EVOLUTION OF LEAD INDIA CLUBS

In order to realise the dream of Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam for developing the youth of India to lead the World by 2020, the Lead India 2020 Foundation was formed during 2003 as a non-political non-religious nonprofit organisation by certain intellectuals and nationalist spirited entrepreneur philanthropists of Hyderabad.

Shri N.B.Sudharshan the Founder and National Co-ordinator was conferred in 1999 the Doctorate in Human Values by Osmania University for the invaluable contributions made in the field of Human Values among the school going children. The experience and expertise of Professor N.B.Sudharshan in conducting summer camps for nearly 3 decades for the children of school age was heavily drawn upon and a well structured and detailed training Programme “Aap Badho Desh ko Badhao” was formulated. The contents of such a programme was revised, enlarged and fine tuned to Inculcate Human values, Ignite Scientific temper and carry the mission and vision of Lead India 2020 to all the students of Andhra Pradesh especially those in Rural Areas to realise the dreams of our beloved President Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to lead India to lead the world by 2020.

“Aap Badho Desh ko Badho” training was imparted to a number of city schools students during the summers of 2004, 2005 and 2006. Special camps were also conducted for the students of the Tribal Welfare Residential .Schools & Gurukulams during the summer of 2005 at Hyderabad. The department officials were pleasantly surprised by the beneficial and lasting changes brought about in the participants. At their request a series of residential camps were conducted in Andhra Pradesh during the summer holidays of 2006. A total Number of 625 students from various Schools participated in Camp conducted at 4 Locations spread right across Andhra Pradesh. The benefi11/1/2006 that accrued to the Students of the City Schools who attended the summer training in April 2006 was gratifying as brought out in the seminar attended by the School Principals etc. during June 2006. (more)

Soon after the formation of the Foundation, a M.O.U. was entered into with the State Government where the Lions Club of Andhra Pradesh was also a partner.. The State Government is fully supporting the programmes of Lead India 2020 Foundation and have issued Circulars to all the Institutions, Colleges (including technical) & Schools during 2004, 2005, as well as 2006 to implement the programmes of Lead India 2020.

In order to impart the Training “Aap Badho Desh ko Badho”, a Resource Book was designed including the modalities for opening of Lead India 2020 Clubs in all the Schools throughout Andhra Pradesh, thus transforming the Programme into a “Mass Movement” with a target of training ten lakhs students during 2006.

To benefit the Rural areas and take the Lead India 2020 Club movement to the Government Schools located in the interior areas of the Mandals/ Districts, a Pilot project to cover 10 Districts was conceived in early 2006. Industrialists, Philanthropists and Educationalists of Andhra Pradesh were invited to participate through Adopting a District in the sacred task of igniting the latent talents and dynamism of rural youth for leading India to lead the world by 2020.

Eight districts have since been adopted and keen interest evinced for a few more districts. As a part of delivery system to carry the training “Aap Badho Desh ko Badho” to the rural areas, so far 3 residential Camps of 4-5 days duration have been conducted at Oasis School, Raidurg, Hyderabad. In these camps selected candidates were given intensive training. The initial selection was based on their academic qualification, experience and the interest shown in the Movement as revealed in the essays they were required to submit with their application. 8/10 master trainers have been deputed to each of the Adopted Districts.

The donors have funded the cost of the Resource material, Orientation CD, Audio Cassettes containing Lead India and other patriotic Songs, and Posters detailing the 10-point oath administered by the President to the Students. The expenditure for training the Master Trainees, engaging them on honorary basis as well as the conveyance charges for visiting the school also form part of the Donation.

A system is also in place to monitor the progress of Establishment of Lead India Clubs in Government Schools as well other Institutions.(See related item)