This September, we twelve middle aged men (some grey-haired, some hairless, some "fitter" than others) are teaming up once again, lacing up our boots and embarking on a trek that will test our endurance, spirit, and camaraderie ... and of course help raise money for a charitable cause that is close to our hearts.
All of us - Ajay Kejriwal, Akshay Sethia, Arun Aggarwal, Gautam Saraogi, Narendra Karnani, Pankaj Oza, Rajesh Kucheria, Rakesh Kucheria, Sachit Shah, Subodh Baid, Udit Chowdhary and Viral Virani - will be in action in Italy next week hiking 40km across over the course of two days at heights over 5,000 ft. On Day 1 we will embark on the challenging and inclined circular trail of San Giorgio - Monte Tomba. On Day 2 we will cover the limestone spires and woods of the Sentiero Latemar - Labirinto - Sentiero delle Perle route. We are raising funds for a key project / initiative of the UK-based and India-focused charity - The Rajasthani Foundation (TRF).
TRF as an organisation funds many worthy causes in our homeland India, within the state of Rajasthan. Our walk in particular will raise funds for the activities of Basic Healthcare Services (BHS), a remarkable organisation that delivers frontline healthcare to some of the most remote and under-served tribal communities in Southern Rajasthan. There is a huge healthcare gap in the region: Public health services are poor-quality & unresponsive; Communities have to rely on unqualified providers / traditional healers; Women have limited healthcare autonomy; Annual outbreaks of Malaria and Diarrhoea are common. The proceeds of our fund raise will directly go towards establishing more dedicated clinics in these remote areas which can offer outpatient care, safe deliveries to newborns, emergency management of critically ill patients and systematic referrals to government and private tertiary care institutions in the nearest city Udaipur. A brief presentation on BHS's activities and how TRF are working to support them can be found using the below link:
So if you would like to join our cause or just enjoy the idea of a dozen Indian silver foxes bumbling across the Italian terrain (we promise photos!), please consider sponsoring our walk. Every penny will go towards this very important cause. Please Donate Here
A specialist school for mentally challenged adults & children in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The school works with the individuals to continue their development and social integration.
The institution provides pupils training in specialised skills by having specially trained teachers on site to educate and develop the students. The infrastructure provides opportunities for children to discover hidden potential, gain confidence in themselves and also creates awareness amongst the general public with regards to misconceptions for mental disabilities.
Declared the Best Institution of the State and has received recognition from the Indian Government.
Visit Us : www.navjyotimanovikaskendra.org
Jagriti today has around 250 active and dedicated members from all walks of life. Their Endeavour is to work in the fields of education, human welfare and environment conservation. We, at Jagriti, believe that education is the sole instrument that can aid in eradicating most of the problems of our society.
Hence, Jagriti has chosen 'Education for the Underprivileged' as its primary goal.
Visit Us : www.jagritijaipur.org
Our "pièce de résistance " has been the purchase of a ambulance! This was done in conjunction with Young Indian's from Kolkata. The ambulance named Farishtey is being deployed in rural parts to service the needy as well. So next time you visit the city please look out for the ambulance with TRF logo. As you read through the magazine you will find more details of the operations.
Any adversity brings with it lot of community support and strength, in fact it has galvanised us. You have helped us achieve all this.
Covid-19 pandemic has transitioned us to a very different way of living, kindness and gratitude has brought us together and will keep us going.
True to our core principles of community and charity we have donated dry food supplies to the hospital and packed lunch to front line key workers.
Currently we are reaching out to the care homes and providing them with hand held electronic tablets for the use of the residents. The idea behind this unique initiative is to help the aged inhabitants read, watch, and browse, play games and showcase their artistic side but above all stay connected with their loved ones via video calls. These trying times have highlighted how fragile we are and the significance of friends and family in our lives.
TRF feels proud to have donated electronic tablets to twenty five care homes around London so far. We are working to expand our reach to other areas around London. Our aims is to target at least 250 Care homes.
Our determination and your support go hand in hand to help achieve our common goal of giving give back to the community.
We would like to share a few responses from some care home managers who have written back to us:
Your support helps us create meaningful and lasting change across communities in Rajasthan.
The Rajasthani Foundation has supported the school with donations that have assisted with new buildings and improving the infrastructure.
We are currently raising funds to be able to allow the school to hire better qualified teachers, purchase modern equipment, and expand lodging capacity to increase the student population.
The Rajasthani Foundation has long term goals and with your generous support and belief, the TRF Charity journey will continue:
TRF intends to expand its charitable arm to other deserving causes in Rajasthan
To preserve the Rajasthani culture and heritage for future generations within the UK by establishing a TRF community centre
To continue providing a social community platform which will benefit the youth with invaluable networking opportunities
TRF intends to start a summer volunteer programme for youth members to take part in charitable work in Rajasthan during their summer
TRF wants to increase the awareness of problems and struggles currently found in Rajasthan through innovative public relations
We hope to grow the foundation by continuing to increase our membership base
