From The President’s Desk

Sports day fun: The highlight of November

THE highlight of November is usually our Sports Day, which we celebrated on November 30, this year. It was a full day’s event, from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. This is an annual event in which everyone, including our Friends and my colleagues, participates. This year, some parents and siblings too joined in the fun. Their participation was remarkable. Students of IIEBM College, who are doing field work at Navkshitij, added spirit to the event.

The day started with a cricket match for the staff. The loud cheering and clapping set the perfect atmosphere for the day. The match was followed by Passing the Ball, Bursting the Balloon, Musical Chairs and Pass the Action, with staff members, parents, siblings and the IIEBM students participating with great enthusiasm. We had a game of throw ball and Pick up the Napkin for our friends from the Autism Centre and Day School respectively. After lunch, we had Passing the Ball, Musical Chairs, Lemon and Spoon race and a cricket match for our resident Friends. We also had a special Musical Chairs session for the children of our staff. On this special day, a few Friends showcased their Taekwondo skills with great pride. Facility Manager Mahendra Suryvanshi took the initiative and planned and executed the event very well. I was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and commitment of my colleagues. Organizing the event involved a lot of hard work on many fronts. Everyone worked as a team and the efforts paid off. Every person present was glowing with happiness. We had sugar cane juice and lunch together. In the evening, after the award ceremony, we enjoyed delicious batata wada and tea. I am so glad that parents and siblings of our Friends could take back happy memories with them and the good feeling that their special child/special sibling is enjoying life at Navkshitij.

In November, we went on a trek to Neelkantheshwar. Our women resident Friends participated in a 3K marathon organized by Pinkathon, in Pune. First year law college students from Shankarrao Chavan Law College visited Navkshitij and had a great time interacting with our Friends. They have offered to help us in our various projects. Volunteers from Nitor InfoTech visited us on November 29. We are all now excited about the upcoming 16th Annual Day function on December 7, at our Marunji premises.

Every visit makes me introspect

I remember Navkshitij ever since my memory can take me back. I remember the long meetings that Dr. Neelima Desai (Neelima aunty to me) and my mother Kanaka used to have in our house in Pune. As a child I used to think, Wow, this idea is amazing. I have been exposed to social work, but only through seeing Neelima aunty working I learnt that so much effort goes into running an organization this huge. Hats off to her and the entire Navkshitij team for helping this organization grow so beautifully over the years. Even now it amazes me how each caregiver is so patient.

I always wondered how I could help Neelima Aunty. When I was old enough I remember helping aunty deciding the colour combinations for the uniform. It was a small act but I was so thrilled to be doing something for Navkshitij.

I don’t think I have ever seen a social organization address so many issues such as environment preservation, traffic discipline and nationalism. I’ve been to Navkshitij so many times and I love spending time there. Whenever I go, it’s a reset button for me. Every visit makes me introspect. How can I be a better human being? I’ve learnt from Navkshitij Friends never to give up on oneself. It’s inspiring how the special friends encourage each other to push their boundaries. They cheer, encourage and show compassion to the others around them. They are so grounded. This is something we lack today. We are all so focused on getting others down that we have forgotten Humanity and Love. Thank you, Navkshitij, for the wonderful experiences and lessons.

By Aparna Aditya Seshan, a well-wisher.

Upcoming happenings

• December 7 : 16th Foundation Day
• December 20: Visit to Anand Pariwar in Satara under the Setu initiative
• December 28: Monthly Trek
• December 31: New Year’s Eve party

Month’s events

• November 4 : Birthday Celebrations of Special Friends
• November 20: Traffic Awareness Program
• November 23: Trek to Neelkantheshwar
• November 30: Sports Day

Thank you from Navkshitij to:

• Mr. A. S. Ramkumar
• Mr. Mangesh Anandrao Tupe
• E. S. Venkataraman Trust
• Mr. Nachiketas Bhatkar
• Ms. Meenal Bhagwat
• Mr. Keshav Uddhav Kulkarni
• Mr. Sachin S. Deshpande
• Mr. Ajay Kumar Sahni
• Flextronic Tech India Pvt. Ltd.
• Mr. Nitin Patel
• Mr. Sajid Jamadar
• Infosys Newmount Gold Corp
• Mr. Lakshmikant
• M/s Grind Master - Mr. Sameer Kelkar
• Dr. Baney and Mr. Luca
• Ms Anita Deepak Chhibba

Navkshitij now needs

• Laptops – Approximate cost Rs 78,000
• 1 Computer – Approximate cost Rs 22,000
• 1 Water Cooler – Approximate cost Rs 18,000
• 2 Garden Benches – Approximate cost Rs 20,000
• 4x15 litres Groundnut Oil
• 24 LED Bulbs – Approximate cost Rs 4,320
• 15 Kilos Ghee
• 30 Litres Harpik
• 50 Kilos Sugar

(A monthly newsletter published since April 2012 by Dr. Neelima Desai and edited by Kanaka Cadambi on behalf of Navkshitij)