We all aspire to create a sustainable organization that will continue to have the resources we need to fulfill our mission. Whether the funds we seek are for short-term projects or longer term initiatives, ensuring that the fundraising capacity of the organization will keep pace programming needs is of top concern.
Building a sustainable fundraising program which will continue to meet your organization’s needs well into the future requires adopting a few simple ideas into your organization’s thinking and putting s a few simple tools in place to execute:
1. IDEA: Fundraising is about getting what we need to support our existing plans
TOOL: Information/proposals which outlines your plans and what you need from donors
One of the most common mistakes that we make in fundraising is also one of the easiest to make. A donor/funder gets in touch with preconceived ideas of what they would like to fund – we, lured by the potential revenue, jump to meet their demands. When there is a true meeting of minds this can be a very positive thing for all parties, but when it means deviating from annual program plans it can mean disaster for fundraising sustainability. By accepting funds in this way we let the donors determine the program – a bit like letting the tail wag the dog. It is also likely to be a short term relationship as the donor interests don’t necessarily match with the long term direction of the organization.
A truly sustainable fundraising program, on the other hand, is one which raises the funds to support the existing program or operations plan. A fundraising strategy that, in other words, ensures that the organization gets the money it needs directed at where it is most needed and which seeks to develop long term relationships with donors/funders who understand, support and trust the strategic direction of the organization.
This is not to say that we should walk away from potential donors/funders. We are confident that we understand what the needs of the community are only because we have the advantage of being on the front lines and interacting with our beneficiaries. Our donors/funders may not have this firsthand knowledge of community needs and therefore cannot be faulted for thinking other activities should be the priority. Often therefore, our fist role in fundraising is to educate – to make sure all potential donors/funders have a chance to know what we feel the real needs are, and the rationale for our strategies and activities. Then they can make an educated decision about whether to support our work.
In order to do this we need to be prepared. We need to make sure that we have materials ready which outline our objectives and activities. This way we can pre-empt any confusion and ensure that those who contact us have a chance to evaluate their options in supporting our organizations before we spend too much time pursuing a relationship that will not meet our needs.
In my own work I always have a few such pieces available to send by mail, email or even to give out at face to face meetings. First is an organizational profile which clearly outlines the mission, the scope and rationale for our programs and answers any other questions donors/funders might have about accountability and organizational management. Second are pre-prepared proposals for the programs/projects that I am currently seeking funding for – this way I can very quickly narrow focus to the areas most in need and ensure that all existing projects are supported (make sure that these contain true budgets including any salaries and administrative costs so that your donors sponsor the total cost of activities – not just the tangible ones!). By being up front and specific about our needs we can ensure not only that we meet today’s actual needs but also begin forming relationships with the right people – those who are truly interested in supporting our work and therefore have the potential to be involved over the long term.
2. IDEA: Sometimes the most effective fundraising strategies are the most boring
TOOL: Solid budgeting/accounting practices that allow you to evaluate the ROI of fundraising activities to determine where you should be focussing efforts in the long term
In my experience the most memorable fundraising experiences are events which generally leave everyone feeling great about the organization but, unfortunately, can leave a less than full bank account at the end of the day. On the other hand, a successful proposal – that no one in the office was even aware I was writing and which cost us nothing but my time and the auto fare to and from a meeting – can result in a very large cheque and a funding relationship that can see the organization through many years.
How do you know where to spend your time? Special events? Grant writing? Individual donor campaigns? Online giving strategies? Corporate partnerships? The truth is that the answer will be different for every organization. The key is to make sure that you keep detailed budgets for all fundraising activities that take stock of the true costs involved including fundraiser salaries and office expenses. An event for example may have few tangible expenses but might take up two months of staff time – this is not free. Over time, you can then begin to calculate your average Return On Investment (ROI) for various fundraising activities, providing the justification for future tough decisions – including the decision to discontinue underperforming campaigns.
That being said, there are a few rules of thumb to keep in mind. Events, generally speaking, are not as sustainable as individual donor and grants development strategies. This is because the revenue is coming from people who may be motivated by the event itself rather than by the work of the organization; whereas, donors/funders may actually stick around longer due to shared values and commitment to the organization’s mandate.
On the other hand, when evaluating the ROI of your current fundraising activities, don’t forget to consider the ‘soft’ benefits that a campaign might have. For example, an event that may, in itself, not be very lucrative, may generate media exposure for the organization, or may introduce you to a new pool of potential donors that you can contact for other campaigns (Tip: make sure to document where you meet these potential donors so that you can trace back any future revenue to the event, thus giving you a true picture of value of the event).
3. IDEA: It is easier and more efficient to raise money from an existing donor than to recruit a new one
TOOL: A good donor management database and stewardship plan
It is common fundraising wisdom that the best donor prospect is someone who we already know and who has supported our organizations in the past. In fact, if handled properly, donors and funders should be counted on for support year after year for a period of up to five years (for some it could be even longer, while for others they begin supporting another cause even if their donor relationship has been positive). Many organizations, including those that I have directly been involved with, make a simple mistake in managing donor relationships which, unfortunately, results in many first time donors moving on without any subsequent support. The mistake in thinking that one thank you is enough. Or worse, simply forgetting to stay in touch throughout the year when our focus is on other campaigns and events.
In order to maximise the number of donors/funders who become long term supporters it is important to treat your donor stewardship as a year round activity. Multiple contacts throughout the year (that don’t ask for money) can go a long way towards not only thanking donors, but also helping to increase their understanding of your work and their commitment to the impact they have as donors. If done correctly donors will actually begin giving without being asked, or at the very least being more them happy to make their annual contribution when it comes time to ask them.
It is crucial that you have a good donor management database which records the names and contacts of all those who contribute over the course of the year. Beyond your usual thank you note that is sent with your 80G certificate, all your donors should be hearing from you at least once per quarter to remind them of your work and keep them informed. If you database is accurately maintained than this should be as simple as adding all donors to your regular newsletter or e-bulletin distribution list.
Whether using an existing communication tool, or creating a donor-specific piece, making sure to build regular year-round communication into all your campaign and event plans can have enormous impact. Never again will you ever be caught saying “remember me, can you support us again this year” or desperately trying to start from scratch and convince completely new audiences of the worthiness of your cause – a potential drain for both financial and human resources.
Instead you will begin to develop a regular donor pool whose behaviours you can start to predict – making everyone’s job easier come budget planning season when you can reasonably assume revenue from existing supporters.
4. IDEA: Everyone is a fundraiser
TOOL: A staff and volunteer team well versed in your organization’s mission and activities
Fundraising is not just for fundraisers. Organizations that are successful in developing sustainable funding bases are those where everyone involved is prepared to act as ambassadors for the organization, maximising the potential audience of new donors and generating positive word of mouth. This is especially true in the Indian context funders and donors still primarily depend on reputation and recommendations from their own network to feel confident that an organization is credible and worthy.
Internally this means making sure that there is common agreement on key messaging and that everyone involved is well trained on your mission and activities. A communications policy along with standard communication tools (preferably in PDF form) that are accessible and available for all staff and volunteers to distribute, can go a long way. To take it to another level, consider offering specific training to volunteers and friends of the organization – a tip I learned recently from a study in the United States that found that volunteer ‘ambassadors’ are often seen as more credible and reliable than their paid counter parts!
By adopting these practices and spending time on the back end tools of your program, building systems and processes that support your strategies, you can be sure to see sustainable revenue growth. With these fundamentals in place you will be able to focus on what we are all really here to do – respond effectively to the needs of our communities over the long term!
--Claire Holloway Wadhwani
Claire is a seasoned fundraising professional with experience working in fundraising management for NGOs in Canada as well as in Bangalore. Claire can be contacted at chwadhwani@hotmail.com and is most happy to share ideas and best practices with other fundraisers!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
A voice for the underbelly – Rathish Balakrishnan
While the country is still reeling at how circumstantial evidence almost ended Rajesh Talwar’s life, it is time to look at those who go through such ordeals everyday.
It is a busy morning. Friends and relatives have come home and you are negotiating with toddlers and teenagers to complete your daily chores. The maid is busy sweeping the bedroom and leaves as soon as you enter. You look for your expensive watch on the table and find it is missing. Right then – that instant – what are the odds that of all the fifteen people in your household, you suspect your maid to have taken it?
Everyday, individuals from the economically weaker sections of the society are charged by the police for a variety of crimes ranging from theft, drug peddling, prostitution and kidnapping. “These people are easy targets because no one comes to claim them if they are arrested. Moreover, they have previous criminal records due to an earlier innocuous arrest”, says Ushajee Peri who is part of the Alternative Law Forum, a collective of lawyers focusing on sustained legal interventions in various social issues.
While the law in its written form promises a fair chance to one and all, those who are responsible to enforce the same are influenced by same social stigma as the rest of us. In many cases, there are procedural violations with respect to how the charged were picked up, interrogated and how evidence against them have been recorded. Alternative Law Forum ensures that the procedures are followed with due diligence and that these cases are rightfully represented in the court.
How does ALF identify such cases? The collective organizes jail visits and talks to the accused who are under trial. Since they also work with members from these sections very closely, they receive written letters and requests through word of mouth regarding cases where their assistance is required. ALF also collaborates with NGOs, who, for instance, work with construction workers in matters requiring legal assistance.
In addition to litigation, ALF also conducted a variety of initiatives to improve legal awareness in the past. “But when you are faced with the prospect of arrest, it is difficult to act on all this information. The first instinct is to run”, she says while narrating an episode of a maid’s son who went missing for four years in order to avoid charges of manslaughter. Incidentally, the man returned after four years and was immediately arrested. The judge set a bail of 5,000 or a guarantee by someone who owns a sizable property to let him free. No one came forward and today he’s in jail.
Such victimization is not restricted to just weaker sections of the society anymore. People from all over the country across all economic classes are today arrested under the charge of terrorism – a charge that immediately kills any sense of sympathy or unbiased investigation. Ushajee shares how, in Udupi District, a woman standing in a bus stand was arrested because she looked suspicious and didn’t give conclusive answers to the police about her whereabouts. Thanks to the intervention by ALF, the woman was later freed. But many are not as lucky and are still trying to find their way out of the legal quagmire.
But aren’t arrests are based on past trends? It is well known that many children among the weaker sections of the society are involved in criminal activities, I counter. She agrees but adds that, “to take it for granted that such children will always be criminals only serves to push them down that path much harder. These children deserve a chance”.
A chance not just to be out of jail, or for a fair trial. But for a better life so that they are never suspected again.
Contact details:
http://www.altlawforum.org
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
February 2008 : Green,Green Grass Of Home
The lyrics of the old country song by Tom Jones invokes nostalgic memories about one’s childhood - the sights, sounds, smells and the sense of belonging that one gets simply by being “home” – a place where the grass always remains green, the skies are blue and the air is clean!
An experience that is now available only at the top tourist destinations – an alluring invitation to ‘pay’ to feel this rare fresh air, bliss and tranquility. Amidst desperate yet seemingly lofty pleas to “Heal the World” and “Save the Planet”, the “home” we once knew and cherished is fading slowly. The problem of our environmental degradation is what a mathematics students would call a ‘non-polynomial type (called NP type) problem’, that which cannot be solved easily. Yet, a first step would be to first break it into simpler, manageable equations. The first term of that equation in our problem of preservation would be ME.
My grandmother asked me the other day about how not throwing the banana peel she was holding into the mounting garbage on the roadside is going to help. I told her “If you are doing it, there is a good chance everyone else is.” And that goes for eco-preservation too. If you are not doing your bit to solve this impossibly complex problem of preserving the earth for future generations, there is a huge chance no one else is thinking about it as well.
This month at Sattva, we are looking at how eco-preservation can start in your own backyard and extend to bringing water to famine lands. All in this concrete jungle that is Bangalore city. Our forefront section lauds the “supermodels” of conservation – the green campus of SAP labs, and the Iengars home in Banashankari that has protected and treated many a wild animal. The feature on ‘Eco-programs’ covers a wide spectrum, ranging from comprehensive revamp programs that deal with reclaiming entire cities to low cost environment-friendly housing that benefits the economically deprived sections.
Iyappa Masagi, featured as our Sattvic celebrity can be likened to the “Rag Malhaar” of the Karnataka people, striking blue gold with his immensely successful water harvesting and soil vitalizing schemes. We are very grateful to Mr. Chandrasekhar Hariharan, CEO, eco-bcil for sharing his rich insights into the technical know-hows of building “eco-friendly homes”, and
Mr Suresh Heblikar, renowned environmental activist, for rightly stressing the importance of sustainable development.
The refractive index section is a useful pin-up manual on “22 ways to save the planet”. And that could just be the first step. Spread the news. Encourage your families and friends to contribute to this new “environment savings” plan. For a Good Earth. For you and me.
Click here for the February issue.
An experience that is now available only at the top tourist destinations – an alluring invitation to ‘pay’ to feel this rare fresh air, bliss and tranquility. Amidst desperate yet seemingly lofty pleas to “Heal the World” and “Save the Planet”, the “home” we once knew and cherished is fading slowly. The problem of our environmental degradation is what a mathematics students would call a ‘non-polynomial type (called NP type) problem’, that which cannot be solved easily. Yet, a first step would be to first break it into simpler, manageable equations. The first term of that equation in our problem of preservation would be ME.
My grandmother asked me the other day about how not throwing the banana peel she was holding into the mounting garbage on the roadside is going to help. I told her “If you are doing it, there is a good chance everyone else is.” And that goes for eco-preservation too. If you are not doing your bit to solve this impossibly complex problem of preserving the earth for future generations, there is a huge chance no one else is thinking about it as well.
This month at Sattva, we are looking at how eco-preservation can start in your own backyard and extend to bringing water to famine lands. All in this concrete jungle that is Bangalore city. Our forefront section lauds the “supermodels” of conservation – the green campus of SAP labs, and the Iengars home in Banashankari that has protected and treated many a wild animal. The feature on ‘Eco-programs’ covers a wide spectrum, ranging from comprehensive revamp programs that deal with reclaiming entire cities to low cost environment-friendly housing that benefits the economically deprived sections.
Iyappa Masagi, featured as our Sattvic celebrity can be likened to the “Rag Malhaar” of the Karnataka people, striking blue gold with his immensely successful water harvesting and soil vitalizing schemes. We are very grateful to Mr. Chandrasekhar Hariharan, CEO, eco-bcil for sharing his rich insights into the technical know-hows of building “eco-friendly homes”, and
Mr Suresh Heblikar, renowned environmental activist, for rightly stressing the importance of sustainable development.
The refractive index section is a useful pin-up manual on “22 ways to save the planet”. And that could just be the first step. Spread the news. Encourage your families and friends to contribute to this new “environment savings” plan. For a Good Earth. For you and me.
Click here for the February issue.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Dream A Dream – Bala Janaagraha Exhibition
Vishal Talreja is the Director of Dream a Dream and an Ashoka Fellow. He shares his experiences about the Dream A Dream - Bala Janaagraha Exhibition.
Date: Sunday, 10th February 2008
Venue:Government School
Date: Sunday, 10th February 2008
Venue:
The coordinators from Janaagraha then conducted a quiz on civic issues – The children scored well in answering most of the questions which were taken from their course material. Finally certificates were distributed to all participating children.
As we ended the proceedings, I could not but feel happy and secure in the knowledge that our future is in the hands of these children. Children who are so much more aware and willing to change the abuse that we as humans have meted out to Earth for so many hundred years.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Suraksha Makkala Rakshane
- Sumithra Sivaramakrishnan, Sattva Editorial Team
Yet another day passes by, with most of us wanting to do something for the society, bring a change in someone’s life and contribute in our own little way to make this a better world. However, we wonder whether the effort of one person will make any difference. And that is when we hear stories of people like Venkatesh who dispel the myth beyond doubt.
Venkatesh has always been keen on helping people around, right from sending petitions for the elderly to the government to process their pensions. It was this passion towards helping people led him to start something on his own. Since his economic conditions did not allow him to do his graduation he was very keen to help similarly underprivileged kids complete their education.
In 2005, Venkatesh who stays in Sheshadripuram went to the slums around Sheshadripuram in search of disadvantaged children. Soon he had a group of 30 who assembled at his house every day. These children were given basic education and were involved in a variety of extra curricular activities. As their numbers grew, Venkatesh was forced to look for an alternate location. To get the necessary funding, Venkatesh started the Suraksha Makkala Rakshane Trust which today is governed by a board of trustees. This seven member team comprises of his family members and some volunteers.
At the moment the Suraksha Makkala Rakshane Trust has around 70 children from areas like Sanjay Gandhi Nagar, Shastri Nagar, Ambedkar Nagar and V.V. Giri Nagar. The trust works with children from diverse backgrounds including children from the streets, slums and runaway children in Bangalore. Apart from imparting basic education to these kids, Venkatesh also conducts educational tours for the children with his own money. Today, Venkatesh also has 4 volunteers from software companies conducting classes for these kids on a regular basis.
Venkatesh’s plans to sponsor the higher education of many deprived children in the future. He is looking to buy computers and is setting up a library for these kids. He needs the support of many volunteers who can teach the children on a weekly basis; donate funds for their food and education. Funding is a big problem and to that end he is looking at various programs for fund raising. Apart from door to door canvassing, Venkatesh is also planning to make paper bags to sell and raise funds for the children.
“I am working for these children and I am very optimistic that most of these children will complete their basic education and get good jobs” says Venkatesh. These kids do not live in a safe place, they neither do have friends to talk to and nor do they get the opportunity to travel outside. Venkatesh provides them education, food and a healthy atmosphere. The effort of this one might not be visible to us, but it makes a world of a difference to these 70 children.
Contact details:
Venkatesh
Suraksha Makkala Rakshane Trust,
#19, Gang man quarters
Near Krishna Floor Mill, Platform Road
Sheshadripuram, Bangalore – 560020.
Phone: 080-65321218, 9741012428
E-mail: makkalasuraksha@yahoo.com
Yet another day passes by, with most of us wanting to do something for the society, bring a change in someone’s life and contribute in our own little way to make this a better world. However, we wonder whether the effort of one person will make any difference. And that is when we hear stories of people like Venkatesh who dispel the myth beyond doubt.
Venkatesh has always been keen on helping people around, right from sending petitions for the elderly to the government to process their pensions. It was this passion towards helping people led him to start something on his own. Since his economic conditions did not allow him to do his graduation he was very keen to help similarly underprivileged kids complete their education.
In 2005, Venkatesh who stays in Sheshadripuram went to the slums around Sheshadripuram in search of disadvantaged children. Soon he had a group of 30 who assembled at his house every day. These children were given basic education and were involved in a variety of extra curricular activities. As their numbers grew, Venkatesh was forced to look for an alternate location. To get the necessary funding, Venkatesh started the Suraksha Makkala Rakshane Trust which today is governed by a board of trustees. This seven member team comprises of his family members and some volunteers.
At the moment the Suraksha Makkala Rakshane Trust has around 70 children from areas like Sanjay Gandhi Nagar, Shastri Nagar, Ambedkar Nagar and V.V. Giri Nagar. The trust works with children from diverse backgrounds including children from the streets, slums and runaway children in Bangalore. Apart from imparting basic education to these kids, Venkatesh also conducts educational tours for the children with his own money. Today, Venkatesh also has 4 volunteers from software companies conducting classes for these kids on a regular basis.
Venkatesh’s plans to sponsor the higher education of many deprived children in the future. He is looking to buy computers and is setting up a library for these kids. He needs the support of many volunteers who can teach the children on a weekly basis; donate funds for their food and education. Funding is a big problem and to that end he is looking at various programs for fund raising. Apart from door to door canvassing, Venkatesh is also planning to make paper bags to sell and raise funds for the children.
“I am working for these children and I am very optimistic that most of these children will complete their basic education and get good jobs” says Venkatesh. These kids do not live in a safe place, they neither do have friends to talk to and nor do they get the opportunity to travel outside. Venkatesh provides them education, food and a healthy atmosphere. The effort of this one might not be visible to us, but it makes a world of a difference to these 70 children.
Contact details:
Venkatesh
Suraksha Makkala Rakshane Trust,
#19, Gang man quarters
Near Krishna Floor Mill, Platform Road
Sheshadripuram, Bangalore – 560020.
Phone: 080-65321218, 9741012428
E-mail: makkalasuraksha@yahoo.com
Enlightened souls
G, Sriraksha shares her experiences of being at the Louis Braille day celebrations in Hampinagar on 20th January 2008
On 20th January 2008, a sunday quite unlike any other, the public library in Hampinagar was bustling with unprecedented activity. Hundreds of visually impaired enthusiastic young people directed their minds and hearts to participate in the various competitions that were to be held there. While melodious voices set the tunes during the singing competition, the aspirants for Braille reading and writing competitions paid ‘literal’ tribute to Louis Braille.
For 20th January is the ‘Louis Braille Day’!
Tens of young visually impaired children started engraving words dictated by a coordinator into dotted Braille script in one such competition. The atmosphere was vibrant with the spirit of the young people who had come from various schools for visually impaired from across Bangalore as well as from rural areas of Karnataka.
This event was the organized by Sahana charitable trust, an organization committed to aiding the visually impaired and empowering them with education.
Sahana charitable trust, an organization started by 5 people, some visually challenged themselves, aims to create study materials like textbooks and literature in Braille. Printed textbooks and other precious literature dyed by ink worthless to those whose eyes cannot comprehend; these are translated into dots of Braille by and for those undaunted spirits who just believe that the visually impaired have every right to be literate and educated as the visually endowed are!
1 print page gets translated to 4 Braille pages - So, hundreds of pages encompassing books from 1st standard school syllabus to Pre University are converted to thousands of Braille pages. The entire activity is driven by 6 braillies (visually challenged themselves) and comprise 3 employees, 1 manager and 1 coordinator. The staff is aided by 8-10 volunteers who contribute time to read out from printed script so that the content can be translated into Braille. Each month 10 such books are churned out, each book comprising about 200 Braille pages. These books are then distributed free of cost.
Dignitary Vijayanagar MLA Krishnappa, who supports this noble cause and was the Chief Guest of the occasion. Lakshmi N, an indomitable spirit, one of the creators of Sahana and currently the managing trustee gave her heartfelt opinion on the occasion. “Nowadays th
ere are so many, means and the technology which can and should be used to overcome obstacles. The visually impaired should be aware of such opportunities so that they don't crumble down in underconfidence. For this, on one hand the facilities should reach them and on the other hand awareness should be created in every such person that they can and should reach out to get the qualification they need." Visually challenged herself, she lives her words and her spirit inspires many.
The Chief in-charge of Sahana, Mr. Narasimhaiah has fought the darkness in his eyes to enlighten many a life. In his words “ Sahana creates Braille script which cannot be bought in shops. It also creates employment among the visually impaired. We need more volunteers. Volunteering matters.”
While computerization has made the lives of visually impaired easy (Softwares like ‘Jaws’ convert letters to sounds and enable them to type) , there are however practicalities like the rented house for running the institution, employing people and dearth of volunteers that Sahana is fighting to cope with.
Sahana, the organization, tries to create awareness among the visually impaired, encourage Braille in the true sense and thus inspire hundreds. May these words reach the right volunteers, philanthropists and generous souls to further their cause of providing education to everyone.
If you want to share such experiences with us, please write to us at sattva dot ezine at gmail dot com
On 20th January 2008, a sunday quite unlike any other, the public library in Hampinagar was bustling with unprecedented activity. Hundreds of visually impaired enthusiastic young people directed their minds and hearts to participate in the various competitions that were to be held there. While melodious voices set the tunes during the singing competition, the aspirants for Braille reading and writing competitions paid ‘literal’ tribute to Louis Braille. For 20th January is the ‘Louis Braille Day’!
Tens of young visually impaired children started engraving words dictated by a coordinator into dotted Braille script in one such competition. The atmosphere was vibrant with the spirit of the young people who had come from various schools for visually impaired from across Bangalore as well as from rural areas of Karnataka.
This event was the organized by Sahana charitable trust, an organization committed to aiding the visually impaired and empowering them with education.
Sahana charitable trust, an organization started by 5 people, some visually challenged themselves, aims to create study materials like textbooks and literature in Braille. Printed textbooks and other precious literature dyed by ink worthless to those whose eyes cannot comprehend; these are translated into dots of Braille by and for those undaunted spirits who just believe that the visually impaired have every right to be literate and educated as the visually endowed are!
1 print page gets translated to 4 Braille pages - So, hundreds of pages encompassing books from 1st standard school syllabus to Pre University are converted to thousands of Braille pages. The entire activity is driven by 6 braillies (visually challenged themselves) and comprise 3 employees, 1 manager and 1 coordinator. The staff is aided by 8-10 volunteers who contribute time to read out from printed script so that the content can be translated into Braille. Each month 10 such books are churned out, each book comprising about 200 Braille pages. These books are then distributed free of cost.
Dignitary Vijayanagar MLA Krishnappa, who supports this noble cause and was the Chief Guest of the occasion. Lakshmi N, an indomitable spirit, one of the creators of Sahana and currently the managing trustee gave her heartfelt opinion on the occasion. “Nowadays th
ere are so many, means and the technology which can and should be used to overcome obstacles. The visually impaired should be aware of such opportunities so that they don't crumble down in underconfidence. For this, on one hand the facilities should reach them and on the other hand awareness should be created in every such person that they can and should reach out to get the qualification they need." Visually challenged herself, she lives her words and her spirit inspires many.The Chief in-charge of Sahana, Mr. Narasimhaiah has fought the darkness in his eyes to enlighten many a life. In his words “ Sahana creates Braille script which cannot be bought in shops. It also creates employment among the visually impaired. We need more volunteers. Volunteering matters.”
While computerization has made the lives of visually impaired easy (Softwares like ‘Jaws’ convert letters to sounds and enable them to type) , there are however practicalities like the rented house for running the institution, employing people and dearth of volunteers that Sahana is fighting to cope with.
Sahana, the organization, tries to create awareness among the visually impaired, encourage Braille in the true sense and thus inspire hundreds. May these words reach the right volunteers, philanthropists and generous souls to further their cause of providing education to everyone.
If you want to share such experiences with us, please write to us at sattva dot ezine at gmail dot com
Sunday, February 3, 2008
January 2008 : Everydayman
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi
“The history of the world is but the biography of great men”, wrote the Scottish philosopher Thomas Carlyle. And for long, the “Great men” theory has held its ground dividing the world into achievers and the rest of us. If there was any point in time when this theory faced its stiffest competition, it is today. Everyone is a source of knowledge in Wikipedia, everyone a writer or a journalist through his own blog, everyone has a face and a voice in YouTube.
And everyone is an agent of social change.
In this New Year special edition of Sattva, we wanted to highlight the role of Individual Social Responsibility in the social change process. We wanted to capture the entire long tail of experiences right from stories of unbelievable grit and sacrifice to little things we do in daily life that matter. And today, we have more stories than we can share.
We found remarkable individuals from far and wide beyond here and now - From John Johanan who single-handedly organizes road safety campaigns in Bangalore to a regular blogger from Cuddalore who got his district collector’s attention to development issues in his
town. From KV Krishnan Nair who ensured everyone has an equal right to education back in 1918 to Harekal Hajabba who built a school in his home town by selling oranges in the Mangalore Bus depot.
We are thankful to Rebecca Thomas for sharing her experiences on how Music gives physically and mentally challenged children the gift of expression. Vishal Talreja, the founder of Dream a dream, shares his views on volunteering and social responsibility. And you, our dear readers, have shared with us a million ways in which one can make this society a better place to live in. In our photo feature, we have showcased individuals we see everyday, who are socially responsible by doing their duty. And our salute to the army soldier who refused to be photographed but deserves his place in that page.
Here’s the last nail on the coffin of mythical superheroes. Move over, Superman and Spiderman. Here’s the new superhero – Everydayman. Each one of us.
Click here to read the January issue.
“The history of the world is but the biography of great men”, wrote the Scottish philosopher Thomas Carlyle. And for long, the “Great men” theory has held its ground dividing the world into achievers and the rest of us. If there was any point in time when this theory faced its stiffest competition, it is today. Everyone is a source of knowledge in Wikipedia, everyone a writer or a journalist through his own blog, everyone has a face and a voice in YouTube.
And everyone is an agent of social change.
In this New Year special edition of Sattva, we wanted to highlight the role of Individual Social Responsibility in the social change process. We wanted to capture the entire long tail of experiences right from stories of unbelievable grit and sacrifice to little things we do in daily life that matter. And today, we have more stories than we can share.
We found remarkable individuals from far and wide beyond here and now - From John Johanan who single-handedly organizes road safety campaigns in Bangalore to a regular blogger from Cuddalore who got his district collector’s attention to development issues in his
town. From KV Krishnan Nair who ensured everyone has an equal right to education back in 1918 to Harekal Hajabba who built a school in his home town by selling oranges in the Mangalore Bus depot.
We are thankful to Rebecca Thomas for sharing her experiences on how Music gives physically and mentally challenged children the gift of expression. Vishal Talreja, the founder of Dream a dream, shares his views on volunteering and social responsibility. And you, our dear readers, have shared with us a million ways in which one can make this society a better place to live in. In our photo feature, we have showcased individuals we see everyday, who are socially responsible by doing their duty. And our salute to the army soldier who refused to be photographed but deserves his place in that page.
Here’s the last nail on the coffin of mythical superheroes. Move over, Superman and Spiderman. Here’s the new superhero – Everydayman. Each one of us.
Click here to read the January issue.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
December 2007 : Where the streets have no name
Exactly a month ago, we decided to showcase how religion and spirituality make a positive difference in the society. The debate has been on since then - How can an organization started by members of the same faith be truly inclusive? In a country like India, where religion has always been a political trump card, can the issue be dealt with neutrally? How can we be sure that a spiritual organization is not about splurging wealth and advocating a misguided belief system?
Now that we have compiled all our articles, we have a different story to tell.
Today, we believe in what religion is or can be, among its many other manifestations in the society. Religion is divisive, manipulative and blinding. But it is also loving and compassionate. When we care to see, there are so many instances where there is all but an indistinguishable line between love of god and love towards mankind. In our Forefront section, we showcase organizations and practices started by members of the same faith that today serve a community regardless of religion and caste.
We realize that spirituality is about opening your mind and being at peace with yourself. Our Sattvic celebrity, Sri Ramachandra Mission, aims to achieve world peace by helping every individual find peace through spirituality. In the Postscript section, Shanthi shares how spirituality helped her find her place in the world. In the Guest column, Siddhartha, who founded Fireflies Ashram, shares his vision of creating a community that engages in spiritual dialogue to address the risk of the world becoming “a wasteland of souls”. We are thankful to Professor Ramnath Narayanswamy for sharing his views on religion and spirituality in our Expert Speak section.
And if you didn’t know that the Uniform Civil Code is already implemented in one part of India, we recommend our Refractive index section where we have compiled an FAQ on the Uniform civil code.
As I write these words, churches have been torched in Orissa, Shiv sena members have vandalized an exhibition by MF Hussain and there’s a perennial fear of another religious strife in the country. In the backdrop of such events, it is easy to dismiss the optimism of this issue. But I believe that is what makes these initiatives special. Because it shows us that there is hope.
Bono, U2’s lead singer, once wrote about streets of Belfast, Northern Ireland, where a person's religion is evident by the street they live on. In an evocative song, he wished for a world where we transcend these limits, a world “where the streets have no name”.
This issue is dedicated to that vision. Click here to read the issue
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Services delivered at your doorstep. Ah, those were the days…
The abridged version of this article appeared in our November issue. However, since the original article was so adorable, we couldn't resist posting it on our blog
Many moons ago Bangaloreans got fresh milk off the tap, pasta made at home, kitchen utensil repairmen, clothiers, doll-makers, ice-cream wallahs and such, all landed at your doorstep, to deliver the goodies. That is, until time and the retailer juggernaut hit town ... and changed our lives.
The milkman cometh. With fresh milk.
At dawn, bungalows awoke to a series of door deliveries. First it was the milkman. With cow in tow.
The cow's hind legs were strapped with a chord – so it wouldn't kick. The milkman washed the udder before calling out to mother. When she responded from the kitchen window, he'd hold the bucket upside down, as if to say, "Ok, lady. There's no water in the bucket. I am giving you undiluted milk."
With that, he'd squat on his haunches and work the animal's undercarriage – squeezing milk into the bucket. The first jets of milk made a hollow tinny sound. As the bucket filled, froth and a new sound emerged. Later, the milk was measured, delivered. Closure came after the man doled kosuru, extra milk.
The 'nati' egg and ghee/curd man
At about that time, an old, bare-footed turban-wearing individual arrived with a long thin bamboo strip with two bouncy reed-baskets at either end, carrying farm fresh produce. Country eggs in one basket, and ghee/curds in the other. About the person there was an unmistakable aroma of the village – grass, cattle, nati koli, and farm. He'd dunk the eggs in water in an open vessel. If the eggs sank, they were good. If they floated, they were rotten!
Out of the other basket, came two pots. The smaller container had ghee. The other, black clay pot held curds. Lumpy, sweet and sour. But that's how yoghurt was in those days.
The pasta makers
Pasta came early misty mornings. Cycle vendor went about the street crying "Idiappam! Idiappam!!" Or in summer a couple arrived at your doorstep to make semiya. They'd knead, prepare the wheat dough before inserting lumps of it into a mounted little aluminum extruder. With a few cranks of the handle, came oodles of noodles! The string pasta was manually collected and sun-dried on a large white muslin cloth spread over reed mats in the open backyard. At the end of the day, the dried vermicelli, for delicious payasam, was stored in large tin boxes. But not before mischievous kids, nicked the drying sticks and scooted with old attendants screaming after them!
The household utensil tinkerman
The bearded 'kalai-wallah' came about once a year, to repair and re-surface dekshis, tawas and other cooking utensils. To work he made elaborate preparations in the back yard - digging, scooping, forming a hollow in the ground, before inserting a metal pipe to the muddy formation. A flat hide bellow was connected to the pipe, to pump air for the makeshift hearth. With that the foundry got going, and vessels were repaired and polished.
The knife sharpener
Another service-provider was the knife-sharpener. He'd come with a wooden contraption strapped to his back. Setting the treadle machine down, he'd stamp on the pedal and get the grinding stone going. A host of knives, scissors, 'cut-throat' razors and such came out for sharpening. This happened with a wonderful stream of red, orange, and blue sparks flying off the emery wheel. Kids were wowwed by the magical sight!
The toys and clothier
Toys and cloth were home delivered too. Two Chinese gentlemen nattily clad in tie and suit, happened at our bungalow, just before the festive season. On their bicycles, were big bundles of exquisite clothing fabric – for ladies and men. While one laid out the selection, the other Chinaman got children's attention with his box of clay and material to make dolls. His nimble fingers worked fast and expertly to fashion the precursor of today's Barbie dolls. Lumpy clay took shape. Coloured with deft brush-strokes, and dusted with iridescent powder, the dolls had the girls going aaah! and oooh!
The ice-cream wallah
A mobile vendor who brought tremendous pleasure on a sweltering summer day was the ice-cream man. His timing was perfect. Post-lunch, when protesting hyper-active kids were made to 'rest' for a while. A solar hat, cotton suit, tie, goggles, and a distinct American accent marked the man.
"Aa-ISSH- creammmmMM!", he'd go, swinging an impossibly largish bronze bell, as he pedaled his cycle. Parents resting would be shaken awake, and soon the whole family was at the compound wall dazzled and salivating at the tantalizing array of stick ice creams in a large thermos flask. What joy! If this was a treat beyond compare, it had many a kid taking in the vendor, and wondering about career choices – engine driver or ice-cream vendor?!
Many moons ago Bangaloreans got fresh milk off the tap, pasta made at home, kitchen utensil repairmen, clothiers, doll-makers, ice-cream wallahs and such, all landed at your doorstep, to deliver the goodies. That is, until time and the retailer juggernaut hit town ... and changed our lives.
The milkman cometh. With fresh milk.
At dawn, bungalows awoke to a series of door deliveries. First it was the milkman. With cow in tow.
The cow's hind legs were strapped with a chord – so it wouldn't kick. The milkman washed the udder before calling out to mother. When she responded from the kitchen window, he'd hold the bucket upside down, as if to say, "Ok, lady. There's no water in the bucket. I am giving you undiluted milk."
With that, he'd squat on his haunches and work the animal's undercarriage – squeezing milk into the bucket. The first jets of milk made a hollow tinny sound. As the bucket filled, froth and a new sound emerged. Later, the milk was measured, delivered. Closure came after the man doled kosuru, extra milk.
The 'nati' egg and ghee/curd man
At about that time, an old, bare-footed turban-wearing individual arrived with a long thin bamboo strip with two bouncy reed-baskets at either end, carrying farm fresh produce. Country eggs in one basket, and ghee/curds in the other. About the person there was an unmistakable aroma of the village – grass, cattle, nati koli, and farm. He'd dunk the eggs in water in an open vessel. If the eggs sank, they were good. If they floated, they were rotten!
Out of the other basket, came two pots. The smaller container had ghee. The other, black clay pot held curds. Lumpy, sweet and sour. But that's how yoghurt was in those days.
The pasta makers
Pasta came early misty mornings. Cycle vendor went about the street crying "Idiappam! Idiappam!!" Or in summer a couple arrived at your doorstep to make semiya. They'd knead, prepare the wheat dough before inserting lumps of it into a mounted little aluminum extruder. With a few cranks of the handle, came oodles of noodles! The string pasta was manually collected and sun-dried on a large white muslin cloth spread over reed mats in the open backyard. At the end of the day, the dried vermicelli, for delicious payasam, was stored in large tin boxes. But not before mischievous kids, nicked the drying sticks and scooted with old attendants screaming after them!
The household utensil tinkerman
The bearded 'kalai-wallah' came about once a year, to repair and re-surface dekshis, tawas and other cooking utensils. To work he made elaborate preparations in the back yard - digging, scooping, forming a hollow in the ground, before inserting a metal pipe to the muddy formation. A flat hide bellow was connected to the pipe, to pump air for the makeshift hearth. With that the foundry got going, and vessels were repaired and polished.
The knife sharpener
Another service-provider was the knife-sharpener. He'd come with a wooden contraption strapped to his back. Setting the treadle machine down, he'd stamp on the pedal and get the grinding stone going. A host of knives, scissors, 'cut-throat' razors and such came out for sharpening. This happened with a wonderful stream of red, orange, and blue sparks flying off the emery wheel. Kids were wowwed by the magical sight!
The toys and clothier
Toys and cloth were home delivered too. Two Chinese gentlemen nattily clad in tie and suit, happened at our bungalow, just before the festive season. On their bicycles, were big bundles of exquisite clothing fabric – for ladies and men. While one laid out the selection, the other Chinaman got children's attention with his box of clay and material to make dolls. His nimble fingers worked fast and expertly to fashion the precursor of today's Barbie dolls. Lumpy clay took shape. Coloured with deft brush-strokes, and dusted with iridescent powder, the dolls had the girls going aaah! and oooh!
The ice-cream wallah
A mobile vendor who brought tremendous pleasure on a sweltering summer day was the ice-cream man. His timing was perfect. Post-lunch, when protesting hyper-active kids were made to 'rest' for a while. A solar hat, cotton suit, tie, goggles, and a distinct American accent marked the man.
"Aa-ISSH- creammmmMM!", he'd go, swinging an impossibly largish bronze bell, as he pedaled his cycle. Parents resting would be shaken awake, and soon the whole family was at the compound wall dazzled and salivating at the tantalizing array of stick ice creams in a large thermos flask. What joy! If this was a treat beyond compare, it had many a kid taking in the vendor, and wondering about career choices – engine driver or ice-cream vendor?!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Waiting for Doctor Gladys
Scoop of the century! The mysterious identity of Doctor Gladys finally revealed. Our correspondent Rathish Balakrishnan reports.
Doctor Gladys is from clownland and speaks in a strong cockney accent. She looks just like all of us, if you can ignore the obvious huge red cherry stuck on her nose. “Everyone from clownland has one just like this”, she confides. She has a bag of tricks and rivals the medics with injections of her own. I cannot do magic, she tells the kids. But she can make them smile. And that’s just what kids in the pediatric ward want.
Like Lois Lane in Superman, I have been after Doctor Gladys for quite sometime. And finally, I get something close to a lead in Nazu Tonse (Spoiler hint – think Clark Kent), a distant cousin of Doctor Gladys. People tell me that she has a striking resemblance to Doctor Gladys; Except for the cherry nose that is.
It’s immediately clear that Nazu shares her distant cousin’s passion for clowning. “The basic objective is to bring joy in the lives of the children. All they do the whole day in the hospital is to obey orders and do what is told. The clown is the only person that they can say a no to. And the clowns do their bit to distract the kids from the daily monotony and make them smile”. So, does her cousin have a fixed act that she performs everywhere? “No. It’s a lot of improvisation based on the age of the kids, their condition and the props that we find around. We often use music and story telling to get their attention. The idea is to make every kid feel special.”
I notice the subtle shift from ‘she’ to ‘we’ but let it pass. I ask her if what she does is just like the circus clowns. “There are some basic differences. We use clowning as a way of taking care. Our jokes are not slapstick and we don’t hurt anyone. Not even the fellow clowns.” Clowning is also serious business, she tells me. Hygiene is of highest importance. The entire paraphernalia – from the shoes to the gloves – are washed after every visit and are not worn outside the hospital floor. If any kid touches one of the toys, it is made sure that the other kids do not use it. And if any of the clowns are unwell, they do not visit the hospital to make sure the infection doesn’t spread to the kids.
Having trapped her in a cul de sac, I finally confront her with her true identity. And this time, she has no choice but to admit.
As the time wheel spins backwards, she tells me how Severine Blanchet, a member of Docteur Clown in Lyons France, came down to India. Nazu met Severine in a workshop that was held last year and was trained to become a clown. “The actual workshop is divided into 10 two hour sessions, with three sessions every week. The main focus is on finding and developing one’s clown character, from the name to costume to personality. The participants are also introduced juggling, acting and hospital procedures.”
Docteur Clown India, an offshoot of Docteur Clown, was started as a cultural activity of the Alliance Francaise de Bangalore. Right now there are four clowns, two each from India and France. They spend around two hours in a week with children in various mainstream hospitals. And what does it take to become a docteur clown? “It helps if you are in touch with your inner child, understand the importance of emotional health and are compassionate about others and yourself.”
The music heightens as she continues, “We all seem to be caught up in getting things right. It’s like life is one big race. Being a clown teaches you how you can fail sometimes and how it doesn’t really matter”, and vanishes into thin air.
It’s not just the children who need this lesson. Even adults need one of her laughter injections. The world needs more smiles. More clowns.
And more superheroes. Well, that’s another story.
Contact details
Nazu - 98800 70079 / Severine - 99800 94001
Email - selfpropelled at rocketmail dot com / sblanchet at yahoo dot com
Website - http://doctorgladys.blogspot.com
Doctor Gladys is from clownland and speaks in a strong cockney accent. She looks just like all of us, if you can ignore the obvious huge red cherry stuck on her nose. “Everyone from clownland has one just like this”, she confides. She has a bag of tricks and rivals the medics with injections of her own. I cannot do magic, she tells the kids. But she can make them smile. And that’s just what kids in the pediatric ward want.
Like Lois Lane in Superman, I have been after Doctor Gladys for quite sometime. And finally, I get something close to a lead in Nazu Tonse (Spoiler hint – think Clark Kent), a distant cousin of Doctor Gladys. People tell me that she has a striking resemblance to Doctor Gladys; Except for the cherry nose that is.
It’s immediately clear that Nazu shares her distant cousin’s passion for clowning. “The basic objective is to bring joy in the lives of the children. All they do the whole day in the hospital is to obey orders and do what is told. The clown is the only person that they can say a no to. And the clowns do their bit to distract the kids from the daily monotony and make them smile”. So, does her cousin have a fixed act that she performs everywhere? “No. It’s a lot of improvisation based on the age of the kids, their condition and the props that we find around. We often use music and story telling to get their attention. The idea is to make every kid feel special.”
I notice the subtle shift from ‘she’ to ‘we’ but let it pass. I ask her if what she does is just like the circus clowns. “There are some basic differences. We use clowning as a way of taking care. Our jokes are not slapstick and we don’t hurt anyone. Not even the fellow clowns.” Clowning is also serious business, she tells me. Hygiene is of highest importance. The entire paraphernalia – from the shoes to the gloves – are washed after every visit and are not worn outside the hospital floor. If any kid touches one of the toys, it is made sure that the other kids do not use it. And if any of the clowns are unwell, they do not visit the hospital to make sure the infection doesn’t spread to the kids.
Having trapped her in a cul de sac, I finally confront her with her true identity. And this time, she has no choice but to admit.
As the time wheel spins backwards, she tells me how Severine Blanchet, a member of Docteur Clown in Lyons France, came down to India. Nazu met Severine in a workshop that was held last year and was trained to become a clown. “The actual workshop is divided into 10 two hour sessions, with three sessions every week. The main focus is on finding and developing one’s clown character, from the name to costume to personality. The participants are also introduced juggling, acting and hospital procedures.”
Docteur Clown India, an offshoot of Docteur Clown, was started as a cultural activity of the Alliance Francaise de Bangalore. Right now there are four clowns, two each from India and France. They spend around two hours in a week with children in various mainstream hospitals. And what does it take to become a docteur clown? “It helps if you are in touch with your inner child, understand the importance of emotional health and are compassionate about others and yourself.”
The music heightens as she continues, “We all seem to be caught up in getting things right. It’s like life is one big race. Being a clown teaches you how you can fail sometimes and how it doesn’t really matter”, and vanishes into thin air.
It’s not just the children who need this lesson. Even adults need one of her laughter injections. The world needs more smiles. More clowns.
And more superheroes. Well, that’s another story.
Contact details
Nazu - 98800 70079 / Severine - 99800 94001
Email - selfpropelled at rocketmail dot com / sblanchet at yahoo dot com
Website - http://doctorgladys.blogspot.com
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