On India’s 66th Independence Day, a group of VDS India employees spent the day with disadvantaged children in Chennai and Hyderabad.

India’s 66th Independence Day (Aug. 15) was a special day for the country. For a group of VDS India employees who are part of a volunteer group – Software Professionals Inspiring Community Empowerment – it was even more meaningful as they spent the day with disadvantaged children in Chennai and Hyderabad.

Chennai

The group celebrated the day with the kids at Chennai’s Olcott Memorial High School, which serves underprivileged children. During a ceremony, the volunteers and children hoisted the Indian flag and then talked about the significance of independence and their contribution to the nation as responsible citizens.

"The event was a perfect opportunity to interact with children and share our thoughts on how they can play their part in nation building", says volunteer Rajeev R Bhatia.

Hyderabad

In Hyderabad, volunteers visited Divya Disha, a non-government organization that helps mainstream runaway children. They took part in a flag-raising ceremony and watched while the kids performed a cultural show. The event closed with the distribution of prizes to recognize the children for their academic and extracurricular achievements.

"The passion with which the children participated in the events was infectious and reminded me of my school days", says volunteer Sandeep Chowdavarapu.

Throughout the year, the Software Professionals Inspiring Community Empowerment members regularly spend their weekend time teaching children at these institutions. Both institutions also have benefitted from the Verizon Foundation, whose financial aid helped build infrastructure for an enhanced educational experience.