SHABD- THE VOICE WITHIN.. Issue 1

SHABD the voice within..

SPREADING SMILES IN THIS ISSUE

”Ek soch hai, nazariya hai, insaniyat ka farmaan hai; ek zindagi sanwaar den, bs itni hi

dastaan hai !!”

As we frame our thoughts, our vision, our experiences, as ‘Shabd’, for the first time, and bring ‘the word’ to the world; ‘Dastaan’ still remains a question for many, and I’d start by answering the same.

Legally, ‘Dastaan Foundation’ is a registered Non-Governmental Organization; but for us, it’s more like a ‘Concept’, a ‘Vision’, a ‘Legacy’ that must be continued endlessly. It’s ‘Life’, the saga of ‘me’, ‘you’ and every other person out there in the world.

And even more, it’s ‘the saga of a change’. The ‘change’ that, service and philanthropy is not necessarily a ‘passion’ to pursue when ‘everything else has been done’, and wisdom is attained. It is rather the ‘young generation’ who’ll bring about this change. Dastaan here is a ‘belief’ - that passionate, kind hearted ‘youngsters’, ‘students’, possess the energy as well as the esteemed desire to ‘change the world’. And ‘Dastaan’ here is a ‘proof’ of this change that is in young hands!

Dastaan’ is not a dream of two eyes, its’ not about ‘me’ and ‘I’, It’s about ‘we’, what together we can do, what together we can change! It’s an ideology of ‘us’. The saga

wouldn’t have been formed without the people, and this day we cannot forget even a single heart. It’s ‘million hands’, ‘millions souls’ but ‘One dream’. A ‘dream’, that started with a vision, and flourished with the participation; and we strongly believe, it will continue endlessly in our hearts, in the people that will bring ‘the change’, and the participants will be ‘together we all’.

We didn’t end up sticking to any specific ‘cause’. Life itself is ‘service’, and we must therefore serve in any form. ‘Dastaan’ is a vision of ‘doing any good’; following one’s dream, his passion. It’s a vision to work for any cause, in any way, by any means!

‘Dastaan’, therefore is the ‘Independence’, of following one’s own philanthropic aspirations, whether it is ‘educating a child’, or ‘planting a tree’, ‘saving lives’ or ‘creating awareness’, anything, literally anything !!

Finally, let’s give it a thought, “What is my passion?” Let’s write a ‘Dastaan’ again.

“Bachcho ne ghar se nikal diya, kahte hain ham apne pet pale ya tumhe dekhen”

Pale face, in wrinkles; both of them shivering and their bodies weak enough that they couldn’t stand for long.

Page 4

The High Flying Birds

But behind this innocence, was the deep courage to face such ‘harsh reality’ of life.

Page 5

Dastaan..the saga of a change..!!

Mohammad Shadaan Husain [Executive Chairman]

Editor

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Mohammad Shadaan Husain

Founder & Executive Chairman A Philanthropist and an

Entrepreneur; the Founder of Dastaan, he has nourished the ‘idea’ to bring it alive. He believes that everyone deserves a chance to work for their dreams, and is actively involved in turning it to reality.

Mr. Masood Husain

Secretary One of Dastaan’s

Founder Members, Mr. Husain has devoted more than 30 years of his life working closely with the society. At Dastaan, he is extensively involved in interfacing the strategies for rural development.

Mr. Shamshad Ahmad

Chief Administrative Officer A person who lent his

entire life to service of the needy, an extremely kind-hearted and generous man and a founder member of Dastaan, he now makes strategies for raising the living standards of the helpless and ignored lives.

Prof. Saroj Kumar Dhal

Advisor in Chief Prof. Saroj Dhal is a

graduate from Jawaharlal Nehru University and, an M.Phil. Ph.D. out of Delhi University. At Dastaan he plays the most important role of advising the board on strategic and developmental affairs.

Mr. Maqsood Husain

Financial Advisor A Masters in Commerce,

Mr. Husain has a rich experience of over 3 decades in Finance domain. He specializes in accounting and taxations, and advises the foundation on financial affairs.

Governing Board &

Advisory Council

Dastaan Foundation

Registered as Doc. No. 56/2013 – Sub Registrar, Pilibhit [Uttar Pradesh – INDIA].

Registered Head Office:

Dastaan Foundation Head Office,

114-Tigri, Neoria Husainpur, District Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh – 262305, India.

Bank Account:

Dastaan Foundation [Scan Code to copy A/c No.]

Pilibhit Branch, Pilibhit - 262001

Savings A/c No: 0385000100320893

DF/NL/SHABD/14-01

SHABD – The Voice Within

Dastaan Foundation India

[www.dastaan.org] [email@dastaan.org]

“Dastaan is the Life of a Million beating hearts, and here we are

devoted to them.

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Where there is a will, there’s a way! It was the summer of year 2013, and the heat was at its peak. Each day witnessed the mighty shining sun. But there was another one, rising in our hearts, ready to cherish the world in its soothing light. On account of recent incidents which touched us deep within, a Dastaan was being created in us, slowly forming its place, filling our veins.

By the time one thing was clear, we had already headed on to the path of making a ‘living’ which shall in all senses be better than today. And then we worked our brains finalizing the objectives, the constitution of this cause. Every other day was busier than the previous, and was followed by major decisions that were to be taken. The Literature had been done; the next step was to give this idea a Name! Lots of brainstorming was done, until the heart spoke out – ‘Dastaan’; the impression it left was so strong that we didn’t even give a second thought.

The Hard Work for so many months came alive, as this dream turned into reality; this ‘concept’ was registered as a Non-Governmental Organization in the name of

‘Dastaan Foundation’ on July 18, 2013. This was the day when we could feel it within, a big day it was.

The logo was done, which again like every other thing was developed in the essence of the ‘vision’, then the tagline, and then endless other things. Every little part of it had been nourished with this ‘idea’, this ‘concept’, and this is the reason that it’s so special to us. And so is it, to everyone else. ‘Dastaan’ itself is a ‘vision’, a ‘life’.

WHEN TEARS ROLLED DOWN..

There are still such disturbing realities in the world that tear apart the soul and shake you deep within. No one can ever forget, it won’t let you live!

“MERA BCHCHA BHOOK SE MAR JAEGA SAHAB

Mere bchche ko bcha lijiye, kaise bhi..”

‘You never know it, until you feel it.’

The first voluntary team of Dastaan was formed out of Engineering Students, and we went on to face the first ‘OutReach’ experience.

And this very first experience told us what actually Life was all about, we could feel the essence clearly.

The story of a Boy who fled his house because he was tortured by his teacher, and the parents didn’t hear him, introduced us the ‘play’ of Life. He was now earning his ‘bread’, selling Maggi. I could see the pain in him, of not being able to study, as tears rolled down his face..!!

The Second big story was of a woman who struggled alone for Life, with nothing in hand, and raised her children somehow. I still remember her words as she talked about her dream of educating her child, but couldn’t.

“Mai chahta hun mera bchcha pdhe, par mai kaise use bada afsar bna sakun, mai to tokri wala hun; kal malik dusre site pe le jaega, inhe kaun dekhega.”

And something that left us dumb, was to hear about some children of around 16 years of age, working hard to earn a day’s meal, as they were all alone.

“Ye bchcha raat raat tk kaam krta hai, ab kya kren, PET JALTA HAI SAHAB.”

As it came to Life.. In the words of the Founder

The story of this woman, her struggle, her courage of fighting the hardships of Life, all alone; deserves a regard. As she narrated, our silent faces witnessed the first ‘dastaan’.

The First Experience As it started right away

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A GLIMPSE OF THE WORK

Bhaiya, mujhe bhi kapde chahiye In the Woolen Cloth Distribution Drive, the child grabs hard her clothes, as she receives it; and the Mother in a sigh of expectation.

Ummeed ki ek kiran.. As the Rural Women Empowerment Program proceeds, mass gathering is witnessed. The Volunteers encourage the Rural Women regarding the management of the house earnings and education of the children.

A NOTE OF THANKS

VOLUNTEER FOR US

Join the cause and the Dastaan team, get involved by submitting your information on the ‘Join Us’ Form at our website.

WWW.DASTAAN.ORG A start can make a difference. Be a part of the change!

A short heighted woman, around 20 years old, carrying a small baby in her arms and one little girl standing beside her, ‘Saira’ (name changed) her name, as she quoted in tears.

I couldn’t stop myself talking to her, as I saw this girl and her ‘cousins’ in tattered condition. The next moment I was taken aback, and I felt like dumb, as she introduced me to her children. Yes, ‘Children’ not ‘Siblings’, I was proved wrong!

This girl, now ‘woman’, at this tender age, married to a man about twice of her’s, and a mother of 5 children. Mai sthir ho kar rah gya, And I couldn’t say a word.

“Ek taqleef ho toh bataun bhi, puri zindagi hi t

aqleef hai. Do waqt khana naseeb ho jaye wah

i bahut ho jaega hamare liye, jo kaamte hai wo

saara lag jata hai, aur wo bhi kbhi pura nhi pad

ta, bin khaye hi sona padta hai kbhi to.”

She went on to speak, in trembling voice and tears, about how they managed the house by working at construction sites and selling fruits part time. And then she spoke fearfully about the debt of 3 lacs. Though she was ‘poor’, yet rich in her ‘values’.

The torn clothes, the half-dressed children, her pale face, is something that refuses to go away, and I just can’t forget it. Had you been there, I’m sure, you would have melted at such ‘dastaan’.

The glimpse of those children introduced me to the other side of the world, and so did it do to everyone else in the team.

“Bchcho ne ghar se nikal diya, kahte hain ham apne pet pale ya tumhe dekhen.” Story covered by Lakshya Gupta

It was totally a different experience for me as I saw this old man and his wife, both around 70 years old, in pathetic conditions, left all alone to face the hardships of Life at this age.

Pale face, in wrinkles; both of them shivering and their bodies weak enough that they couldn’t stand for long. I went on to hear their cause as I saw them sitting in a corner.

He had worked extensively all his life, as a labourer, to support the education of his children, his ‘only dream of Life’.

“Sab satvi tk padhe phir chod dia, kya kre hum jis gali me rahte hain, roti kamani pdti hai pdhai kese hogi.”

And his dream of seeing his children educated, was shattered. Somehow Life went on until the final moment when they were expelled from their own house.

“Hamne puri zindagi unpe laga di, kaash hamare budhape mein woh hamara saath de sakte. Magar aaj hame hamare bachcho ne hi ghar se bahar nikala diya. Kahte hain,”Jao, hamare paas khane ke liye khud kuch nhi hai tum dono ko kya denge.”

An old man, his old wife, no food, and no place to go, I can’t say more.

“Mai hath jodti hun aapse, kisi ko mat batana humpe 3 lakh karza hai, warna hamari bahut bezatti hogi.” Story covered by Ankit Bhandari

We are extremely thankful to the District Administration of District Pilibhit, and District G.B. Nagar (Uttar Pradesh) for their extensive support and permissions, Respected Mr. H.L. Gupta (I.A.S) [District Magistrate], Mr. R.P. Mishra [Chief Development Officer], the Dadri Block Administration, the Advisory Council and Research Team from Jawaharlal Nehru University, the most respected people who donated for the cause and the students who selflessly volunteered for us, the team of Dastaan, and all those who were directly or indirectly a part of this program.

Another Dastaan reveals, as this man narrates his experience of Life; while the team stands still, hearing his distress, and trying to keep their calm.

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“The High Flying Birds” By Pritish Kumar

This is the story, rather a ‘dastaan’ of two sprouting buds, Kajal and Shivani. At the mass ‘OutReach’ drive, while I was busy taking note of the happenings around and studying the whole situation, a sharp yet curious voice called in - ‘Bhaiya’. And I turned around to see two little girls; ‘innocence’ was what I saw.

Kajal studies in 8th standard in a government primary school in ‘Chithera’, a small village near the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Her father died during the medication for Tuberculosis in a government hospital, a month before.

With a typical childish innocence, she said “Papa to mar gae”. But behind this

innocence, was the deep courage to face such ‘harsh reality’ of life.

Her younger sister Shivani , aged 12, studies in 6th standard and goes to the same school; filled with jubilance, the girl simply

asked,”Humein kapde milenge kya?”. The statement clearly portrayed their state of mind, and the expectation of receiving some help.

Their mother, uneducated but the only earning member and the head of their family; someone whom they feel proud to express their association with, works in scrap godowns.

It was quite a different experience for me, to hear them talking of their dreams. Such level of ‘maturity in vision’ at this tender age is commendable. “Mai teacher banna chahti hun taki mai mere jaise bachchon ko padha sakun.” And what the next girl said could melt your hearts “Mujhe doctor banna hai, taki kisi ke papa ‘TB’ se na maren.”

Both want to fly high, unaffected by the reality that “few planes fly over Chithera”.

“They are all set to make a high flight, into the realms of zenith; but they lack the air to do so, caught in the marshes of poverty.”

One needs arduous thinking to understand the psychology and the frame of mind of these high aspiring little birds.

The only question is “Is this existence, or a living?”

Amidst extreme fog and chilling breeze, as the calender read January 1, 2014 ; while the world was busy celebrating the onset of the New year, our team was ready to witness another ‘dastaan’ that day.

As we reached out to the masses, mainly daily wage labourers, what we saw was ‘Open tenements, few utencils, and only a single pair of cloth ! We never knew Life could be so hard for anyone.

A ‘winter relief woolen cloth distribution drive’ was carried out, as sweaters, woolen shawls, cardigans, jackets, and other woolen

wear were given away.

Sometimes, just a sigh of relief is so relaxing ! We learnt a lot that day, as we heard these people in distress.

THE DRY GREEN FOOD

In an almost empty utencil, a handful of green ‘saag’ was being cooked. It seemed more like dry grass (may be it was the cheapest leftover).

Imagine a spoonful amount of dry grass like vegetable cooked without oil, salt or other ‘delicacies’ as a day’s meal !!

The New Year Day ‘Woolen Cloth Distribution Drive’ January 1, 2014 for the masses

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Significant Advancements:

October 2013: Project ‘OutReach’ is initiated.

November 2013: Project ‘Dream School’ is formulated for fostering the Education of Underprivileged, through free schooling program, specially formulated to raise interest and knowledge.

January 01, 2014: Extensive Winter Relief program carried out as ‘New Year Day Woolen Cloth Distribution Drive’.

January 06, 2014: Dastaan meets Mr. H.L. Gupta [IAS], Honorable District Magistrate – Gautam Buddh Nagar [UP] regarding Social Welfare in the District.

January 10, 2014: ‘Chithera Mass Drive’ is carried out, more than 200 needy people benefitted under four different schemes.

January 2014: Mr. R.P. Mishra, Respected Chief Development Officer – Gautam Buddh Nagar, directs the concerned authorities to extend dedicated support to ‘Dastaan’ and initiate ‘social upliftment’ programs for the Underprivileged sections. Also, an officer of the rank of ADO is assigned to Dastaan, as per the directions of the CDO, to take up the cause.

January 2014: Project ‘Rural Employment & Women Empowerment (financially & psychologically) is planned and initiated. The Project shall be in complete action once the requirements for funds is completed, and is supposed to provide massive employment opportunities to sustain lives for widows, divorced, physically challenged, and other similar sections. We are currently in process of completing the funds requirements.

What Next?

Increasing the No. of Free ‘Dream Schools’.

Enforcing the Rural Women Empowerment Project.

Enforcing Employment Projects for ‘Underprivileged Sections’

Enforcing ‘Save a Life’ Initiative Enforcing the ‘Honor a talent’

initiative.

‘Honor a Talent’ is an ‘initiative’ to search and develop real talents in children, those who are bound in the barriers of poverty.

The ‘Chithera Mass Drive’ A sneak into the work done

1. Mass ‘OutReach’ Program

2. Rural Women Empowerment

3. Child Development & Orientation Study

4. Cloth & Stationary Distribution Drive

HELPING LIVES

Extending help As the drive is in progress, a ‘dastaan team member’ extends helping hands to the old woman.

Hearing Issues In the Mass Interaction program, the team members reach out to the ‘voices’, hearing their issues and discussing several root causes.

Give away with honour In the Distribution Drives, the team takes care of the honour and dignity of the people, as they receive help.

SUPPORT THE CAUSE

Several programs are in action, few others are being planned; we are reaching out to the best of our reach.

SUPPORT US, HELP THEM, ‘WHO KNOWS, YOU COULD END UP GIVING ‘LIFE’ TO SOMEONE’ If the stories touched you, or our work; help us.

Reflections

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SHABD the voice within..

Donate through Bank Transfer, Internet Banking, Cheque, Account Deposit favouring:

DASTAAN FOUNDATION

Pilibhit Branch, Pilibhit – 262001 [UP]

SB A/c No: 0385000100320893

IFSC Code: PUNB0038500

MICR Code: 262024002

[Dastaan Foundation] www.dastaan.org email@dastaan.org www.facebook.com/DastaanFoundation Dastaan Foundation – INDIA.

‘Non-Governmental Organization’; we all are having a different perception to this word, and nothing’s wrong in it, as we’ve had such experiences even. I’ve heard different people talking differently about such organizations. And sadly, there’s also a negative approach sometimes, when some NGOs are blamed to be profit making institutions.

But not all of them are the same, there are still many such voluntary organizations in our country, those who have framed the stage for the development of the ‘soul’ of the nation. If we sneak back in history several such names will rise, who have been the makers of the present society, and even today we can see their essence. Even after the worst natural disasters, as lives come to relief, the dedication of such voluntary organizations is visible. We need to have a wider approach and an optimistic vision.

We have to enlighten the philosophy of the ‘holy verses’ and the ‘great souls’; we have to study the pathways of those who led their life for the service of the poor. And in the same vision, we must ‘help lives’. Here ‘Dastaan’ emerges as one of the youngest Voluntary Organization of our ‘young generation’, which aspires and dreams for our society. It has already started its journey and is expecting an unending marathon, a long journey ahead, miles to go, a mission possible. Wishing and praying for lots of success of Dastaan, for Dastaan, by Dastaan, in Dastaan. Yearning to realize Dastaan’s ‘dastaan’.

The Walks of Philanthropy

Help a ‘Life’ by supporting us through Donations and other means; drop in useful material @ our Collection Centers (address available on www.dastaan.org ). In case you Donate into our Bank Account, please mail us Date and Mode of Remittance of Donation, Transfer Amount (Donated Amount), Transfer Reference No /

Cheque No, Donor's Full Name & Complete Address along with Contact No. and Email Id for proper account maintenance and issue of Receipts to email@dastaan.org .

Prof. Saroj Kumar Dhal [Advisor-in-Chief]

Editor-in-Chief