Youth Venture India

Sumeet - CHANGEMAKER

Posted on 21. May, 2009 by Youth Venture India in Health, Media and Awareness, Our Changemakers, Resource Access, Rights and Welfare

Sumeet’s Venture: Pragati

Sumeet has dedicated himself to putting smiles on the faces of children in hospitals.  Pragati has touched the lives of over 1,000 children, transforming the hospital into a warm, colorful place.
What started as a group of friends leading Bollywood dance in the pediatric ward has grown into something much bigger.  In addition to engaging young patients with music, art, and games, Pragati now connects children in need of surgery to compassionate donors.  So far, Sumeet’s team has found funding for two life-saving operations.  Two infants were in critical need of surgery; one had a hole in her heart and the other had puss in her bones.  Pragati connected each child’s family with a donor and, thanks to their generosity, both babies are now happy and healthy.

Zubir (Pragati team member), Sumeet, and the smiling children of St Jude's Pediatric Cancer Ward.

Sumeet was one of the finalists for the 2008 Pepsi MTV Youth Icon awards - learn more here.

What do you think?  Leave a comment for Sumeet below.

Tags: art, dance, healing, Health, mumbai, music