Hyderabad :
Age is not a barrier and you’re never to old or young to make a difference. A group of Hyderabadi students have started Oakmont Education, a startup company which aims to improve people’s interpersonal skills, general knowledge and extampore. Formed in April 2014, Oakmont Education was started by two school students, Pravishta Nadella (17) and Jaswant Tummela (13), with a vision to bridge the gap between schooling and education.
“Through this we aim to develop the inter-personal skills, general knowledge and public speaking skills of students. I had noticed that a lot of people, even in higher classes, do not have the right kind of exposure to help develop these skills and through Oakmont Education, we attempt to sharpen these valuable skills for students, which they will need to move ahead in life,” says Pravishta Nadella, founder and CEO of Oakmont International.
The 17-year-old explains that they also help young students to help deal with other situations in life. “Situational awareness is also one of the things we shall be highlighting to various students. We focus on developing the aforementioned skills of students since we have established that they can get you out of any situation and will help make an immediate impact on large audiences,” he explains.
When asked about how they wish to achieve this goal, the youngster says, “We are collaborating with international organisations such as the Model United Nations, to bring forward a similar conference to the people of Hyderabad at a much cheaper price,” shares Pravishta, who’s currently studying in the International School of Hyderabad.
To promote the Model United Nations format in India, they will be organising The Asian Conference, which will provide aspiring students a feel of an international conference.
“The United Nations Information Centre will give us the material and will send across dignitaries to address the students at the conference. The students will get a complete feel of an international conference, at a much cheaper price,” he informs, adding that at Rs 3000, applicants will be receive accommodation for three days, while attending the conference.
Pravistha’s partner Jaswant is just 13 years of age and is currently studying in Oakridge International School. It is hard to imagine such young students organising such a huge event. Pravishta, however, brushes it aside.
“My mother has been my greatest inspiration really. I have been taught that age is not a barrier and It never really mattered for me,” he says.
Apart from The Asian Conference, Oakmont International is also organising sports-related events.
They are one of the key sponsors for the inaugural college quiz festival, which is set to take place on Saturday.
“We are looking to organise sports-related events to help improve young athletes to perform at an international platform,” he adds.
The Asian Conference will most likely to be held in the city in December.
The dates and venue have not yet been confirmed.
If you are interested in being a part of the conference, contact Pravistha Nadella at pravishta.n97@gmail.com.
source:m http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express Features / July 23rd, 2014