:
Monetary support to finance raw materials, equipment, pay the women in training and our trainer fees.
Marketing, planning and organizing events and exhibitions.
Organizing interactive meets and awareness programs with experts concerning topics such as health, education and sanitation.
we need your help to change someone’s life?
If you would like to send your donation directly to our bank account: Colorss Foundation Current A/C number: 30562854518 IFS Code: SBIN0009737 State Bank of India New Sama Road (9737) Branch Vadodara, Gujarat
If you would like to send in your cheques and DDs in favour of `Colorss Foundation` at: Colorss Foundation E/68, Jyoti Park, Behind Navrachna School, P.O. E.M.E New Sama Road, Vadodara - 390 008 Gujarat
Anand
Koti, founder of Colorss with more than 15 years of martial arts training, a
second-degree black belt, and a passion for using his talent to help others
reach their potential has come up with this project.
Project Enhance uses a combination
of sports (Martial Arts) and creative arts as vehicles to promote both the
physical and mental well-being of underprivileged children in India. Good
mental health is not just the absence of a mental disorder; it is a state of
well-being where an individual feels confident and ready to cope with the
stresses that life sometimes presents.
In India, young girls are viewed as
inconsequential, often ignored, or even harassed and molested. Project Enhance
aims to empower young girls and boost their self-confidence through a blend of karate
and creative arts in hopes that they can one day become educated, productive,
and active members in their communities and society.
Objectives:
-Empower young
girls
-Promote mental and physical health
-Foster a sense
trust, cooperation, confidence, and community
-Encourage values
of discipline and responsibility
Students undergoing self-defense techniques under project enhance.. Demonstrating the techniques with our volunteer/inter Neha Shaw (Symbiosis Law School, Pune)
How Can Martial Arts Help?
The art of karate involves
integrating the mind and body to condition the physique and enhance
self-awareness. When the muscles and brain act in perfect unison, a sense of
discipline, mindfulness, and serenity are set in play. Thus, learning to
control each movement in a fluid and adaptable fashion produces benefits that
outlast practice sessions. Research has shown that karate is associated with
positive changes in mood, as well as reductions in anxiety and depression.
Sensi Pervez Mistry, the father of modern martial arts
in India, noted: “Karate is generally perceived as a destructive sport. This is
a misconception. In fact, the reverse is true. With karate, we can work towards
improving health. A willingness and desire to be a better person is developed
and self-confidence is built while ego is dampened.”
In
fact, martial arts promote both mental and physical health and enforce values
such as respect for others, faithfulness, and tranquility, and sincerity. When
these qualities act in unison, they can induce relaxation and increase
self-confidence. Additionally, many studies have championed the cognitive and
behavioral benefits of martial arts. Improvements in self-esteem (Fuller,
1988), positive receptiveness of physical challenges (Richard and Rehberg,
1986; Trulson, 1986), greater autonomy (Duthie, 1978), emotional stability and
assertiveness (Konzak and Boudreau, 1984) and reductions in anxiety and
depression (Cai, 2000) have all been associated with martial arts training.
To
sum it up, Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern karate, once said, “The
ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of
the character of its participants.”
Sensi Mistry speaks about Anand
Sensi Pervez Mistry is considered to be the father of
martial arts in India.
He has been the Chief Instructor for the International Okinawa
Goju-RyuKarate-do Federation in India
for the past 46 years and is the founder of Karate-do in India.
“Karate is generally perceived as a destructive sport.
This is a misconception. In fact, the reverse is true. With karate, we can work
towards improving health. A willingness and desire to be a better person is
developed and self-confidence is built while ego is dampened. When Anand met me
a few years ago, he was worried whether or not we would be able to manage the
program. I was confident from day one that he would succeed. He has struggled and faced hurdles, but he
has conquered all of them, in part from the confidence he has gained from
martial arts training.
How Can Creative Arts Help?
Creativity
and art help reinforce elements of martial arts training, further helping
children develop and retain their learned skills. Though its task-based
instruction and demanded attention to detail, art cultivates a sense of
responsibility, hand-eye coordination, and controlled motor skills.
Furthermore, selecting materials and tools, focusing on creating a work of art,
and ultimately finishing a project fosters a sense of achievement as well as
enhances cognitive skills, decision making skills, and discipline. Furthermore,
to maintain and develop awareness of different methods of mind and body
control, games, meditation, and dance are incorporated into each creative arts
session.
Current Status and Project Structure:
Project Enhance currently focuses on
helping 110 girls from two schools
·Fifty five girls
from 5th, 6th, and 7th grade girls from
Mahadji Shinde High School, a municipality school under Pune Cantonment Board.
· Fifty three girls from 6th, 7th,
8th and 9th grade girls from Dr. Ambedkar Memorial
School, a municipality school under Pune Cantonment Board.
It consists of 1 hour sessions, twice a week, with 30
minutes of martial arts training and 30 minutes of creative arts. Each martial
arts session is a mixture of exercise and meditation. These sessions aim to
relax the body muscles and gradually build flexibility and stamina. Each
creative arts session includes various exercises in drawing, sketching,
dancing, music, acting, brain-stimulation games and story-telling.
Based on child progress, the program introduces longer
and higher levels of martial arts and creative arts sessions. Thus, the
contents of each session change along with the children’s progress in order to
keep challenging and encouraging each child to reach his or her full potential.
Finally, a counseling component is integrated into the
program. Professionals work with the children not only to provide a support
system, but also to motivate them to succeed, improve communication skills,
discuss future careers, and teach them about socially acceptable behavior.
Quote from participant:
I feel very peaceful after joining the karate project.
Our teacher is a very cool person and karate benefits us and gives us physical
exercise. Karate also helps us develop a better memory and gives physical
flexibility to our bodies. There are so many benefits of karate.
How can you contribute?
Volunteer:
Volunteers are our greatest asset. You can contribute
by volunteering to conduct workshops in various media of creative and performing
arts, such as drawing, counseling, painting, dance, personality development, brain-stimulation
games and creative writing. Any other forms of creative art are welcomed as
well!
