Long version: Nirmaan is an NGO, the Hyderabad based chapter of which was started in 2005. From its inauguration by Ms. Katherine D, the US consul general in the presence of Prof. Rao, Director, BITS-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus Nirmaan has been actively involved in nurturing social innovations, promoting a sense of volunteerism on campus and instilling valuable qualities like social leadership among
the youth. Today it stands proud as an organization with close to 200 active members operating in all spheres of the society. Not only has it been successful in enriching the lives of its members but has also shaped a culture of "giving" on this campus. With the launch of the School Adoption Program (SAP), Nirmaan reached out to students studying in various schools of four villages (Pothaipally, Malkaram, SD Convent and Upparpally). Nirmaan organizes regular visits to these schools and helps draft the students' syllabus and conducts tests for regular assessment. SAP is not only about academics but also about personality development and environmental awareness. Apart from the School Adoption Program, Nirmaan organizes regular community development programs and provides employment opportunities majorly in the village of Pothaipally. A few feathers in our cap include a Vocational Training Centre (A certified course in tailoring for women), SAAKAR (a very successful candle making project that brought employment to many homes and help us raise a net profit of INR 21,000!), effective cleanliness drives, health camps and plantation drives to mention a few. Nirmaan also boasts of a separate think tank-Avishkaar, wherein the main focus of the members is to find innovative ways of solving problems faced by the locals using their knowledge of science and engineering. To top it all off Nirmaan organizes an annual festival for the underprivileged and orphan kids of the city and villages around it. Ignite completed its 3rd edition last January with a participation of 300 children from 8 different orphanages. Among many of Nirmaan's miscellaneous activities, a few are: Setting up Joy-of-giving-week stalls on campus, promoting use of eco-friendly colors during Holi, paper presentations at various events, The "Come be my Teacher" program and the "Wish Tree" project, where children put up their long-term goals and wishes on a tree (put up during our fests) for the world to view and realize the extent of their dreams. In short, we are, and hope to continue being, the reason behind thousands of innocent smiles.
