Meet Aarti.
5'6''
MBA , USA
Working for a Catastrophe Risk modeling company in the US.
Intrepid Sportswoman, A Never-Say-Die Attitude
Runner Id: 2008TASV1261
Since Aarti went away to the US a couple of years back, (From my oh so limited perspective), I believed that her world was pretty much about "I need to complete my MBA, get good grades"...then it moved onto 'I need to get a job, a good job'; And then a few interviews and a change of city later she landed up in a great job with a financial firm.
I was sooo wrong. There was so much more to her.
A few days ago her G-Talk status message started sounding a little strange "Aarti did 10 miles", "Aarti did 11 today".
And when I asked her about it, she sent me an email...which I think have forwarded to most of you reading this :)
She's running a fund-raiser marathon.
13 Miles.
This one's to help raise funds to provide education to kids in India.
I was a little intrigued by 'this whole-marathon-thing...and as I dug around, I saw the enormity of the issue and the difference the program is making ...in its own way.
Child Literacy:
As I read through the net, I began to get a sense of how important a social issue Child Labour and Child Literacy is.
It is perhaps a very strategic lever which can be used to transform society.
On a macro level, when you look at the numbers, its astounding!
And on a micro-individual level, take a moment, delve into a child's mind and feeling and see how it would be - to live amidst domestic violence, poverty, to have to work everyday to eat that next meal...to see all those 'other kids' in thier fancy uniforms...well you get the point.
I put a small montage together... a picture does speak a thousand words...
The Asha Marathon Program: What began as a single city, single digit participation in the marathons has now become a mulit city program in the US and in other parts of the world.
People are encouraged to participate, and if not complete the full marathon, partially do so. They are given coaching classes, support as required...and funds can be raised by each runner...just like Aarti is doing.
All the money goes out to fund Asha's programs around child literacy in India.
The money raised is just one of the outcomes - people are willing to take on personal challenges to run the marathon - many running in successive years; coaching programs have been set up and its being held in multiple cities.
Coming back to the issue of child labour...
I guess there have always been moments of empathy, sympathy, anger, frustration and a whole host of emotions one has felt with the issue of Child Labour and Education.
This moment is a call for action.
If you would like to do some Armchair Contribution - click the link below.
You can donate using a credit card...
By the way - its not elaborate procedure at all - took me about 8 mins...and perfectly safe.
Every rupee, and dollar, euro counts - so whatever your 'denomination'... do go ahead and give - nothing is too small.
And in case you want to forward the 'donation' link to people:
http://tiny.cc/cBIiu
NB: None of the images on this post come from me. They have been picked up from the public domain on the internet. I just put them together in a video format. Music from Enigma - I hope they pardon any IP issues in the view of supporting child literacy programs.
The days are longer during the winter - just as much as the lethargy and resistance to participate in Life is!
When I got back from India, I was too busy 'settling into my new place'; then there was the hectic schedule at work.
And then I told myself - even the Finns hibernate during winter. And embodify more of the quiet reticence that personify them.
But truth be told that I was just not willing to participate in Life.
Not that that was bad
:)
And how many of us have felt that way - and then found a zillion things outside of us to make the reason for this non-participation.
:)
But I have discovered how the Finns continue to participate in Life despite the winter cold - between the warm gloggi with friends, and the winter sports - there is always a Life to be led.
Like this morning.
When my friend Antti visited me; he actually skated on the frozen sea for a couple of kilometers to come visit me! After a warm chai (battling the Finnish winter with India spiced tea!), we set out and I tried his skates on the sea and have been inspired enough to try the new skates that I have bought - which I shall do tomorrow.
And this evening.
When some other friends and I dropped by at Tiina's for a Valentine's party. And had a most wonderful time, with friends that I am beginning to value as close ones.
Enough said - here's to taking another bite.
And finishing what Life has on my plate.
