Team Asha

I finally decided that it is time that I have to do something to give back to this world and what is more precious that being able to provide education for a child. I got myself associated with Asha Austin, a non profit organization that provides education and support for the underpriviliged children in India. I was amazed at their activities and signed up to be a part of thier fundraising efforts. I am training for the Team Asha Half Marathon. My target race is the Austin Half Marathon. the idea is to run to raise funds, I have more information about this on my Runner's page and I hope you get a chance to visit it and make a difference for the children.
My motivation and main driving force behind this that, this small effort from me can provide education for a child for one year! My motto is "Run miles to generate smiles! ;-)"

Why run rather than donate? I think running would be a bigger commitment and contribution to such a noble cause. :-)
ASHA, means Hope.. and sometimes hope is everything in a person's life. Let's keep this hope alive for the kids!

In their shoes

We sometimes say that the other person doesn't understand what we are going through, unless they are in our shoes or same situations. I saw this video which Chaya, a good friend of mine recommended to me and it was a really touching clipping! It was a survey in which people are asked what they would do if they are given Rs. 500. The answers people gave were just stupid to amazing! I really mean the wide range! The responses ranged from to get a haircut, eat, shop for clothes to get groceries for home, pay school fees! Yes, this is was a child's answer. It looked like he was working to sustain himself, his studies and also trying to support his family. Indeed the world moulds you to be a more mature person depending on the circumstances around us, when we as kids at that age would have more materialistic gifts in view; this kid was way ahead in the league. Hardships often occur in everyone's life and it is a part to be honored and lessons to be learnt from the situations.

It sometimes is very startling to know how we all have our small world of dreams/reality we live in, little realizing the hardships others go through around us. Like living in a valley, we fail to see a world beyond the mountains. It is time we look above the horizon and make a difference for the underpriviliged. We all live in our protective shell and look at our needs as priority, which is a good thing, but not always. I personally have had thoughts that I am in the worst situation and now I feel stupid for saying so when so many around have issues far grave, and yet they smile! I admire that clan of people who are strong and know what they want and go far extents to achive that good deed!

I think that it is time for us as individuals and the future leaders to take a step further and be more productive for the country. Well I know people may say I (me) might not be doing anything and it is easier to say and advice especially when I am far off in another country. But trust me, everyone can make an effort to improve the system, no matter which part of the world you are. We do not have to be politicians or leaders to do good (Well how much good our voted politicians do after they're elected is an entirely different issue!). All that is needed is the will to do and a heart to carry on the efforts.

We might not be able to rebuild the existing system, but we can remodel it through small revisions such as education for all, good safe drinking water etc. I am associated with Asha, a non profit organization which provides education for children in rural areas and runs schools for the differently abled. Every small effort by individuals can make a huge difference and that is how Asha has grown!

More on Asha in my next blog post. I hope all of you don't miss out on reading that and please think about it and hope YOU make a difference!