On 17th March Sachin and me went to the Blind People Association. Maulikbhai welcomed us and requested us to give our service to students in the 6th standard. There were total of nine students and we started by introducing ourselves to each other.

They asked me to read out and teach them two lessons from the Sciences curriculum and two lessons from their Social Studies curriculum. They seemed enthusiastic in the classes and it was an enriching experience to engage them in conversation.

During a break they shared with us some of the traumas, difficulties and doubts that they have encountered during their life. I was not experienced in this work but I tried to guide and interact with them the best way I could.

We decided to take the mood in a lighter direction. One boy named "Babu" sung a gujarati folk song, then 'Nagesh" entertained us with his cricket commentary, and "Devraj and kiran" told us a few jokes. We also played cards and then I took my turn to pluck up the courage to share with them some of my cricket commentary! We learnt a lot about them and they surprised us in many ways with their talents.

I had a great experience and I really enjoyed the day. I would request every team member to take time from their busy work schedules and serve the people of the Blind People Peoples Association.

Today was the first time I had ever participated in this type of social activity which is our company's social responsibility which inspires an individual to serve society. Paulomi and myself and really enjoyed the activities today at Madav Sadhna. The day began with a prayer at Tekara by Mr. Viren (who as you know is the head of Manav Sadhna) followed by an open discussion between those that have participated and any perspectives from outside guests. There was one case of a voluntary worked who explained what we liked about India and the differences in faith and religion that exist between the two countries.

Then we assisted with the construction of night school community centre for two hours. We participated with moving bricks to the place where walls of the building were being built. We also dug and filled a pit required for the development of the community centre. It was really hard work but we enjoyed the work immensely and worked with a smile on our face despite the heat and the conditions in the slum area.

Mr. Viren informed us that they planning Tuberculosis awareness camp on 24th March-06 for sufferers of the disease in the slum area. The camp will include education and training on treatment and prevention. We assisted with the preparation of invitation cards on the awareness camp. On returning to the Ashram from the slum we found some materials and were able to script a communication for inviting those relevant persons to the awareness camp. We then printed the copy and made additional photocopies and attached to cards.

Later, we participated in a further prayer with around 100 children with Mr Viren. When the prayer was finished the children were educated about Malaria awareness and played a basketball game in which fun lessons from playing this game were applied "Dump Malaria and dunking a basket ball!”

We then took began the first of our O2h pioneered science classes. The first class included 17 girls and 26 boys in a separate room reserved for teaching. We did our best to educate them and they asked lots of questions related to science, some brilliant and some funny. The best questions we were asked were if we have two eyes why do we only see one object? Other questions included were why the earth does not fall down and why we experience hot in summer and cold in winter?

As our company is called Oxygen we emphasised some teaching related to Oxygen and other gases. Paulomi showed one experiment using candles and the role of Oxygen in burning a candle and in spreading of and control of fire. It was quite notable that a number of the children were interested in astronomy. We were asked about the Sun, Stars, Planets and in particular about the Earth. We were also asked about natural calamities such as Tsunami, Earthquakes and Volcanoes. We did our best to teach them all that we knew.

Finally, Mr. Viren asked to all the Children if they enjoyed the class and it was clear that they had really enjoyed the class very much and they indicated that they had learnt a lot which would assist them in their formal study programme.

At the time of leaving and some of the children came to us, shook hands with us, I have to say I became quite emotional at this time. We talked about their future and we encouraged them that they can do anything in their life and nobody will be able to stop them if they really want to set a goal and work hard to achieve it. Really, the day was outstanding. We really did enjoy ourselves and most importantly we felt we have done something good for our people.

Today, I and chirag went to the Manav Sadhna. This mail is regarding the wonderful experience we had at Manav Sadhna. The meeting started with Prayer with 15 people, after which we discussed the progress of the various projects. Somewhat unexpectedly during the meeting Mr. Joshi received a call from Mr. Shirish (volunteer) calling from the civil hospital needing two bottles of blood. Chirag and me readily accepted his request. We will go on Monday to donate blood.

The patients name was Kunal, from a small village in Bihar, having fallen from a terrace he had lost sensation in the lower part of his body and had lost Urine and digestive system control. His Father and brother weren't able to take an interest in his health due to their poverty. Someone had informed him that in Gujarat he would receive treatment without charge. A rickshaw driver dropped him at Manav Sadhna at no cost. The Manav Sadhna people took responsibility to provide him with hospital treatment. Kunal underwent two operations and although his condition is improving, a further and final surgery will be carried out on the Monday. We wish that he gets well soon.

There is a camp for Dental care on Monday at Manav Sadhna following the success of their recent eye camp. We had distributed more than 200 leaflets in the slum and individually encouraged the people we met to attend the camp. Fifteen well-known dentists will be working in the camp.

This was a really exciting and inspiring experience. Everybody in O2h should contribute to the company voluntary program. We are really grateful for the platform we have been given to serve our community.