‘Daan Utsav is all about experiencing the joy of giving’
LUCKNOW: This year’s ‘Daan Utsav’ or the festival of giving will mark the beginning of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary celebrations. Volunteers across the city are gearing up to make the festival -- also known as the ‘Joy of Giving Week’ -- a big success.
“The festival promotes philanthropy in all forms from October 2-8 every year. It is also a tribute to the Father of the Nation who inspired people all over the world to give back to the society,” said a volunteer Jyotsna Kaur Habibullah.
“Daan Utsav is a drive started by a handful of volunteers with a desire to promote the joy of giving across India. It will celebrate its 10th edition this time,” she said. “It belongs to every one. The festival provides people the opportunity to contribute their time, money, material or skills to benefit an individual, organisation or a cause they wish to support. There are no markers to measure the extent of giving except for the joy that one experiences as a giver,” said Jyotsna.
According to volunteers, colleges and universities such as “Amity, Jaipuria, Avadh Girls’ Degree College, schools like CMS, La Martiniere Girls’, Study Hall, Birla Open Minds, St Agnes’ Loreto, St Teresa, Sur Memorial Public School, Pioneer Montessori School and others” are engaging youth for the festival.
“NGOs like Swatantra Talim, Prithvi Innovations, Chaanv Foundation and Sheroes, bodies like Inner Wheel, FICCI FLO, Eashwar Foundation and others are also making a difference,” said Jyotsna.