The event called ‘Sparsh’; organized by XIMBians in association with Human Life Center, Bhubaneswar; involved over 200 children from seven different HLC schools running in various slums all over the city. HLC is run by the Jesuit Society to educate poor and economically less fortunate children. Slum schools are an extended program under HLC’s umbrella of social initiatives. Presently the HLC runs schools in 7 slum locations of the city.

‘Sparsh’ has been the culmination of a month long interaction between the students and these children. The students have been taking time out from their rigorous academic schedules to visit these children and training them in skills like dancing; painting etc. The students also celebrated Children’s Day with these kids at their schools distributing sweets and fruits.

On the final events day several dignitaries were present in the inaugural ceremony including Mr. Radha Mohan Panda, District Inspector of Education, Khurda, Mr. Dumbhudhar Haran Singh from the office of the DI, Father James, Director of HLC.

Addressing the students; Mr. Panda emphasized the importance of proper schooling for everyone. He said he understood the hardships involved in getting a decent education since he himself had been educated in a rural school with minimal infrastructure. He also stressed on the need for teaching what is relevant to present society. He also praised the efforts of XIM and HLC in helping out the unprivileged masses.

This was followed by a free blood group test by the Red Cross Society of Bhubaneswar. The whole day long program also included sports, dance, singing and painting competitions for the children. Prizes were distributed to top 3 in each event. The students were also given goodies bags with stationery and crayons.

The teachers were impressed by the level of commitment shown by the XIMBians and believe that this could turn around the decreasing numbers of students in school.

“Such events should be conducted annually because initiatives like these encourage people to send their children to school” said Raghunath Marndi, teacher in Patrasahi School.

XIMB is known for its work in the field of emancipation of the poor and needy. The fact that the B-School has been able to produce excellent managers who are also socially conscious is commendable.