DREAMS Program

The DREAMS chapter in Bengaluru was introduced in February 2017 under the initiative taken by Ms. Mihika Rajesh, along with her friends Ms. Yashikaa Shekar, Ms Milonee Sanghavi, Mr. Saurab Dheer, Ms. Anusha Nag, Ms. Avina Dubey and a couple of other student volunteers from the Department of Psychology and School of Education, central campus, CHRIST (Deemed to be University). They were led under the visionary leadership, guidance, and training by Rev. Father Lijo Thomas to organize and implement the intervention program.

To lay a foundation, 25 students from Christ School were recruited with the help of the school counselor. With the consent of their parents and the school authorities, the first summer camp was hosted at the Bengaluru chapter from 16th to 20th April 2017, for five days. The quarterly follow-up sessions for those students were conducted on Saturdays, from 1:30 PM till 5 PM.

In 2018, the program was extended to Christ School (state syllabus), Carmel School, and Kristavidyalaya (Kannada medium), Bengaluru. Dr. Anuradha Sathiyaseelan, along with the above-mentioned students, have co-founded the chapters.

The student mentors have undergone leadership training in a two-day outbound training program. They were provided training on mentoring and leadership development.

In 2019, under the leadership of Dr. Sathiyaseelan B, the Young Community Leadership Program (YCLP) course was introduced for the systematic training and development of the youth mentors. Later, this course was approved by the Academic Council of Christ University as a four-credit certificate program. This certificate course is offered without any fees. Monthly training programs under YCLP include seminars, symposiums, and practice sessions in schools. These students have also undergone a two-day outbound leadership training program.

At present, the program is actively operating across three locations in Bengaluru under the leadership of Dr. Anuradha Sathiyaseelan, Dr. Amaresha S., Dr. Sathiyaseelan B., Ms. Sajina Begum from Christ University, Prof. Rosline Gomas (Community Lead), Ms. Jasmine (Community Coordinator), and Ms. Avanthi (Community Coordinator). The chapter plans to extend to additional schools and colleges in the city.

DREAMS Band

The DREAMS Band strives towards making a positive difference in the community by utilizing their musical skills. The band was established in 2017 in Bengaluru under the leadership of Mr. Nikhil Sebastian and several student volunteers. The first concert was organized on 2nd February 2018 at Christ University Central Campus, for a specially invited audience including Dr. Fr. Thomas C Mathew (then Vice-Chancellor) and other distinguished guests. The band has performed on various platforms in Bengaluru and Pune, earning wide recognition both on and off campus.

They have released a virtual music album and are currently working on a new album project and a global virtual band performance for harmony and holistic healing. Those interested in joining may contact the leadership.

DREAMS Pro Club

The first DREAMS Pro Club was initiated in Bengaluru under the leadership of Col. Ranjeev K Babu, who recognized the need for a support/mutual mentoring group for young professionals’ holistic development. As co-founder, he invited Mr. Rajesh PI (Theater artist/trainer), Mr. Antony Raju (NGO consultant), and Dr. Deepthi (Community Medicine) to the inaugural meeting on 6th September 2019 at Christ University Campus.

Monthly one-hour meetings are held to discuss predefined personal and professional topics. As the group grew, it transitioned to virtual meetings when needed.

DREAMS Pro Club supports young professionals’ personal and professional growth. Small groups of 10–12 working professionals meet monthly to share strategies. The club fosters values of identity and community belonging, aiming to enhance communication skills, positive attitudes, leadership, cooperation, and community engagement.