1. BOOK POST
Vol. 1, Issue No: 7, July - September 2012
Education,
Nutrition,
Rehabilitation & IT,
SAMHITA
Sports & Culture,
Environment,
Get Involved
INSIDE
· GLOBAL NEWS · ACHIEVEMENT IN SPORTS AND CULTURE
· CORPORATE NEWS · EVENTS
· CORPORATE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT · AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
· ORGANIZATION UPDATES · SPECIAL MENTION – ACHIEVER OF THE QUARTER
· NEWS FROM NORTH KARNATAKA · WHAT'S NEXT & HOW YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE
2. “Samhita”, Samarthanam's quarterly newsletter,
was initiated with the objective of keeping
stakeholders updated with key developments,
events and achievements , as well as our plans for
the future. This issue consolidates information
pertaining to the quarter Jul-Sep 2012.
Samhita literally means proceeding from/ put
together/ relating to, and Hita is welfare. “Samhita”
is a means to communicate Samarthanam's
welfare activities.
FOREWORD
In this issue of the newsletter prior to the T-20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind, we hope to share with
you our excitement about the impending tournament. When a visit to Sri Lanka during the T-20
World Cup Cricket was planned, to meet the teams and brief the players about the Blind Cricket World
Cup, we did not anticipate the kind of support that we got from them. There was an overwhelming
response from the Indian cricketers; their standing by us will take the event to greater levels.
We began preparations for the World Cup in Q2 2011, when the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC)
granted hosting rights to India. All the hard work of our employees, volunteers and well-wishers is
now about to pay off. Their efforts would have fructified in December 2012, with the successful
culmination of the event. We solicit your support in organizing this mega event and making it a grand
success.
Mahantesh G Kivadassanavar
Founder Managing Trustee The Newsletter Team –
Binoy
Prashanth
Mallikarjun
Chandrashekar
Kishore Joseph
Kumaraswamy C.R.
Arundhati Venkatesh
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www.samarthanam.org
3. GLOBAL NEWS
In 2011, Samarthanam was incorporated in MA as a non-profit, making it by definition a charity by
Law of Commonwealth. We are pleased to inform you that Samarthanam USA has now received tax
exemption by federal and state law and 501C3 status.
In 2012, we began a series of interviews with the Board members of Samarthanam USA. This is the
third in the series, with Ms. Raji Kompalli.
Interview with Ms. Raji Kompalli
Member of Board and Director, Samarthanam USA
I am Raji; I am on the Board of challenged students and have an electronic
Samarthanam USA. My day job is in education program to support students with
an R&D lab of a building materials visual challenges. All of these programs nicely
company. I have two lovely gelled to represent Samarthanam's core
daughters and live in Connecticut. principles. The vision is so profound and
I have personally known Samarthanam for over 11 commitment is incomparable. Mahantesh is a
years now. It all started in 2001 when GE in India visionary and his leadership skills are
was very active with a program called ELFUN. I was commendable. While I know what Mahantesh is
working with GE and we were adopting NGOs so personally capable of, the support team is also
that the employees can contribute to society very commendable.
during their free time. Samarthanam was identified Samarthanam USA is a non-profit organisation
as one such project. In the initial months, I was a by itself in the U.S., satisfying all the United States
volunteer reading to the kids, recording lessons regulations. We would like to strengthen our
and just spending my Saturday mornings with the team here and share some of the core principles
then Samarthanam team. As months rolled by, I of the team in India. We have a dedicated Board
started to lead the project and act as a liaison of Directors, and would like to hire a full-time
between GE and Samarthanam. During this person who would handle day-to-day activities
process, we wrote proposals for funds, equipment of the organisation. Our mission is to collaborate
and plain old volunteer hours. When I think back, with similar organisations based in USA. We
those were probably the best spent days of my life. would like to increase awareness about the
I relocated to USA in 2003 and since then have achievements of Samarthanam among the
been in electronic communication with Indian Community in US. This will ensure that we
Mahantesh & team. I recently visited Samarthanam have volunteers and well-wishers to contribute
in India and am amazed at the phenomenal to the greater good of the organisation.
growth the team has achieved. I am in awe and out I have seen the phenomenal growth of
of words seeing their achievements. As a team, Samarthanam in India. I wish them many more
they now support an orphanage, have a shelter for achievements and successes, and hope to see
battered women, house and train several visually them spread the message all over the country.
www.samarthanam.org
www.samarthanam.org
4. Corporate Acknowledgement (for the Quarter Jul-Sep 2012)
· We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to TIMKEN India for contributing towards the
barrier-free accessible school building being constructed at HSR Layout, Bangalore.
· We thank CISCO for their generous contribution towards our education programme
· We are thankful to the Karnataka state government for their support of the T-20 World Cup
Cricket for the Blind
CORPORATE NEWS
developing educational, social, cultural and
Chat with TIMKEN India technological aspects. As an organization,
Samarthanam has achieved several milestones
TIMKEN India's relationship with Samarthanam but we appreciate the fact that the zeal of the
has been further strengthened in recent months. organization to serve the society has never
TIMKEN has committed to sponsoring two floors diminished.
of the barrier-free accessible school building We feel proud that we have also become a part
being constructed at HSR Layout, Bangalore. of a major project - Timken has contributed
Here is what Ms. Shirley, their representative, funds towards the disabled-friendly school
had to say on the association with building in HSR Layout to bring children from
Samarthanam: various backgrounds under one roof and
provide them the best of education and
At Timken, we believe in extending our support infrastructural support.
to organizations that we feel are genuinely The experience of working with the people at
working at the grass root level. Timken India's Samarthanam has also helped our associates
association with the prestigious Samarthanam grow as better human beings. They have a
Trust will always be cherished. vision of a society free of discrimination.
We really appreciate the earnest efforts made by We would like to extend our heartiest and best
the trust that strives to make a difference in the wishes to Samarthanam to keep up the noble
lives of the differently-abled and the work. We look forward to work with them
underprivileged. What distinguishes hand in hand in their future endeavors, and
Samarthanam is its mission to change lives not take this relationship to new heights.
only through economic means but also
ORGANIZATION UPDATES
Techvision Graduation Ceremony
Techvision programme was initiated by Samarthanam in association Karnataka State Electronics
Development Corporation (KEONICS). As part of a six month course, students are trained in
computers and soft skills. The beneficiaries include those with visual impairment, orthopedical and
learning disability, mild neurological disorders and underprivileged rural youth.
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www.samarthanam.org
5. At a function organised, the 11th and 12th batches comprising 27 students received their certificates
from the Chief Guest Mr. Harsha Kadam Director of SKF. Mr. Manu Kidave and Mr Phalgun of SKF also
graced the occasion. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Mr. Harsha applauded the continued
education initiative and stressed upon having ambitious goals and the determination to achieve
those goals.
NEWS FROM NORTH KARNATAKA
· We are pleased to inform you that land has been allotted to Samarthanam by the government
authorities, which will enable us to increase the beneficiaries of our welfare activities in North
Karnataka. The allocation letter for land allotted by the HUDA (Hubli-Dharwad Urban Development
Authority) has been received.
· On the occasion of Teacher's Day, children expressed their love for the teachers and celebrated
with great enthusiasm.
SPORTS
Samarthanam team at Sri Lanka
Samarthanam's representatives were at Sri Samarthanam team meets Chris Gayle &Yuvraj Singh
Lanka during the T-20 World Cup, where they
met with players like Yuvraj Singh, Irfan
Pathan, Zaheer Khan, Virat Kohli, R. Ashwin
and Chris Gayle. The Indian cricketers were
briefed about the T-20 Blind Cricket World
Cup. We are overwhelmed by their response;
they have all pledged their support for the T-
20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind.
Samarthanam team with Arjuna Ranatunga & Ashwin R Samarthanam team with Virat Kohli,
Zaheer Khan & Irfan Pathan
CULTURE
'Sunadha', Samarthanam's cultural troupe,
performed at Orion mall. A spellbound audience
was treated to a fantastic performance, and
inspired, as the six visually impaired artistes
transcended physical barriers.
‘Sunadha’ performance at Orion Mall
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www.samarthanam.org
6. EVENTS
Unveiling of Mascot for the T-20 Blind Cricket
World Cup
Former captain of the Indian cricket team,
Sourav Ganguly, was formally introduced as
Brand Ambassador of T-20 World Cup Cricket
for the Blind. Ganguly unveiled the official
mascot for the tournament at Le Meridien,
Bangalore. The mascot is named the Tiger
named after legendary captain, Tiger Pataudi.
Speaking on the occasion, Ganguly said “It Sourav Ganguly unveiling the mascot
gives me great pleasure to be a part of this first T20 World Cup for the blind has already
special World Cup… everybody should have a had a very positive impact on creating
chance of proving themselves. I wish these awareness about the game which the game
young passionate cricketers all the best and and the cause richly deserve, and we are very
hope they succeed in bringing the world cup thankful to him for that.”
home and want them to know the nation will
be cheering for them”. Sourav also The British Deputy High Commissioner Mr.
autographed bats at the venue that will be Ian Felton, Senior members of TE
auctioned later to raise funds for the same Connectivity, and Mr. Subu Kota from
event. Boston Group United States,.Mr. Ashok
Khenny, M.D. NICE Ltd. and Mr. Praveen. K.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. G.K. Mahantesh M.D. Reddy structures Pvt. Ltd. among many
said “…who believe in their abilities, and are others, were present in the gathering to
here to encourage them to perform to the best extend their support.
of their abilities. Sourav' s association with the
CEOs Meet
Top CEOs from India and U.K. came together to Mr. Ian Felton, the British Deputy High
raise funds for the T20 World Cup Cricket for the Commissioner said, “I am happy to have been
Blind. The meet at the ITC Gardenia Hotel was involved with the Samarthanam Trust for the
hosted by the British High Commission. Disabled. Britain has always been actively in
Samarthanam is grateful for the participation of sports including the recently concluded
all the CEOs and their support for the cause, ITC Paralympics. Samarthanam is a wonderful
Gardenia and the British High Commission for organization fostering not only education, art
putting the event together. and culture but IT and sports as well, and
cricket in particular for the blind, which is a feat
in itself. I am
proud to be a
part of this event
and would be
happy to lend
my support in
whatever way I
can."
Samarthanam team with the British High Commissioner CEOs Meet
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www.samarthanam.org
7. Logo Launch Ceremony for the T-20 Blind Cricket
World Cup
The logo for the T-20 World Cup Cricket for the
Blind was released by the musical legend Shri
S.P. Balasubramaniam, in the presence of
veteran cricketers B.S. Chandrashekar & Syed
Kirmani, as well as yesteryear actors and
reigning stars from the Kannada film industry.
Following the logo launch, the man with the
golden voice performed live as thousands of
Bangaloreans present in the audience listened
spellbound. T-20 Blind Cricket World Cup Logo Launch Ceremony
· The Go Cycling Go Green event was
organized by Buzzintown.com and Woodland
to commemorate World Heart Day. Mr. G.K.
Mahantesh Founder Managing Trustee of
Samarthanam was part of the event and
cycled for the green cause.
Samarthanam’s G.K. Mahantesh cycling for a cause
· Happiest Minds Technologies, a next generation IT services provider founded by Mr. Ashok
Soota, celebrated its first anniversary with our children performing for them.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Green Award received the award from Sandalwood star
Puneet Rajkumar, at a function held at ITC
Parisara, Samarthanam's environmental wing, Windsor Manor Hotel. Among the dignitaries
won the Star Green Award for its waste present on the occasion were Mr. E.S.
management initiative. The awards were Chakravarthy, Centre Head, Bangalore, TCS,
initiated by Procam International to mark the 5th Murray Clushaw, Founder Chairman,
edition of TCS World 10K. Bangalore Cares, Charity Partner, Atul Bhalla,
GM of ITC Windsor, Vivek B. Singh, Jt. MD of
Procam International, the promoters of the
event.
Parisara was declared the winner out of five
shortlisted entries on the basis of public voting
(30% weightage) and jury (70%). The eminent
jury comprising Mr. Karan Bhalla (WWF-COO),
Mr. Hem Pande (Joint Secretary, MOEF), Dr.
Anil Kumar Dikshit (IIT Bombay), Prof
Samarthanam ‘Parisara’ receives the Star Green award Damodaran (Prof IIM - Bangalore) and Mr.
from Puneet Rajkumar Vivek B Singh (Joint Managing Director,
Procam International) screened the final five to
Mr. G.K. Mahantesh, Samarthanam founder judge the winner. The criteria for the award
managing trustee, along with Girish MN were idea, innovation, scale and impact.
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www.samarthanam.org
8. Samarthanam Founder on CNN-IBN Live News
Samarthanam Founder Managing Trustee Mr. G.K. Mahantesh appeared on the news bulletin of
the T.V. channel CNN-IBN Live. Mr. Mahantesh spoke about Samarthanam alumni Girisha's
Paralympic win and the forthcoming T-20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezcjzK-5n1A
Print Media Coverage
SPECIAL MENTION
Achiever of the Quarter
Our heartiest congratulations to Samarthanam alumni Girisha Hosanagara
Nagarajegowda for winning the silver medal in the high jump event at the
London 2012 Paralympics.
Girisha says, "I had no money, no rewards, no job, and not one person to
support me". It was at this juncture that he enrolled himself for BPO training with
Samarthanam. It was here that he was pushed to restart his sports training.
Paralympics medalist
VOLUNTEERS SPEAK Girisha H N
Gian and Marius
We, Gian (19) and Marius (20), day for more than 200 children between four
from Germany decided to and 17 years, including visually impaired,
volunteer at Samarthanam's mentally & physically challenged children,
Primary School in HSR Layout, adolescents and adults, orphans or children
Bangalore. from economically disadvantaged families.
The school does not only Also some of the teachers are physically
provide basic education, but disabled. After having spent six weeks (Gian)
also shelter and three meals a and two weeks (Marius), we got the
Gian and Marius
8 volunteering at Samarthanam
www.samarthanam.org
9. impression that the children live a safe, regulated notice their English having improved since we
and good life without suffering hunger or fear. have started teaching. The days are long and
Both school staff and children welcomed us and sometimes we are really exhausted in the
it did not take a long time for us to feel accepted evening, since we spend up to 13 hours a day
and appreciated. Everybody is very interested at the project.
and wants to know everything about our In our opinion, volunteering is all about
country, our culture and our families. We have a teaching and learning from each other to aim
lot of funny moments with teachers, children for the best result. All in all we have a very good
and the rest of the school staff, but also some time with plenty of unique experiences and do
serious conversations. not really look forward to get back home in a
Our job is to teach Basic English from 9:30 am to few weeks.
3:30 pm and to play with the children Samarthanam would like to thank Gian,
afterwards, which is a huge contrast; while they Marius and all the volunteers like them who
can drive one crazy during class they are really share their time and skills. We sincerely
fun to be with while playing. Nevertheless it is a appreciate their passion and dedication.
lot of fun most of the time, especially if you can
WHAT IS NEXT
Samarthanam CABI to host World Cup Cricket in India
The World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) conferred the hosting rights of the first-ever T – 20 Blind
Cricket World Cup to India. The World Cup will be held between December 1st and 13th in
Bangalore. Ten countries - Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa,
West Indies, Sri Lanka Nepal and host country India - will be taking part.
Sourav Ganguly is the brand ambassador of the event. All the Indian cricketers have pledged their
support for the T-20 Blind Cricket World Cup.
Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled is chief organizer of the World Cup. Cricket Association for
Blind in India (CABI), affiliated to (WBCC) World Blind Cricket Council, is the sports initiative of
Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. It is the apex body that organizes blind cricket across India.
World Cup memorabilia, merchandising, T-shirts and promotional events are planned. Please get
in touch with us to express your interest.
Financial Summary World Cup - Financials Breakup
· Total requirement (cash + kind) – 6.32 Crores
· 30% in kind is expected to be received
· Received till date – 2.5 Crores Expected in kind
Received till date (in crores) 1.78
· Shortfall – 2 Crores (in crores) 2.5
Shortfall
(in crores) 2
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w ww wa ms a m a rn h m . o r g. o r g
.s w. artha t a anam
10. Want to Contribute?
· Share your time and skills with us
· Assist with sales of memorabilia
· Raise funds for the World Cup
· Network with organizations for sponsorships
· Spread the word and promote the T-20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind
We urge you to contribute generously and have a hand in making this game-changing event a
success. Seize the opportunity; make a difference.
For more information, please contact us at +91-9449864699, +91-9448365929.
Walkathon 2012 - Walk for the World Cup Barrier-Free School
The annual Samarthanam Walk-a-thon is A 100% accessible residential school is under
scheduled to be held on November 17th, and construction in Bangalore. Envisaged as a
will be a fundraiser for the upcoming T-20 World state-of-the-art facility, the school will cater to
Cup Cricket for the Blind, besides being a forum around 700 differently-abled & economically
for creating awareness. This year we expect underprivileged
20,000 people from different walks of life to take students. We request
part in the walkathon. We urge you to support us you to contribute
– with your co-operation, contributions, and by generously towards
being there. Walk hand in hand with us for a completion of the
society free of discrimination! accessible school
project.
Upcoming Barrier-Free School
at HSR Layout
How to Donate
Donations to Samarthanam are exempted from tax under sec 80G & 35AC of Income Tax Act.
Cheque or DD should be drawn in favour of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled (OR) you can
donate online through our website www.samarthanam.org/Donate to Samarthanam
For more details, please write to kumar@samarthanam.org/mahantesh@samarthanam.org or call
+91-9449864775/ +91-9448365929.
· If you would like to receive the e-newsletter by email and/or unsubscribe from the newsletter,
please contact prashanth@samarthanam.org
or CA: 39, 15th Cross, 16th Main, Sector – 4, HSR Layout, Bengaluru – 560102 Karnataka State, India,
Telephone: +91-80-25721444, Email: info@samarthanam.org
with your complete postal address.
· If you would like to make a financial contribution towards receipt of the newsletter, please
write to kumar@samarthanam.org
10
www.samarthanam.org
11. Cricket for the Blind
Sourav Ganguly
T-20 World Cup Brand Ambassador
1st-13th
For sponsorship and other details contact: 9448365929, 9449864699, 9449864695, 9945145252, 9449864775, 9449864787
Email: info@samarthanam.org, mahantesh@samarthanam.org
www.blindcricket.in
Presents
B E N G A L U R U
On Saturday WALK-A-THON 2012
17th
November 2012 In Aid of T-20 World Cup for the Blind
Kittur Rani Chennamma Stadium, Jayanagar 3rd Block,
Near Cosmopolitan Club. @ 3 pm
Cultural Extravaganza
from 6.00 pm onwards
Roopika
Walkathon Brand Ambassador
For online registration: www.samarthanam.org/walkathon
www.buzzintown.com
Contact: CA#39, 15th Cross, 16th Main, Sector - 4, H.S.R. Layout, Bengaluru - 560102, Tele-Fax : +91 80 26582570
E-mail: mahantesh@samarthanam.org, Mobile: +91 9449864687, For registrations contact : 9449864775, 9449864784
www.samarthanam.org
12. T-20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind
1st - 13th December 2012 at Bangalore
Head Office: CA: 39, 15th Cross, 16th Main, Sector – 4, HSR Layout,
Bengaluru – 560102 Karnataka State, India,
Telephone: +91-80-25721444, Email: info@samarthanam.org
Peenya Division:
Bidadi Division: Gadag Division: Dharwad Division: Vividha Enterprises,
#370/1, L H.Dudihalli Building, Samarthanam Parisara, Door No. 48, No.66, 6th Main, 3rd phase,
Ashwini Umesh Arcade 4th Cross,Panchakshar Nagar, Dasappa & Sons Building, Peenya Industrial Area,
Basement, B.G.S. Road, Gadag, Karnataka, 5th Main, Gandhi Nagar, Bangalore - 560058,
Bidadi -562 109 Ph: Office: 08372237775 Dharwad 580 004, Ph: 0836- 3194038, Mobile: +919449864778
www.samarthanam.org