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.