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Squash-a-Mile in India
Sun 19th June 2011, Bombay Gymkhana |
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Squash-a-Mile
makes a difference in Kolkata ...
 It
was a real cracker. Fabulous attendance - we had over 220
people there (largely kids).
Great energy. Lots of fun, food, music, running, walking,
cheering.
One of the best squash experiences that I've had ever.
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Why did you choose to
support Concern India Foundation? Can you tell us a little
bit about the kind of work that they have done so far
Concern India has been around for several decades. Their
philosophy is to Help People Help Themselves. This
kind of struck a chord. I had heard from several people that
they have done and continue to do some very good work. As
far as I was concerned I was just keen that whatever money
we raised should go towards the causes of children –
primarily education and health. I now know more about the
kind of projects that they support and that has helped widen
my perspective on certain things quite significantly.
 The
Bombay Gymkhana is the venue for the event. Is there a
particular reason why this venue has been selected
The Bombay Gymkhana is one of Mumbai’s oldest sporting
institutions. (136 years old). It has always encouraged
children and since this event essentially seeks to bring
children ( also adults) to do something for lesser fortunate
children – it seemed appropriate. The SRAM ( The Squash
Rackets Association of Maharashtra) has been very
encouraging as well.
What kind of targets have you set for yourself? How are
you coming along against these targets
To begin with I thought that I could help raise approx Rs.
75,000. This target was quickly revised to Rs.1 lac. Almost
instantaneously the response was fantastic. I was
overwhelmed by the generosity and spontaneity of so many.
The budget was revised upwards and then revised again. If
the trend is anything to go by we should be able to at least
double up from where we thought we’d end.
Are there any specific programs of this NGO that you are
looking to support?
 As
mentioned earlier – primarily children’s programs dealing
with education and health issues
Could you describe the various emotions that you have
experienced thus far during the process of
conceptualization, planning and coordination
It’s been a fantastic journey. The few things that come to
mind are GRATITUDE – the feeling which perhaps initiated the
process. We are truly blessed in so many ways and to be able
to try and better, even if in a very small way, the lives of
some of the lesser fortunate is rewarding. I am overwhelmed
by the spirit and the generosity of the people that I have
approached. GIVING brings great joy and I feel blessed to be
part of the process.
Do you have any message for young people anywhere about
doing something for the lesser fortunate
I can only say, if you haven’t had the pure and undiluted
joy of giving so far, try it. You will get addicted. |
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Caran
Arora, an enterprising, enthusiastic, energetic and
focused 17 year old squash player from Mumbai, India shares
his experiences in organizing a fundraiser for Concern India
Foundation and his endeavor to make a difference.
