Events

Adv. Dr. K. C. George, CEO, Deepalaya, had the privilege of gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest at a motivational interaction held at Rajeshwari Karuna School Adv. Dr. K. C. George, CEO, Deepalaya, had the privilege of gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest at a motivational interaction held at Rajeshwari Karuna School, Bhatti Mines, Chhatarpur, in the presence of several distinguished dignitaries on Jan 24, 2026. In his session, Dr. George inspired students and parents by highlighting the outstanding achievements of children from Deepalaya’s far-off school at Gusbethi, Nuh (Haryana), along with the encouraging progress made by Rajeshwari Karuna School in this remote area. He motivated students to build self-confidence, believe in their own abilities, and prepare positively to excel in their school examinations. Dr. George expressed his sincere gratitude to Chairman Mr. Anil Wilkinson for the warm felicitation and for his support towards education and community development.

‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ for Class X, XI & XII Students of Deepalaya Senior Secondary School, Gusbethi, Haryana Ahead of CBSE Board Examinations Deepalaya Senior Secondary School, Gusbethi organized an inspiring ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ motivational session for the students of Class X, XI and XII on 24th January 2026 on the school campus, keeping in view the upcoming CBSE Board Examinations. Considering the academic pressure faced by students, the school management felt it essential to conduct a stress-relieving and confidence-building session to help students remain focused, calm, and motivated during this crucial period. The session was conducted by Fr. Kumar, Director, Mariam Manzil School, Nuh. Addressing an audience of more than 100 participants, including students, teachers, and other faculty members, Fr. Kumar emphasized the importance of self-belief, discipline, time management, and moral values. He encouraged students to dream big and work with determination and consistency. By sharing real-life experiences and inspiring examples, he motivated the students to overcome fear, manage stress effectively, and face academic challenges with confidence. The session was highly interactive, with students actively participating and raising questions related to examinations, career choices, fear of failure, and stress management. Fr. Kumar patiently addressed their doubts and reassured them through his experiences and success stories, helping the students feel relieved, confident, and hopeful as they prepare for their board examinations. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks and words of gratitude by Dr. Martin Das Rao, Principal, who thanked Fr. Kumar for sparing his valuable time to motivate and guide the students at this important stage of their academic journey.

Winter Carnival 2026 Celebrated at Deepalaya School, Kalkaji, New Delhi Deepalaya School, Kalkaji Extension, witnessed a vibrant and joyful celebration with the successful hosting of the DSKE Winter Carnival 2026 on Sunday, 25 January 2026. The event brought together students, alumni, parents, staff, and community members, with an impressive footfall of more than 3,000 participants. The event reflected the collective efforts and dedication of the school management and staff across various Deepalaya locations. The carnival was inaugurated by Smt. Leela Govind, Manager, and her husband Dr. Govind, who cut the ribbon to mark the beginning of the celebrations. Principal, Shri Shaju P. P. expressed gratitude for the presence of Dr. Sakhi John, Board Member, Adv. Dr. K. C. George, CEO, Deepalaya and the Guest of Honour, Shri Yogendra Singh, International Cyclist, whose presence inspired students and attendees alike. Speaking on the occasion, the CEO and Principal appreciated the tireless efforts of teachers, non-teaching, and support staff, acknowledging their valuable contribution to the success of the event. The carnival, held on the eve of Republic Day, featured engaging activities led by Dr. K. C. George, along with cultural performances and stalls, creating an atmosphere of joy, unity, and community spirit.

The Haryana Institute of Public Administration (HIPA), Gurugram, organized an impactful Exposure Visit and Capacity Building Programme The Haryana Institute of Public Administration (HIPA), Gurugram, organized an impactful Exposure Visit and Capacity Building Programme on 8 January 2026 for Chairpersons and Members of Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) and Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs). Hosted at Deepalaya Children’s Home (DCH), Gusbethi, District Nuh, Haryana, the event drew 46 participants, including 41 officer trainees and 2 course directors. Resource Person Dr. K.C. George, Secretary & CE, Deepalaya delivered an interactive session on CWC roles, CCI standards, Individual Child Care Plans (ICCPs) under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, child rights (survival, protection, participation, development), sensitivity, gender issues, mental health, nutrition, hygiene, and building support networks beyond institutions. Dignitaries Sh. Sushil Kumar Garg (District & Sessions Judge, Nuh) and Smt. Neha Gupta (CJM, Nuh) graced the occasion, distributing blankets and snacks to children, while interacting with Deepalaya’s CE to foster stronger judicial ties. This visit highlighted practical insights for child-centric care, elevating Deepalaya’s role in Haryana’s child welfare ecosystem.

Starting the New Year with renewed energies. At the dawn of 2026, Deepalaya Head Office hosted a vibrant staff meeting with project in-charges to ignite team passion for the year ahead. Esteemed Chief Guest Shri George Abraham Kallivayalil, Editor (National Affairs) at Deepika Daily, India’s pioneering Malayalam newspaper and New Delhi Bureau Chief, enthralled all with insights from his 35+ years shaping India’s social, political, and humanitarian stories. His timeless wisdom fueled high spirits and commitment to larger organisational goals. Dr. K. C. George, Secretary and Chief Executive, along with the senior management team, delivered uplifting addresses that set a transformative tone. Crowning the event, Deepalaya unveiled the Annual planner 2026, blending innovation and purpose for empowered planning.

Welcoming Our New Interns! Deepalaya is delighted to welcome Interns from Symbiosis Law School and Amity Law School, Noida to Deepalaya Family. Adv. Dr. K.C. George, CEO, Deepalaya, conducted their induction and spoke about the important link between law and social work, and how advocates can play a strong role in supporting social causes. He introduced them to key concepts such as Child Rights, Child Care Mechanisms & Child Care Homes, POCSO Act, Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act other important child-related provisions. Dr. George also emphasized the need for sensitivity while working with vulnerable communities and the responsibility to stand up for people whose rights are often overlooked. He also shared the core purpose behind the founding of Deepalaya and reinforced our belief that quality education is the right of every child. We’re excited to have these young learners with us and wish them luck. A warm welcome to the Deepalaya family!

Deepalaya team met Mr. Ajay Khanda. On 17 December 2025, Deepalaya team met Mr. Ajay Khanda. The meeting reviewed the progress of the Butterflies Project, supported by Glen Appliances Pvt. Ltd. since 2021 towards ensuring uninterrupted educational attainment for children with marginalised circumstances. Mr. Khanda reaffirmed Glen Appliances commitment towards meaningful support that contributes positively towards child development and significantly towards national development.

Shaping Future Jobs in India | Consultation on Emerging Job Opportunities & Employability Gaps Consultation on “Emerging Job Opportunities and Employability Gaps: Challenges and Solutions for 21st-Century Jobs” on December 16, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The National Council of YMCAs of India, Bharat Yuvak Bhavan, Jai Singh Road, New Delhi – 110 001 The National Council of YMCAs of India hosted a consultation on Emerging Job Opportunities and Employability Gaps to deliberate on the evolving requirements of the 21st century workforce. The consultation witnessed the participation of around 20 representatives, including members from NGOs and industry leaders, who came together to discuss emerging skill demands, workforce challenges, and inclusive solutions in the context of India’s transition into the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The consultation was represented by senior members from YMCA and partner initiatives, including Mr. Eldo N. V., National General Secretary, National Council of YMCAs of India, Mr. Ashish Thorat, Project Country Lead, International Youth Foundation; Mr. Deepak Singh, National Project Manager and India Coordinator, International Youth Foundation; and Fr. Afilash, Consultant, National Council of YMCAs of India. During the consultation, it was shared that YMCA New Delhi, in collaboration with World YMCA, plans to support 10,000 students annually across India through structured vocational skilling programmes. These initiatives will cater to two key age groups: a preparatory stage for youth aged 15–17 years, and an employability stage for individuals aged 18–35 years, with a focus on enhancing job readiness and workforce integration. Adv. Dr. K. C. George, CEO, Deepalaya, addressed the audience and shared insights from an NGO perspective on emerging job opportunities and workforce preparedness. He emphasised the importance of adopting a people-centric and need-based approach to skilling initiatives, particularly when working with underserved communities. Key points highlighted by Adv. Dr. K. C. George included:  The need for introspection and counselling before implementing skilling programmes Being sensitive to the causes of underserved communities Providing orientation programmes for underprivileged students Designing need-based interventions rather than generic training models Building confidence and communication skills, including the ability to respond effectively Recognising healthcare as a promising sector, particularly:o Elderly careo After-care support for youth transitioning out of Institutional Care He also suggested focused initiatives such as job fairs with special emphasis on women’s participation and inclusion. The Deepalaya team including Ms. Neha Sharma, Director – Programs; Mr. Kuriyan Behanan, Deputy Director – HR & Administration; and Ms. Shalini Rohtagi, Secretary to the CEO actively participated in the brainstorming sessions. From the industry perspective, Ms. Swati, Joint Director at ASSOCHAM, addressed the participants and highlighted the evolving expectations of industries in the context of rapid technological change. She emphasised the growing demand for industry-aligned skills, adaptability, and continuous learning to remain relevant in the modern workplace. Ms. Swati underscored the importance of stronger collaboration between training institutions, industry bodies, and employers to bridge employability gaps and ensure smoother school-to-work and training-to-employment transitions. Sharing the recruiter’s viewpoint, Mr. Manjit Kumar Maini, Chief Business Officer at Unison International, spoke about the practical challenges faced during recruitment processes. He highlighted that while technical competencies are important, recruiters increasingly look for work readiness, communication skills, confidence, and attitude among candidates. Mr. Maini stressed that candidates who demonstrate adaptability, problem-solving ability, and interpersonal skills are more likely to succeed in competitive job markets, particularly in emerging and service-oriented sectors. The consultation concluded with a shared commitment among participants towards inclusive skilling, workforce readiness, and collaborative action to ensure that no youth is left behind. The session was followed by lunch and informal networking, providing participants an opportunity to exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations.

Capacity Building for Impact 8th December 2025, Adv. Dr. K C George, CEO – Deepalaya, led an engaging online session on Proposal Writing and Report Making for employees across Deepalaya projects in India. Dr. George shared valuable insights on developing strong technical and financial proposals, stressing the importance of aligning with donor expectations and ensuring every initiative leads to measurable outputs, outcomes, and long-term community impact. He reiterated that beneficiaries must remain at the heart of all our efforts, and that monitoring, evaluation, and clear communication are crucial for impactful project implementation. He further encouraged involving grassroot functionaries in proposal development, as they best understand community needs. The 90–minute session, attended by over 50 participants, was interactive, filled with discussions, feedback, queries, and collaborative brainstorming.Deepalaya continues to invest in capacity building to enhance the quality of its development work.

Deepalaya is honoured to announce a moment of great pride! Deepalaya is delighted to share that our CEO and Secretary, Adv. Dr. K. C. George has received the Dr. S. Balaraman Memorial Human Rights Defender Award in Thiruvananthapuram. The recognition was presented during the Dr. S. Balaraman Memorial Human Rights Lecture organised by the Civil Rights and Social Justice Society. This honour acknowledges his outstanding contribution to human rights protection, social equity, and the upliftment of marginalised communities. His dedicated leadership continues to inspire our mission and the wider development sector. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. George on this distinguished achievement.