Bengaluru-In a heartwarming display of community, culture, and compassion, AIESEC in Bengaluru launched Project Roshni on September 27 at Shishu Mandir, as part of its larger cultural initiative, Canvas of Culture. The event—powered by the Raha Foundation as the Title Sponsor, with support from Ecofold Papers, Melange Dessert Bar, Platform Commons, and generous individual donors like Mufaddal—shone a spotlight on the transformative power of youth leadership and cross-cultural exchange.
What unfolded that morning was far more than a program—it was an experience. Beginning at 11 a.m., the children of Shishu Mandir were greeted with an array of interactive activities designed to both inspire and celebrate them. More than 230 children participated in the day-long celebration that combined art, play, and learning in a way that only AIESEC’s spirit of “peace and fulfillment of humankind’s potential” could bring alive.
The atmosphere was filled with laughter, joy, and creativity as Ecofold Papers curated engaging workshops for the children. The vibrant painting competition became a canvas of dreams, where young minds splashed colors of hope and possibility. Adding to the delight, the students of Shishu Mandir staged a cultural performance, capturing the hearts of everyone present and reminding attendees of the immense talent that flourishes when nurtured.
The event carried a special gravitas with the presence of Mr. Das Suryavanshi, the Disabilities Commissioner of Karnataka, who inaugurated Project Roshni with an inspiring speech. His words underscored the importance of inclusivity and empowerment, setting the tone for the day. He was joined by Shriansh Chakraborty, President of AIESEC in Bengaluru, and Mr. Anand, Director of Shishu Mandir, both of whom echoed the vision of creating platforms where youth and communities can come together to learn, grow, and thrive.
One of the most impactful highlights of Project Roshni was the role of the Raha Foundation. Beyond their crucial contribution as Title Sponsor, the foundation enabled the day’s most tangible act of giving: the donation of over 200 stationery kits to the children of Shishu Mandir. This initiative ensured that the celebration extended beyond a single day of joy and created a lasting academic impact for the beneficiaries. The gesture was more than material support—it represented Raha Foundation’s ethos of empowering young learners with the tools to dream, create, and achieve.
By aligning with AIESEC’s mission, Raha Foundation exemplified how corporate and social partners can elevate community projects into sustainable movements. Their support not only empowered the children but also strengthened the bond between civil society and youth leadership. Without their commitment, the scale and depth of Project Roshni’s success would not have been possible.
But what truly set Project Roshni apart was its international spirit. Exchange Participants (Eps) from countries including Egypt, Tunisia, and the Netherlands, among others, brought with them stories, languages, and perspectives that transcended borders. Their presence turned the day into a melting pot of cultures, offering the children firsthand experiences of how diverse yet interconnected the world truly is. For many of the young participants, this was their very first interaction with peers from across the globe—an exchange that will remain etched in memory.
As part of Canvas of Culture, Project Roshni demonstrated the beauty of community-driven impact. While Global Village—the second half of the initiative—focuses on celebrating world cultures through stalls, performances, and partner collaborations, Project Roshni became the soulful prelude. It showed how cultural dialogue, when combined with acts of service, can create ripples of hope that extend far beyond a single day.
The success of Project Roshni rests not just in numbers, though reaching 230 children is a milestone in itself, but in the small, priceless moments it created: a child’s proud smile holding up their painting, the gleam in eyes as they interacted with international students, and the collective cheer as their peers performed on stage.
In a world often divided by differences, Project Roshni stood as a reminder that culture, kindness, and collaboration can indeed light the way forward—with Raha Foundation’s unwavering support standing as the beacon that made it possible.