Ilaxi Sudhir Patel, Founder, Kidsfreesouls.com

 It was started in 1997 as a print media supplement “Freesouls” in English for Kids, Parents and Teachers in Sambhaav Newspapers, the site covers all supplement pages Since 2001, Kidsfreesouls continued coverage as a Newspaper for kids, parents, teachers and all who look for information, entertainment, education or just tech resources and on kids computing and social networking tools.

Ilaxi says “Journalism is a challenge. It is very important to write a Personal Mission. My Mission is: Spread the message of Love, Faith, Peace and Unity among Human beings. “

“Writing a Mission Statement helps remind us of our passions and helps us strive to reach our goal someway. I was asked once by a friend, 'How can you spread love, faith....?' I had no idea what to reply but the site might be a reply to this, I guess.”

“When I started writing, I wanted to gain wisdom and humanize the news. I came from an average family, convent educated -a Carmelite; where I use to borrow books and read! A day came, when I set up my own ‘Swagat Children’s Library’ and children from rich families to mediocre poured in for a sit & read, and Library and Grammar Fun classes. Eventually, my experiences helped me to write a Book on Parenting and I became an Author of “Guardian of Angels: A Practical Guide to Joyful Parenting.” The Book is available at amazon.com and all leading International Book stores.”

She explains how and why she took this road in life saying “I belong to a close knit family where all members believe in Gandhian values - in Giving and not receiving. They always said, 'You share your knowledge but don't sell it. Do not make it a profession' I also understand the Gita, 'Karm karo, Phal ki Iccha mat rakho' means, Do your job with no expectations.” 

From the Gita

Karmany eva ' dhikaras te, 

ma phalesu kadacana, 

ma karmaphalahetur bhut, 

ma te sango 'stv akarmani

Yogasthah kuru karmani,

Sangam tyaktva dhanamjaya, 

siddhyasiddhyoh samo bhutva, 

samatvam yoga ucyate

“Which means… Thy rights is to thy work alone, But never to the Fruits of work; 

Let not the rewards of action be thy motive, nor yet be attached to inaction

Steadfast in Yoga, O dhananjaya, do thou work; renounce attachment and be balanced in success of failure, such evenness of mind is called Yoga .This is how, I though of spreading Literacy and became an Educationist / Journalist / Author / Corporate Insurance Agent and a business person in family business. “

“As a Journalist, maybe we help others, or uncover corruption and the abuse of power. We conduct thorough research for our stories and explain how things work, or create positive change in our communities. As an Editor, there is more responsibility, loyalty, honesty, integrity and compassion required of you. Being a leader in Online Journalism has been a challenge; with hard work, we are growing more. Here, in Online Journalism as an Editor, you are the Boss, Content is king and surfers are the readers with Search Engines, who appreciate your work' - I am completely drawn to the joys of teaching and the rewards of creating an environment where the people are informed, learn and get tech savvy. There is no limits to what human souls can do on the web and I have nurtured my talents to be 'A Jack of all Trades and trying to be Master of All' – In this process, every day is a new day for learning and sharing the abundant joys of wisdom.” 

Kidsfreesouls is a newspaper for kids and NIE online. The contents are extensively used by kids, teachers and parents. Teachers are using the resources in classroom projects and the website is highly surfed, read and used by kids, parents and teachers. The website is also used for “Home schooling” and parents find the resources useful for themselves and children. They have free options for printing and downloading worksheets and NIE Tips on how to use Kidsfreesouls in the classroom and at home. 

Kidsfreesouls also has an Environment section, ‘Earth Talk’ and Counseling sections. The same are read by surfers and are interactive. The Environment column appears in English and Spanish. Also, five articles from the book “Guardian of Angels” have a translated version in the Romanian language which makes way for readers to use the resource.

Yourstory asked her how she gets all this done, because she does it all single handedly. She says “I write, design, manage, maintain, host, market and promote my own website www.kidsfreesouls.com (also www.mjakbar.org as Blogger and VA to M J Akbar, Covert Magazine and www.swagatgroup.net as Admin and Web Consultant ) “

“I also market/promote myself and my book “Guardian of Angels: A practical guide to Joyful Parenting, at amazon.com and other international stores online and share my wisdom and knowledge. Kidsfreesouls is on an endless Journey till I can perform my various Roles as Editor, Journalist, Author, Educationist and Business person. Also – Web Consultant, Web content Analyst and Web designer-SEO. “

“Online Journalism is a Revolution and NIE (Newspaper in Education) is the future of education in classrooms. Kidsfreesouls 2010 vision is focused on providing content for ‘Homeschooling’ and resources for kids, parents and teachers.” 

“I am involved in Government Projects, and hopefully the site will have major “Project worksheets” focused on learning in Gujarat and a Gujarat Project. The site will provide more content on Locations where Parents can help children to make Projects not only on Gujarat but focus on their specific countries/cities too.”

She has also been recognized for her outstanding work in Journalism .She has been awarded the Outstanding Journalist Award by Kadva Patidar Parivar and Mahila Seva Samaj and the Outstanding Personality Award by Ahmedabad Medical Association, Women’s Wing.

Kidsfreesouls.com is read in 180+ Countries & widely used by Kids, Parents & Teachers. The site also has visitors speaking Gujarati, Spanish, French and other Languages. Enhanced with Google Ads, it reaches to wide Audience from various fields like Online Journalism, Education, Business, Tech, kids, parents, teachers, etc.

Ilaxi has Five quotes that deliver her message to those willing to listen…

Desire + stability = Resolution

Resolution + Hard work + Determination & Dedication = Success

Just remember, “Knowledge without Experience and Exposure, is Incomplete”

Manage your Time – Never say, “I am Busy or I don’t get time” 

“By getting an opportunity to serve the society, we get a chance to repay our debt” 

Spread sunshine – Spread the message of love, faith, peace and unity among Human beings – Divide time between real and Internet world and pick the best from both.