Demonstrating its continued commitment to education and social welfare, Hill Garden Ayyappa Bhakta Sangam (HGABS), Thane organized a study material distribution programme for students of Koknipada Municipal School in Thane on Tuesday, June 23.
Located in a tribal settlement at the foothills of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the school caters primarily to children from economically disadvantaged tribal families. Around 150 students, from Balwadi to Class VIII, are enrolled in the institution.
Welcoming team HGABS by the students of Koknipada Municipal school, Thane in traditional dance form
The programme was conducted in two sessions. During the morning session, study materials were distributed to students from Classes V to VIII and children of the Balwadi section. In the afternoon session, students from Classes I to IV received the educational kits.
This year marks the 15th consecutive year of HGABS extending educational assistance to the school, reflecting the organisation’s unwavering dedication to supporting underprivileged students and promoting education among tribal communities.
The chief guest for the occasion was Shri Nikhil Ballal, Chief Editor of Thane Vaibhav daily newspaper. Addressing the students, he shared inspiring stories and motivational messages in a simple and engaging manner. Smt. Pooja Chougule, retired Principal of Mulund Vaze Vidyalaya, also interacted with the children and encouraged them to pursue their studies with determination.
Among those present were HGABS office-bearers Shri K. G. Kutty, Shri Sashikumar Nair, Shri Ramesh Gopalan, Shri Hariharan, and Shri Milind Joshi, who actively participated in the programme.
The school’s Headmistress, Smt. Urmila R. Gawle, and Senior Teacher, Smt. Sangeeta Surendra Deore, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Hill Garden Ayyappa Bhakta Sangam for its consistent support over the past fifteen years. They appreciated the organisation’s sustained efforts in addressing the educational needs of the students and contributing to the overall development of the school.
Speaking on behalf of HGABS, Secretary Shri Sashikumar Nair thanked the well-wishers and donors whose voluntary contributions made the initiative possible.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Miss Shejal Dhebe, a Class VI student, on behalf of the school. Refreshments were also distributed to all students by HGABS volunteers.
Established 31 years ago, Hill Garden Ayyappa Bhakta Sangam has been actively involved in a wide range of social, cultural, and charitable activities, earning recognition for its dedicated service to society.This version is edited in the style typically used for community news coverage on Kerala in Mumbai, with a strong focus on the social impact of the initiative and the contribution of the organization.