Know all about the Gold Awardees of 2012

AKRITI AGARWAL from DBMS School- Jamshedpur

Skill - Dance

Service - Teaching English

Physical Recreation - Basketball

Adventurous Journey - Coastal Trip to Goa

Residential Project - Literacy Camp at Village Patamda

S DARSHANA 

DBMS School- Jamshedpur

Skill - Drama

Service - Sport Coaching

Physical Recreation - Swimming

Adventurous Journey - Coastal Trip to Goa

Residential Project - Literacy Camp at Village Patamda

SHREYA GHOSH 

DBMS School- Jamshedpur 

Skill - Drawing

Service - Teaching English

Physical Recreation - Athletics

Adventurous Journey - Coastal Trip to Goa

Residential Project - Coaching Camp at Village Patamda

POONAM MALLICK 

Emmanuel Ministries India Special Project, Kolkata

Skill - Basketmaking

Service - Adult Literacy

Physical Recreation - Yoga

Adventurous Journey - Panchalingeshwar, Orissa

Residential Project - Environmental Work at Matha Village (WB)

“The Award taught me that even I can do anything! I can achieve anything! Award is for everyone, more people should do it”

RAVI SONKAR 

Emmanuel Ministries India Special Project, Kolkata

Skill - Painting

Service - Adult Literacy

Physical Recreation - Karate

Adventurous Journey - Panchalingeshwar, Orissa

Residential Project - Environmental Work at Matha Village (WB)

“It has been a long journey. I’ve developed to be a confident individual and am no longer a nervous student. I notice the environment and enjoy people around me."

SAGAR ARUN BODKHE Good Shepherd International School-Ooty 

Skill - GuitarService - Nanjanad Mercy Home and Mizpah Home Project (Ladakh)Physical Recreation - BasketballAdventurous Journey - Gudalur, Nilgris

Residential Project - Service in Irula tribal village

“My attitude towards life has changed drastically after the Gold Award. The Residential project gave me valuable life lessons, which I will always treasure.”

YASHWARDHAN BANTHIA 

Good shepherd International School-Ooty 

Skill - Electronic Keyboard

Service - Working for the benefit of the unprivileged citizens in local community Project (Ladakh)Physical Recreation - SwimmingAdventurous Journey - Gudalur, NilgrisResidential Project - Service in Irula tribal village.

“I am engulfed with a feeling of pride at having completed the Award. I've learnt valuable lessons in life. Things are not to be taken for granted but to be cherished and treasured. The Award also was a  stepping stone to develop my leadership qualities and to appreciate the importance of team spirit”

HAZRA KHATOON  Open Award Centre- Indian Special Projects

Skill - Stitching

Service - Teaching

Physical Recreation - Fitness Camp

Adventurous Journey - Sandakphu, West Bengal

Residential Project - Survey at Panchalingeshwar

“Everyone should do The Award. I discovered the many opportunities to excel because of The Award.”

RUMA KHATOON Open Award Centre- Indian Special Projects

Skill - Stitching

Service - Teaching

Physical Recreation - Fitness Camp

Adventurous Journey - Sandakphu, West Bengal

Residential Project - Survey at Panchalingeshwar

“Before The Award came to my life, I used to be scared of stepping outside my community. Today, I can do anything!”

SHABNAM KHATOON Open Award Centre- Indian Special Projects

Skill - Stitching

Service - Teaching

Physical Recreation - Fitness Camp

Adventurous Journey - Sandakphu, West Bengal

Residential Project - Survey at Panchalingeshwar

“I know that I am talented, I am confident about making new friends and I enjoy improving myself. The Award gavE me that opportunity. Anything is possible with dedication.”

SHAHINA KHATOON Open Award Centre- Indian Special Projects

Skill - Stitching

Service - Teaching

Physical Recreation - Fitness Camp

Adventurous Journey - Sandakphu, West Bengal

Residential Project - Survey at Panchalingeshwar

“There is so much positive change in me today because of The Award. Today I a confident girl who is always committed to completing any task or challenge.”

YASMIN BANU  Open Award Centre- Indian Special Projects

Skill - Stitching

Service - Teaching

Physical Recreation - Fitness Camp

Adventurous Journey - Sandakphu, West Bengal

Residential Project - Survey at Panchalingeshwar

“I feel very good about completing The Award. I am confident, I have traveled and I know I can achieve what I commit to”

AYUSHI BAINWALA  La Martinere for Girls'- Kolkata 

Skill - BharatnatyamService - Bhagini Nivedita Seva Bharti TrustPhysical Recreation - Roller SkatingAdventurous Journey - Harsil-Sattal, KumaonResidential Project - Social Work at Sadbhavna Trust

“At the tender age of fourteen when I started my Bronze Award I could not have anticipated the tremendous impact it would have on my life. With the passage of time IAYP had influenced my thoughts and impacted my personality in multifarious ways.”

AZAD KARMAKAR   

Manav Vikas School- Indian Special Projects

Skill - Carpentry
Service - Teaching
Physical Recreation - Fitness Camp
Adventurous Journey - Sandakphu, West Bengal
Residential Project - Survey at Panchalingeshwar

VISHAL SHARMA 

Manav Vikas School- Indian Special Projects

Skill - Carpentry
Service - Teaching
Physical Recreation - Fitness Camp
Adventurous Journey - Sandakphu, West Bengal
Residential Project - Survey at Panchalingeshwar

MEGHA BEGNANI Modern High School for Girls'- Kolkata 

Skill - Synthesizer

Service - IN OKIDO Kolkata

Physical Recreation - Basketball

Adventurous Journey - Joshimath, Garhwal

Residential Project - Adventure Camp in Padmagarh-Joshimath

“The Award has become my identity. The Award has changed the way I think and has made me yearn for new and greater horizons.”

SAKSHAT KAPOOR 

Open Awards Centre

Skill - Precurssions
Service - College Community Service
Physical Recreation - Strength and Cardio Training
Adventurous Journey - Tata Jagriti Yatra
Residential Project - Healthcare Camp in Deoria (rural UP)

“The Award has empowered me and made me a leader who can take on the challenges of life.”

SHUBHANKAR CHAUDHRY Open Awards Centre

Skill - Photography
Service - Volunteer at Himalayan Children
Physical Recreation - Mixed Martial Arts
Adventurous Journey - Great Himalayan National Park, HP
Residential Project - Sanitation Project in Kangra Valley,HP

“The Award has helped me to discover new skills and explore myself. I have been able to meet new challenges and use my abilities to the fullest..”

SHUBHDA HIRAWAT Open Awards Centre

Skill - Event Management and Communications
Service - Volunteering with IAYP India
Physical Recreation - Fitness Training
Adventurous Journey - Grassroutes Fellowship, Pithoragarh
Residential Project - Organic Farming in Auroville, Pondicherry


“After completing the Gold Award, I believe there is nothing I can’t challenge myself to do.”

DOLLY JHA  

Sri Sarada Math- Indian Special Projects

Skill - Computers
Service - Cleaning
Physical Recreation - Yoga
Adventurous Journey - Sandakphu, West Bengal
Residential Project - Adventure Camp in Matha Village


"Doing the Award has allowed me to explore my talents and to be confident about my beliefs”

MOUMITA DAS Sri Sarada Math- Indian Special Projects

Skill - Drawing

Service - Cleaning
Physical Recreation - Yoga
Adventurous Journey - Sandakphu, West Bengal
Residential Project - Adventure Camp in Matha Village

“I never thought I would complete this long journey! The Award has given me a sense of power. I now know that nothing is impossible!”

PINKY SHARMA Sri Sarada Math- Indian Special Projects

Skill - Stitching

Service - Cleaning
Physical Recreation - Yoga
Adventurous Journey - Sandakphu, West Bengal
Residential Project - Adventure Camp in Matha Village

“I used to be scared to do anything new before. I feel proud to have completed The Award successfully”

TANNISTHA BANDYOPADHYAY 
Sri Sarada Math- Indian Special Projects
Skill - Reading
Service - Teaching
Physical Recreation - Fitness Camp
Adventurous Journey - Sandakphu, West Bengal
Residential Project - Adventure Camp for rural school at Matha Village

“The Award has made me realize that women are equals too!  I know my potential today and I thank Bivujit Sir for always encouraging us”

ABHISHEK GUPTA St. Mary's School- Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi

Skill - Dramatics
Service - Hunger Project
Physical Recreation - Football
Adventurous Journey - Binsar, Garhwal
Residential Project - Service Project Azadpura village



“From calm and composed to brave and courageous, today I can believe in my own self! Today, I can proudly say that the Award has made me what I am today.”

CHARU SATIJA St. Mary's School- Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi

Skill - Photography
Service - Garbage Cleaning
Physical Recreation - Ball Sports
Adventurous Journey - Sunderdunga glacier, Kumaon
Residential Project - Service Project Azadpura village

“In my own little world I never thought of being what I am today- confident, responsible, and most importantly I am myself.”

DHARMENDRA KUMAR St. Mary's School - Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi

Skill - Dramatics
Service - Hunger Project
Physical Recreation - Swimming
Adventurous Journey - Kafni Glacier, Pindari, Kumaon
Residential Project - Service Project Azadpura village

“The Award has taught me to always rise up after each fall and be more prepared for every new challenge in life.”

MAHIMA CHOPRA St. Mary's School - Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi

Skill - Dramatics

Service - 1 year assistance to disabled child
Physical Recreation - Football
Adventurous Journey - Pindari Glacier, Kumaon
Residential Project - Service Project Azadpura village

“The Award has helped me become a good human being and an all rounder. It's given me a chance to fulfill my responsibility towards the society. The journey has made me stronger and confident to achieve any goal I set in life.” 

SHIVANI TOKAS St. Mary's School- Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi

Skill - Dance
Service - Hunger Project
Physical Recreation - Swimming
Adventurous Journey - Binsar, Garhwal
Residential Project - Service Project Azadpura village

“The most important thing which I learnt is to focus on the journey, not the destination.”

PRAJWAL BHATT 
The Doon International School
Skill - Painting
Service - River Cleaning Project, River Tamsa
Physical Recreation - Basketball
Adventurous Journey - Uttarkashi, Kumaon
Residential Project - Library Construction, Kandli Gaon (Dehradun)

SAMIKSHA TANWAR 
The Doon International School
Skill - Dance (Salsa, Freestyle)
Service - River Cleaning Project, River Tamsa
Physical Recreation - Badminton
Adventurous Journey - Corbett National Park & Mussoorie
Residential Project - Library Construction, Kandli Gaon (Dehradun)

ABHISHEK PANDE 
The Doon School, Dehradun

Skill - Photography
Service - School Social Service
Physical Recreation - Badminton
Adventurous Journey - Mt. Everest Base Camp
Residential Project - RSIS Project at Katapatthar

ARJUN KHAITAN The Doon School, Dehradun
Skill - Year Book
Service - Audiovisual squad
Physical Recreation - Badminton
Adventurous Journey - Ruinsaratal, Garhwal
Residential Project - RSIS Project at Katapatthar

“The Award helped me to be consistent with activities in school. I started enjoying everything I did. The adventure journey gave me a new outlook in life.”

MADHAVAN SAKLANI The Doon School, Dehradun
Skill - Hindi Magazine: yuv arpam
Service - Stage Committee
Physical Recreation - Squash
Adventurous Journey - Kushkalyan, Garhwal
Residential Project - Social Work in chandigarh

“I want to be associated with the Award in future also and encourage more and more young people to become a part of the Award.”

MUDIT AGARWAL
The Doon School, Dehradun

Skill - Hindi publication:srijan prayas
Service - Audio Visual Squad
Physical Recreation - Basketball
Adventurous Journey - Dodital & Kedarkantha, Garhwal
Residential Project - RSIS Project at Katapatthar

NEELANSH KHURANA 
The Doon School, Dehradun

Skill - Paper Recycling
Service - School Social Service
Physical Recreation - Squash
Adventurous Journey - Mt. Everest Base Camp
Residential Project - Social Work in Badoli village

RISHABH KOTHARI 
The Doon School, Dehradun

Skill - Hindi Magazine: yuv arpam
Service - Stage Committee
Physical Recreation - Table Tennis
Adventurous Journey - Kedarkantha, Garhwal
Residential Project - Social Work in Ponta sahib

"I am really looking forward to be a part of the Elite Gold Award Holder's Conference. I've enjoyed the extended service to my community."

SHUBHAM DHINGRA 
The Doon School, Dehradun

Skill - Hindi Magazine: yuv arpam
Service - Audio Visual Squad
Physical Recreation - Basketball
Adventurous Journey - Mt. Everest Base Camp
Residential Project - RSIS Project at Katapatthar

“More than anything IAYP has provided me encouragement and appreciation for what I have been continuously doing in my life. It makes me feel that whatever I am doing is worth the effort be it playing a sport, doing community service, or going for tough trekking.”


MAHER RANA The Lawrence School - Sanawar

Skill - Indian Dance
Service - Literacy Programme
Physical Recreation - Athletics
Adventurous Journey - Byasi, Himachal Pradesh
Residential Project - First Aid Camp in Himachal Pradesh

PALAK HORE 

The Lawrence School - Sanawar

Skill - Fashion Designing
Service - Literacy Programme/Tree Plantations
Physical Recreation - Hockey
Adventurous Journey - Byasi, Himachal Pradesh
Residential Project - Interaction with Tribal Community in Africa

PITAMBER YADAV The Lawrence School - Sanawar
Skill - GuitarService - First Aid with RLSSPhysical Recreation - SoccerAdventurous Journey - Manali, Himachal PradeshResidential Project - Exchange programme to South Africa

ISHA SINGH 

The Lawrence School - Sanawar

Skill - Art
Service - Literacy Programme/Tree Plantations
Physical Recreation - Basketball
Adventurous Journey - Rishikesh, Uttarkhand
Residential Project - First Aid Camp in Himachal Pradesh

JASMINE MALHOTRA 

The Lawrence School - Sanawar

Skill - Indian Dance
Service - Literacy Programme/Tree Plantations
Physical Recreation - Basketball
Adventurous Journey - Rishikesh, Uttarkhand
Residential Project - First Aid Camp in Himachal Pradesh

SAKET PODDAR  

The Lawrence School - Sanawar

Skill - Art
Service - Fund Collection for Cancer patients
Physical Recreation - Soccer
Adventurous Journey - Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Residential Project - First Aid Camp with RLSS Pune

KARAN BANSAL The Lawrence School - Sanawar

Skill - Art
Service - Fund Collection for Cancer patients
Physical Recreation - Soccer
Adventurous Journey - Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Residential Project - First Aid Camp with RLSS Pune

ANUBHAV SARKAR The Scindia School, Gwalior

Skill - Art and Sculpture

Service - School Social Service

Physical Recreation - Basketball

Adventurous Journey - Cycling expedition Jaipur to Mount Abu, (RJ)

Residential Project - Student Exchange to Saint Stithians College

“I am proud to receive the Gold Award and I am thankful to the Award for making me realize my true capabilities.”

ARNAV SAXENA

The Scindia School, Gwalior

Skill - Trumpet: School Brass Band

Service - School Social Service

Physical Recreation - Swimming

Adventurous Journey - Scaling Yunam B peak, Himachal Pradesh

Residential Project - 1st Spiti Gold Solar Project with Ecosphere

MOHIT AGARWAL

The Scindia School, Gwalior

Skill - School Brass Band

Service - School Social Service

Physical Recreation - Archery

Adventurous Journey - Cycling expedition Jaipur to Mount Abu

Residential Project - 1st Spiti Gold Solar Project with Ecosphere

“Completing the Gold Level has been a very good experience. My favorite section was the Residential Project.”

PANKAJ SINGH

The Scindia School, Gwalior

Skill - Metalwork

Service - Social service league in school

Physical Recreation - Cricket

Adventurous Journey - 1st Spiti Gold Solar Project with Ecosphere

Residential Project - 1st Spiti Gold Solar Project with Ecosphere

“After doing the Gold Award I would like to be more involved in community service and also would like to go for many more adventure treks.”

SHASHANK BANSAL

The Scindia School, Gwalior

Skill - Math Pie Club

Service - Round Square International Service Project (Ladakh)

Physical Recreation - Archery

Adventurous Journey - Mountaineering Camp

Residential Project - RSIS Project at Thiksey, Ladakh J&K.

"Completing the  gold level is one of my biggest achievements. I’ve waited to get my Gold Award since I received my Bronze Award”

SHIVAM GARG

The Scindia School, Gwalior

Skill - Paper Making

Service - Social service league in school

Physical Recreation - Hockey

Adventurous Journey - 1st Spiti Gold Solar Project with Ecosphere

Residential Project - 1st Spiti Gold Solar Project with Ecosphere

“The best part of my Award was the Residential Project in Spiti; bringing stones and hard mud on tractors for the Solar Bath. I felt good about doing something for people I didn’t know and who I would probably never meet again. Today I really feel great about receiving my Gold Award.”  

SURYANSH AGARWAL

The Scindia School, Gwalior

Skill - Band

Service - First Solar Gold Project organised by Ecosphere

Physical Recreation - Archery

Adventurous Journey - 2nd Spiti Gold Solar Project with Ecosphere

Residential Project - 1st Spiti Gold Solar Project with Ecosphere

“The different sections of the Award taught me the true meaning of companionship, willpower, camaraderie and belief in my inner strength which is a priceless virtue.”

VAIBHAV SINGH KIRAR

The Scindia School, Gwalior

Skill - School Brass Band

Service - Social service league in school

Physical Recreation - Swimming,horse riding and cross country race

Adventurous Journey - Scaling Yunam B peak, Himachal Pradesh

Residential Project - RSIS Project at Thiksey, Ladakh J&K.

“The Gold Award has made me a dynamic person, a true global citizen and a nature lover.”

K NAVEEN KUMAR

Vellore Indian Special Projects

Skill - Handicrafts
Service - Volunteering in Hospital
Physical Recreation - Athletics
Adventurous Journey - Kozikhode, Kerala
Residential Project - Working in amirthi forest area

DIVESH BIDHURI

Welham Boys' School - Dehradun

Skill - Dance

Service - Nature Culb

Physical Recreation - Athletics

Adventurous Journey - Dayana Buygal & Dodital, Garhwal

Residential Project - Library Construction, Bageshwar (Kumaon)

“I felt thrilled and enlightened after completing the Award as it helped me achieve the targets I had set for myself. The Residential project in particular was a life changing experience for me.”

KRISHNA AGRAWAL

Welham Boys' School- Dehradun

Skill - Cookery

Service - Nature Culb

Physical Recreation - Squash

Adventurous Journey - Expedition to Garhwal

Residential Project - Village Construction project , Ranikhet (Kumaon) 

“It’s a great feeling to have completed all the three levels of the Award. All the four sections taught me something valuable.”

VARUN AGGARWAL

Welham Boys' School - Dehradun

Skill - Writing and Editing of the School Magazine

Service - NIVH

Physical Recreation - Athletics

Adventurous Journey - Har-Ki-Dun, Garhwal

Residential Project - Library Construction, Bageshwar (Kumaon)

“After completing the Gold level of the Award -  I have come to respect cultural and social differences, compete with myself in adverse conditions, discover my physical weaknesses and strengths and develop mental keenness.”

AASHNA KOTIYAL 

Welham Girls' School - Dehradun
Skill - Bharatnatyam
Service - Nature Club Project (Ladakh)
Physical Recreation - Field Hockey- National Level
Adventurous Journey - Har-Ki-Dun, Garhwal
Residential Project - HESCO Project Dehradun

“When I enrolled for the Bronze level a few years ago, I didn't have any idea how much it would help me grow as a person. The Award has given me education beyond any academic field. I am proud to be a Gold Holder and would encourage all young people to give it a shot.”

KRITI SHRESTHA 

Welham Girls' School - Dehradun

Skill - Bharatnatyam
Service - Nature Club Project (Ladakh)
Physical Recreation - Basketball
Adventurous Journey - Har-Ki-Dun, Garhwal
Residential Project - HESCO Project Dehradun

“The Award has helped me build my character and has taught me lessons for life beyond classroom knowledge.”

ROOPALI LAKHOTIA 

Welham Girls' School- Dehradun

Skill - Craft
Service - Nature Club
Physical Recreation - Karate- Black belt
Adventurous Journey - Har-Ki-Dun, Garhwal
Residential Project - HESCO Project Dehradun

“The Award helped me venture into those areas of life which I would usually avoid and I will always be grateful to the Award for making me the person I am today.”

SANEEYA SINGH Welham Girls' School- Dehradun
Skill - Drums
Service - Nature Club
Physical Recreation - Lawn Tennis
Adventurous Journey - Har-Ki-Dun, Garhwal
Residential Project - HESCO Project Dehradun

"Ever since my Bronze level, The Award is the most learning experience I've had. Its taught me how to fight my way through the most difficult times possible and learn things I would've never learnt otherwise. My service at an old-age home taught me that there is hope for anyone suffering! Its been an eye-opening journey and The Award has helped shape my personality in a big way"

SARITA RAWAT Welham Girls’ School- Dehradun
Skill - Guitar
Service - Mother Teresa Orphange Project (Ladakh)
Physical Recreation - Athletics-IPSC
Adventurous Journey - Har-Ki-Dun, Garhwal
Residential Project - HESCO Project Dehradun

“The Award has taught me teamwork, discipline, perseverance and most of all, adaptability. I have visited and lived in places I would have never been to otherwise. The programme has helped me accomplish things I never thought I could do, and I am truly grateful for such an opportunity.”




- The List of Awardees is in Alphabetical Order of the Units they completed their Award from. All of the content on this blog post belongs to IAYP India. Please seek approval at ai@iayp.in before using any of it.