Meet The Leaders Of Barefoot
Nidhi Vainavi Selvakumar
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Hobbies: Baking (passion), crocheting, reading novels
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Passion for Baking: Love experimenting with new recipes and methods
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Best Memory: Being voted vice-captain and joining the student council
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Favourite Sport: Football – fun and competitive
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Barefoot Project: A great way to give back helping those in need with footwear
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Best Shoes Owned: New Balance sneakers & Birkenstocks – versatile and comfortable
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If I Were a Shoe: The most comfortable, hugging the feet perfectly
Ddarsh
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Hobbies & Interests: Playing basketball, learning chess, interested in physics
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Best Memory: Watching my favorite cricket players in a semi-final live
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Favourite Sport: Basketball
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Reason for Joining Project: To build my portfolio and help those in need
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Why This Project Matters: Witnessed students in Africa walking barefoot for kilometers; want to help people in India access shoes for essentials like water and education
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Best Shoes Owned: Basketball shoes – very comfortable
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If I Were a Shoe: I’d have unique, cool laces different from the original ones
Nadhira
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Hobbies & Interests: Singing, drawing, playing Minecraft & Genshin Impact
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Why She Loves Art & Music: Reminds her of childhood classes, grants freedom of thought.
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Reason for Joining Project: Wants to use her experience to help others.
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Personal Connection: Overcame gadget addiction, hopes to guide other kids.
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Why This Project Matters: Helps kids stop procrastinating by providing solutions without judgment
Neya Baskar
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Hobbies & Interests: Athlete, loves dancing, learning Bharatanatyam for 10 years.
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Best Memory: Getting a younger sibling
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Favourite Sports: Tennis & football; played in school team & local tournaments
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Reason for Joining Project: Believes shoes are a basic necessity and wants to help provide them
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Best Shoes Owned: Puma sneakers
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If I Were a Shoe: I’d be a trail runner, as I love adventures like hiking
Advika Kamath
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Hobbies: Dancing – a joyful and expressive activity.
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Passions: Playing the piano, reading, and singing
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Best Memory: Family vacation to Europe
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Favorite Sports: Basketball & volleyball – love the teamwork and enthusiasm
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Reason for Joining Project: Helping those in need by providing proper footwear
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Why This Project Matters: Everyone deserves a basic standard of life; those with resources should help others
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Best Shoes Owned: Purple Skechers – versatile and super comfortable
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If I Were a Shoe: Shiny heels – elegant and graceful
Atharv Jain (Grade 7)
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Hobbies: Playing basketball
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Interest: Physics
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Best Memory: Watching my favorite cricket players in a semi-final live
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Favorite Sport: Basketball; currently learning chess
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Reason for Joining Project: To build my portfolio
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Why This Project Matters: Witnessed students in Africa walking barefoot for kilometers; want to help people in India access shoes for essential travel
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Best Shoes Owned: Basketball shoes – very comfortable
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If I Were a Shoe: I’d have unique, cool laces different from the original ones
Dhaman Chandran
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Best Memory: Trekking in Kotagiri, rewarded with a beautiful sunset after a 2-hour hike
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Importance of Shoes: Trekking shoes provided grip and support, allowing me to enjoy the journey
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Why This Project Matters: Many people lack proper footwear; donating unused shoes can make a big difference
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Favorite Sport: Football – playing since childhood, passionate about football boots
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Personal Contribution: Donating old football boots to help kids pursue their dreams or enjoy the game
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Goal: Ensure everyone has access to proper footwear and encourage others to contribute
Fia Inamdar
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Hobby: Practicing Taekwondo
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Passion: Empowering young girls in STEM and making science accessible
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Best Memory: Winning first place at the Thailand Open International Taekwondo Championship
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Favorite Sport: Taekwondo – challenges me physically and mentally
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Reason for Joining Project: To create a positive impact and raise awareness
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Why This Project Matters: Addresses social inequalities and provides basic necessities
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Best Shoes Owned: Durable white Taekwondo training shoes – my companion through practice
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If I Were a Shoe: I’d be running shoes – reliable, resilient, and always moving forward
Manvi Jain
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Hobbies: Baking and dancing
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Passion: Baking—I own a home bakery, and bringing joy through my creations motivates me
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Best Memory: Performing in Bangkok with my team, dancing purely for the joy of it
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Favorite Sports: Squash and kho-kho
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Why This Project: To help those in need and make a positive community impact
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Why Necessary: Shoes are a basic need, and lack of access affects health and daily life
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Best Shoes: White Onitsuka shoes with black and gold stripes—versatile and stylish
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If I Were a Shoe: A classic pair of Converse -casual, timeless, and full of personality
Akhil Kuditipudi
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Hobby & Passion: Playing sports
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Best Memory: Winning an inter-school cricket competition
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Favorite Sport: Cricket
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Why This Project: To donate shoes and make a positive impact
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Why It Matters: Many people walk barefoot, which can lead to foot problems-this project helps ensure comfort and protection
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Best Shoes Owned: Nike running shoes – perfect for all activities
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If I Were a Shoe: I’d be a running shoe—fast-paced, energetic, and always on the move
Siddharth Rajesh
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Favorite Hobbies: Running, Basketball, Karting
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Passion: Studying Physics – fun and fascinating
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Best Memory: Cruise to Ensenada
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Best Pair of Shoes: Crocs
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Favorite Sport: Running and Basketball
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Why This Project: I love making people happy, especially those in need—excited to dedicate my time and effort to this shoe drive
Yashvardhan Sanghi
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Favorite Hobby: Playing the electric guitar – helps me express and unwind
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Passion: Computer Science & Community Service – love solving problems and helping others
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Best Memory: Volunteering to teach English at a government school
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Favorite Sports: Casual cricket and football with friends
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Why This Project: To give back and address the often-overlooked need for proper footwear
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Why It’s Necessary: Footwear improves health, safety, and daily life for the underprivileged
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Best Pair of Shoes: Asics sport shoes – great for long walks and outdoor activities
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If I Were a Shoe: I’d be versatile sneakers – reliable, adaptable, and ready for challenges
Kanishk Bammi
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Favorite Hobby: Watching and playing cricket with friends
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Passion: Learning about stocks and finance—fascinated by how they shape the global economy
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Most Memorable Experience: A 3-day Goa trip with school friends after 10th-grade board exams
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Favorite Sport: Cricket
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Why This Project Matters: Many people walk long distances without shoes, risking injuries and infections. Donating shoes can improve their safety and well-being
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Best Pair of Shoes I Own: My white Adidas Ultraboosts—super comfy, versatile, and perfect for everyday wear
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If I Were a Shoe: I’d be a classic leather loafer—practical, polished, and always dependable
Shanaya Thadani
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Favorite Hobbies: Going to the gym, playing the piano, and spending time with friends
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Passion: Environmental protection—finding creative ways to create large-scale impact and inspire others to take action
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Most Memorable Experience: Being a subhead for Ecotopia at my previous school, leading initiatives to help save the planet
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Favorite Sport or Activity: Gym workouts and piano practice
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Why This Project Matters: Footwear is a basic necessity that many go without. Donating shoes helps improve mobility, safety, and dignity for underprivileged communities
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Best Pair of Shoes I Own: My white platform sneakers—they go with everything and reflect my personal style
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If I Were a Shoe: I’d be a sleek pair of eco-friendly sneakers—stylish, sustainable, and always ready to take a step toward positive change
Samriddhi Rajiv
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Favourite Hobby: Reading
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Passion: Economics and Biology
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Most Memorable Experience: Being named Player of the Month in a football league
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Favourite Sport: Football
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Why I Want to Do This Project: Giving back to the community is important to me, and I hope to make a small difference while learning more about those around me
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Why This Project Is Necessary: Many people lack basic footwear, which is essential not just for protection but also for hygiene
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Best Pair of Shoes: My Crocs—they’re comfy, versatile, and my go-to for every occasion
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If I Were a Shoe: I’d provide safety and comfort with every step
Samarth Srinivas Sunkam
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Favourite Hobbies: Playing the piano and guitar
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Passion: Finding scientific and entrepreneurial solutions to issues like pollution
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Most Memorable Experience: Staying at an ecological research centre in a rainforest
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Favourite Games/Sports: Table tennis and video games
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Why I Want to Do This Project: I enjoy helping people and believe in gaining gratitude through real-life experiences
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Why This Project Is Necessary: Many lack quality footwear, which limits access to education and work; this also promotes reusing plastic footwear sustainably
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Best Pair of Shoes: White sneakers I’ve worn for all my performances
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If I Were a Shoe: I’d balance firmness and cushioning—offering support, but encouraging independence
Radhika Kapoor
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Hobbies & Interests: Playing Guitar
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Best Memory: Winning the school topper award
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Favourite Sport: Taekwondo
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Reason for Joining Project: I want to be part of this Project because it allows me to contribute directly to improving lives and creating awareness through action and not just words.
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Why This Project Matters: Footwear is a basic necessity that many people still lack. This project helps address health and dignity while encouraging empathy and social responsibility.
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Best Shoes Owned: My comfortable everyday shoes that support me through long days and new challenges.
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If I Were a Shoe: I would... Be reliable and strong. Always ready to walk long distances and support someone who needs it most.
Nathan George
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Hobbies & Interests: Playing Sports
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Best Memory: Winning Best Player award at a tournament.
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Favourite Sport: Football
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Reason for Joining Project: I want to make a difference in the society that we live in.
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Why This Project Matters: I think this project is necessary because it raises awareness of community issues and encourages young people to make a positive impact.
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Best Shoes Owned:My trusted football studs that are with me at all times
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If I Were a Shoe: I Would be a shoe that would be strong , dependable and walk along with my owner to handle tough situations.
Alika Parmar
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Hobbies & Interests: Doodling , Painting
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Best Memory: My first speech on stage in a school competition
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Favourite Sport: Badminton
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Reason for Joining Project: Because it helps me build leadership skills and simultaneously helps people
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Why This Project Matters: I think it is necessary because shoes are a basic necessity and not many people focus on it
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Best Shoes Owned: My Birkenstocks which are the most comfortable slippers i own
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If I Were a Shoe: I Would wish that every step taken makes a difference be it personal or global
Anupama Janakiraman
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Hobbies & Interests: Writing, Astronautical Engineering
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Best Memory: Winning first place in our school's Elocution competition
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Favourite Sport: Tennis
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Reason for Joining Project: This project is similar to initiatives I’ve pursued before, and I believe my communication skills and passion make me a strong fit.
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Why This Project Matters: A mass collection of used shoes can create a real difference, especially for low-impact households in and around Tamil Nadu. I believe this project addresses that need in
an extraordinary way.
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Best Shoes Owned: My go-to cut shoes—they’re versatile enough for both formal events and casual outings.
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If I Were a Shoe: I Would be a multi-purpose pair, one that helps its owner get through anything with just me and no more.
Vaibhav Shukla
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Hobbies & Interests: MUN, Travelling, Gym Business, Entrepreneurship, and Economics
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Best Memory: Involved in raising 10,000 THB for charity in 30 minutes
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Favourite Sport: Cycling, Running, Wakeboarding
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Reason for Joining Project: I wish to help people in need by providing them with proper footwear and raising awareness about its importance since I find shoes as an essential item.
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Why This Project Matters: Lacking access to basic footwear negatively affects both health and opportunities. This project can genuinely improve living standards and people's lives.
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Best Shoes Owned: Nike Air Force 1s, Nike Air Jordan 1 Lows, or Asics Magic Speed 2
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If I Were a Shoe: I Would be a sneaker that’s desired by many for its value and appeal. Adaptable to any terrain and built to last.
Sidh Bothra
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Hobbies & Interests: Football, Squash
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Best Memory: Winning the MSSA football competition
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Favourite Sport: Football
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Reason for Joining Project: I want to do this project to help the people who suffer and are underprivileged.
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Why This Project Matters: This project is necessary cause not having sufficient footwear causes diseases which are life threatening and the people cant even afford treatment. This project helps save lives and makes it easier for those who walk around barefoot all day looking for shelter and food.
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Best Shoes Owned: My running shoes because those are shoes I can wear in any situation and prevent me from buying other shoes for wearing since i can wear those instead.
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If I Were a Shoe: Be the kind that is reliable and long lasting and comfortable.
Pragathi Marlecha
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Hobbies & Interests: Dancing , Business Technology
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Best Memory: A summer camp in NUS university
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Favourite Sport: Swimming
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Reason for Joining Project: I care about equal opportunity and want to help children get to school safely.
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Why This Project Matters: No child should have to walk barefoot to learn, and it’s a basic need, not a luxury.
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Best Shoes Owned: My sandals
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If I Were a Shoe: Be the kind that quietly encourages you to take chances, because you only live once, and every step counts.
Neha Nair
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Hobbies & Interests: Dancing , Biology and Music
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Best Memory: Winning first prize in School Band Competition
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Favourite Sport: Tennis
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Reason for Joining Project: To help several people in need receive proper footwear so that they feel protected, comfortable and are smiling with satisfaction.
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Why This Project Matters: It is necessary for everyone to have their own footwear to be able to perform their daily activities.
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Best Shoes Owned: The sneakers my sister gifted me, because they remind me of her.
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If I Were a Shoe: Provide my wearer with comfort and longevity so that I can accompany them on every adventure.
Soureesh Gundeti
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Hobbies & Interests: Basketball & Reading ,Automobile engineering and design
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Best Memory: Winning the sports day at school with me as captain
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Favourite Sport: Basketball
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Reason for Joining Project: To help the people in need as its our responsibility to give back to our fellow citizens
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Why This Project Matters: As every kid,adult or elder requires basic necessities such as a good pair of shoes that might play a small role in easing out their lives.
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Best Shoes Owned: I like shoes a lot and collect them so has to be Air Jordan 1's.
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If I Were a Shoe: Be a stylish but sturdy reliable but radiant shoe that is accessible to people of all levels of income and put a smile on one's face just by looking at it
Diti Parashar
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Hobbies & Interests: Singing , Music
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Best Memory: Winning the sports day at school with me as captain
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Favourite Sport: Badminton
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Reason for Joining Project: I want to do the Barefoot Project to help people in need and raise awareness about the importance of proper footwear and health.
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Why This Project Matters: This project is important because it helps people in need while educating communities about the vital link between footwear, health, and safety.
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Best Shoes Owned: My sneakers
because they're comfortable, durable, and are appropriate for any occasion.
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If I Were a Shoe: I would be an adaptable shoe, one that can be worn on any track and on any occasion.
Aiesha Bharwani
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Hobbies & Interests: Dancing , Design
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Best Memory: Helping someone and realizing how much it meant
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Favourite Sport: Chess
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Reason for Joining Project: Many people around the world lack shoes, putting their health, safety, and opportunities at risk. By donating shoes, we can offer protection, dignity, and hope. Small acts like this can create a powerful ripple effect, and I’m excited to be part of it.
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Why This Project Matters: This project brings attention to something we often take for granted -having proper footwear. It reminds us how even the smallest things like a pair of shoes - can make a big difference in someone’s life.
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Best Shoes Owned: A white pair of sneakers which go perfect with every outfit.
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If I Were a Shoe: I would be…. a Pair of Comfortable Slippers.