Get together with a purpose - 12-Dec-11 in Mumbai presentation by Prof. Trilochan Sastry

The get together with a purpose meet organised by Caring Friends, Mumbai on 12-Dec-11 was attended by about 85+ friends. 

During this meet, Prof. Trilochan Sastry, (B.Tech from IIT Delhi, MBA from IIM Ahmedabad & Ph.D from MIT, USA), presently working as Dean–IIM, Bangalore presented his work.

Prof Sastry spoke about both his organizations –

The Farmers Co-operative, viz., Center For Collective Development (CCD),  in Andhra Pradesh,which is doing good work to scale up the incomes of farmers in the two poorest tribal districts of Anantapur and Adilabad of Andhra Pradesh. It has very ambitious plans by introducing new methods of farming, exposure visits of the farmers, direct linkage to markets and export houses, hi-grade seeds, setting up a Mill for peanuts, their main crop, and value addition. This project got a big boost with the Axis Bank Foundation’s funding for the next 5 years. They plan to expand this on the lines of Dr Kurien's "AMUL" which inspired Prof Sastry.  In the long run this shall improve the lives of thousands of farmers in this region. It may set an example which may be followed by other NGOs working in different parts of our country in this area.

(ii) Prof Sastry's second project, Association For Democratic Reforms (ADR), generated even more interest. This is the only organisation in the CF family which works on issues of good governance.Thanks to untiring efforts of ADR, since the last 10 years or so the contesting candidates have to declare their assets, educational qualifications, and also details of any criminal cases against them. This has had far reaching impact on the masses and the politicians too. ADR has the support of more than 1200 Ngos all over the country who help them in the gathering and dissemination of information and data. ADR is also working on reforms in the election process. They have some eminent names on their advisory board like retired former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the former Chief Election Commissioner, Mr Lyngdoh etc. Dr. Ajit Ranade, an eminent economist, who is  associated with Prof Sastry since many years,  was also present.  He is looking to strengthen some important areas of ADR in spite of his busy schedule.  ADR also shares it's data with the media. In the current scenario of rampant corruption, the audience was happy to see a ray of hope in ADR.

Prof Sastry lastly spoke about the needs of ADR which is being run on a shoe string budget compared to it's nationwide reach. ADR is looking for support in man power and resources. 

All in all it was a very enlightening meet, as was expected from one of the most highly qualified founders amongst our group ngos. 

Hope to see you at our next Meet.

Mumbai Meet - 13-Nov-11 features Helpers of the Handicapped

In the Caring Friends Meet held in Mumbai on 13-Nov-11,  Nassema Didi spoke about how she overcame her suicidal tendencies and changed her outlook to life. She attributes the credit to her family and the main person " Babu Kaka " who himself was a paraplegic but was very enthusiastic and enterprising he guided her and treated Didi as his daughter.

Friends were moved by watching the film on Helpers of the Handicapped (HOH) and some broke into tears when Mauli and Avinash performed and showed how they have over come their disability of having no hands. They also had a meal in full view " with their feet " people were stunned , Mauli played " Saare Jahan se Acha " on  the Harmonium with her feet and Avinash danced to a tune.
  Naseem Didi spoke about how society at large was neglecting people with disability and how it has changed for the better over the years, she spoke on how HOH tries to rehabilitate its beneficiaries , how students cope up and the main issue was of finding " accommodation " for both the students and the working men and women. She also informed us about how they run a " matrimonial " for their staff and help them in finding a suitable match. 


HOH also trains paraplegics on how to be as independent as possible in their daily routine the benefits of which have reached many and they are now mobile enough to move around, which was otherwise not possible before the training. 

 HOH is running a Hostel, an integrated School for both the normal and the differently abled children, a vocational training center and a cashew processing unit at Sindhudurg, Mr Ayaz Sangrar ( Trustee ) spoke about  " Changing Lives " , the success cases from HOH. He also talked about the budget figures and needs of HOH, some of them include a Staff Quarters for the differently abled, sponsorship of students, a cargo vehicle and construction of a play ground.

 We also had a surprise guest Ms Flavia Agnes of Majlis ( Mumbai ) , who spoke briefly about  women abuse and the law and the role Majlis plays, they have a team of women lawyers who take up issues of women from poor families, they do not charge any fees and have been working since 20 yrs. 

 All in all it was a very sensitising meet, after which people were more aware of the problems of the differently abled and how lives change with a little help and understanding. 

 Till our next meet , phir milenge.