Rajkot School Transforms New Year Celebrations into Act of Kindness Amid Harsh Winter

Shamji Belji Virani High School in Gujarat's Rajkot swapped typical New Year festivities for a charitable clothing drive. With the city's cold snap, around 1000 students collected over 21,000 clothes to assist those in need, promoting values of compassion and community support to weather the harsh winter.

As the world ushered in the New Year, Shamji Belji Virani High School in Gujarat's Rajkot chose a unique form of celebration. Departing from conventional parties, the school conducted a clothing donation drive on the final day of 2024. Around 1000 students participated, amassing over 21,000 clothing items to aid the needy amidst the city's frigid weather, where temperatures plummeted to 9-11 degrees Celsius.

Principal Harendrasinh Dodiya highlighted that this event is a 15-year tradition aimed at redirecting year-end festivities towards acts of kindness. Students from grades 9 to 12 visited households to gather clothes and even contributed from their personal wardrobes. To recognize their efforts, the school honored those students who collected the highest number of clothes. Dodiya emphasized, "Transforming December 31 celebrations from lavish parties to charitable deeds like clothing donations can offer more meaningful contributions."

Students expressed the fulfillment of aiding the less fortunate rather than splurging on parties. A student remarked on how the collected clothing would be distributed to impoverished individuals in slums, near railway tracks, and others sleeping on the streets. The initiative aims to instill values of charity and community support, believing such lessons will shape future generations to appreciate the essence of giving. This endeavor not only symbolizes the spirit of generosity but also underscores the school's commitment to value-based education amid the harsh winter season.

(With inputs from agencies.)