ANNUAL REPORT 2014-15

Lotus Petal FoundationESTD 2011

Lotus Petal Foundation is a trust that is committed to providing a life full of dignity to

children and young adults from less privileged backgrounds. The organization is

comprised of young professionals who are focused on providing free education and

nutrition to children from slums of Gurgaon. We also provide free primary and secondary

healthcare to our children and their families. At Lotus Petal, we truly believe that these

prerequisites backed by the love and support of the privileged community can bridge the

social divide in our society and empower young minds to break the poverty ceiling.

Aaliya is a

terminally ill teenager.

She has been diagnosed

with renal failure.

Lotus Petal has been

taking care of

Aaliya`s uppkeep for

over 4 years.

Kushal Raj Chakravorty is known to be a leader, a visionary and a go getter amongst his peer. But

to the children at Lotus Petal Foundation, he`s just Kushal Bhaiya. The founder and the managing

trustee of Lotus Petal Foundation is a self-made, simple, young man whose heart lies in service.

Backed with fancy degrees and an immaculate corporate career, Kushal willingly surrendered to

his calling to serve. In November 2011, he set aside his savings to start the Lotus Petal

Foundation. He feels “Focusing on what we can give others and not what we can take for

ourselves brings great joy and transformation to our lives.”

In the span of 3 years, through Lotus Petal, Kushal has reached out to over 300 families in

different ways, mostly for providing education and healthcare to them and their children. Kushal

navigates his professional life, family & children beautifully yet finds time and eagerness to

benefit the community and impact the environment he lives in. Kushal, truly is a role model to

many. A man of very few words, humble and always willing to help, he stands out as a choicest

leader one would wish to be mentored by.

VIDYANANDA SCHOOL

Currently we have 3 classes running making it a school of 65

children. The classes from kindergarten to Grade 2 have

their own dedicated full time teachers who are being

regularly mentored by Ms. Poulomi Chakravorty, an

alternative style teacher, co- founder & governing council

member of Lotus Petal Foundation.

Vidyananda in Hindi simply means “joy of education”. The abuse and neglect towards little

children in the neighborhood slums initiated the idea of Vidyananda School. The style of

education here is alternative and the approach holistic. We use unconventional methods to

impart regular education. Different styles of art, storytelling, clay modelling and meditation

helps calm the over stimulated child, thereby providing healing and creating a space for

educating the little mind. Education is imparted creatively and playfully.

PRATISHTHAN LEARNING

CENTREPratishthan Learning Center provides re-entry into secondary education to children after

completing their grade 5. We have a condensed, fast track curriculum that enables

students to complete their Grade 10 in just 3 years as opposed to 5 years. By the end of the

program we ensure that the student has good English speaking skills, is proficient in

computers and is a well-rounded youth. Besides providing them with exemplary

education we also work closely on their personality development. We conduct art and a

theater program over the weekend that gives them both confidence and improve their

interpersonal skills.

We currently have 3 classes with 41 students. Our teacher strength is 5 full time and 2 part

time. In March 2015, 62 students from 4 schools that were until grade 5, appeared for an

entrance exam. 26 qualified for the new batch of the Pratishthan Program.

In July 2015, we are starting another batch of the Pratishthan Program during the second

half of the day. This would make the total strength of Pratishthan Learning Center to 65.

AAROGYA WELLNESS PROGRAMTo ensure an overall wellbeing of a child, the health and nutrition form the backbone for growth. No

matter what economic class a child may represent a nutritious meal and a good health is the basic

foundation to grasp any knowledge. This is the cornerstone of imparting education in Lotus Petal

Foundation.

With the desire to give nutritious food and healthcare to our children, Lotus Petal Foundation started the

Aarogya Wellness in September 2014. Through Aarogya, we provide fresh, well balanced wholesome

meals to our children. Their day begins with a fruit and breakfast, followed by a home cooked, clean

vegetarian meal for lunch. All meals are cooked within our school campus, in our kitchen by lady cooks,

whose children are students at the Lotus Petal Foundation.

Like all children, our students also need regular pediatric, dental and general checkups. For these we

have Dr. Nandita Chakravorty, a renowned doctor and our Governing Council Member, visit every

Tuesday and Thursday to attend to any child or any member of their family that may need medical

attention. So far 100+ people have been checked by our in house doctor. More community doctors are

inspired and willingly offer free services to our students. Each Monday, couple of students have been

making regular visits to Dr. Sapna Bajaj`s clinic for oral health upkeep and regular dental checkups.

Every first Sunday of the month is welcomed by a health camp in the Lotus Petal Campus. We enable

doctors from the community to offer health examination to anyone from the neighborhood slums. There

are physicians, specialists, a blood testing unit, eye checkup van and a medical dispensary that offers

every service with absolute no charge to the patient. So far we have had 3 health camps that have

benefited over 345 people.

AAROGYA

WELLNESS

PROGRAM

Aakash - Cracked his wrist (radius ulna) while

playing on the swing. Had multiple fractures

& needed immediate surgery. Lotus Petal

took complete care of the accident and post-

operative care & therapy

Muzzamil - Ear infection caused over 30%

hearing loss. Infection & high fever

accounted for his absence from class. Instant

intervention & surgery helped Muzzamil

heal & resume his education

Amina - life-saving surgical procedure was

performed on an emergency basis for

Amina. (Babul's mother who is a student of

Pratisthan)

OUTREACH PROGRAMLotus Petal foundation has collaborated

with capable individuals and committed

NGO`s that are doing exemplary work in

special areas. We support them and their

cause with as much faith and dedication

Even before the inception of the Lotus Petal Foundation, Kushal had befriended the special

boys from Deepashram, Mother Teresa`s home for the destitute in Gurgaon. Mother's home

is a secure abode for orphan or abandoned boys of different age group. Some boys have

mental and neurotical disorders and most are even physically disabled. Over the years, in an

effort to encourage our outreach programs, Lotus Petal has found ways to help ease the

pressure on the staff of Deepashram by providing innovative gadgets in the kitchen and

other areas. We have also arranged various devices and contraptions that have enabled the

boys with special needs to lead a better quality life.

Lotus Petal Foundation runs “Indradhanush”, a guided art program for the special boys.

Some paint with their feet, a few just experiment with holding a brush while the rest just

enjoy dabbling colors freely and sharing affection with their teacher. The idea is to help

these children heal and feel confident of their motor skills. But the inherent plan is that the

boys catch a break from their mundane routine, soothe themselves and find an outlet of joy

in creativity and restful art.

OUTREACH PROGRAM

Kanini, which means computer in an Indian language, is a computer literacy

program run by Lotus Petal Foundation within the school premises every Sunday.

This program is run entirely by volunteers from the NGO Bhumi. The purpose of this

program is to introduce computers to teenagers who have never used one. To make

young minds inquisitive and acquaint them with the possibilities that this technology

opens up for them. We ensure that by the end of the 1 year program, the student is

e-literate and has set a better foundation for the future career.

We have been running

this program from

April 2013 and

currently 27 children

from underprivileged

background are

benetting from this

program.

OUR TEAM

Lotus Petal takes pride in hiring the best teachers. Our staff is well qualified, well

exposed to different styles of education and deeply rooted with our sense of service.

We currently have 3 full times teachers in Vidyananda School. Pratishthan Learning

Center has 5 full time 2 part time teachers.

OUR TEAM

Lotus Petal is an extension of the community we live in. To be closer to the families of

our children, we decided to hire the parents of our students to work as gardeners,

plumber and even to manage our kitchen. We believe that there is no meal more

special than a fresh meal made every day by a mom.

Milliyaari & Sanjeeda cook food for 110 children in our kitchen every

day. Their children and grandchildren

study in our school.

GOVERNING COUNCILThe governing body of Lotus Petal Foundation comprises of regular people, a home maker, doctor,

teacher and corporates. We have ordinary lives with children and responsibilities to attend to. Our

common sense of service and unf linching belief in the truth that each human deserves a good

meal, education and should have access to healthcare, brings us together.

We are single mindedly focused and are resolute in providing equal opportunities to our children in

Lotus Petal Foundation. Our Governing body is formed of like-minded enthusiasts who find joy in

giving back to the community they live in. Their services are voluntary and no one them takes any

kind of remuneration or financial benefits from Lotus Petal Foundation

Arghya Sen - “It was more of a sense duty and affection towards my closest friend Kushal, who in

every sense I call brother. I felt the need to support him and help him drive this beautiful cause. But it`s

become mine too. The people I meet, the stories of resilience that unfold and revelation of beauty in

the simplest humbles me. In many ways Lotus Petal fills me with an extraordinary sense of pride.”

Poulomi Chakravorty - “Lotus Petal is an extension of my family. We feel blessed that our family and

our skills were chosen to benefit those who truly deserve but may have never found a way. Serving

the organization gives me added fulfilment, it`s a boost from the mundane and gives me a sense of

wellbeing.”

Saloni Bhardwaj - “The search for joy found a home in Lotus Petal for me. It is an avenue to express

the gratitude I have for my beautiful life. Things, positions, relationships, achievements around us are

temporary; they eventually wear off. But what is received through giving ultimately remains.”

Poulomi & Nandita

Arghya SaloniShantanu

FRIENDS OF LOTUS PETALLotus Petal is blessed with a supportive volunteer community that crosses borders and color. We

have people from different countries and beliefs, Indians & non-Indians, who have found creative

ways to spend time with our children and have reached out to us to make our journey easier. It is

this unique connect with the Friends Of Lotus Petal that deepens our belief in 'One World One

Community'.

DONOR'S & BENEFICIARIESLotus Petal considers itself a critical link between the donors with their beneficiaries. People and

organizations connect with us because of their faith and trust in our honest commitment. We

ensure the optimum utilization of the donations and resources and guarantee a transparent system

that enables their reach to the recipient in the best possible way.

“I was determined to send

my daughter to school but there

was no money. whatever we have is

spent on food and rent. God heard my

prayers and gave me a safe place to send my

daughter to study. She loves her school, her

teachers and I am happy that she will not

use her thumb to sign or sweep floors

to earn a l iving.“ Shanti ,

Sanjana`s mother

“I cannot read

and write. To see my

daughter talk in English

gives me hope that she will

not have a life like ours “

Nagin Das ( Father of

Anjali)

DONOR'S & BENEFICIARIES

“We recognize that serving the community,

especially the underprivileged sections, is our

core value. Be the change you wish to see, is the

core thought behind the Lotus Petal Foundation

and we at Sarovar wish to act as a catalyst to

transform this dream into reality.” Ajay Bakaya,

Executive Director, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts.

"The joy in the lives of children brought by Lotus

Petal Foundation is evidently seen when you visit

Vidyananda School or Pratishthan Learning

centre. The passionate team and innovative

approach with a focus on quality is remarkable.

We feel extremely delighted in the partnership

between Delhi NCR FoodBank and Lotus Petal

Foundation and look forward to extending much

more support to help anyway we can." Kuldip

Nar, Ceo, ResponseNet

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

TOTAL DONATIONS

Rs 60,00,000

Total money raised in 2014-15

DONATIONS INVESTED IN BENEFICIARY PROGRAMSIn 2014-15, we spend INR 47,04,450 in our 3 beneficiary programs. Here's where the money went:

Vidyananda School (47%) Rs 22,02,916

Pratishthan Learning Centre (42.5%) Rs 20,59,413

Aarogya Wellness (10.5%) Rs 4,42,121

OUR IMPACT IN THE FIELD

In the last 4 years, we have invested approx Rs 100 lacs in beneficiary programs

DONATIONS INVESTED IN OPERATIONS

In 2014-15, we invested Rs 9,41,071 in our own infrastructure, including website

development , administrative staff salaries, technologies, special events and office

operations.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW

No member of the governing council has taken any

remuneration since inception.

Amitabh Verma & Co. Registration number 021689N

are our statutory auditors of the trust.

Lotus Petal Foundation

Gali No 5, Plot No 3, Village Silokhera, South City- 1,

Gurgaon - 122002 , Haryana

LotusPetalFoundation.org

Saloni@LotusPetalFoundation.org

/LotusPetalCharity

Cost of Printing ` 200

(Concept & Design: Volunteer)