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Dear Esteemed Readers, Supporters, and Friends in the Dharma,
As the Director of Siddhartha Compassion Trust, it gives me great pleasure to address you through the pages of this annual magazine. First and foremost, I wish to extend my deepest, heartfelt gratitude to all the compassionate souls who have walked alongside our Trust and championed its noble mission throughout the years.
I am deeply honored to serve this incredible organization, which was brought to life through the vision and unwavering dedication of our esteemed Chairman, Mr. Vivek Kumar Kalyan. His leadership has paved the way for remarkable growth and profound impact of the Siddhartha Compassion Trust. Under his continuous guidance, our Trust has blossomed into a steady beacon of hope for the underprivileged, providing free education, healthcare, and essential social support to those who need it most.
Reflecting on our journey, I am vividly reminded of the Trust's humble beginnings. Our story began in March 2004 with the establishment of a single elementary school in the village of Kendua, Bodhgaya. Armed with just forty students and one passionate female teacher, we embarked on a mission to bring the light of education to children who had been completely deprived of learning opportunities.
Today, I am filled with immense pride and joy to share how far that seed of compassion has grown. The Trust now operates three separate school buildings, nurturing the minds of over 900 students and employing a dedicated team of 29 staff members across various levels of education.
- Furthermore, our commitment to holistic community well-being is visible through our expanded facilities, which now include:
- 1. A Specialized Dental Clinic & Health Clinic, providing vital, free medical care to our students and the local community.
- 2. An Advanced Computer Lab, bridging the digital divide and fostering modern literacy.
- 3. Vocational Sewing & Tailoring Classes, equipping young individuals with practical skills for future self-reliance.
Beyond classroom walls and clinic doors, the Siddhartha Compassion Trust has extended its philanthropic hand deep into the social sector. We have reached out to numerous villages and local panchayats (village councils) across the Bodhgaya block- distributing warm blankets, donating vital food rations, and installing clean drinking water pump sets. These immediate relief efforts have touched thousands of lives, easing the burdens of families facing severe economic hardships.
This beautiful tapestry of success would be entirely impossible without the profound, generous support of Vietnamese Buddhists and global friends of the project. Your voluntary contributions are truly the lifeblood of our organization. Together, through this collective circle of Dana (generosity), we have made significant strides in improving health, promoting computer literacy, expanding educational access, and alleviating poverty- thereby advancing our ultimate mission of fostering world understanding, goodwill, and peace.
I would like to express my deepest personal appreciation to Mr. Vivek Kumar Kalyan for his exemplary leadership and fierce commitment to this cause. His boundless compassion is the engine driving our impact, and it is a honor to work alongside him and witness his tireless efforts to change the world for the better.
On behalf of the entire Siddhartha Compassion Trust family, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters, volunteers, and well-wishers worldwide. Your kindness brings light and hope into the lives of countless children. May the spirit of compassion continue to guide us on this noble path, as we strive to make a positive, lasting impact on humanity.
With utmost gratitude and warmest blessings.
Venerable Thích Minh Hanh
Director, Siddhartha Compassion Trust
Bodhgaya, India
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat!
Dear Dharma Brothers, Sisters, and Esteemed Readers,
On behalf of the Siddhartha Compassion Trust in Bodhgaya, I extend warmest greetings to all of you. It gives me great pleasure to address you through the pages of this book, as we reflect upon shared milestones, celebrate our collective achievements, and express our deepest, heartfelt gratitude.
Bodh Gaya, nestled in the northeast village nestled northeast Indian state of Bihar, holds supreme significance as the most scared pilgrimage site in the Buddhist world. Here, the majestic Mahabodhi Temple Complex stands as timeless monument to the exact place where the Buddha attained supreme enlightenment beneath the sacred Bodhi Tree. Within this hallowed ground, a direct descendant of that original tree continues to thrive, alongside six other sacred sites, including the tranquil lotus pond. It is within this spiritually vibrant and blessed environment that the Siddhartha Compassion Trust has been actively working. I would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Mr. Vivek Kumar Kalyan, the Founder and Chairman of Siddhartha Compassion Trust, carries out its humanitarian work.
I would like to extend our profound appreciation to Mr. Vivek Kumar Kalyan, the Founder and Chairman of the Siddhartha Compassion Trust. His unwavering dedication and visionary contributions have been the driving force of our organization since its inception in 2004. Together, we have embarked on a compassionate mission to uplift and empower the less fortunate, particularly the impoverished and vulnerable children of this region.
The profound generosity of Vietnamese pilgrims has played a pivotal role in funding the establishment of our elementary and high schools, as well as our medical clinic and vocational training center. I am incredibly proud to share that the very land upon which one of our schools was graciously donated by the Kalyan family- a beautiful demonstrating their enduring commitment to this noble cause. We remain humbly reminded that our schools rely entirely on the loving-kindness of global donors, whose small and large contribution sustain our day to day operations.
Our students hail from rural, marginalized backgrounds. When they first join our schools, we focus heavily on foundational growth: teaching social skills, polite greetings, proper hygiene practices, and life skills, As you can beautifully witness through photographs captured in confident in this book, these children have truly transformed, blossoming into neat, clean, polite, and confident individuals, Their remarkable progress is a living treatment to the love, care, and structured guidance poured into them by our dedicated staff and volunteers.
To further expand the opportunities available to our youth, we have successfully conducted a series of vocational courses in tailoring. These practical programs equip our older students with valuable, dignified skills that provide them with sustainable livelihoods and a clear path toward a self-reliant future.
I would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the volunteers who have selflessly contributed their time, energy, and professional expertise to the development of our schools and clinics. Your presence have been invaluable in shaping the characters and futures of our students. We extend our highest blessing and best wishes to you for success in your careers and a lifetime filled with joy.
As we move forward, the Siddhartha Compassion Trust remains fiercely committed to its sacred mission of providing free education, healthcare, and commodity support to those who need it most. We are deeply grateful to our global supporters, donors, and well-wishers for their unwavering friendship. Together, through this circle of Dana, we will continue to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of these deserving children.
With warmest regards and blessings in the Dharma,
Rev. Cuc Thi Tran
Deputy Director, Siddhartha Compassion Trust
Bodhgaya, India
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat!
Dear Dharma Brothers, Sisters, and Esteemed Readers,
I, Sister Blue Lotus (Bach Nghien), humbly convey my heartfelt greetings to all of you on behalf of the Siddhartha Compassion Trust in Bodhgaya. It fills my heart with immense joy and gratitude as we take this opportunity to reflect upon our shared journey and express our sincerest thanks to everyone who has walked this path with us.
Since our inception in 2018, we have worked diligently alongside the International Vietnamese Buddhist community to bring hope and positive change to the lives of the underprivileged. Bodh Gaya, nestled in Bihar, India, holds supreme spiritual significance as the sacred land of Buddha's enlightenment, and it is here that we blessed to carry out our humanitarian mission.
I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to Mr. Vivek Kumar Kalyan, the Founder and Chairman of Siddhartha Compassion Trust, for his unwavering dedication and visionary leadership since our establishment. Together, with the compassionate support of the Vietnamese pilgrims and the global Vietnamese Buddhist community. we have embarked on this noble journey to uplift and empower the less fortunate, particularly impoverished and vulnerable children.
The profound generosity of our international Vietnamese Buddhist community has played a pivotal role in funding the establishment of our elementary and high schools, our medical clinic, and our vocational training center. Notably, the Kalyan family's gracious donation of land for one of our schools exemplifies their deep commitment to this cause. We remain beautifully reminded that these daily operations are sustained entirely by the collective kindness of donors who support us through both small and large contributions.
Our focus on holistic education, healthcare, and community welfare has led to remarkable progress in the lives of our students, many of whom come from deeply impoverished rural backgrounds. Thanks to the love and structured guidance they have receive from our staff and volunteers, these children have transformed into neat, clean, polite, and confident individuals. Furthermore, our vocational courses- such as our tailoring program- continue to equip them with sustainable skills, paving the way for brighter futures and self-reliance.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers who have selflessly contributed their time, love, and expertise to the development of our schools and programs. Your presence has been invaluable in shaping the lives of these students, and we pray for your continued success, health, and happiness in both your professional and personal lives.
As we look ahead, the Siddhartha Compassion Trust remains steadfast in its mission. The essential resources provided by our donors-from clean water handpumps, oxygen cylinders and food rations to school uniforms, shoes, books, and medical supplies-have been a true blessing to these deserving children.
Once again. I express my sincere gratitude to all our supporters, donors, and well-wishers worldwide. I would also like to express my deepest appreciation to Venerable Thich Minh Hanh ( Director), Rev. Cuc Thi Tran, and Mata Ji (Deputy Director) for their spiritual guidance and leadership. Their tireless efforts are instrumental to the success and harmony of our Trust.
Together, through this sacred circle of generosity, we will continue to continue to cultivate a brighter, more compassionate future for these children.
With warmest regards and blessings in the Dharma,
Sister Blue Lotus (Bach Nghien)
Siddhartha Compassion Trust
Bodhgaya, India
Dear Mr. Vivek Kumar Kalyan,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. My name is Crystal Lau, and I am writing to you from Malaysia. I recently had the privilege of learning about the remarkable work being accomplished by the Siddhartha Compassion Trust under your visionary leadership, and felt compelled to reach out.
From across the seas, I have been deeply moved and inspired by the unwavering dedication you have shown in transforming the lives of underprivileged children in Bodhgaya. Your tireless efforts in provide education, healthcare, and essential support to those in need reflect profound compassion and a beautiful commitment to humanitarian values.
The impact of your initiatives-such as establishing foundational schools, a medical clinic, and vocational centers- resonates deeply with me. Your holistic approach not only addresses immediate, critical needs but also empowers children with the sustainable skills and opportunities require to build a brighter future. Furthermore, the immense support you have garnered from the International Vietnamese Buddhist community and global donors is true testament to the profound trust and admiration your work has earned.
I am particularly impressed by the emphasis Siddhartha the Trust places on education and skill development as pillars for long-term social upliftment. Your dedication to nurturing neat, polite and confident individuals through structured schooling and vocational courses (such as tailoring) is truly commendable. As a fellow advocate for education and social welfare, I believe your efforts are not only transforming individual lives but also creating a powerful ripple effect that strengthens entire communities. Your leadership serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when compassion is paired with a clear, dedicated vision.
Please accept my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for your outstanding contributions to society. Your work is a brilliant source of inspiration and hope for so many, including myself. I am entirely confident that under your continued guidance, the Siddhartha Compassion Trust will flourish and positively impact countless more lives.
Wishing you continued success, strength, and fulfillment in all your noble endeavors.
With warmest regards and best wishes,
Crystal Lau
Mrs Asia
Malaysia
Dear Mr. Vivek Kumar Kalyan, the esteemed members of the Siddhartha Compassion Trust, and fellow supporters.
I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits, My name is Kimberly Nguyen, and I am writing to you from Las Vegas, USA. It is with profound gratitude and admiration that I pen this letter to extend my heartfelt appreciation for the remarkable work being carried out by the Siddhartha Compassion Trust.
Over the years, I have had the distinct honor of being a donor and sponsor, supporting various life-changing initiatives undertaken by the Trust. The unwavering commitment shown by Mr. Vivek Kumar Kalyan, the Founder and Chairman, alongside his dedicated team, have been truly inspiring. Your tireless efforts to uplift and empower underprivileged communities- particularly impoverished and vulnerable children-have touched countless lives and created a lasting, generational impact.
The noble mission of the Siddhartha Compassion Trust, nestled in the sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site of Bodh Gaya, resonates deeply with me. The establishment of elementary and high schools, a medical clinic, and a vocational center are powerful testaments to the vision and compassion that drive this organization. Furthermore, the Kalyan family's generous donation of land for the school exemplifies the spirit of selflessness that underpins all your endeavors.
I am particularly moved by the holistic nature of the Trust's outreach, from implementing skill development programs for prisoners and installing handpumps, to providing daily free meals for students. These initiatives do more than just address immediate survival needs, they pave the way for sustainable livelihoods and brighter futures. Witnessing the transformation of these students into neat, polite, and confident individuals-alongside the tangible success of vocational courses like tailoring-is a beautiful reflection of the love and dedication poured into them by your staff and volunteers.
The generous support from the Vietnamese pilgrims and the International Vietnamese Buddhist community has been pivotal in funding these vital projects. It is incredibly heartwarming to witness the collective kindness that sustains the day-to-day operations of the Trust providing everything from clean water handpumps and food rations to school uniforms, books, medical supplies.
I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to the volunteers who selflessly contribute their time and expertise. Your presence is invaluable in shaping the lives of these students, and I wish each of you immense success and happiness in your personal and professional journeys.
As we look to the future, I am confident that the Siddhartha Compassion Trust will remain a beacon of hope, continuing to make a profound difference through education, healthcare, and community support. Thank you once again, Mr. Vivek Kumar Kalyan, the members of the Trust, and all fellow donors. Together, we will continue to create a brighter and more compassionate world for these children.
With warmest regards and best wishes,
Kimberly Nguyen
Las Vegas, USA
Dear Mr. Vivek Kumar Kalyan, the esteemed members of the Siddhartha Compassion Trust, and all fellow supporters,
I hope this message finds you in good health, My name is Dr. Anand Shivraj, and I am writing to you from Chicago, USA. It is with profound gratitude and admiration that I pen this letter to extend my heartfelt appreciation for the remarkable work being carried out by the Siddhartha Compassion Trust (SCT).
Serving as the Director of Clinical Operations & Fundraising since June 2020, and guided by personal practice as a Vipassana meditator, I strive to align advanced healthcare and Dr. Anand Shivraj aligns his advanced healthcare and public health strategy with deep spiritual purpose. Grounded in this mindfulness, and inspired by the spiritual guidance of Venerable Thich Minh Hanh and the visionary leadership of Shri Vivek Kumar Kalyan Ji, I am privileged to help advance SCT's two -decade legacy of excellence. Together, we remain deeply committed to providing free education and healthcare to the underprivileged communities in and around Bodhgaya.
SCT is immensely grateful for its vital collaboration with the Shakya Care Foundation USA in organizing our highly impactful annual health camps. Similarly, the Trust extents its deepest gratitude to the Vietnamese Buddhist devotees from Chicago and around the world whose immense generosity fuels these lifesaving initiatives- including our school, medical and dental clinics, and vocational center. Because of their enduring support, generations of children are now excelling in education and building successful careers.
We warmly welcome global devotees to visit and spend quality time in the land of enlightenment. We invite you to tour our school and clinics, where we would be honored to share our humble work with you firsthand. Alternatively, I am always available to meet in person in Chicago to discuss our projects in greater details for further collaboration. For those interested, we also offer meaningful volunteer opportunities in our schools and clinics, tailored specially to your unique interests and expertise.
In alignment with the Buddhist teachings, the spiritual merit of Dana (giving) multiplies exponentially when offered within a pious, sacred land like Bodhgaya. Through this sacred circle of generosity, our donors and volunteers directly participate in alleviating suffering and transforming lives at the very birthplace of enlightenment.
May all beings be happy, healthy, peaceful and liberated !
Dr. Anand Shivraj
Director of Clinical Operations & Fundraising, (Volunteer)
Siddhartha Compassion Trust Bodhgaya
Chicago, USA