“Working Together is Social Work”. This saying was proved in reality when Samarthan – The Social Services Club of IFMR along with the support of other students and faculties celebrated Lakshmi Bal Mahotsav in the Sricity Campus.

Lakshmi Bal Mahotsav is the annual flagship event of
Samarthan which is celebrated in the fond remembrance of Ms. Lakshmi Iyer Appu,
a beloved student of Batch-9 of IFMR.

Continuing the legacy started in 2008, this year also the
event was celebrated with the same vigor and enthusiasm on January 10th,
2016. The theme was “Wonderland” and on the particular day, IFMR was
transformed from a B school to a Wonderland so as to create happiness in the
hearts of our special little guests. We had 150 kids of different age groups
from orphanages and underprivileged sections of Nellore and Sullerpetta. The
motive was to spread smile on their faces for the whole day with fun, games and
learning. The whole college was decorated with cartoons and balloons for which
a lot of students volunteered and extended their help in a week long
preparation.

The day started with prayer for Lakshmi and lighting of the
lamp by kids. The first activity consisted of track events which included race,
sack race, 3 legged race, lemon spoon race and also musical chair. Then we had
various games stalls like Memory games, Dart games, break the pyramid, Wheel of
fortune which gave the kids a chance to show their talent. Next in line were
stalls of cotton candy, popcorn, tattoo making and mehendi which kids relished
the most. Also, there was a jumping castle in the campus which drew attention
from kids of all age groups. Post lunch, we started with drawing competition where
we provided necessary stationaries and coloring materials to the kids so as to
showcase their hands on art. At last, we had singing and dancing competition
where we saw the unmatched enthusiasm and energy level from the kids. We saw
some wonderful performances by kids as well as IFMR students.

The fun frolic day ended with prize, snacks, chocolates and
gifts distribution which was a school bag full of stationary materials. We also
saw a unique bonding which we never thought of between the kids and allotted
student guardians who took care of kids throughout the day long event.  It was mesmerizing to see so many faces
smiling as they bid adieu to IFMR. After all, this is what social work gives
you – A sense of satisfaction.

– Shreyas Sinha

Batch – 16, Member, Samarthan Club.