Impact Lens - Impactlens

School-Children Lead the Charge for Cleanliness

A Journey from freelance to full-time success in Makeup Artistry

United Way Hyderabad created a meaningful social change in backing initiatives that uplifted marginalized groups, particularly those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Pritesh Kamble, who leads the Inclusion Unit at CYDA, has been a guiding force for many individuals. In a world where pursuing one’s passion often comes with significant challenges,

Educators Need Education Too — About Menstruation

By Soumyashree Mohanty Imagine getting your first period and being told to sit outside the exam hall to write your paper. Shocking, right? But this actually happened. A young Dalit girl from a private school in Tamil Nadu was forced to sit outside the exam hall during her exam because

Empowering women to create their own businesses

Mahindra Accelo’s innovative initiative is transforming the lives of women by empowering them with the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed in business. Through this impactful project, women are gaining the confidence and tools to take charge of their futures, leading to greater financial independence and self-reliance. Manisha Bhalerao,

Migration and Urbanisation: Dynamics of Exclusion and Exploitation

Dr. Kuldeepsingh Rajput Urbanisation in India is a defining feature of the country’s economic and social transformation, with cities emerging as ’Growth Engines. Cities have long been considered the driving force of economic, social, and cultural development. They are hubs of innovation, commerce, and opportunity, attracting people from diverse backgrounds

How Pradnya Transformed Her Life Against All Odds

Bajaj Finserv’s pioneering initiative, Non-Traditional Livelihood, is revolutionizing the lives of women by empowering them with transformative skills and knowledge. Under this impactful project, Mohan Kandekar, Skill Centre Head of Ahilyanagar, testifies to the profound influence this engagement has had on the lives of women, unlocking new opportunities and fostering

From Exclusion to Empowerment: An Entrepreneur’s Story

By Pritesh Kamble From exclusion to empowerment, from survival to success—come, let’s witness how an incredible journey unfolded! Read this story of a transgender. Jyoti (name changed) journey is more than a tale of triumph; it is an emblem of perseverance, courage, and the indomitable human spirit. Born into a

Stories are windows to the soul. They offer a glimpse into other lives, spark our imaginations, and foster empathy. Whether it’s a thrilling adventure, a poignant drama, or a heartwarming tale, stories have the power to transport us, teach us, and inspire us. So, make time for reading and discover the magic that unfolds within each page.

Recent Stories

My Volunteering Journey with CYDA: A Life-Changing Experience

By Adya Das. When I first heard about CYDA (Centre for Youth Development and Activities) through my PGDM college’s CSR initiative, I was immediately drawn to its core values—empowering young people and working toward inclusive community development. It felt like more than just an opportunity to earn credits; it felt

Stepping off the Track – A new definition of success

United Way Hyderabad’s social impact has been instrumental in supporting projects that uplift marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQIA+ population. Their support ensures that stories like Dherandar’s are not just heard but also celebrated. Pritesh Kamble, Unit Head of the Inclusion Unit at CYDA, has empowered countless individuals and reinforced the

Her Voice Amid the Noise: Who’s Listening

By Soumyashree Mohanty Recently, a video surfaced on social media. In the video, a girl shares her ordeal. You can feel the pain in her voice and see the hurt in her eyes. She talks about how her brothers are treated differently. They are given phones and allowed to choose

An Open Letter to Kiren Rijiju, Minority Minister, by a Veteran Journalist

By A J Philip Dear Shri Kiren Rijiju Ji, First of all, let me congratulate you for successfully piloting the Waqf Bill, now rechristened UMEED, which in both Hindi and Urdu means “Hope”. I am sure President Droupadi Murmu will soon give her assent to the Bill and it will

Supriya Devidas Gandapawad: A Journey from Struggle to Dream Fulfilment

Pritesh Kamble Dreams are what keep us moving forward, even in the face of challenges. For transgender individuals, achieving those dreams often comes with extra hurdles. I am Supriya Devidas Gandapawad, a proud transgender individual from Nanded, and this is my journey of resilience, determination, and the invaluable support I

Building a life, not just a livelihood

The targeted support and inclusive initiatives are transforming lives within the LGBTQIA+ community. Through the dedicated team efforts and guidance of Pritesh Kamble, Head of the Inclusion Unit at CYDA, supported by United Way Hyderabad, these individuals are not just surviving—they are thriving, showcasing the true impact of empowerment. This

Revised Policy on No Detention and the Role of Community Resource Centers (CRC) in Supporting Adolescent Learning

By, Pramodini Naik, Program Manager, CYDA In a significant move, the Government of India has amended the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 with the “Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Rules, 2024,” which removes the No Detention Policy for Classes 5 and 8. This policy shift

मातीशी नातं जपणारा प्रवास – प्रभाकर शिंदे यांची प्रेरणादायी कथा

आजच्या काळात शिक्षण घेतलेले, तरुण मनाच्या आकांक्षांनी शहराकडे धाव घेतात. त्यांना वाटतं, की शहरातच यशाची वाट आहे, करिअरचा प्रकाश आहे. गाव, शेती, माती, आणि पारंपरिक जीवन हे मागासलेले वाटते. पण काही व्यक्ती या संकल्पनांना छेद देतात. शहरात जाऊन शिक्षण घेऊन, अनुभव घेतात, परत आपल्या मातीशी जोडले जातात. अशीच एक ही

Session III: Strategies for Scaling Up While Maintaining Core Values

YESummit Session III emphasizes that core values are essential for sustainable business growth. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to lead with purpose, stay true to their values, and adapt to change while keeping their vision in focus. The session offers guidance on building long-term success through patience, resilience, and meaningful impact. Soumyashree

The Green Miracle of a Village Schoolyard in Chikhalgaon

What once stood as a barren, sun-scorched patch of earth beside the Zilla Parishad School in Chikhalgaon has now transformed into a vibrant forest teeming with life, color, and hope. This transformation is the result of a unique collaboration between Atlas Copco, CYDA, and the local community, breathing new life