Youth Leadership Program

General Questions

Lok Biradari Prakalp (LBP) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization registered under India's Societies Registration Act, 1860. It was founded by the well-known Social Activist, Baba Amte, with his son, Dr Prakash Amte, and daughter-in-law, Dr Mandakini Amte.

Detailed information about LBP is available at the website: https://www.lokbiradariprakalp.org

LBP is located at Hemalkasa, Taluka Bhamaragadh, DIst Gadchirolli, in the dense forests of Eastern Maharashtra, Western Chattisgarh and north of Warrangal.

Participants will experience all the activities at LBP like helping at the Hospital, the Residential School, the Library, the computer lab, STEM and English conversation, the tribal English Medium schools, visit the water reservoirs, visit to the Animal Shelter, plus other activities including outdoors sports, arts and crafts, dance and activities with the children. There is a lot of flexibility regarding where one would like to participate. But hopefully, each participant will have an opportunity to gain experience in all areas culminating into the whole experience at the organization.

High School Students (age group 16 plus) and college students (age group 18-22) are eligible for this trip. While we think this age group is most suited for this trip, we can adjust as needed based on individuals expressing interest.

The LEAD program at Hemalkasa will have 20 students. We are aiming for an equal number of boys and girls. As we get applicants and see the pool, this could change.

We plan to have 2-3 chaperones. Any responsible adult known to ICA over the age of 25 years is encouraged to participate. The Chaperon participation will be helpful to the group and be a life-changing experience for them too. If parents would like to join as Chaperones, please advise. Chaperones will pay their own airfares and expenses. Please contact ICA through the Contact Us form.

Please click here to see the program or trip details.

It is very safe to travel to Hemalkasa. Please visit the testimonial section on this page for the information from the previous visitors.

Check with your Physician for vaccination details as it might vary based on individual health history. Please also fill out the health form completely.

Please mention any special food restrictions/allergies in the application form.

At each NGO facility, only vegetarian food will be available for the students.

On our APPLY section on this page there is a timeline, and we will constantly update it based on COVID. Contact us anytime for the latest updates.

We are planning to have a group of 20 students and 2-3 chaperones for the trip and if there are more students or Chaperones, we will look at the situation and make decisions, so go ahead and apply.

Go to the icaonline.org website, select Initiatives, ICA Youth “LEAD” program, and then click on Apply. Fill in the form completely and submit it.

At the information meetings and through your applications, we will make sure that your interests match, for the most part, the opportunities and projects available at LBP Please also visit LBP web site (https://www.lokbiradariprakalp.org) and check out what they do. You must be able to travel and stay away from your family for two to three weeks, should be healthy, and have taken the required vaccinations.

On our APPLY section, we have the basic criteria for eligibility. You just need to have a burning desire to go and enjoy this incredible experience!

Boarding & lodging and transportation at Hemalkasa are sponsored by ICA, you don’t need to pay. Other than this if there are any expenses we will let you know. You will have to pay for the return airline ticket from the USA to Nagpur. For updates, please keep checking Youth Leadership Program page.

Please contact the ICA Youth Team members for details on any refund. The refunds will NOT be available after a certain date to be determined.

Please see our COST page for details of the elements of cost and flexibility. Based on when we do the bookings, the costs may vary from estimated on this sheet. We can work with individuals as needed to adjust items based on specific situations.

- The program is aimed to provide the participants with a view into the culture, traditions, and beliefs of a community on the other side of the world. The overarching goal is to return with a well-rounded picture of LBP, knowing and having participated in all aspects as best as possible

- The program introduces the participants to the daily life and daily challenges faced by the tribal communities served by LBP in the hope of broadening the perspective of our youth participants.

- The program will introduce a culture of giving and sharing for a social cause.

- Understanding various issues faced by humans in the global community and how they can be addressed will be a big takeaway.

- The ability to live in harmony with nature and the environment for a social purpose will be introduced.

- Participants can see for themselves how simple common problems can be solved and can contribute to any solutions that might help to address the needs of LBP.

- Learning to use time and opportunities will be a key aspect of the program.

- Participants can share learning in areas of civic, science, and technology that can better the lives of the local community and share what they know about areas that they see can help. Just spending time in the environment and with the students will also be an opportunity to learn and share.

- Experiments, exercises, solving puzzles, and quizzes can be great ways to share learnings.

- Get connected and stay connected.

- This may encourage you to help and support the causes of LBP at different times in your lives as your lifestyle and time permits.

Simran Vohra

Youth Team Lead

My name is Simran Vohra and I am the Youth Team Lead for the English Tutoring Project. I have always believed in the power of collective action, so I started this project to bring people together to better help others. Volunteering has been a large part of my life from an early age, which is why I have more than 10 years of experience. More specifically, I've been teaching English for the past 3 years. Increasing access to quality education has always been a passion of mine, and I look forward to continuing this work with ICA!

Saanvi Sharma

Student

Hi, my name is Saanvi Sharma, and I'm a junior at Livermore High School. As a youth lead for ICA, I'm working on an art initiative that's close to my heart. Over the past six years, my journey in learning art has shown me the transformative impact of visual arts in fostering self-expression and creativity. To share these benefits, bi-weekly art workshops are being planned for orphaned girls in Kashmir, offering them a safe space to express themselves, build confidence, and cultivate a sense of community. Looking ahead, I dream of expanding this initiative across India, collaborating with local artists and volunteers, and even creating an online platform to share the girls' artwork and stories with the world!

Sejal Kshirsagar

Student

Hi, I'm Sejal! I'm a junior at Leland High School with a passion for helping others and creating meaningful change. One of my biggest goals is to educate girls about healthcare and hygiene, empowering them with knowledge to take care of their well-being. I believe that access to this information can change lives, and I'm dedicated to making it accessible and impactful. Whether it's through workshops, campaigns, or simply connecting with people, I'm committed to helping others and leaving a positive mark on the world.

Abhi

Student, Participant in 2022 YOUTH LEAD Program

The trip to Snehalaya was quite nice. Getting there was very scenic, as there was a long drive in the countryside. Once we got there, we were introduced to the campus, and some of the children said hi. The managers of the campus were quite nice, and it was quite organized, there was always something to do. The language barrier was quite tough, but it was not too difficult to overcome, by using signs and other means. After a few days, the children became more comfortable with us, and we all played games together. It was actually quite sad when we left, as I had started to feel attached to the children, as we spent so long together, every hour of the day. I would say there were some hard things to overcome, like language, food, and atmosphere, but they are all part of why I went on the trip, so it was a success for me!

Kailash Ranganathan

Student

My Kodaganallur trip was truly a memorable experience for so many reasons. Most notable was that the trip afforded me a unique intellectual and cultural collaboration in a small village 8000 miles away from home, all under a wrapper of extraordinary hospitality. I will cherish this experience! We acknowledge ICA as one of our partners on our homepage and ICA facilitates donations we get from the US. ICA's channel of funding to YOKE is used in several activities that benefit the children, students in the neighboring communities, adults and environmental improvements. Amongst other events and activities, YOKE society conducts an annual running event at Kodaganallur, a small village in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, India. The race was held in the Girls High School Playground this year which has recently been worked on, and ICA's generous donation for the playground initiative has already started to benefit the students of the 3 high schools.

Dinu Deshpande

Participant in 2022 YOUTH LEAD Program

Volunteering in Snehalaya gave me a glimpse into the realities of life for a large majority of people in India. It gave me the opportunity to be a part of a real community of children who had come from all backgrounds, and enjoy their company while working with them on various projects and activities around the campus. We were lucky enough to meet Snehalaya's founder during the trip, who hosted a nice dinner and explained to us the purpose, origins, and story of the safe haven he had created. I learned more than independence - I learned humility, I learned friendship, and I learned how to adapt to situations I've never even imagined before. I gained a multitude of life lessons that I can take forward and apply to the rest of my life.

Dr. Anirudh Rao

Pediatrician and Internal Medicine, Washington, DC

The people of LBP clinic are kind, generous, and caring. They welcomed me with open arms, as they have with hundreds of other volunteers like me. I participated in the health clinic at Hemalkasa, assisting the staff physicians who were caring for the patients there. I saw pathology at Hemalkasa that I never saw during my years of medical training in the United States. Spending time at LBP is sure to enrich your outlook on rural health, poverty, and service. I could not recommend the experience more highly.

Ruchita Pendse

Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA, USA

I spent almost two months at Lok Biradari Prakalp during my gap year before starting medical school. Under the LBP community health initiative, I worked with LBP staff to evaluate the nutritional status of the children in the ashramshala and to offer some recommendations to improve their health. Seeing the degree of community involvement and trust in the institution the Amtes and many others have built over time is truly inspiring! But even more impactful than what I learned professionally about low-resource healthcare delivery from the staff and from LBP's model, living at LBP and experiencing the challenges and also unparalleled joys of rural community life has been one of the highlights of my life.

Nishan Patel

Student

Nishan Patel went to LBP in the summer of 2023. He was one of the students who went on the youth LEAD program to LBP in 2023. He was also one of the two students who proactively collected donations for the organization before the trip, a very commendable effort. Hear his thoughts on the trip.

Watch his testimonial video here.

Manisha Puranik

Independent College Admission Counselor

Dr. Prakash and Dr. Mandakini Amte's dedication to build Lok Biradari Prakalp for Tribal community can be admired and understood through the depth of their sacrifices when you visit Hemalkasa. Starting work in a small hut without electricity for the first 20 years, winning tribal community's faith in their treatment, performing surgeries under trees to gain confidence amazes when you see today's well established community. To see generations of Amte family serving this community selflessly is a humble experience and inspires you to contribute to such a cause. Forever grateful to the Amte family for setting up examples for many generations to come!

Om Gandhi

Student, went to LBP in the summer of 2023

I am Om Gandhi, a junior at Valley Christian High School with a strong interest in business, economics, and management. I am actively involved with several NGO organizations, including ICA and Christian missionaries, where I work to make a positive impact in my community and beyond. As a member of DECA, a competitive program that nurtures emerging leaders and entrepreneurs, I am committed to developing skills in marketing and finance. In addition to my academic pursuits, I run my own car wash detailing business and teach swimming to children at AVAC. I'm also passionate about sports; I play basketball and participate in track and cross country, which have taught me valuable lessons in teamwork and perseverance.In July 2023, I took the opportunity to volunteer with an NGO in Hemalkasa, a rural tribal village in Nagpur, India. During my nine days there, I contributed to various community services, including the library, schools, gym, hospital, and animal orphanage.Recognizing the challenges faced by underprivileged children in the village, I initiated a fundraising campaign through GoFundMe with an initial goal of $2,000. The campaign quickly gained support, allowing us to raise $5,000. This funding was used to provide essential resources like a roti machine for the girls' hostel and newborn care services. In 2024, I continued my commitment by raising an additional $500 for the ICA non-profit organization instead of receiving birthday gifts.I am dedicated to making a positive impact in my community and look forward to further supporting underprivileged children while enhancing local infrastructure through my ongoing contributions.

Watch my video video here.

Anushka Iyer

Student

Hi, I’m Anushka, one of the ICA youth leads! I've been tutoring for several years, beginning in middle school during the pandemic, where I discovered my passion for teaching. In addition to tutoring, I'm an avid member of my high school's Speech and Debate team which has allowed me to hone both my critical thinking and public speaking skills. Beyond academics, I've been professionally trained in Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance form, for the past nine years. I'm so grateful to be a part of the ICA team and can't wait to see where this opportunity takes me!

Prisha Singh

Student

Prisha Singh is currently a junior at Evergreen Valley High School. She is passionate about helping others in every way she can and intends to do so by developing and leading ICA's Youth Lead Steam Program; aimed at equipping those in unfortunate situations, tools to help them secure jobs in an ever growing field. In her free time she likes to play soccer on her school's varsity team and enjoys spending time with her family.

Sowmya Rajan

Srinivasan, a resource person

My first visit to Kodaganallur in 2012 was unforgettable. Invited by Chitra to conduct a three-day storytelling camp for YOKE Society, I was captivated by the welcoming spirit, the children's enthusiasm, and the well-organized resource center. The camp, held on the rooftop, introduced me to vibrant young learners and their team-based activities. I shared stories in a mix of English and Tamil, encouraged theatre and improv games, and wrapped up with art and craft sessions, which became the children’s favorite. Each year, the camp grew, and I returned with bags full of crafts, stories, and fresh ideas. Highlights included playing on the sandy riverbed, visiting the Koonthakulam Bird Sanctuary, and even learning to play the Parai. The summer camps at YOKE were a perfect blend of creativity, learning, and joy. Thank you, Chitra and Vasu, for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful initiative. These experiences have enriched me deeply.

Suraj

Student

Kodaganallur swept me into a world of mesmerizing music, breathtaking nature, and cherished memories. Our days began with serene countryside walks, passing enchanting farms that reminded us of the farmers' hard work behind our daily meals. The gentle swaying of plants in the breeze was mesmerizing. A surprise opportunity to sing in ancient temples was unforgettable, as were the celestial sculptures and musical pillars calling for another visit. The holy Tamiraparani River offered a dip like no other, paired with a magical music session on its banks. Walking alongside graceful peacocks, feeding them, and sharing moments with Kodaganallur's kind-hearted people made this journey truly extraordinary.

Aastha Shah

BA, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Neurobiology University of California, Berkeley Class of 2020

My time at SEWA Rural was transformative. As a shy high schooler, I was apprehensive about fitting into a new environment and connecting with the community. Despite my fears, I signed up for the program and soon found myself at the Society for Education, Welfare, and Action, Rural in Jhagadiya, India. From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed and oriented to their impactful programs, including women's economic empowerment, rural eye care, and youth apprenticeship training. I split my time between the hospital wards and field visits, gaining profound insights into the lives of locals and their connection with the SEWA Rural team. The organization’s ability to function efficiently while treating every patient with humility and respect impressed me deeply. Six weeks felt too short, and I returned after my sophomore year of university for another visit. SEWA Rural’s blend of professionalism and familial care left a lasting impact, and I highly recommend the experience to anyone who has the chance.

Anita Sathe

Chair Case Management, South Asian Heart Center

In January 2020, we spent three humbling days at Hemalkasa's Lok Biradari Prakalpa (LBP). The long journey from Nagpur to this well-planned, serene campus was worth it. The premises included a school, hospital, hostel, guest rooms, and the Amte family home, all maintained with simplicity and care. Rooms were basic yet clean, with mosquito nets, hot water, and filtered drinking water readily available. Meals, shared by everyone—from visitors to students and the Amte family—were simple, nourishing, and self-served, fostering a strong sense of community. Children at LBP actively participated in chores, learning responsibility and teamwork. Evenings were filled with joyful outdoor games and the mesmerizing sounds of prayers and songs by the hostel girls. We engaged with students during classes, sharing music, language lessons, and discussions. The children, despite their limited exposure to the outside world, were curious and endearingly innocent. The Amte family's dedication and simplicity were truly inspiring. Their work is paving the way for a brighter future for tribal children. Hemalkasa is a must-visit for anyone looking to volunteer or witness a remarkable community effort.

Hans Desale

Research Scientist, Receptos San Diego, CA

Lok Biradari Prakalp, led by Dr. Prakash Amte and his family, serves tribal communities in Hemalkasa, offering critical healthcare to hundreds daily. During the annual surgery camp organized by the Nagpur Rotary Club, dozens of specialists perform life-saving surgeries for patients who cannot afford care elsewhere. I'm Hans Desale, a research scientist from San Diego. In 2020, I joined my sister, a medical student, on her fourth trip to volunteer at Hemalkasa. Armed with donated medical supplies, we navigated long drives and logistical hurdles to reach the remote hospital. The clinic, though resource-limited, ensures every patient receives compassionate care. Doctors work tirelessly, blending practicality with dedication, to treat overwhelming numbers of patients. Observing their selfless efforts and experiencing the simplicity of life in Hemalkasa was deeply humbling and inspiring. The Amte family’s work demonstrates the profound impact of resilience, compassion, and service in transforming lives.

YOKE Society

Kodaganllur

We acknowledge ICA as one of our partners on our homepage and ICA facilitates donations we get from the US. ICA’s channel of funding to YOKE is used in several activities that benefit the children, students in the neighboring communities, adults and environmental improvements. Amongst other events and activities, YOKE society conducts an annual running event at Kodaganallur, a small village in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, India. The race was held in the Girls High School Playground this year which has recently been worked on, and ICA’s generous donation for the playground intiative has already started to benefit the students of the 3 high schools.

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Youth Leadership Program

Join Us on an Unforgettable Journey to Hemalkasa, Maharashtra, India!

About

Preparing the Next Generation Leaders with onground experience

Youth "LEAD" Program Through ICA

Leadership: For Youth Leadership Program

Manju Mishra

Govind Desale

Manisha Puranik

Ruchi Saran

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The Timelines

The Basics

Application Forms

Costs

Financial Details

The components of the cost of the program

Funding and how to raise funds:

FAQs

What is Lok Biradari Prakalp?

Where is Lok Biradari Prakalp?

What Activities can participants do at Lok Biradari Prakalp?

Who is eligible to join?

How many students do you take?

How many chaperons will join the trip? How do you choose chaperones?

Where can I find program or trip details?

How safe is it to travel to LBP at Hemalkasa?

Vaccinations?

Special Food restrictions?

What happens if Covid happens close to travel?

Is there a limit on participants?

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What do I need to know before the trip?

What are the application requirements?

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Do I get a refund if I withdraw applications?

What is the cost of the program or trip?

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What can I learn from the program regarding sharing learning?