The Let Us Dream (LUD) Annual Conference 2024, hosted by St. Francis Degree College for Women, was a beacon of innovation and collaboration. Over 500 participants, including students, educators, and changemakers, gathered under the theme “Building a Holistic Community: Strategies and Solutions.”

The event featured thought-provoking panel discussions on Education: Ethical AI integration and curriculum reforms, Health: Women’s mental health and maternal care, Social: Empowerment of marginalized communities and grassroots development.

Changemakers like Father Jose, Jaya Bharathi (MOWO Movement), Dr. Sajadullah, and Subhalakshmi shared inspiring stories of resilience and transformation. Dr. Sr. Alphonsa, Principal of St. Francis College, emphasized equipping students to address societal challenges. The event was supported by collaborations with premier institutions across Hyderabad, further enriching its impact.

Founded in 2017, Let Us Dream drives global sustainable and inclusive development efforts. The 2024 conference reinforced a collective commitment to fostering compassion and holistic growth, inspiring participants to dream, collaborate, and act for meaningful change.

The Inaugural Let Us Dream Annual Community Conference 2024, hosted at Savitribai Phule Pune University,united changemakers, thought leaders, and advocates to address critical health, social challenges, and education issues. This landmark event emphasized the power of collaboration and community-driven solutions to foster impactful development.

The Health Panel tackled essential topics, including digital accessibility, fitness, and diabetes prevention. Among the notable speakers, Mrs. Tejasvini, CEO of Sugamya Digital Solutions, inspired attendees with her remarkable advocacy for digital literacy and healthcare despite being visually impaired. Mr. Bhagwat shared expert insights on physiotherapy, while Dr. Ravindra highlighted the importance of mindful living and healthy dietary habits.

Addressing social challenges, the Social Issues Panel sheds light on pressing concerns such as human trafficking and inclusivity. Dr. Mathew detailed Maharashtra’s anti-trafficking measures, Ms. Suhasini emphasized the need for survivor rehabilitation, and Mr. Tushar championed equitable education opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

The Education Panel underscored the significance of inclusive and accessible learning environments. Dr.Pharande shared experiences from his impactful work in Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Sadakale advocated for the transformative potential of rural education, and Ms. Patwardhan highlighted vocational training as a vital tool for empowering communities.

By fostering meaningful discussions and actionable strategies, the conference served as a vibrant platform for collaboration, advancing the shared vision of holistic and sustainable community development. It marked a significant step toward addressing societal challenges with innovative and inclusive approaches.

The Youth and Employability Conference 2024, hosted by St. Francis De Sales (Autonomous) College in collaboration with Jyoti Nivas College and Christ (Deemed to be University), focused on preparing the next generation for the challenges of the modern workforce. The conference brought together thought leaders, educators, and industry experts to explore innovative strategies for enhancing workforce readiness.

Renowned changemakers included Ms. Suja Warriar, Director of Academia at Wequity, who emphasized the importance of sustainability and diversity in education; Ms. Suma Merlin, Assistant Professor at St. Francis De Sales College, who advocated for experiential learning; and Mr. Venu Doddavarapu, Founder of Theatre for Liberation, who highlighted the value of social-emotional learning frameworks like the Delhi Government's Happiness Curriculum.

Key themes of the conference revolved around skill development, fostering industry-academia collaboration, and driving entrepreneurial innovation. These discussions aimed to bridge the gap between education and employability, equipping youth with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an ever-changing job market.

The event underscored the host institutions’ dedication to empowering young individuals with actionable insights and transformative ideas, paving the way for a sustainable and inclusive future.

The Let Us Dream Annual Community Conference 2024, hosted by Women’s Christian College (WCC), celebrated collaboration and sustainability, bringing together over 608 participants, including students, researchers, NGO leaders, and thought experts. The event provided a platform for transformative discussions under the theme “A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Well-Being.”

Interactive panel discussions, inspiring dialogues, and impactful workshops explored real-world challenges and sustainability initiatives. Students from 13 colleges actively participated, alongside contributions from over 80 NGOs, fostering collaborative efforts and practical solutions. Stories of resilience and innovation showcased the importance of compassion and holistic growth in driving community change.

Keynote changemakers such as Arun Fernandez, founder of Blink Foundation, and Ponni Bharatanatyam, a celebrated dancer and trainer, highlighted the transformative power of community-driven action and sustainability.

WCC Principal Dr. Lilian I. Jasper, emphasized the conference’s role in empowering students to become socially responsible leaders equipped to address pressing societal challenges. The event reinforced the vision of a sustainable future driven by collective action and meaningful collaboration.

Grambling State University hosted the inaugural Let Us Dream Conference 2024 at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center, uniting students, educators, and community leaders in a powerful celebration of social justice, cultural competence, and community empowerment.

The event featured dynamic panel discussions, cultural performances, and poignant tributes, including a heartfelt homage to the late Tori Smith, LUD 2024 social committee chair. Madison Mason’s evocative poem, What a Beautiful Gift It Is to Let Us Dream, resonated deeply with attendees, inspiring resilience and hope.

Founder Fr. Lijo Thomas highlighted the importance of weaving community stories into actionable models for meaningful change. Grambling President Martin Lemelle Jr. and other university leaders emphasized the value of cross-cultural exchanges and global awareness in fostering inclusive communities. Panel discussions explored initiatives to promote equity, inclusion, and safety in education. At the same time, Deputy Sheriff Gary Guice introduced the Dream Program, empowering overlooked students to discover their voices and achieve their full potential.

The conference served as a testament to the transformative power of collective dreaming, laying the groundwork for inclusive, empowered, and forward-looking communities.

Today, the Let Us Dream Conference 2024 occurred at the Binghamton University Downtown Center, centered on "Empowering Community Betterment." This inspiring event brought together students, local organizations, and community leaders to share stories of leadership and foster meaningful collaboration.

Fr. Lijo Thomas, founder and director of Let Us Dream, shared his vision for the conference: “The idea came about to bring local community service initiatives together to share their stories with the next generation and connect universities with community organizations. It’s a space for people with bigger hearts for their community—not for themselves—who are focused on making others’ lives easier and happier.”

The conference served as a hub for community engagement, spotlighting organizations like the Children’s Home, the Center of Treatment Innovation, and the Lee Barta Community Center. A standout feature was Nathan’s Butterflies, an organization founded by Ben Cucci following the loss of his brother at a young age.

Ben, alongside President Frances Bidwell, has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about youth grief. Bidwell reflected, “He knew he felt better with a kind act and wanted his grieving family to feel better too. Eight years into this, Ben, now a freshman at Vestal High School, has continued to grow civic engagement among diverse groups of children and families.”

Ben’s dedication was honored with the prestigious "Changemaker" award, recognizing exceptional contributions to non-profit service. As the youngest of ten award recipients this year, his story of resilience and leadership resonated deeply with attendees.

The event highlighted the transformative power of compassion and collaboration, inspiring participants to pursue meaningful contributions to their communities.

The Let Us Dream Annual Community Conference 2024 at Christ Nagar College brought together changemakers, thought leaders, and advocates for a day of impactful discussions and collaborative action. Centered on fostering social progress and holistic well-being, the conference provided a platform to address pressing community challenges. The event opened with an inspiring welcome by Ms. Deepthi Rani SS, who acknowledged the presence of esteemed guests, including Raju Narayana Swamy IAS. Fr. Lijo Thomas, founder of the Let Us Dream initiative, delivered a heartfelt speech highlighting the transformative power of collective efforts in societal change. Mr. Jimmy Manuel, Chair of the conference, shared his connection to the initiative, inspiring the audience to take actionable steps toward community betterment.

In his keynote address, Raju Narayana Swamy IAS underscored the importance of equality, gender inclusivity, and creativity as pillars for strengthening democracy. The conference featured two engaging panels addressing social and health-related issues. Sheeja Sandra of Snehasandram Charitable Trust spoke about her work with specially-abled individuals, while Prabin PB of the Nadi Foundation emphasized youth empowerment and mental health. Jekcy C. Joy of Green Worms highlighted sustainable waste management strategies, and Niteesh Sundareshan of Varsya Eco Solutions stressed the need for eco-friendly packaging. Health experts Dr. Ajan M. J. and Dr. Athira Menon explored community health and holistic approaches to reproductive health, offering practical solutions to improve well-being.

The conference concluded on a high note, inspiring attendees with stories of resilience and innovation. It catalyzed meaningful collaborations, motivating participants to take community-driven initiatives forward. Reflecting on the event’s success, Fr. Lijo Thomas remarked, “The conference is a reminder that by coming together, we can create meaningful change.” The Let Us Dream Annual Community Conference 2024 left a lasting impression, empowering individuals to pursue projects prioritizing inclusivity, sustainability, and societal progress.

Let Us Dream invites its membership to consider service on the Board of Directors. Nominations will be open till 31st January 2025. LUD encourages nominations from folks who represent diverse voices, perspectives, and sectors, and who will help further the Association’s mission. We are specifically looking for nominees interested in serving on one of the following committees: Conference, Governance, Awards, Cross-Cultural Equity, and Membership. Please visit our website for more information on the scope of these.

Currently, 3 (up to 5) at-large positions are open for the upcoming term. To learn more about the nomination process, please visit our website: https://letusdream.org/ To nominate yourself or a colleague, please submit the form link by 31st Jan, 2025.