DATE
10 Jun 2025
LOCATION
Great revolutions don’t begin in stadiums or conference halls—they begin in the minds of those who refuse to give up. The story of the School Games and Activity Development Foundation (SGADF) is not just the tale of an organization. It’s the life journey of a young dreamer—Mr. Shivam Thakur—who started with nothing but a vision and turned it into a national platform empowering thousands of children across India. Born into a modest background, Shivam Thakur didn’t have the luxuries or opportunities that many take for granted. He faced challenges early in life—financial constraints, lack of resources, and limited exposure. But what he did have was determination, resilience, and an unwavering belief that sports and education could change lives. As a young student, Shivam often felt the sting of missed opportunities. He saw how many talented children around him gave up on their dreams simply because they didn’t have the right platform. While others accepted it as fate, Shivam dared to ask, “Why not create that platform ourselves?” That question sparked a fire that would one day become SGADF. With zero capital, no corporate support, and very little guidance, he began working from scratch—making phone calls, organizing small school-level events, meeting with principals, visiting rural schools, and personally encouraging children and parents to believe in sports and extracurricular activities. Every step was built on faith, hard work, and humility. In 2016, his consistent efforts began to take shape. SGADF was registered as a Non-Profit and Non-Government Organization, committed to promoting sports, physical education, cultural activities, youth leadership, and social development across India. It was more than paperwork—it was the formal birth of a dream. But Shivam didn’t stop there. He kept moving. In 2017, SGADF organized its first All India Championship at Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar, Haryana, where over 600 students from across India came together to compete in various sports and activities. That event wasn’t just a championship—it was history in the making. Shivam Thakur, the boy who once watched from the sidelines, was now welcoming children to a national stage he had built. Why was this championship important? Because for the first time, children from rural, semi-urban, and underserved communities shared a common platform, felt recognized, and knew that their talents mattered. Shivam knew firsthand what it meant to be overlooked, and he made sure no child under SGADF would feel that way. What does SGADF stand for today? It stands for opportunity without bias. It stands for unity through diversity, embracing students from all religions, castes, regions, and abilities—including the physically and intellectually challenged. Whether it’s kabaddi in Haryana, yoga in Kerala, boxing in Maharashtra, or drawing in a tribal village—SGADF is there, nurturing dreams. Under Shivam’s leadership, SGADF has expanded into national and international platforms, with Indian students representing the country in events like the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Malaysia Championships. Many of these students had never even stepped outside their towns before. Yet Shivam never forgets where it all began. He often speaks about how he once told his school principal that when he did something meaningful, he would return to thank her. And he kept that promise—inviting her to key events and honoring the people who believed in him when few others did. What makes Shivam Thakur's journey inspirational? He built something lasting—not for himself, but for others. In a world chasing personal success, he chose to build ladders for the next generation. He proved that you don’t need privilege to make a difference—you need purpose. The story of SGADF is a testament to what can happen when one person believes in something bigger than themselves. Shivam Thakur didn’t just create an organization—he created a movement. A movement of hope, equality, opportunity, and inspiration. Today, SGADF continues to grow, reaching more states, launching more events, training more youth, and proving that from humble beginnings, great things can rise—when led by passion, integrity, and the courage to drea
