It has been quite sometime that I posted an update on Vaidehi Ashram. Life in general got extremely busy (read as chaotic), pushing everything else into the back burner. Honestly though, there has been not a single day when I don't think of these kids at the ashram. Now, thanks to my mother, I could coordinate and disburse about 50,000 Rupees for their monthly groceries. The ashram currently is giving shelter and a chance to lead a better life for about 120+ girls (from ages 3 to 21 years) and providing 3 square meals a day is a necessity. A big thanks to the generosity of these awesome people out there and the trust they have in me to help out these kids. The remaining amount (~ Rs 50,000) is being planned to spend as their monthly schools fees in the month of May 2015.
All the photographs used in the post have been taken by my mother using her phone. I think she did a hell of a good job capturing the true essence of the visit. Bonus: My driver took a video too. Check it out at the end of this post. :-)
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came forward to help these kids at the ashram.
{Updated on November 15th 2012} Shirdi Trip Photographs Part 1 Located in a quaint colony here in Hyderabad, until last year, there were only few handful of people along with 100+ orphan kids associated with the Vaidehi Ashram. Now, things have a changed, a lot. Since the day Vaidehi Ashram has been mentioned on this blog for the first time, many many generous souls have joined the ashram community. Its now a big, virtual family where each one of us have pledged to help out those needy girls and strive to give them a better life. I can't thank enough those who helped me in bringing joy and happiness into their lives. Thank you in lending a helping hand (even now, every single day through your numerous calls and emails about what you can do for the ashram) and for believing in the notion that- the ashram kids too deserve to see their aspirations fulfilled in their lives, just like any of us. :-)
Welcome to Vaidehi Ashram
Now, coming to some super exciting news. Remember, this post where I asked for your help to make their wish (to visit Shridi for Dussehra) a reality. Well, I am ecstatic to let you all know that - not only we collected the necessary amount in less than 48 hours, the travel company has offered an attractive package where the children will be touring not only Shirdi but a bunch of other places as well. How cool is that!!. It is no longer a day trip, it evolved itself into a week long trip. About 50 girls (who are studying from 7th standard to college) along with 3 ashram wardens and 6 committee members (59 in total) will be joining this trip.
"The Bags are ready. Food packed. The kids are all set to go, tomorrow! "
A total of 1,21,393 Rupees has been collected during the fund drive last week and am happy to let you all know that the entire amount has been handed over to the ashram authorities.
Here is the breakup of the costs -
--> Transportation - 40,000 Rs (in the form two cheques directly given to "Sri Venkateshwara Travels) + 33,000 Rupees (for various toll taxes & othere travel related expenses along the way etc)
--> Food - 20,000 Rupees donated by Lata Raja, sent directly to Ashram account.
--> Accommodation + Miscellaneous costs for medicines, blankets etc - 28,393 Rupees
I visited the ashram today to see how the preparations were going on. Below are few photographs I clicked while I was there. Some of the older kids have promised me to take loads of pictures during their trip. I will post them once they are back. Stay tuned. :-D
common medicines, in case needed.
its quite cold these days, hence few blankets to wrap on.
buckets & mugs
few munchies - chudwa and rava laddoo (made in ashram kitchen) for the trip.
Some of the girls, wardens and committee members who will be going to this trip. (except for the little girl on right side)
Note:Here are the details of their Shirdi trip. Thanks to each of them who donated generously for the cause. Photographs taken during the trip will shared shortly on the blog.
"Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back. Those who wish to sing always find a song..." ~ Plato
Back in February this year, the first ever Fund Drive for the Vaidehi Ashram kids was organised. Thanks to the overwhelming response (~ Rs 3,20,107 collected), we managed to pay their school fees for 5 months, bring loads of groceries for 2 months and buy them some new shoes as well. (Click here for all the details about how the funds are being disbursed.) They thanked all of us profusely every single time they received a cheque. The remaining amount of 55,743 Rupees is planned for groceries for the month of October. I will keep you posted and publish the details pretty soon.
Few days back, when I visited the ashram to donate Rs 10,600 ($200) on behalf of my dear friend, Rads many kids expressed their desire to visit Shirdi for this year's Dussehra. When I inquired about it with mataji, the ashram warden, she said yes, they would really want to take the girls but they are in look out for sponsors who can help them for the trip to happen.
There are about 50 kids at Vaidehi Ashram who study from class 6th to 10th class. Many have not seen the world beyond the four walls of the ashram either because their parents have abandoned them or left them orphaned. Almost all the girls in the ashram are trying to build a new world for themselves with whatever emotional and financial support they receive from people like us, the donors who show their generosity in the form of food, books, clothes or just few minutes of kind, encouraging words. "Everything will be alright", I say every time I see kids who cry for their families. "Life is gonna be great for them" I think and silently pray in my heart.
Coming to the logistics, it will cost around Rupess 70,000 for travel and accommodation (they will be staying in the satrams (cheap, affordable housing) provided by the Shirdi Devastanam) for all the 50 kids. Looking at the little eager faces around me, I wanted to help and since its quite a big amount for one person to bear, I was hoping if you guys will help me as well. Hence this mini fund drive, with a mission to collect $1350 in 4 days.
I might not succeed completely, but at least I can try. Try to use this blog as a platform to reach out to generous souls out there who are interested to join me in this cause.
If you would like to donate in Rupees - Please send an email to info(dot)siri(at)gmail.com for the bank account details where you can do a direct deposit and participate in the fund drive. Spread the word. Please share about this fund drive on your blogs, with your friends & family who might be interested. Please feel free to use any images and information posted in the Ashrampoststo make your voice heard. Any help in any form in making this event a success is very much appreciated. :-).
Just like before, I created a ChipIn widget to make this things easier. But this time we have a limit of $1350. That's how much we need in just 4 days, as the ashram authorities have to pay the travel company in advance. Click the "Copy" button on the corresponding widget and paste it on your blog sidebars so that your readers can participate as well. If you have any questions, please feel free to send an email.
Will you join me in spreading joy and bringing few innocent smiles this festive season? Any little amount right from $1 will help me get closer the $1350 target. Just click the ChipIn button above and it will direct you to the payment page (via Paypal or Credit Card). Once the donation process is completed, please forward your payment confirmation message to info(dot)siri(at)gmail.com. As soon as I receive your payment, I will send you a personal thank you note which is a confirmation about your donation.
"There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle."
~ Albert Einstein
..and I think fulfilling the wish of those 50 girls in whatever way we can is a miracle in itself. Let's join hands to make their tiny wish a reality :-) What say?
Note to Contributors: Within 24 hours, if you don't find your name in the below list or regarding any discrepancy with the details mentioned against your name, please do write to me or leave a comment. Thanks and Apologies in advance. :-)
{Updated} - Click here to read all the posts written on Vaidehi Ashram.
Repeating myself on what Thomas Carlyle quoted "A laugh, to be joyous, must flow from a joyous heart, for without kindness, there can be no true joy." and each one of Y.O.U played a passionate role in bringing true joy and happiness in the lives of Vaidehi Ashram girls. Sometimes it feels like a dream that we actually managed to raise more than 3 Lakh Rupees in a matter of just 30 days.
When I shared this news with Ashram authorities, they were ecstatic beyond words. There were tears of joy, happiness and gratitude all around, some expressed awe and some disbelief ;-). They thanked from the bottom of their heart for your generosity and kindness. :-).
Now, its time for proper action so that money reaches the deserved and serves it purpose. This post will be updated regularly to post updates about how the money is being disbursed.
Total Amount raised during the Vaidehi Ashram Fund Drive = Rs 3,20,107[3 Lakh Twenty Thousand One Hundred and Seven Rupees]
How the money has been disbursed.
(in the order of most recent expenditure..scroll down for more updates)
[Updated on November 22nd 2012] - A cheque of 50,700 Rupees in the name of Sri Saraswathi Vidya Peetam has been given which will cover school fees for the month of November 2012. The remaining amount is 2,043 Rupees. Another cheque for the same has been given in the name of Vaidehi Seva Samithi which will cover the cost of one day's meal for all the ashram girls.
[Updated on October 20th 2012] - 3,000 Rupees in cash has been spent to buy this pair of diyas along wtih two plates for the ashram as uptil now they used to borrow them from one of the committee member's friend. Thanks to you all, they have their own pair now which can be used for all special occasions, festivals, annual day inauguration etc.
[Updated on August 19th 2012] - 15,000 Rs in cash was given to Vaidehi Ashram authorities to spend on footwear for all 120 children. Here are some smiling faces excitedly posing with their new chappals. :-)
******************************************************************************************************************************************** [Updated on July 5th 2012] - Two cheques - one for Rs 1,05,360 in the name of Sri Saraswathi Vidya Peetam has been given which will cover two months of school admission fees & term fees for 86 girls from the Ashram. Another for Rs 13,826 in the name of Vaidehi Seva Samithi has been given which will cover the milk expenses for all 112 ashram girls for one month.
[Updated on April 16th 2012] - A cheque for Rs 45, 650 has been given in the name of Sri Saraswathi Vidya Peetam to the Ashram which will cover the school fees for the months of April and May 2012.
Signature and Account details blurred out for security purposes
{L-R} Ms Suvathsala, My mother and ashram wardens - receiving the cheque
[Updated on March 3rd 2012]Emma Goldman once said - "No one has yet realized the wealth of sympathy, the kindness and generosity hidden in the soul of a child. The effort of every true education should be to unlock that treasure.".
Believing the fact that empowering these little girls will make them better and smarter women tomorrow, the first amount (Rs 28,360) disbursed is for the school fees of 80 Ashram kids for the month of March. The check is drawn directly under the name of Sri Saraswathi Vidya Peetam, the trust that runs the school.
Signature and Account No. blurred out for security purposes
It also gives me immense pleasure that many have called the Ashram reading about them on our blogs and offered to financially help the girls. My heart filled with pride that we all successfully mobilized people around us to do some good. :-)
"Gentleness, self-sacrifice and generosity are the exclusive possession of no one race or religion."
~ Mahatma Gandhi
With the help of all you amazing people out there who supported the Fund Drive, one way or the other, the Fund Drive raised $5836.43 (translates to Rs 288903.28) + Rs 31203 => 3 Lakh Twenty Thousand One Hundred and Seven Rupees (Rs 320107) for the kids at the Vaidehi Ashram. How cool is that. :-)
A Thank You Note from the Ashram Kids to all of you!
My heartfelt thanks to all the contributors for their enthusiastic and passionate response in making this Fund Drive such a big success and to fellow blogger friends for their belief in the cause and sponsoring these wonderful prizes. It is indeed a blessing to know each one of you. A special mention who spread the word about the drive by writing on their blogs.
As promised, it is time to reveal the lucky raffle prize winners. A random drawing was conducted at Ashram today and here are the winners. :-)
Shivani
Sravani
An official email has been sent to all winners. Please respond by forwarding your shipping address. The prize sponsors will then send the gifts directly to the winners. Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for the prizes to reach you.
How will the money be spent?
During our visit to the Ashram today, my mother and I inquired about what are their immediate necessities for which the money can be put to use.
80 kids study at Sri Saraswati Sisu Mandir school and the monthly fees is about 25,360 Rupees. We are planning to sponsor their school fees for 3 months. (March, April and May) -->Rs 76,080.
We also received a list of month's supply of provisions needed to feed the kids at the Ashram. The list is currently being sorted out and a part of remaining Rs 2,44,027 will be spent on the essential groceries. Watch out for this space. I will post more updates and photographs as we start disbursing the money.
Translating in English, the below Quote of the day -
"Say NO to laziness not only in actions, but also in thoughts."
Words cannot express my happiness at seeing the glowing faces of the Ashram Kids and the very thought that we could do something for them. This was possible only because of our collective effort.
A Big Thank You to each and everybody!.
If you wish to continue to support the Ashram kids, below are some projects you might be interested in -
1.Adopt a girl for one year (Includes clothing, food, education and other necessities) Rs 20,000/-
2. Vidyanidhi (Education costs a girl for one year) Rs 5,000/-
3.Mangala Nidhi(One time deposit to cover a day's food expenses commemorating any auspicious occasion every year) Rs 20,000/
4. Smrithi Nidhi (One time deposit to cover a day's food expenses in remembrance of your beloved every year) Rs 20,000/-
5.Kishori Vikas Yojana Nidhi (Expenditure to run one Centre of Development Project for Adolescent Girls for one month) Rs 1000/-
6. Vaidehi Mahila Vikasa Samithi (One month expenditure to train Unemployed Youth & Women. Also includes cost for food and shelter) Rs 10,000/-
7. To sponsor a meal for all the Ashram girls: Rs 2,000
Please send them an email at - vaidehisevasamithi@gmail.com or call at 91-9032152105 / 91-40-24075544 with the project details.
Ashram Details:
Vaidehi Seva Samithi
17-1-473/V/3&4
Beside Sri Saraswati Sisu Mandir High School
Krishna Nagar, Saidabad, Hyderabad - 500 059
Ph No: 040-24075544
Mobile: 9032152105
Email: vaidehisevasamithi@gmail.com
To send your contributions directly in the form of a cheque or a demand draft, draw it in favour of - M/s Vaidehi Seva Samithi and send to the above mentioned address with a cover letter specifying your details.
Bank Details for direct deposit: The Ashram authorities have requested a cover letter for the direct deposit contributions as well as they have to know who you are for filing their taxes to Govt. Of India.
For foreign donations only: Vaidehi seva samithi A/C No.5219946953, State Bank of Hyderabad, Disulkhnagar (FCRA) .
For Indian donations only: Vaidehi seva samithi A/c No.2818101000609, CANARA BANK, Saidabad, Hyderabad
As Thomas Keller aptly said - "Food Should be Fun". Good Food, I mean, which evoke happy, burp-y feelings in your tummy. It could be anything from a simple french toast to very mundane South Indian meals.
Sometime last week we visited a newly opened restaurant called "Aviyal" in Hitech City, Hyderabad for lunch. We ordered their south indian meals as we were in a mood for tamizh food . Except for the ghee-pepper rice (below pic) and yogurt bowl, everything else was a major put off. Oil floating on a red kuzhambu, salty-uncooked okra curry, a watery palak dal, tasteless rasam - No, nothing such sort appeals to me!. We walked out mid-way and devoured on a cheesy Papa Johns pizza instead, right below the restaurant.
that is our story with Aviyal.!
Now coming to some amazing news regarding the Fund Drive for Vaidehi Ashram. We raised more than 3 Lakh Rupees in a month's time for the Ashram kiddos.. Isn't that great!
I cannot express in words how happy I am.
I am sure you are too. :-)
Coming to the raffle prize winners, I was supposed to announce them yesterday but few of the donations are currently in pipeline and because every small amount will make a difference to the kids, am waiting for the transactions to go through.
I promise, am going to announce them on Monday, March 5th and also let you all know how the amount will be disbursed to the Ashram.
A Big Thank You to all 157 generous people who contributed for the cause. A Special Hug all of my amazing blogger friends whose raffle prizes added the fun element to the drive.. :-)
"A laugh, to be joyous, must flow from a joyous heart, for without kindness, there can be no true joy."
~ Thomas Carlyle
{Updated} - Click here to read all the posts written on Vaidehi Ashram.
Finally the moment is here. The Fund Drive for Vaidehi Ashram about which I have been talking from past few days begins today. :-)
How does this Fund Drive work and How to donate for the cause?
1. Click on Chip-in button below. (It will take a few seconds to load.)
2. Contribute: Via Paypal or credit. You can donate any amount. Each $10 donation will give you one raffle ticket towards a raffle prize of your choice.
For Example, a donation of $20 will fetch you 2 raffle tickets which can be used to choose on any of the raffle prizes. Scroll down to view all of them in an table format. You can use all your raffle tickets on one prize (in turn increasing the chances in the lucky draw) or on different prizes.
3. Once the donation process is completed, please forward your payment confirmation message to info(dot)siri(at)gmail.com, clearly specifying which raffle prize(s) you are interested in. Within 24 hours, your name and contributed amount will be added to the 'Fund Drive Supporters List' at the very end of this post. If you want to stay anonymous, please let me know in advance. For any correspondence/questions/queries, use the comment section or the email address mentioned.
To donate in Rupees:
Please send an email to info(dot)siri(at)gmail.com for the bank account details where you can do a direct deposit and participate in the Fund Drive.
The event will close on 25th February and winners will be announced on 27th February via a randow drawing by the Ashram kids. :-)
What are the raffle prizes being sponsored?
Thanks to the amazing support from my blogger friends, you have 40+ raffle prizes to choose from, depending on where you live. All the raffle prizes are listed below in a table format for easy reference. For a more pictorial description of each of them - Click here.
The following raffle prizes make great gifts, and each item will be sent to the winner neatly packed and shipping expenses paid.
Please note that each one of these prizes can be chosen by multiple donors. A lucky dip will be conducted with the names associated and a winner will be chosen by the Ashram kids.
A goodie bag which has great organic products such - organic millets, organic jams, pickles, soaps, and Krya (India's only organic detergent). these are directly sourced from farmers who grow/make them.
All the winners will be notified via Email. The winners have to provide and confirm their shipping addresses. The prize sponsors will then send the gifts directly to the winners. Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for the prizes to reach you.
How can Y.O.U help the cause?
1. Through Monetary Contributions to the Fund Drive. These little girls at the Ashram are in need of all our love and support. Please refer the above section - "How does this Fund Drive work and How to donate for the cause?" for more information.
[Updated on February 14th 2012] - Many have inquired about costs involved in sponsoring education, food etc for the Ashram girls. I visited them again and gathered the below information about various projects currently happening. Please send them an email atvaidehisevasamithi@gmail.com or call +91-40-24075544 (or) +91 9032152105to discuss regarding the project you wish to sponsor. If you need any other help from my side in terms of coordination, please let me know. I will be more than happy to do it.
1.Adopt a girl for one year(Includes clothing, food, education and other necessities) [20,000/- Rupees]
2. Vidyanidhi (Education costs a girl for one year) [5,000/- Rupees]
3.Mangala Nidhi(One time deposit to cover a day's food expenses commemorating any auspicious occasion every year) [20,000/- Rupees]
4. Smrithi Nidhi (One time deposit to cover a day's food expenses in remembrance of your beloved every year) [20,000/- Rupees]
5.Kishori Vikas Yojana Nidhi (Expenditure to run one Centre of Development Project for Adolescent Girls for one month) [1000/- Rupees]
6. Vaidehi Mahila Vikasa Samithi (One month expenditure to train Unemployed Youth & Women. Also includes cost for food and shelter) [10,000/- Rupees]
7. To sponsor a mealfor all the Ashram girls: [2,000/- Rupees]
2. Spread the word.
"I love sharing my story. It's endlessly healing." ~ Ben Vereen
Share about this Fund Drive wherever possible - On your blogs, Facebook, Twitter (with hashtag#vaidehiashram) etc. Let your friends and family know about it. Please feel free to use any images and information posted in the Ashramposts below, to make your voice heard. Any help in any form in making this event a success is very much appreciated. :-)
Click the "Copy" button on the corresponding widget and paste it on your blog sidebars so that your readers can participate as well. For more widgets with different colours, widths and platforms - Click here.
Fund Drive Supporters List
Note to Contributors: Within 24 hours, if you don't find your name in the below list or regarding any discrepancy with the details mentioned against your name, please do write to me or leave a comment. Thanks and Apologies in advance. :-)
[Update] - Scroll down the spreadsheet below for the new "Raffle Ticket Board" which has statistics about no. of raffle tickets used on each of the raffle prizes.
Sharing is Caring. Let's us all come together and lend a helping hand to these little girls.
Let them know that We All Care for their bright future..
Read : what fellow bloggers are saying about this Fund Drive.
[Updated on February 14th 2012] - Many have inquired about costs involved in sponsoring education, food etc for the Ashram girls. I visited them again and gathered the below information about various projects currently happening. Please send them an email atvaidehisevasamithi@gmail.com or call at+91-40-24075544 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting+91-40-24075544end_of_the_skype_highlighting or +91 9032152105 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting+91 9032152105end_of_the_skype_highlightingto discuss regarding the project you wish to sponsor. If you need any other help from my side in terms of coordination, please let me know. I will be more than happy to do it.
1.Adopt a girl for one year (Includes clothing, food, education and other necessities) Rs 20,000/-
2. Vidyanidhi (Education costs a girl for one year) Rs 5,000/-
3.Mangala Nidhi(One time deposit to cover a day's food expenses commemorating any auspicious occasion every year) Rs 20,000/
4. Smrithi Nidhi (One time deposit to cover a day's food expenses in remembrance of your beloved every year) Rs 20,000/-
5.Kishori Vikas Yojana Nidhi (Expenditure to run one Centre of Development Project for Adolescent Girls for one month) Rs 1000/-
6. Vaidehi Mahila Vikasa Samithi (One month expenditure to train Unemployed Youth & Women. Also includes cost for food and shelter) Rs 10,000/-
7. To sponsor a meal for all the Ashram girls: Rs 2,000
The money raised through this fund-drive on Cooking With Siri will go directly to the Vaidehi Ashram, Hyderabad. All the transactions, payments, distribution process will be properly accounted for and details of the expenditure will soon be published on this blog. All donations are exempted from I.T Under 80-G and accorded permission under FCRA.
