Good evening ladies and gentlemen. It’s an honour to be here tonight, as the guest of honour, at this milestone 40th year reunion of the 1985 Matric graduates of Asoka High School. Seeing so many familiar faces brings back a flood of memories and I am indeed proud to be a part of this special occasion. To the members of the organising committee I want to thank you for honoring me as you chief guest on this momentous occasion. I also wish to thank the committee for the time and effort you have put in to ensure that this occasion is attended by most of our Asokan graduates and the educators of 1985... continued. (S. MARI)

In 2011, at New Forest High School in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, I began a transformative journey in STEM education and helped establish an FLL LEGO League robotics team at New Forest High School where I am an Educator. As a mentor, I watched a group of curious, bright-eyed learners embrace this new challenge, armed with nothing more than a LEGO kit and boundless enthusiasm. This initiative brought robotics and problem-solving skills to our students, fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and innovation. The experience not only impacted the young participants but also transformed my own perspective on education and mentorship. Thank you to the generosity of SAP. The sponsorship was obtained particularly through MDEF member Raj Dhaniraj who worked at SAP. With MDEF team support we were able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of many young South African students, setting them on a path of technological exploration and creativity. The programme spread to Asoka Secondary, my alumni school and subsequently to more than 100 children in KZN.

Imagine a world where wheelchairs become dance floors and smiles break through the toughest challenges. On Youth Day, our MDef team witnessed just that at Sparks Estate Cheshire Homes. We came with Zumba moves and gift bags, but left with life-changing lessons from children who redefine resilience daily. Their joy in the face of adversity wasn't just inspiring - it was transformative. Here's how a day of dance turned into a masterclass in human spirit...

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