The run that I ran some, walked some...

The run was satisfying - immensely. Firstly, because it was for Chrysallis :) - we had a totla of 19 people running. Included in that were our Chrysallis Social Ambassadors - Krishna, Rajdeep, Sajan - who all ran, and showcased the cause we all so fervently believe in. Krishna and Rajdeep even managed a picture with Syed Kirmani!!

Satisfaction came also from the fact that ALL of us completed the course, and most of us finished in quite good time - ranging from around 55 minutes, to almost 100. Timing doesn't matter at all - it wasn't an aim for most of us.

Also satisfying was that I ran almost 5.5kms, brisk-walked the rest, and completed in 1:18:16 (according to my stop watch :P).

What we gained from this was an exposure for Chrysallis, and a decent amount of funds raised. Even better, the re-affirmation of the belief that we will do what we set out to do :). [not that we needed any! :P]

Super special thanks to Diana, who always pushes us beyond what we think is our limit - and then we surprise ourselves, while she stands there at the winning line, with the 'I-told-you-so' look at her face - she inspires - and how? Simple - she leads from front, and more importantly, she believes. God bless you Di!!

The day started at 5.00am.. when the alarm bell rang for the first time :) .. and then, it was 6.02!! I ran, well, almost literally, to pick up Cynthi, and then to Di's place.

We had our fair share of 'adventures', if I may call them so, but we managed to reach - in time.

And what a sight it was!! A mass of humanity, of people who run for a cause, of people who run for fun, of people who simply run, of those who walk, of those who challenge, those who push, those who sit all along the way and cheer, those who shouted 'vande mataram' on the way...

It was simply exhilarating to participate in an event like this - one which connects :)

And then, the breakfast at the Coffee house.. yummm!! (for once without the associated guilt of gobbling a couple of omlettes :P)

Of course, three cheers for all of us who ran - and those who supported nevertheless. (guys, you all know who I'm talking about !! ).

I think I should start preparing for the next year now itself - and you, the reader, be prepared too!!

God bless, and happiness always!!
~me.

Support My run for a cause!

Dear friend!

Hope you’re all doing well – I am too – and for the first time in my life, I have decided to run - for a cause!

What am I doing?

I will be running / walking 10km in Sunfeast 10k Run in Bangalore on 31st May '09.

What is this idea of pledge raising?

Marathon or long-distance running has been a way to raise money for charity organizations, for a long time. It is something like; my run is a symbolic gesture as my support to an organization. To support me, you either run with me or you pledge your support to me and my organization, i.e. donate money for the organization.

What is my cause?

All of you, who know me, know that I am extremely passionate about children – even more so, those with challenges. I am even more passionate about the need to integrate people with and without challenges.

Integration would help us move up from seeing the 'disabilities' of a person, to appreciate and acknowledge what (s)he is 'CAPABLE' of doing.

Chrysallis is an NGO that is especially close to my heart - it touches the lives of people in various ways - with the ultimate motive of integration at the core.

What does this organization do?

Chrysallis has been working for the integration of children with and without challenges for the past 10 years. It has staged over 60 stage productions, several radio programs and social and short documentaries. It has been a support system to over 40 institutions working for physically, mentally, socially and economically challenged children.

Last year as part of our gifting program Chrysallis touched the lives of 30,000 children. This year, the target is to gift 1,00,000 children.

Chrysallis functions as an outreach programme and has worked with special children in 20 cities across the country.

Chrysallis' mission is to create a platform of integration for persons with and without challenges, increase awareness on the needs of challenged children, create a volunteer network across the country to be channels of support to institutions.

What is my target?

I am targeting to raise INR 50, 000/- by this run of mine. Your contribution, in whatever denomination, is most welcome by me. Although each pledge makes me closer to my target but I admire the spirit of pledging. Also, do note the fact that if you pledge Rs. 5, one child will understand the spirit of gifting, the warmth of being loved. So, don't hesitate with your quantum of the pledge.

Will you get the usual IT exemption under section 80G?

Yes.

How can you get across your pledge to us?

You can pledge your support by:

1) Via the online page setup at: http://www.bangalorecares.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=61&Itemid=70&name=sumuCHRYS – (this needs a VISA or MASTERCARD).

2) Online Bank Transfer (via EFT/NEFT) – please send a separate e-mail to me, and I would provide you with the details.

3) Demand Draft / Local Cheques, in favour of "Chrysallis Performance Arts Centre for the Challenged ", payable at Bangalore.

Post it to:

Diana Tholoor,

19, Hutchins Road,

St. Thomas Town, Bangalore 560 084

OR

Sumit Semwal,

Texas Instruments,

Bagmane Tech Park, CV Raman Nagar,

Bangalore 560 093

4) You can hand over the pledge money to me.

Lastly, I appeal to you to pledge for me in my 'Run' for the integrating children with and without challenges. Please please forward this e-mail to as many people as you can.

I look forward to your support.

Thanks a lot for your time,

Best regards,

~Sumit.

I have been away... from blogworld.

It has been a very - obnoxiously long - time since I blogged. I can attribute it to various things / happenings in life - happenings at office, with various NGOs I work with, family, friends... a mix of both.

.. and then I somehow saw my blog, and realised - maybe I should try to write atleast once a month? So, today onwards, I'll try to be 'alive-in-the-blogworld' as much as I can.

Today, marks the date-reincarnate of my blogworld-identity.

Ok, now let me give you a good news - I'm buying a car! finally, after quite a prolonged thought process, I should get the delivery of the vehicle today.. Maybe I should do a post on the whole experience... hmmm..

Tilll I can make up my mind, well, you enjoy my awakening :)..

Take care,
cheeerzzz,
~me.

Invitation: Always More-Never Less - theatre for a cause-theatre with a reason

Friends

The Chrysallis Performance Arts Centre believes in

'Theatre for a Cause - Theatre with a Reason".

a 50 minute medley of performances

which will touch your hearts in so many ways through

its funny, creative and thought provoking pieces.

Each piece has a varying expression and style of performance.

All of it has a meaning!

Its all about script

its all about acting - prose, poetry, movement, song

its all about creativity

Always More-Never Less

Performed by Volunteers of Chrysallis:

Sneha Kapoor, Sonali Bhatia, E Kothandram,

Karthik Ponnappa and Diana Tholoor

Concept and Direction - Diana Tholoor

Date: November 29, 2008 Time: 5:45 pm

Venue: Rotary House of Friendship, Lavelle Road, Next to Rice Bowl

There are 220 passes - block one (or many!)

the poster says it all!!

Call: 65739341 / 9449816581

mail: diana.tholoor@gmail.com

Love One Another

Make a Difference in someone's life today and everyday

Christmas with Chrysallis - 2008

Dear Friends,

Our 9th Year of Gifting - Thank you for your support over the years - Every year the numbers increase. This year the number is 25000 children waiting to be gifted.

Gifting and parties will begin from December 6th, 2008 in Bangalore and across the country. We count on your loving heart to make this year special for the 25000 special children.

You may

- commit to contributing by filling in the Gifting Voucher

- support us by circulating this and other mail that you may receive

- volunteer for any or all of our inhouse/off-site programmes

We will

- update you on the status every 2 weeks

- inform you of the volunteer training/enrichment programmes/meetings leading to the many events

- look forward to your creative inputs on activities for the many programmes

Open House - Every Sunday 11:00 am - 12:00 am. Commencing October 26, 2008

Open house for discussions and team formations for the various activities.

You are welcome to attend any or as many Sundays as you like. Confirmation of attendance by email / phone.

Venue: Diana Tholoor, 19 Hutchins Road, St. Thomas Town, Bangalore-560 084

For centralized communication, all confirmation must be mailed only to

diana.tholoor@gmail.com or call 080-65739341 / 9886112230 / 9449816581

Our heartfelt thanks and warm wishes always,

Diana Tholoor,
Founder,

Chrysallis Performance Arts Centre for the Challenged, Bangalore.

To know more about Gifting and Sponsorship: click here.
To volunteer in Bangalore, contact Diana at above numbers.
To volunteer in other cities, please contact our local co-ordinators:

Kolkata

Poonam

Hyderabad

Saurabh

Pooja

Delhi

Anila Sharma

Chennai

Senthil

Mumbai

Brajesh

Parthajeet

[Reproduced from http://xmaswithchrysallis.blogspot.com/]

Chrysallis presents First of its Kind Chess & Carrom Challenge

Chrysallis Performance Arts Centre Bangalore

continues its journey of Sensitization and Integration
with a

First of its Kind

Chess & Carrom Challenge

The Chrysallis Performance Arts Centre for the Challenged, Bangalore has worked for 8 years to integrate children and adults with and without challenges through a variety of activities - sports, art, music, drama.

On May 26 & 27, 2007 we bring to you a rare occasion which challenges the spirit and provides a wonderful opportunity to partner someone who is differently-abled and uniquely capable.

This event has been created with the specific intention of bringing together players with and without challenges - and, to create a Special Partnership।

There are many blind, deaf and orthopaedically challenged children and adults who play chess and many mentally challenged who are good carrom players. It is time to extend the integration to a special partnership of adults and young adults with and without challenges - the event will accomplish this goal.

The nomination details are:

- Chrysallis has a list of challenged players - both chess and carroms
- the company nominates a player or players (without challenges)
- we pair the company nominated participant from the list of challenged
players to form a team
- the nomination fee of Rs.2,000 is paid by the company for the team
- as soon as the nomination fee and application is submited - the rules will be sent
and contact details will be exchanged and the team can meet and begin their communication

We are happy to say that Texas Instruments has nominated 10 teams already. Our target is 128 teams across 4 venues.

We would like to promote this as an interaction. All participants will receive Certificates. Other awards are planned for the toppers.

We look forward to your participation on this.

With best wishes,
Diana Tholoor
Founder - Chrysallis Performance Arts Centre
+919886112230 / + 91 80 65739341

Your participation will raise funds to support
The Chrysallis Power of One - a 33 city nationwide awareness campaign integrating thousands of children with and without challenges.

Diana Tholoor, Founder, Chrysallis has taken the the campaign from Bangalore on March 3, 2007 to Pondicherry,
Chennai, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Delhi, Chandigarh, Kolkata and Guwahati।

By end of September, we would have reached out to children in every state and union territory capital in the country.

Stand with us to support inclusive education - children with and without challenges in the same classroom.

For further details contact Email @ Chrysallis.Events@gmail.com

Links:

Blogspot: http://chrysallispowerofone.blogspot.com/

Orkut comnunity: http://www.orkut.com/Community.aspx?cmm=29478811

The journey has begun ...

The Journey Has Begun...

[... to borrow from Diana Tholoor, founder, Chrysallis Performance Arts Centre for the Challenged]

The Journey's begun - from Bangalore, where the event kicked off in Mount Carmel College this Saturday. About 250 children, both with and without challenges, came together, and found thier special friend in one another - this was an experience which would stay with them for their lifetime :). And I was really fortunate to have been a part of this activity :).

Do have a look at the various articles and snaps of the event here:

The Deccan Herald Friday, March 4, 2007 Supplement
The Hindu Sunday, March 4, 2007 Page 4
The Times of India Sunday, March 4, 2007 Page 2
The Indian Express Sunday, March 4, 2007 Supplement
The Vijay Times Monday, March 5, 2007 Supplement
The Malayalam Manorama Sunday, March 4, 2007
The Eenadu Sunday, March 4, 2007

Some pics are here.

Also, please, please do forward it to your friends, family, loved ones - it'll make a big difference to their lives.

adios for now,
luvv!!
~me.

Heylo there!! I'm back :).

Hi all!! It's been an awfully long time away from blogging - lots of work in life, trying to figure out some meaning in an otherwise mundane existence... and then, didn't find anything too exciting to write about since the last event. so, here I am, with the latest :).

I am here to tell you about the 'Power Of One'. Read on, and then pass on the link, spread the word, join, contribute - in short, do anything that you can to help a wonderful effort:

For the First time ever .. a 180 day nation wide campaign ... mass awareness through a human chain ...

A journey of integration across 34 state capitals ...

Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkatta, Chennai, Pondicherry, Jaipur, Srinagar, Raipur, Shillong and every other state capital city.

Touching hundreds of thousands of lives ..

YOU have the Power to integrate children with and without challenges ..

It takes only one person to make the difference ... you can make the difference!

Thanks a ton!
signing off for now,
~me.

PS: I'm going to try to be regular here, so, don't miss it !! ;)

Poster for Hope Floats

Poster for Hope Floats
Originally uploaded by s_s.

here's a poster for the earlier post...

Hope Floats: An Exhibition cum sale of original sketches by the Tsunami Affected children

Hi All,

I know I've been really erratic in doing new posts - but not without a reason. am a bit involved these days with an event, and for this, I would require complete support from all of you - oh my friends from the virtual world.

"Hope Floats" is an event through which we hope to create awareness about the pain that the Tsunami victims have actually gone through via sketches done by the kids from the affected areas. It is an exhibition cum sale of the 58 pictures that were sketched by the tsunami-affected kids.

The proceeds of the event shall be used for the educational purposes of the children who have done these sketches. Also, a part of the sum shall be used to build a school at Puddupattinam (one of the affected villages) in co-ordination with an NGO with global presence called Hope Foundation worldwide.

Those interested in contributing to the cause by Purchasing the pictures (which will be mounted) can come over for the event on 19th March,6:30pm at ING Vysya Hall, MG Road, Bangalore OR if u can't make it to the event, can contact Mayank (mayank.rungta@hp.com) or me (sumu.ss@gmail.com) to arrange for the purchase.

The Pictures are priced at Rs 2250. From the art point of view, these are just pictures made by kids - but if you have a closer look at them, you can really see what the kids have lived through.

Some of the pictures may b viewed at http://community.webshots.com/album/285744669BOyfCw

If someone wants to make a contribution to the cause and not purchase a picture, that is also welcome.

It would be a great help if you can spread the word to those whom you think would be able to contribute.

More importantly, please just come over for the Event. From the point of view of a person who has been to the Tsunami hit areas and has seen the pictures drawn by these innocent children, I can assure you, it would be a revelation.

You can make a lot of difference to someone.

God Bless n happiness Always,
~me.