PUNE: Recently, 

Ashraya Initiative for Children, a non-profit organization, which works towards empowering the denotified tribes and other most marginalized communities of Waghris, Mahar, Matang, Pardies, and Sikhligar amongst others in Pune, curated a most amazing event, which showcased their work at the Don Bosco Youth Centre in Koregaon Park.

It was not a run-of-the-mill event related to a school or an organization. This event provided a holistic view of an ideal school, an ideal vocational organization, or an ideal program run by students and community members. 

It's a school as we would have imagined that is filled with colours, hopes and inclusivity. It was an event where children and community members were a part of everything, from strategizing to organizing; from presenting to taking on  leadership to next level. More than 550 children and 600 community members organized the event alone.

It was truly one of the most colourful, lively and vibrant events organized by each beneficiary of Ashraya. 

For starters, there were stalls and presentations from the vocational program students, including an exhibition of apparel, bags, jewellery, paintings, soaps, bookmarks, earrings, candles, and other bric-a-brac made by the students of Ashraya and its community members. 

Then there were tattoo artists, mehendi, and nail art done by the students of the beautician program.

Students also displayed how physical and mental health are one of the most vital components of life. Even the scrumptious fare for the event was whipped up by the students and community members.