Sandy Khanda : A Journey of Resilience and Impact
Sandy Khanda embarked on a remarkable journey of resilience and impact that transformed his life and the lives of many others. Born and raised in the small village of Khanda in Haryana, he witnessed the profound disparities and inequalities that plagued society. Growing up in a rural region, Sandy observed a glaring gap in the sex ratio and a significant disparity in the rights afforded to different genders. The plight of women, who had limited decision-making power and rights, deeply troubled him, igniting a fierce determination to be a catalyst for change.
In pursuit of a better education, Sandy's family relocated to Delhi after he completed his primary education. However, the bustling city presented him with a whole new set of challenges. The disregard for environmental conservation and the relentless destruction of trees in the name of development shocked him. Additionally, the unending cycle of poverty in urban settings called for urgent attention. These pressing issues fueled Sandy's desire to make a difference.
Driven by his passion, he began volunteering with an institution focused on education. Through this experience, Sandy gained a profound understanding of the deep-rooted problems faced by society. He discovered that a lack of awareness about the Right to Education policies contributed to widespread illiteracy in many regions. Despite the demands of college and social work, Sandy dedicated two days a week to teaching children in slums, determined to provide them with the opportunities they deserved.
Upon completing his engineering degree, Sandy continued his involvement with the NGO while working a regular job. However, life took an unexpected turn when he was involved in a severe road accident. The accident left him confined to the ICU for six grueling months, enduring multiple surgeries. This physically and mentally challenging period tested Sandy's resilience and the strength of his family. At his lowest point, weighing only 25 kg, survival seemed improbable. Yet, with unwavering determination, he defied the odds and emerged from the depths of despair, embracing his second chance at life.
This near-death experience awakened Sandy to the fragility of life and led him to make a life-altering decision. He chose to leave his job and devote himself entirely to serving others, dedicating his energy and passion to the causes he held dear.
In 2019, Sandy founded the Green Pencil Foundation, an organization committed to addressing various societal challenges. The foundation's initiatives encompassed education, mental health, climate change, and menstrual health. Soon after its establishment, the foundation received recognition for its efforts towards environmental preservation, as it was honored with the Environment Noble Award by the Bulland Welfare Society and Municipal Corporation of Gurugram. This accolade provided Sandy with the motivation and drive to forge ahead.
Amidst the global pandemic in 2020, Sandy initiated the 'One Home, One Tree' campaign. This unique endeavor enabled individuals to contribute to environmental preservation from the confines of their homes. The response was overwhelming, with over 10,000 plants being planted across India. Additionally, to commemorate World Environment Day, Sandy organized a plantation drive in Mewat, spreading awareness about the urgent need for environmental conservation.
One of the foundation's most significant initiatives is the 'Slum to School' program. Through this program, Sandy and his team assist children from slums in gaining admission to integrated government schools. The program ensures that these children receive a proper education, along with free uniforms, books, and midday meals. Recognizing the challenges they face in adapting to a conventional classroom environment, Sandy's team visits the slums to provide essential soft skills, helping the children acclimate to their new educational surroundings.
Not confining their efforts to India alone, the 'Slum to School' initiative has expanded to various slums in Indonesia. Sandy and his dedicated team work tirelessly to empower Indonesian children with access to education, offering them the opportunity to secure a brighter future.
Furthermore, Sandy and the Green Pencil Foundation have launched the 'Period Pride' campaign, conducting menstrual health awareness camps in remote villages and distributing sanitary pads. Since its inception, the campaign has positively impacted over 10,000 girls across 25 cities in India, ensuring they can manage their menstruation hygienically and with dignity.
As advocates for climate change, Sandy and his team actively engage in beach cleaning drives throughout the year and promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation. Recently, the team in Manipur organized the 'Light Up Cycles' initiative, where 15 cyclists rode to raise awareness about environmental protection.
Throughout their journey, Sandy and the Green Pencil Foundation have faced setbacks and encountered skepticism, but their unwavering perseverance has prevailed. Today, the foundation operates in over 25 cities in India and Indonesia. Sandy, a farmer's son from a remote village, is humbled and proud to have the opportunity to impact the lives of thousands. While the foundation has received recognition through awards and media coverage, the most rewarding aspect for Sandy remains the smiles he brings and the lives he changes.
Sandy Khanda's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the ability to transform personal adversity into a force for good. Through his unwavering dedication, he continues to create a positive impact, paving the way for a brighter and more equitable future.
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Ref. - Sandy Khanda