From the President’s desk

Charged and ready for the new year

WE began the new year with great hope and positivity. After successfully organising and conducting the 15th Annual Day function, my teammates were ready to take on new challenges. Encouraging feedback from well-wishers and parents has strengthened the beliefthat a huge surge of positive energy is keeping us together, that we are on the right path, definitely making a difference in the lives of mentally challenged friends, and that we have the capacity to give them much more. Thus recharged, we are ready to take Navkshitij to greater heights.

We are working towards making our systems better so that our colleagues can work in peace and feel stress-free. We have decided to concentrate on fund raising strategies. It is an undeniable reality that passion will need to be supported with financial assistance for us to be able to implement newer and better programs for our Friends.

This month, our Friends got the opportunity to perform at Radisson Hotel, during their annual day celebrations. They enjoyed it thoroughly. Our male Resident Friends participated in cricket matches organised by Kamayani. We also celebrated Makar Sankrant with great zest. This year, for Republic Day, we were fortunate to have war veteran Naval Commander D A Toke as the chief guest. After the flag hoisting, we went for a picnic near Kasarsai dam. On January 29 and 30, a group of Friends and colleagues went to Nagao near Alibaug, for a seashore holiday. The second group will go around mid-February. Such outings are necessary for everyone. Both Friends and colleagues who went on the holiday enjoyed themselves a lot. Playing in the water and a cricket match on the seashore are favourite activities. We are grateful to Mrs and Mr Shintre for regularly sponsoring this trip for many years and for allowing us to use all the facilities at Shintre Wadi Resort.

We are now getting ready for the annual Parvati Climbing Competition on February 6.

A big applause

RUNNING a not-for-profit organization, I know how much effort is required; and having visited Navkshitij (Marunji unit) a few years ago, I can see the results of the hard work put in by you and all involved! When I visited, many things impressed me — the maintenance of the entire area, the facilities created with the resources you have, and the enthusiasm of the Friends who live there! I could also see that all employees were putting in their best and that reflected in the glow on the faces of the resident Friends.

I have been impressed with the extent of activities — the treks, trips and other participations. Navkshitij has done a LOT. I also learned about the dedication of all Trustees. The majority attends monthly meetings and contributes their best efforts. This is not easy, and it is something that requires a big applause.

My best wishes to Navkshitij for any expansions you plan, and I hope that great things happen for the care of as many Mentally Challenged Friends as possible. By Mrs. Vasumathi Sriganesh, Founder, QMed Knowledge Foundation, Mumbai.

Upcoming Happenings

• February 6: Parvati Climbing Competition
• February 12 & 13: Trip to Alibaug (Group 2)
• February 16: Annual Siblings Conference, at Marunji

Month’s events

• January 15: Makar Sankranti
• January 26: Republic Day celebrations
• January 29 & 30: Trip to Alibaug (Group 1)

Thank you from Navkshitij to:

• Mr. Sridharan Kalyanasundaram
• Mrs. Usha Subramanian
• KPIT Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
• Nitor Infotech Pvt. Ltd.
• Mr. Ramchandra Narayan Mahajan
• Mr. Abhay Khanapure
• Mr. Nachiketas Bhatkar
• Spectrum Solutions &Technologies
• Mr. Nitin Patel
• Mr. Prem Rathi
• ACI Worldwide Consulting (India) Pvt. Ltd.
• Mr. Amrut Borgaonkar
• Vansum Industries

Navkshitij now needs

• 1 Garden water pipe (2,000 metres) – Approximate cost Rs. 5,000
• 1 Solar Water Heater for Aswali – Approximate cost Rs 70,000
• 200 kilos Wheat Flour – Approximate cost Rs 8,000
• Poha 30 kilos – Approximate cost Rs 1,500
• 24 LED Bulbs – Approximate cost Rs 4,800
• 10 Solar Lamps – Approximate cost Rs 20,000
• 40 packets Mosquito Mats – Approximate cost Rs 2,400

(A monthly newsletter published by Dr. Neelima Desai and edited by Kanaka Cadambi on behalf of Navkshitij)