As we welcome the New Year, our hearts are filled with gratitude for your support. At Indians for Collective Action (ICA), every step we take towards empowering rural and urban India's Change Makers is made possible by your generosity.

Year 2023 was a phenomenal year for ICA. We launched "Ponds for Farming" project with Mukti Foundation based in the Sundarbans of West Bengal. With ICA's support, they revived 200 ponds making significant economical and social impact in the Sundarbans. For the year 2024, we are sponsoring another 200 ponds - 100 in Sundaban with Mukti and 100 in Chitrakoot (U.P.) with ABSSS. We will continue to scale this project in other parts of India like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

We also had a great annual event in 2023 with youth as the main focus. We had the opportunity to showcase and honor the work of Mr. Mamoon Akhtar of "Samritan Help Mission", and Mrs. and Mr. Gopal of "A Future for Every Child".

I also had the opportunity to visit several Indian NGOs during my visit to India in the months of October and November - Lotus Petal Foundation and Computer Shiksha in Gurgaon, ABSSS in Chitrakoot, and Suprabhat Mahila Mandal and Vidyarthi Sahayak Samiti both based in Pune. It was inspiring to see how they are making a big difference to the lives of the poorest of poor.

ICA supported project "Ponds for Farming" in West Bengal

As we all know, India is making great strides with GDP and infrastructure development. The current government has a huge focus on digitization "Digital India" - 759 million internet users, 338 million unique digital transacting users and 200 million online shoppers - a growing digital nation. India's time is here. We need to make sure that remote and rural areas get their fair share of benefits of Digital India and not left behind. An AI based Teaching Model for Rural India that is cost effective and scalable is very much required.

We are in the process of overhauling our website. The new website would be more comprehensive, easy to navigate and a lot more informative.

Finally in 2024, we will be launching a campaign for $1 million Impact Fund to be utilized for funding and incubating Social Entrepreneurship with scalable models. This fund will also support NGOs requiring financial assistance.

I wish Government of India will revise FCRA rules - so smaller NGOs can also have the financial assistance from overseas donations. These NGOs are hurting badly and they do not have appropriate access to India's CSR and Govt. funds. This is a dire situation and GOI must pay attention to their plight.

Thank you again for your generous and faithful support.

Prakash Agarwal
President
Indians for Collective Action (ICA)

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Spotlight on ICA supported NGO

Teach For India (TFI) builds a movement of leaders who work together to ensure children from low-income communities in India attain an excellent and equitable education. TFI infuses the education system with promising talent to make a systemic impact. These leaders start by serving as full-time teachers (Fellows) in under-resourced schools and go on to become leaders at various levels in the system - social entrepreneurs, policy experts, and non-profit founders among other things. TFI invests in their leadership development and provides them with the training, skills, and resources needed to catalyze change. TFI is a proud member of the Teach For All global network of member organizations in 61 countries which includes Teach For America.

TFI currently has 1000 teaching Fellows impacting over 33,000 students across 270 schools in 8 cities. Over 4600 Fellows have successfully graduated from the Fellowship program to become Alumni. Notably, 71% of TFI's Alumni continue to contribute to the education and social sectors, collectively influencing 100,000+ children.

The success of TFI's model is evidenced by TFI's students' educational achievements, and their development as citizens and leaders. Highlighted in this inspiring video are three such remarkable stories of TFI's students.

Teach for India U.S. is a strategic partner to Teach for India and aids in building resources needed to achieve TFI's vision. ICA has chosen to extend its support to TFI US.

This February, TFI invites you to participate in the India Giving Day campaign and help catalyze change for students from low-income communities in India. Your financial support not only ensures quality education but also nurtures leaders who will go on to transform the system. You can contribute by making your donations here.

Meet and Greet with Mr. Anil Swarup

Meet and Greet Mr. Anil Swarup, Founder Chairman, Nexus of Good; Former Secretary, School Education (2016-18) & Coal (2014-16), Govt of India. Author of "Ethical Dilemmas of a Civil Servant", "Not Just a Civil Servant" and "No More a Civil Servant" and a retired IAS officer.

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Youth News

TFI in Action

Calling All Future Leaders!

Do you know of a motivated high school student passionate about making a difference? The Indians for Collective Association (ICA) Youth Lead Program offers a life-changing opportunity to spend two weeks immersing yourself in India's vibrant social sector.

Led by experienced leader Manju Mishra, this program will challenge you to develop essential leadership skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication. Work alongside dedicated NGOs, contributing to real change in areas like education, healthcare, employment and women's empowerment.

Gain valuable hands-on experience, boost your confidence, and unlock your entrepreneurial spirit. Share your unforgettable journey at the prestigious ICA annual event and leave a lasting impact on yourself and the community

Don't miss this amazing opportunity!

• Visit our website: icaonline.org/youth
• Contact Manju Mishra: [email protected]
• Stay tuned for our upcoming information session