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[karmyo]

Spreading Abhar in Global Village

In the last few weeks, Karmyo team has been lucky enough to take part in multiple Global Village cultural celebrations organized by different AIESEC chapters around India. In Global Village, you will find people from all over the world showcasing their nations through singing, dancing, food,customs,costumes, music and traditions. Unquestionably, we find the idea of Global Village exceptional, because it revives the general concept of the world being a ‘global village’ and inspires people to appreciate the uniqueness of each other which further contributes to peace.

Our role was to add a sprinkle of gratitude and happiness on such an incredible celebration by carrying out pre Abhar Utsav activities. We were encouraging these amazing students to write thanks post cards to people who have helped them throughout their journey. Because in our busy lives, we don’t really take a moment to say thank you, and especially through writing, it becomes a very intimate experience.

Because these students come from different countries, the idea was especially emotional. Most of them have a family member or a friend that has supported them to embark on this journey that they need to express thank to, as well as someone who has helped them out during their stay in India.

People connected strongly with the idea. Some even got emotional at our desk while writing thanks cards to their Mom or best friend. Some were so fond of the idea that they wanted to drive it in their respective countries and become gratitude brand ambassadors; those we call “Abhar Utsav Leaders”. We have engaged amazing Abhar Utsav Leaders from Spain, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Russia, China, Brazil, Vietnam and India.

Abhar Utsav started as a small gesture and is now being celebrated by many people across the world. Young people, organizations and NGOs are involved and over 1 million lives would be touched by Abhar Utsav this year. Abhar Utsav is a great festival to bring happiness and strengthen bond between people. Therefore, we encourage you to participate on this Abhar Utsav by writing thanks postcards to at least one family member, friend or teammate.

Written by: Deena Osman

[karmyo]

Volunteering Abroad || The Road Less Travelled By

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." 

— Robert Frost from “The Road Not Taken”

Now, and more than ever, the concept of volunteering/interning abroad is becoming a worldwide trend amongst youngsters. Going abroad, and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone, especially at a young age, definitely changes everything. It is an opportunity to discover one’s potential and redefine the way they see themselves, and the world.

We all wish to change the world, but change doesn’t happen own its own. Non-profits, NGOs and educational institutions are constantly looking for young people who can bring about positive change. And this is where international volunteering comes into play. Volunteering abroad enables youngsters to see and impact the world not as a tourist, but as a local. It enables them to build confidence, develop new skills and gain a more holistic view of the world. This is a chance to experience different aspects of your own personality that you wouldn’t normally discover, like getting a taste of being a teacher, cultural ambassador, social worker, project manager, or even a writer.

One of the most eye-opening and entertaining parts about exchange is the death of all prejudices and stereotypes. For example, before I came to India, I heard and sadly believed some ridiculous stereotypes from people who sounded so sure. And it only took me one week to realize that everything they said was wrong. The point is that you have to experience for yourself; another person’s perception should not be enough. When you travel, you automatically become a brand ambassador from your own country. You are immersed in a new culture and you become a qualified storyteller once you go back.

Coming to India this summer has been a great experience for me on a professional level also. I came to intern at Karmyo, a social startup with the noble mission of spreading happiness by instilling social responsibility amongst youngsters. Because Karmyo is a startup, I got to acquire lots of entrepreneurial skills, critical thinking skills and problem-solving techniques. And that’s what I realized is important. I think we can all agree that nowadays, anything you want to know is only one click away. So as Albert Einstein says,

“Learning is experience. Everything else is just information.”

At Karmyo, also, I learned the very interesting Indian concept of ‘Jugaad’; which means coming up with innovative out-of-the-box solutions using limited resources. In simpler terms, to use what we have. As a startup, sometimes we don’t have as many resources or man-power to match up with our big dreams, but you think this would hold us back? ;) I was lucky enough to be in such a fun, loving and productive work environment. Moreover, as a social startup, all the time we see it as our duty to project social responsibility onto the smallest things; things as simple as switching off the light before leaving the room. So long story short, it was an enlightening summer. We should always keep in mind that our potential is only limited by our ambition. The most important thing is to be eager to learn and willing to challenge yourself to grow. So, adjourn this journey no further. The world is waiting for your contribution.

Written by: Deena Osman

[karmyo]

This 4 Year-Old Girl Sets Great Example by Throwing Her Birthday Party at an Orphanage

In today’s hectic world, many parents view birthday parties as a sort of social currency, without which their child will be deprived of standing amongst his/her peers. By default and without thinking much, parents get caught up in this birthday bash trend. But how many parents would consider throwing their child’s birthday party at an orphanage?

Adya, who just turned 4, invited us to her birthday which she decided to celebrate at Prerana Shelter home. I was ecstatic and felt privileged to be an invitee.

It was a very warm and genuine celebration where we had lunch with the girls, watched them perform a very lively magic show, they sang for us and shared about their daily routine at Prerana. The environment was radiating joy and a very lovely sense of togetherness.

Now, of course I was mesmerized by this considerate and smart gesture! Nevertheless, I couldn’t stop myself from asking Adya’s Mom the obvious question: Why not McDonald’s or some fancy place? She said that even though sometimes she feels like her daughter is too young to understand these things, she tries to communicate to her in the simplest terms that she is lucky and that she should never take things for granted.

To take a step back and remember the whole reason for the party in the first place is important. Yes, you are the parent of a child, which is a tremendous gift worth celebrating, but it is also a responsibility. Your child needs to be nurtured and guided, as well as celebrated, especially at such a critical age.

I applaud these parents for daring to take a step back from the cultural norms, rather than being swept away by them. I strongly believe that small initiatives as such can eventually make the world better. Now, what is the plan for your next birthday?

Written by: Deena Osman

[karmyo]

Karmyo Joins Hands with AIESEC to Promote Social Leadership Amongst Youngsters

Karmyo is taking fixed steps towards becoming a global platform on which people share about their social impacts to inspire and make a difference. And since AIESEC is the world’s largest youth-led network with the incredible vision of creating positive impact through personal development and shared global experiences, we couldn’t miss the chance to partner with them and take part in this inspirational initiative.

A few days back, AIESEC Navi Mumbai invited us to present Karmyo at one of their local events. Once we reached there, there was an exceptional amount of energy in the air. It was astonishing how youngsters have come from more than 30 countries to work on social or managerial projects in India.

The day included talks by social organizations that aim to make a global difference as well as interactive workshops for everyone to intermingle. We gave a presentation about our mission, vision and core values. We got an overwhelming response from tens of youngsters. They were genuinely interested in creating an impact profile on which they can document all of their volunteering experiences in addition to a platform where they can find relevant opportunities to give back to the society. We were very excited and confident to get this kind of response.

We are thankful for AIESEC for giving opportunities to youngsters to give back to the society and for developing a global sense of social responsibility and also for giving us the opportunity to witness and be part of such inspirational events. Written by: Deena Osman

[karmyo]

A Happy Sunday at Prerana

Since many youngsters from around the world are joining Karmyo community to discover and spread happiness, this Sunday, our team at Karmyo along with youngsters from Russia, Iran, Vietnam, Egypt and China set off to a shelter home called “Prerana”. It is an anti-trafficking shelter home in Navi Mumbai where about 40 girls aged from 4 to 16 years old stay like a small family.

As soon as we entered, I couldn't help but notice the posters on the wall and feel empowered. Quotes about making a change, social responsibility and leadership were all over the place.

"I raise my voice, not to offend, but because someone has to speak for those who don't have a voice," one poster read.

Two smart and eloquent little girls undertook the responsibility of showing us around. We could easily observe how much the girls are taken care of and how suitable the environment is for one to develop a unique personality.What I personally found fascinating is the library. Every morning, these girls sit in a circle and read. Most of the books are either biographies or success stories and the girls are so familiar with these books that they were able to recommend a book for me according to my taste.

I noticed that everything about this shelter home is adorable and creative starting from the masterpieces made by these children hanging everywhere to the birthday chart which is a constant reminder that no girl's birthday in Prerana can go uncelebrated.

And because Prerana genuinely cares about providing a good future for these children, and because it is not possible to keep them forever, they came up with the "Flat Experiment" for girls who turn 16. Flat experiment is a simulation of the independent life these girls will have outside of Prerana. Three girls stay in a separate flat for 3 days and are given 500 rupees to cover their expenses from food to rent. Their behavior is observed and evaluated before they are allowed to embark on their own journeys. We noticed that girls love this idea and are eager to give it a try.

The children were very curious to know about different countries. So we gave short presentations about our countries; the location, the culture and the food and they had many, many questions. They were very excited to interact with us, to listen to our stories and songs, to learn a few words and to get their names written in different languages. It was a day full of singing, dancing and sharing for everyone!

"Time heals almost everything. Give the time some time." was one chart I would never forget.

Spending a day with these young girls made me realize that language is merely a means of miscommunication. We were able to connect in a language that doesn't use any words; love.

Written by: Deena Osman

[karmyo]

10 Famous Company Slogans That Say So Much in So Little

In such an overcrowded market, companies on the same industry need to set themselves apart through their creative and original tagline or slogan. But even throughout this race, some valuable life lessons can be extracted. Let’s see how many out of these you’re familiar with. 

1. Google – “Don’t be evil”

Always remember that we don’t defeat evil by becoming evil.

2. Vodafone – “Make the most of now”

The best time to start was yesterday. The next best time is now.

3. Apple – “Think different”

Because only dead fish go with the flow. You’re not dead. And you’re also not a fish.

4. JC Penny – “It’s all inside”

When our actions are based on good intentions, our soul has no regrets. 

5. Adidas – “Impossible is nothing”

It’s a dare. Impossible is a potential. Have more faith than fear! 

6. Hitachi – “Inspire the next”

You never know who you are inspiring with the good things you do!

7. Cadence – “How big can you dream?” 

If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough. Aim for the stars!  

8. Energizer – “Keep going, and going, and going”

You didn’t come this far to only go this far. Keep going!

9. Nike – “Just do it”

Stop thinking now. Just do it.

10. Reebok – “I am what I am”

Finally, don’t forget to be yourself and eventually, the world will adjust.

Written by: Deena Osman

[karmyo]

Going the Distance the FIRE Way

At Karmyo, our culture and work environment are hugely shaped by our core values of FIRE- Fun, Innovation, Responsibility and Enlightenment.

1. FUN

We believe in adding a sprinkle of fun to everything we do. We want to be an organization where people have the chance to be themselves. When you do what you love, the work becomes FUN!

2. INNOVATION

We love coming up with different and innovative ideas all the time.

When we face challenges, we wouldn’t prefer to go for the regular and obvious solutions, but rather, we try to add a twist of innovation and create solutions that are out-of-the-box.

3. RESPONSIBILITY

Each of us takes Responsibility and ownership of contributing to the fullest towards our mission.  As an organization, we are conscious of our responsibilities. We act with responsibility towards the society and environment.

4. ENLIGHTENMENT

We believe that if we try to have a positive impact on the society, it enlightens us as human-beings. For that reason, in everything we do, we always have a bigger mission at the back of our minds, which is related to giving back and development of individuals.

Stay tuned for more exciting news and insights from Karmyo! Written by: Deena Osman

[karmyo]

Our Favorite Talk from Tech in Asia

Our favorite talk at TIA was “Internet for Good” by the famous Kunal Kapoor, because this particular talk was very similar to the ideas we are trying to spread through Karmyo. Alongside an illustrious Bollywood film career, Kapoor has co-founded Ketto, one of the most-visited crowdfunding platforms in Asia.

In this talk, Kapoor shared about 3 small online incidents where someone just tweeted or posted something and it went viral.

Story #1:

On a regular evening, a big guy was dancing and enjoying his time at a nightclub, and all of a sudden, some girls walk up to him and start making fun of his size and the guy instantly started feeling fat-shamed and stopped dancing. Someone captured this and shared it on social media. A celebrity came across the video and was touched, and she initiated a campaign to search for this guy to meet up with him and soon enough, paparazzi was following him everywhere to capture his story.  Until this day, parties are being thrown in his honor.

Story #2:

An old lady got admitted in a hospital and she started feeling very lonely. So she tweeted that she was hoping someone would visit her. Her tweet went viral and every day, she was receiving hundreds of visitors.

Story #3:

If you see a dead animal on the road, would you care to stop? This guy did; he was moved enough to tweet asking people to light candles for this poor raccoon after the city forgot to pick it up. And soon enough, it also went viral and people from all over the world were lighting candles as a memorial. 

 All these stories prove that good things can happen online as well. So don’t hesitate to share good things and one day, the world will reciprocate. Written by: Deena Osman

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Two International Interns Arrive This Week. Let’s See What They Have to Say.

Karmyo is taking firm steps towards becoming a global platform for sharing people’s impacts on the world, that’s why we believe it’s crucial to have diverse perspectives from the very beginning. Accordingly, this week, two international interns, Meyo and Deena, came all the way from China and from Egypt to join our team.

Deena comments, “The fact that Karmyo is a startup helps us learn so many things that are related to different fields that we would have never been exposed to in the mediocre corporate setting. As a team, we also have the chance to talk and reflect a lot.”

Moving to Meyo, he says, “My personality has been developing since my arrival. I am learning to be more patient and that if you do good things, in a way or another, they will start coming back to you.” The past few days have been a blast for all of us. Day by day, we are discovering and sharing our similarities and celebrating our differences.

Written by: Deena Osman