From The President’s Desk

The stage ablaze

October was a very special month for us. We organised our Annual Natya Mahotsavon October 7, as also our Annual Street Play and Walkathon on the occasion of GandhiJayanti on October 2.This year, it was the eighth edition of our Drama Competition for mentally challengedfriends. There have been many lows and highs along the journey. In the initial years, itwas the problem of too few participating schools/organisations. Many times, it was theissue of not getting sponsors; at times, it was even not being able to get a proper venuefor the competition. But we kept a cool head, and with spirits high, moved forward,hosting the event year after year. This year, we were pleasantly surprised to have manyentries, one from faraway Latur.The creativity of the teachers from the participating organisations was at its best thisyear. The topics covered included an interesting range – Maggi saga, Impact of TV oncommunication within the family; issues related to environment and Organ Donation.The prop and backdrop for many skits were very original and creative.The teachers worked very hard to get the special friends to deliver – that too todeliver effectively. The judges of the competition were amazed to watch theperformances of the special friends. What I liked most was the fact that the specialfriends were performing fearlessly and confidently. They were so thrilled to put on thecostumes for the play. They strutted around happily, asking us how they looked. It wassheer delight to watch them.Ms. Asha Kale, the well-known Marathi actress, was the chief guest on the occasion.Actors Rushikesh Nerlekar and Lini Phadke were the judges. Mr. Bipin Sangle anchoredthe show with great zeal and enthusiasm. Renowned film and theatre celebrity, Ms.Lalan Sarang, was a great pillar of support. I would like to thank each of them, as also theNavkshitij team without whose support it would be well-nigh impossible to conduct suchevents. I add our special thanks to Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd for sponsoring this eventand for its sustained support.

Frenzied activity

If it’s October, it must be frenzied activity at our workshop. Daan Utsav, Diwali,Christmas… We love the challenge and rising to it.We put up many stalls for Daan Utsav (Joy of Giving) and Diwali. Demand for ourproducts – Delicacy chocolates, jewellery, lanterns, candles, envelopes, key-chains anddiyas – touches a peak and we need to be ready. Teachers, workshop assistants,volunteers and special friends… Everyone puts in his or her best during this time. All staffmembers, whether or not directly associated with the workshop, pitch in to help make theproducts. In fact, before Diwali, we often work up to midnight to complete orders.This year, we have received many orders for chocolates. Our Chocolate Unit looks like achocolate factory, with everyone working feverishly and the cupboards bursting withchocolates. One cupboard is filled with ready-to-deliver boxes of chocolates. It gives megreat pleasure to observe my team helping each other, putting aside everyday personalissues.I would like to make a special mention of our Friends, especially those attached to thejewellery and chocolate units. They work so sincerely and with such enthusiasm that wefeel fortunate to be a part of their lives; we are proud that they are a part of Navkshitij.Mission of NavkshitijThe mission of Navkshitij is to create a homefor mentally challenged adults, where theirageing parents can see them relocated,assured that their child will live a life which ishappy, dignified, warm and full of excitementand joy, and also be an accepted part ofsociety; and in this way motivate andempower other NGOs and parents to startmany such centres, replicating the Navkshitij model.

Upcoming Happenings

• November 6: Diwali Party
• November 7: Meeting with parents; Diwali vacation begins
• November 8: Diwali holiday for staff begins
• November 20: Staff returns from Diwali vacation
• November 21: Hostel reopens after Diwali vacation
• November 24-28: Participation in Weltwaerts Partner Conference 2015
• November 28: Trek to Raireshwar
• October 2: Annual Walkathon; Street Play on Organ Donation
• October 7: Eighth Annual Drama Competition at Bharat Natya Mandir, Pune.
• October 14: Traffic Awareness Program at Pune University Chowk.
• October 20-30: Training on Documentation by Ms. Sandra Nady from France.
• October 22: Dassara
• October 26: Kojagiri Poornima

Thank you from Navkshitij to:

• Mr. Mandar N. Kulkarni
• Dr. Sucheta Sathe
• Mr. Prasad Sathe
• Mrs. Lalita Gajanan Sathe
• Mrs. Aparna Sowani
• Mrs. and Mr. Jog;
• Mrs. and Mr. Hatile;and,
• Mrs. and Mr. Sanjali Limaye
• Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
• Mr. Abhay Khanapure (Meritech)
• Jivraj Baloo Trust
• Mr. Shekhar Laxman Sarmalkkar
• Jakson Limited Elc
• Daksh Sakhare
• Ms. Noopur Fadnavis
• Mr. Balachandran
• Ms. Vimal Patil
• Ms. Sangita Khatri
• Ms. Anandi Khedkar
• Flextronics Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
• Tata Motors
• KPIT Technologies
• Infosys
• Mr. Nitin Patel
• Mr. Sunil Kulkarni

Navkshitij now needs:

• 24 CFL Bulbs – Approximate cost Rs. 4,800
• Sponsorship for First Aid Medicines – Rs. 6,000 (for twelve months)
• 1 Printer Cartridge – Approximate cost Rs. 1,000
• 45 Face Towels/Napkins – Approximate cost Rs. 2,000
• 60 Door Mats – Approximate cost Rs. 6,000
• 1 LCD Projector – Approximate cost Rs.40,000
• 1 Garden Bench – Approximate cost Rs. 12,000
• 6 Boxes for storing grains – Approximate cost Rs.6,000
• 2 Garden Swings – Approximate cost Rs. 20,000