1 Opening Namaste, Would like to start by looking at some of the quotes and sayings of wise people that have informed our understanding of Indian culture.

2 Quotes by Philosophers and Leaders of IndiaYou must be the change you wish to see in the world - - Mahatma Gandhi “The river that flows in you also flows in me”- –Kabir “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing” – Mother Teresa The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong-- Mahatma Gandhi The purpose of education is to make good human beings – Abuul Kalam “As Long as I live, so long I learn”-– Ramakrishna Parahamnasa “Perform all your work carefully, guided by compassion”-The Bhagavat Gita Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony- - Mahatma Gandhi Consider these quotes on the values of living an example, eaulity, love, forgiveness, learning, compassion, integrity etc.

3 Continues… Perhaps it is, thanks to these, that there was largely a sense of peace and harmony in the India we remember… However is this still the case?...unfortunately not!

4 When we look around India we often see of violence, crime and intolerance:People seem to be ready to hurt and kill in the name of religious vigilantism - the stories of cow vigilantes are too many to cite Women unsafe and – there have been numerous accounts of rape of women Well meaning parents are fearful to send their children to schools - children in schools have been molested or raped by the very people who were entrusted to protect them Ethics and integrity is missing in leaders resulting – the coal scam and 2G spectrum scam alone have been pegged at 362,000 crores Needless to say ethics and integrity is missing is the lower rugs too – vegetable, fruits and other food items are unsafe to consume Misplaced ideas of patriotism and nationalism are used to cause violence against people Political parties want to destroy theaters screening a movie they do not approve And people believe it is okay to beat up people who do not stand up for the national anthem We even witnessed recently a horrific incident involving a bunch of high schoolers who brutally assaulted their class mate in educational institution known in the past for its discipline, culture and heritage. Even news anchors who report these news are loud, violent and aggressive

5 What was said about IndiaIndia is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend and the great grand mother of tradition. Our most valuable and most constructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only” – Mark Twain "If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India.“- Romain Rolland   Dialogue is the basis of Indian culture, and we don't want to make any enemies. Political and ideological adversaries, perhaps, but not enemies- Evo Morales  In the great books of India, an empire spoke to us, nothing small or unworthy, but large, serene, consistent, the voice of an old intelligence, which in another age and climate had pondered and thus disposed of the questions that exercise us- R.W. Emerson, “Indian culture is essentially much more of a 'we' culture. It's a communal culture where you do what's best for the community” - Aasif Mandvi “India is a country in which every great religion finds a home – Annie Besant

6 Continues… And unfortunately the information from the National Crime Records Bureau is not encouraging either…

7 Crime Rate – Top 4 States in IndiaRecognizable Crime Per 100,000 people in the Year Rank State 2012 2016 Increase % 1 Kerala 456 723.2 59 2 Madhya Pradesh 299 348.3 17 3 Assam 250 321.8 29 4 Haryana 240 310.4 Why is this happ Source: National Crime Records Bureau

8 Why is this happening?

9 Continued… We at Shreyas believe that this is happening because of the common populations disconnect from the values that make us human… Unfortunately the cultural programming of society is increasingly focused to look at success (improperly interpreted to mean achieving position, power, wealth, fame and one up-manship). This has resulted in sidelining of perennial values of love, compassion, patience, kindness etc

10 Sreyas

11 What is Sreyas? Sreyas is a Sanskrit word which means “the ultimate good” We believe that the ultimate good is in having clarity and demonstrating commitment to perennial values of harmony such as compassion and altruism. It is the ultimate good for humans, animals for plants, mother earth and our universe. Sreyas is a project that aspires to instill and encourage cultivation these values in an innovative way using videos and game elements that will motivate people to listen to the stories, answer questions and share insights. The goal is to get people to look at the world from a holistic view rather than from a self centered   point of view 2-3 minute videos will depict powerful stories with lessons The stories would be from various scriptural traditions, personal anecdotes, mythologies and life changing experiences that have had offered a deep learning and an everlasting impression on us which further went on to share our lives. A dynamic dashboard will track and offer progress reports to listeners. Monthly, quarterly, half yearly and annual Gifts and Prizes will add additional incentive We hope that inculcate values of inter-religious harmony and a celebration of out differences and uniqueness Prime focus is on children and young adults…but the portal would be open to all

12 How does the portal look?Working on this