Running a marathon is not just about running the 42.195 Km on the race day. It is more about the training for the event. The discipline required for the training brings out the best in oneself and is the real learning from the endeavour. It is not just about one’s physical ability but more about the mental determination to see oneself through the distance. Training and running marathons have been one of the memorable experiences of my life. I have decided to run the Bengaluru Marathon on October 18, 2015, and this time, it is with a difference. I will be running for Team ASHA – Bangalore.
Asha-Bangalore is a completely volunteer driven group where individuals put in time (without compensation) to support initiatives that help the underprivileged. Asha-Bangalore efforts focus on education, though are not limited to it. Asha ensures that 100% of donations go to support projects. Volunteers of Asha-Bangalore meet all administrative expenses with running the chapter. Currently, we support 6 Projects in Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Running marathons and fund-raising through marathon have been a routine feature amongst our volunteers, in USA as well as India.
I have been associated with ASHA for over 6 years and have found it to be more than just a fund-raising organisation. Apart from raising and disbursing funds, we also monitor the activities funded by us. Each of the projects have a ‘Steward,’ who voluntarily spends time with the projects and reports regularly on the activities of the Project. I am currently holding the Stewardship for Thulir – An Education Resource Center for children and young adults at Sittilingi, a tribal village in Dharmapuri District, Tamil Nadu. The goal of Thulir is to provide a place where children are in the presence of adults who can motivate them and provide support for learning, and can access basic learning resources that are not available to them in their homes or schools. My interaction (as well as the previous stewards) with the project, the annual disbursement of grants and the utilisation reports can be found here – http://www.ashanet.org/projects/project-view.php?p=967
Zero-Overheads – Although, we do have to charge for the payment gateway, where applicable and other incidental charges, Overheads incurred by volunteers are never funded out of the donations we receive. The travel and stay expenses incurred on our site visits are usually those of volunteers and there are no meeting expenses – Yes, we meet in Lalbagh, Bengaluru on 1st and 3rd Sundays and meetings are open for everyone to attend (although Lalbagh will still charge you Rs. 10 as entry fee!).
ASHA for Education has been chosen as one of the Charity partners for the upcoming Bengaluru Marathon to be held on October 18, 2015. By registering for the half/full marathon through us, you not only have the joy of finishing the Half/Full Marathon, but also the satisfaction of contributing towards the education of underprivileged children. Contributions to ASHA (after deducting payment gateway charges) are exempt from Income Tax under section 80(G). Register now for Bengaluru Marathon here – http://youtoocanrun.com/races/?ee=288
Feel free to write to me for more details.
Running and Beyond 