HYDERABAD: It’s the ‘I, Me, Myself’ world and what better way to make yourself happy than gifting the joy of happiness to yourself? Psychology says you turn happy by making others happy. That’s the core concept behind Daan Utsav - the Joy of Giving festival that will happen from October 2 to 8 across the country and in Hyderabad too.
Daan Utsav is a pan-Indian social initiative that reminds people to choose some random acts of kindness - beginning from something as small as treating the kids in the neighbourhood slums to ice cream to buying a new mobile phone for the security guard in your office.
In the 8th edition of the festival, Osmania University and BVRIT campuses in the city have joined. This year too, they have over 50+ participants who are doing different things that contribute to the society.
The venue for Seva Mela, which is the physical event (the rest can be done anywhere and any time, free participation) is at Gandhi Medical College auditorium. “The two-day mela brings together NGOs and donors under one roof. From pet care to counselling for the depressed, from blood donation to sandwich making for the slums, we have a host of activities. We are also raising rice, dal and other essentials with a target of 10,000 kg of rice for the poor. The activities are not just confined to Hyderabad but other cities in Telangana like Nizamabad, Medak, Visakhapatnam, Mahaboobnagar added among others,” said Jayashree Venkataraman, a volunteer of the initiative.
“In Hyderabad, about 50+ events happen during the seven days and more and more events are being added on our website every minute from across India as we are coming closer to the d-day,” said Chandrashekharan KN, a volunteer.
Joy of Giving takes place across the country where everyone is encouraged to take some acts of kindness to present themselves the gift of joy. “All of us need a little push to think about others. This festival seeks to do the same,” says Sashikanth Kaja, another volunteer. Youth for Seva, Darshika, Kakatiya Sandbox are some of the names taking part this year.
Osmaia University Dean P Laxmi Narayana said, “Osmania University family is very happy to be part of this great festival and ready to help in any way that we can.”
Sharad Datta, General Manager, Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre & Courtyard , “At the hotel we have planned a week long activity to engage our guests as well as associates to encourage them to come forward and contribute their bit to make this year’s event a bigger success.” Rice Bucket Challenge is also taking part in Daan Utsav for the third time and is aiming at raising 10,000 kg of rice during the week.
“Give Jaadu Ki Jhappi to a sweeper and thank him for his work, take some street kids on a joy ride in a car, sponsor a movie ticket for someone who can’t afford it; talk to a homeless person; give them a meal or pair of chappals; clean a nearby park with a group of volunteers, cook and distribute food to the homeless, raise money or awareness for a cause, or organise a chain of events in your apartment, office, school or college and you can be part of the Daan Utsav,” says Vardhaman Jain, volunteer.
Details: www.daanutsav.org