Bandhan is the ISB’s unique way of commemorating Independence Day. On the 61st anniversary of India’s freedom, the entire ISB community got together to celebrate a day long fun-filled affair of togetherness and bonding with more than 275 children from 4 NGOs across Hyderabad. This social initiative organised by the Net Impact Club had children participating from the Naandi Foundation, Devnar school for the Blind, Don Bosco Navjeevan and Ashraya Akruti. The children of the ISB housekeeping and support staff were also a part of the event. The student representatives from the ISB traveled to each of the NGO locations and escorted the children to the campus for the day long event that began at 11 am. The programme was inaugurated by the Associate Dean of Academic Programmes, K Ramachandran who addressed the audience in Telugu and welcomed the students to the School. Shortly after, the children were ushered to the lawns where each of the six sections of the Class of 09 spent time playing games with the children. Later in the day, they participated in an arts and creativity event that included face painting, poster making, etc. Towards the evening, a cultural programme held at the Khemka auditorium had the Music Club, the Dance Club and the Theatre Club put up some splendid performances. The highlight of the programme was the children’s performances which comprised of songs, skits and dances. Every performance received a standing ovation from the audience. The day’s event was wound up with a collage of photographs that had moments captured by the Photography Club throughout the day and immediately afterwards, the national anthem. Deepak Bhatia, Community Initiatives Coordinator - Net Impact Club, noted, “Bandhan was an opportunity for the ISB students to interact with these kids and experience their talent, warmth and affection. It was really heart rendering to hear many students saying that this was one of their best Independence days”. It was a full-day event which meant that a tireless amount of organising that had to be done leading up to the event. Starting from planning the logistics to fundraising and marketing, the event required the involvement of the entire ISB fraternity to make it a success. Kanchan Lall, Community Initiatives Coordinator - Net Impact Club, added “A lot of thought and time had been expended to plan a great day for the kids, and at the end of the day it was worth the toil.” The event was greatly appreciated and enjoyed by the NGO kids and the ISB students alike. As quoted by Diksheet, a student from the Devnar school for the blind: “We had a lot of fun at the ISB and would like to not just become an MBA when we grow up, but also do the programme at the ISB only. Neha Surana, an ISB student summarised her experience, “It was a privilege to be able to interact and spend time with the kids. It gives you a sense of satisfaction that you could bring a smile to their face, even if only for a day. This Bandhan will definitely be one of the most memorable moments of the ISB and I hope we get many more such opportunities during the year.” This annual tradition of Bandhan is now being consecutively celebrated at the Indian School of Business for the third year. Social initiatives like Bandhan are not just a very effective way of observing first hand the day-to-day problems that the disadvantaged face but also a great way for the future business leaders of the country to connect and bond with the community. Rajarshi Ray, President of the Net Impact Club at the ISB said “At the end of day, when you see 300 children happy and having fun, there is this overwhelming feeling that the world is so much bigger than what it seems like. Bandhan is the best Independence Day celebration I have ever had.”