The 10th Annual Conclave on Positive Thinking, organized by the Plus Approach Foundation (PAF), took place on 14th September 2024 at the India International Center, New Delhi. The event, themed “Yes I Can: Positive India,” gathered over 250 participants, including prominent personalities from the fields of industry, social welfare, media, and literature, to discuss and promote positivity.
Opening Session: The program began with a film about the Plus Approach Foundation, followed by a warm welcome from Shri R. C. Gupta, Chairman of the Plus Approach Foundation, who shared insights into the foundation's work and initiatives, including the Positive, Inspired, and Empowered (PIE) Village in Matela, Almora, Uttarakhand. He also led participants in a pledge on positivity.
Shri Gajendra Pathak, Mentor of the Matela Centre, and beneficiaries of the foundation shared their transformation stories, highlighting the positive impact of the "Shetlakhet Model" in fire prevention, which has been recognized by the Government of Uttarakhand.
Theme Session: Dr. Ashutosh Karnatak, Mentor of PAF, moderated the session "Positive India – Kal, Aaj Aur Kal," with a keynote address by Shri Vinod Agnihotri, Senior Journalist, who emphasized the need for hope, optimism, and purpose among the younger generation. He also highlighted the importance of conserving resources like water and food.
Dr. Harivansh Chaturvedi, Director General of IILM, inspired the audience with stories of individuals like Edmund Hillary and Dashrath Manjhi, while Shri Ashok Kumar, VP-HR at HMEL, spoke about developing sustainable habits and overcoming personal limitations.
Dr. Karnatak introduced the SDG(0) concept, a framework aimed at aligning minds toward a common goal, which PAF is advocating for recognition by the United Nations.
Motivational and Cultural Highlights: Ms. Suvarna Raj, Para Athlete and National Awardee, inspired attendees with her journey from disability to achievement. Poet Shri Arun Gemini’s engaging performance energized the audience with positivity and laughter.
Awards and Recognition: PAF recognized individuals and organizations for their contributions to society:
• PEAK Social Service Awards: NGOs Sarthak Pryas and NAB National Foundation for Blind Girls
• Yes I Can Achiever Awards: Shri Arun Singhal, Ms. Anjana Tewari, and Vikas Negi
• Yes I Can Entrepreneurship Award: Shri Gopal Bist
• Yes I Can Social Service Awards: Shri Manoj Sanwal and Dr. Hem Chand Kandpal
• SK Shahi Memorial Awards: Ananta Murai Dewri and Barkha Doley (CSRL students)
The SDG(0) - Positive Ambassador Awards were presented to individuals for their continued support of the Plus Approach Foundation.
Conclusion: Key takeaways from the conclave included the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, having a clear life purpose, fostering inclusive village growth, and embracing change as inevitable. Attendees were encouraged to challenge limitations, adopt new habits for personal transformation, and move forward toward their goals.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri S. K. Ghulyani, followed by a luncheon.