DATE
13 Jun 2025
LOCATION
The story of Shivam Thakur and SGADF is not just one of vision—it is a story of action, persistence, and heart. It is not the tale of someone who waited for opportunities or approvals. It’s about a young man who created opportunities where none existed, and in doing so, created a foundation that today inspires thousands across India. In the earliest days of the School Games and Activity Development Foundation (SGADF), there were no grand offices, no team of organizers, and certainly no external funding. What there was—a single person who believed that sports and activity could change the future of Indian youth, especially in small towns and villages where opportunity rarely knocks. That person was Shivam Thakur. The Beginning: A One-Man Mission Armed with nothing more than a few printed leaflets, a diary, and unshakable determination, Shivam began visiting schools—one by one. He didn’t wait for recommendations or introductions. He would walk into school premises, request a meeting with the principal, and politely explain his vision: to conduct grassroots sports competitions that would allow every student—regardless of background—to showcase their talent. Many didn’t understand. Some thought it was impossible. But Shivam didn’t let the rejections slow him down. He kept going. His commitment was simple: if even one student got motivated through his visit, his time was worth it. He would wake up early and prepare his route for the day—targeting schools in different localities, sometimes far apart, traveling by public transport or on foot. He carried charts and sample medals, and spoke with passion that came from personal experience. He knew what it felt like to have talent but no platform. And that made him relatable. Encouraging the Unseen: Motivating the Forgotten Talents Once allowed into a classroom or assembly, Shivam didn’t talk like a corporate speaker. He connected emotionally. He would say things like: “You may not have fancy shoes or a ground to practice on, but if your heart is in the game, you deserve a chance.” His energy was contagious. He didn’t just talk about sports—he talked about self-belief, hard work, and the power of discipline. Many children who had never thought of participating in events before raised their hands. Teachers were surprised. This young man wasn’t selling anything. He was igniting something—hope. Over time, schools started inviting him instead of him having to request entry. Word began to spread: “There is someone who actually cares about our students. He listens. He encourages. He delivers.” Managing Events: From Whistle to Winners’ Podium After encouraging participation, came the toughest part—managing and organizing the events. With no team to back him, Shivam took on every role: Planning the venue layout Creating registration forms and ID cards Coordinating with school teachers and local vendors Arranging basic first-aid kits Ensuring drinking water for participants Personally calling parents to assure them of safety He also made sure every child, no matter their background, received a certificate or medal—something they could hold and feel proud of. Often, he paid from his own pocket to ensure a student without proper gear could participate. For him, “No child should sit out just because of money.” Sometimes, he would sleep on the school ground after an event just because he was too tired or didn’t have the means to go back and return again early next morning. That’s how involved he was—not as an organizer, but as a mentor, brother, and guide to the children. Building a Community, Not Just Events Shivam’s focus was never limited to competitions. He would stay back after events, talk to students, ask about their dreams, and motivate them to continue playing. He kept in touch with school staff, ensuring consistent follow-up. Over time, a community began forming—not just of students, but also teachers, volunteers, and even local authorities who admired his dedication. His ability to stay humble and work at the ground level made SGADF not just another organization—it became a movement that children and youth could trust. One principal once said, “Shivam doesn’t just organize games—he changes lives with them.” The Bigger Picture: Leading with Heart Even as SGADF began expanding, Shivam never distanced himself from the ground. He still visits schools personally, meets students, and ensures they know: “I was once like you. If I could stand here today, so can you.” His life is a reflection of his mission—to give every child a reason to believe in their worth, and a platform to prove it. He didn’t have millions in funding or political support. But he had something stronger—clarity of purpose and unshakable belief in India's youth. Today, SGADF has impacted thousands of students nationally and internationally. But Shivam’s biggest pride is still seeing a shy child turn confident after a match, or a rural school proudly showcasing their medal winners. Shivam’s Journey Proves One Thing Clearly: You don’t need everything to start something—you just need to start. From walking alone into schools to now leading one of India’s most inclusive sports development platforms, Shivam Thakur’s journey with SGADF is not just inspirational—it’s proof that with heart, grit, and selfless intention, anything is possible.
