Unity-X Project Completes Successful Run, Touching Lives of underprivileged children
The Valmiki Foundation’s yet another brainchild project Unity-X, concluded its latest initiative with a heartfelt valedictory function in Chennai.
The project facilitated a unique exchange program, hosting 45 children from Chennai in Hyderabad and 20 children from Hyderabad in Chennai.
This groundbreaking initiative, aimed at less-privileged children, provided opportunities typically reserved for affluent families.
Dr. Hari Kishan Valmiki, the visionary Founder of Unity-X, shared, “Children from less-privileged backgrounds rarely get access to luxuries like student or youth exchanges. We wanted to give them a similar platform to travel and learn, as travel is one of the greatest teachers.” In September 2024, 45 children from Chennai enjoyed a 4-day visit to Hyderabad supported by Valmiki Foundation a CSR wing of Valmiki Travel & Tourism Solutions and from December 21-24, 2024, 20 children from Valmiki Gurukul, a holistic home for destitute children under the Valmiki Foundation, embarked on an enriching trip to Chennai.
The initiative received immense support from Skål International Chennai and Forever Trust, whose contributions ensured the project's success. Skål International, the world’s largest Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality professional’s association, headquartered in Spain and spread across 84 countries, and 303 cities played a pivotal role under ‘Skål Cares’.
Highlights of the Chennai Program:
Accommodation: Hosted at premium hotels.
Transportation: Provided by Garuda Logistics with luxurious Benz buses.
Culinary Experiences: Daily meals at 5-star hotels, including Temple Bay by GRT Radisson, Rain Tree, The Park Hotel, Residency Hotels, and E Hotels.
Education & Inspiration: A career seminar on Tourism & Hospitality.
Celebrations: A grand Christmas party with surprise gifts, bringing joy to all the children. Photography: Captured by Impress Stills.
Skål International Chennai members actively participated as volunteers and donors to cover expenses.
The Unity-X program underscores the importance of CSR within the Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality industry, encouraging Skål chapters worldwide to adopt similar initiatives. Dr. Surya Ganesh Valmiki, President of Valmiki Foundation, stated, “We believe in sustainability and empowering neglected communities. With continued support, we aim to scale such projects to touch more lives.” The Unity-X program exemplifies how collective efforts can create lasting memories and opportunities for underprivileged children.
A special standing ovation is due to Skål International Chennai President Shabin Sarvotham, along with Nancy, Keziah, Sanjana, Kamlesh, Kapilan, Subramanian, Rajesh, Manivannan, Fatima, Balu, and Sharanya, for their dedicated participation. Tourism Veteran Valmiki says “Life is good when you are happy, but it is even better when others are happy because of you.” Thank you, Skål International Chennai, for showing that Skål truly cares.
