Kama Kurry – Kidpower by Jeroninio (Jerry) Almeida

Inspiring true stories of 22 underserved, unsung CHILDREN CHAMPIONING CHANGE, from Satya Bharti Schools

26 November, 2020: Bharti Foundation organised a special online session to present “Karma Kurry, Kidpower, Children Championing Change”, a book authored by Jeroninio (Jerry) Almeida on the inspiring true stories of 22 students from Satya Bharti Schools.

The book was launched by Mr Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Co-Chairman Bharti Foundation (Vice-Chairman Bharti Enterprises) along with Mr Anil Swarup,  Author & Former Secretary, Education (GoI), Ms. Kalpana Morparia, Chairman, South & Southeast Asia, J. P. Morgan, Mr. Arun Kapur, Director, The Royal Academy, Bhutan; Director, Pallavan Learning Systems; Chairman, Ritinjali, Mrs Syeda Bilgrami Imam, Former Executive Creative Director, J. Walter Thompson for Central Asia; Member, National Commission for Minorities, GoI and Ms Mamta Saikia, CEO, Bharti Foundation.

The author held a panel discussion around the book and the challenges underprivileged and mainstream students face on their journey for education. It also highlighted the need to introduce character rooted education in our schools to teach our children to BE HUMANE. The panellists included Ms Kiran Bir Sethi, Founder, Design for Change, Ms Kalpana Morparia and Mr Arun Kapur, who all agreed with this thought and idea for action as the need of the hour is to learn essential life, leadership and learning2learn skills like humanity, empathy, emotional intelligence, individual social responsibility and growth mindset. They discussed how education can be instrumental in taking everyone forward, with technology as a powerful enabler. The panel also delved that education has to be the focus for everyone today, as it will help immensely towards securing the future of our coming generations and making the world a better, safer place.

The Book launch event started with short videos of two children whose stories are in the book. Jerry explained his inspiration behind this book and said, “I chose to tell stories of children from underprivileged communities as I wanted to demonstrate that right nurturing could unleash the potential of the children and help them get closer to their dreams and aspirations. I also wanted mainstream children, parents and educator to learn and understand that we should all be grateful for what we have and not feel entitled for more than we deserve as there are many children out there who have unlimited potential but just do not have the equal opportunity to shine and compete in a world that is not balanced, egalitarian and just.”

Speaking on the occasion Ms Mamta Saikia, CEO, Bharti Foundation said, “These 22 stories are only a few amongst many. Many students from underprivileged backgrounds face various challenges which makes it even more difficult for them to continue their education. It is their sheer will power and  determination that not just helps them work towards a better life but also motivates many other students. I am very thankful to Jerry for showcasing these stories in such a beautiful and inspiring way. I really hope this book inspires millions of children while setting an example for most of us.”