· ACHIEVEMENT IN SPORTS AND CULTURE

· EVENTS

· AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

· SPECIAL MENTION – ACHIEVER OF THE QUARTER

· WHAT'S NEXT & HOW YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

· GLOBAL NEWS

· CORPORATE NEWS

· CORPORATE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

· ORGANIZATION UPDATES

· NEWS FROM NORTH KARNATAKA

INSIDE

SAMHITAVol. 1, Issue No: 7, July - September 2012

Education, Nutrition, Rehabilitation & IT, Sports & Culture, Environment, Get Involved

BOOK POST

www.samarthanam.org

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The Newsletter Team –Binoy

PrashanthMallikarjun

ChandrashekarKishore Joseph

Kumaraswamy C.R.Arundhati Venkatesh

FOREWORD

In this issue of the newsletter prior to the T-20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind, we hope to share with you our excitement about the impending tournament. When a visit to Sri Lanka during the T-20 World Cup Cricket was planned, to meet the teams and brief the players about the Blind Cricket World Cup, we did not anticipate the kind of support that we got from them. There was an overwhelming response from the Indian cricketers; their standing by us will take the event to greater levels.

We began preparations for the World Cup in Q2 2011, when the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) granted hosting rights to India. All the hard work of our employees, volunteers and well-wishers is now about to pay off. Their efforts would have fructified in December 2012, with the successful culmination of the event. We solicit your support in organizing this mega event and making it a grand success.

“Samhita”, Samarthanam's quarterly newsletter, was initiated with the objective of keeping stakeholders updated with key developments, events and achievements , as well as our plans for the future. This issue consolidates information pertaining to the quarter Jul-Sep 2012.Samhita literally means proceeding from/ put together/ relating to, and Hita is welfare. “Samhita” is a means to communicate Samarthanam's welfare activities.

Mahantesh G Kivadassanavar Founder Managing Trustee

GLOBAL NEWS

www.samarthanam.org

In 2011, Samarthanam was incorporated in MA as a non-profit, making it by definition a charity by

Law of Commonwealth. We are pleased to inform you that Samarthanam USA has now received tax

exemption by federal and state law and 501C3 status.

In 2012, we began a series of interviews with the Board members of Samarthanam USA. This is the

third in the series, with Ms. Raji Kompalli.

I have personally known Samarthanam for over 11

years now. It all started in 2001 when GE in India

was very active with a program called ELFUN. I was

working with GE and we were adopting NGOs so

that the employees can contribute to society

during their free time. Samarthanam was identified

as one such project. In the initial months, I was a

volunteer reading to the kids, recording lessons

and just spending my Saturday mornings with the

then Samarthanam team. As months rolled by, I

started to lead the project and act as a liaison

between GE and Samarthanam. During this

process, we wrote proposals for funds, equipment

and plain old volunteer hours. When I think back,

those were probably the best spent days of my life.

I relocated to USA in 2003 and since then have

been in electronic communication with

Mahantesh & team. I recently visited Samarthanam

in India and am amazed at the phenomenal

growth the team has achieved. I am in awe and out

of words seeing their achievements. As a team,

they now support an orphanage, have a shelter for

battered women, house and train several visually

challenged students and have an electronic

education program to support students with

visual challenges. All of these programs nicely

gelled to represent Samarthanam's core

principles. The vision is so profound and

commitment is incomparable. Mahantesh is a

visionary and his leadership skills are

commendable. While I know what Mahantesh is

personally capable of, the support team is also

very commendable.

Samarthanam USA is a non-profit organisation

by itself in the U.S., satisfying all the United States

regulations. We would like to strengthen our

team here and share some of the core principles

of the team in India. We have a dedicated Board

of Directors, and would like to hire a full-time

person who would handle day-to-day activities

of the organisation. Our mission is to collaborate

with similar organisations based in USA. We

would like to increase awareness about the

achievements of Samarthanam among the

Indian Community in US. This will ensure that we

have volunteers and well-wishers to contribute

to the greater good of the organisation.

I have seen the phenomenal growth of

Samarthanam in India. I wish them many more

achievements and successes, and hope to see

them spread the message all over the country.

www.samarthanam.org

I am Raji; I am on the Board of

Samarthanam USA. My day job is in

an R&D lab of a building materials

company. I have two lovely

daughters and live in Connecticut.

Interview with Ms. Raji Kompalli

Member of Board and Director, Samarthanam USA

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Corporate Acknowledgement (for the Quarter Jul-Sep 2012)

· We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to TIMKEN India for contributing towards the

barrier-free accessible school building being constructed at HSR Layout, Bangalore.

· We thank CISCO for their generous contribution towards our education programme

· We are thankful to the Karnataka state government for their support of the T-20 World Cup

Cricket for the Blind

www.samarthanam.org

Chat with TIMKEN India

TIMKEN India's relationship with Samarthanam

has been further strengthened in recent months.

TIMKEN has committed to sponsoring two floors

of the barrier-free accessible school building

being constructed at HSR Layout, Bangalore.

Here is what Ms. Shirley, their representative,

had to say on the assoc iat ion with

Samarthanam:

At Timken, we believe in extending our support

to organizations that we feel are genuinely

working at the grass root level. Timken India's

association with the prestigious Samarthanam

Trust will always be cherished.

We really appreciate the earnest efforts made by

the trust that strives to make a difference in the

l ives of the differently-abled and the

u n d e r p r i v i l e g e d . W h a t d i s t i n g u i s h e s

Samarthanam is its mission to change lives not

only through economic means but also

Techvision Graduation Ceremony

Techvision programme was initiated by Samarthanam in association Karnataka State Electronics

Development Corporation (KEONICS). As part of a six month course, students are trained in

computers and soft skills. The beneficiaries include those with visual impairment, orthopedical and

learning disability, mild neurological disorders and underprivileged rural youth.

developing educational, social, cultural and

technological aspects. As an organization,

Samarthanam has achieved several milestones

but we appreciate the fact that the zeal of the

organization to serve the society has never

diminished.

We feel proud that we have also become a part

of a major project - Timken has contributed

funds towards the disabled-friendly school

building in HSR Layout to bring children from

various backgrounds under one roof and

provide them the best of education and

infrastructural support.

The experience of working with the people at

Samarthanam has also helped our associates

grow as better human beings. They have a

vision of a society free of discrimination.

We would like to extend our heartiest and best

wishes to Samarthanam to keep up the noble

work. We look forward to work with them

hand in hand in their future endeavors, and

take this relationship to new heights.

CORPORATE NEWS

ORGANIZATION UPDATES

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NEWS FROM NORTH KARNATAKA

· We are pleased to inform you that land has been allotted to Samarthanam by the government authorities, which will enable us to increase the beneficiaries of our welfare activities in North Karnataka. The allocation letter for land allotted by the HUDA (Hubli-Dharwad Urban Development Authority) has been received.

· On the occasion of Teacher's Day, children expressed their love for the teachers and celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Samarthanam team at Sri Lanka

Samarthanam's representatives were at Sri Lanka during the T-20 World Cup, where they met with players like Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan, Zaheer Khan, Virat Kohli, R. Ashwin and Chris Gayle. The Indian cricketers were briefed about the T-20 Blind Cricket World Cup. We are overwhelmed by their response; they have all pledged their support for the T-20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind.

'Sunadha', Samarthanam's cultural troupe, performed at Orion mall. A spellbound audience was treated to a fantastic performance, and inspired, as the six visually impaired artistes transcended physical barriers.

At a function organised, the 11th and 12th batches comprising 27 students received their certificates

from the Chief Guest Mr. Harsha Kadam Director of SKF. Mr. Manu Kidave and Mr Phalgun of SKF also

graced the occasion. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Mr. Harsha applauded the continued

education initiative and stressed upon having ambitious goals and the determination to achieve

those goals.

SPORTS

CULTURE

www.samarthanam.org

Samarthanam team with Virat Kohli, Zaheer Khan & Irfan Pathan

Samarthanam team with Arjuna Ranatunga & Ashwin R

‘Sunadha’ performance at Orion Mall

Samarthanam team meets Chris Gayle &Yuvraj Singh

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www.samarthanam.org

Unveiling of Mascot for the T-20 Blind Cricket World Cup

Former captain of the Indian cricket team, Sourav Ganguly, was formally introduced as Brand Ambassador of T-20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind. Ganguly unveiled the official mascot for the tournament at Le Meridien, Bangalore. The mascot is named the Tiger named after legendary captain, Tiger Pataudi.

Speaking on the occasion, Ganguly said “It gives me great pleasure to be a part of this special World Cup… everybody should have a chance of proving themselves. I wish these young passionate cricketers all the best and hope they succeed in bringing the world cup home and want them to know the nation will be cheering for them”. Sourav also autographed bats at the venue that will be auctioned later to raise funds for the same event.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. G.K. Mahantesh said “…who believe in their abilities, and are here to encourage them to perform to the best of their abilities. Sourav' s association with the

CEOs Meet

Top CEOs from India and U.K. came together to raise funds for the T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind. The meet at the ITC Gardenia Hotel was hosted by the British High Commission. Samarthanam is grateful for the participation of all the CEOs and their support for the cause, ITC Gardenia and the British High Commission for putting the event together.

Mr. Ian Felton, the British Deputy High Commissioner said, “I am happy to have been involved with the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. Britain has always been actively in sports including the recently concluded Paralympics. Samarthanam is a wonderful organization fostering not only education, art and culture but IT and sports as well, and cricket in particular for the blind, which is a feat in itself. I am proud to be a part of this event and would be happy to lend my support in whatever way I can."

first T20 World Cup for the blind has already had a very positive impact on creating awareness about the game which the game and the cause richly deserve, and we are very thankful to him for that.”

The British Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Ian Felton, Senior members of TE Connectivity, and Mr. Subu Kota from Boston Group United States,.Mr. Ashok Khenny, M.D. NICE Ltd. and Mr. Praveen. K. M.D. Reddy structures Pvt. Ltd. among many others, were present in the gathering to extend their support.

EVENTS

Sourav Ganguly unveiling the mascot

Samarthanam team with the British High Commissioner CEOs Meet

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www.samarthanam.org

Green Award Parisara, Samarthanam's environmental wing, won the Star Green Award for its waste management initiative. The awards were initiated by Procam International to mark the 5th edition of TCS World 10K.

Mr. G.K. Mahantesh, Samarthanam founder managing trustee, along with Girish MN

received the award from Sandalwood star Puneet Rajkumar, at a function held at ITC Windsor Manor Hotel. Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Mr. E.S. Chakravarthy, Centre Head, Bangalore, TCS, Murray Clushaw, Founder Chairman, Bangalore Cares, Charity Partner, Atul Bhalla, GM of ITC Windsor, Vivek B. Singh, Jt. MD of Procam International, the promoters of the event. Parisara was declared the winner out of five shortlisted entries on the basis of public voting (30% weightage) and jury (70%). The eminent jury comprising Mr. Karan Bhalla (WWF-COO), Mr. Hem Pande (Joint Secretary, MOEF), Dr. Anil Kumar Dikshit (IIT Bombay), Prof Damodaran (Prof IIM - Bangalore) and Mr. Vivek B Singh (Joint Managing Director, Procam International) screened the final five to judge the winner. The criteria for the award were idea, innovation, scale and impact.

Logo Launch Ceremony for the T-20 Blind Cricket World Cup

The logo for the T-20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind was released by the musical legend Shri S.P. Balasubramaniam, in the presence of veteran cricketers B.S. Chandrashekar & Syed Kirmani, as well as yesteryear actors and reigning stars from the Kannada film industry. Following the logo launch, the man with the golden voice performed live as thousands of Bangaloreans present in the audience listened spellbound.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

· Happiest Minds Technologies, a next generation IT services provider founded by Mr. Ashok Soota, celebrated its first anniversary with our children performing for them.

· The Go Cycling Go Green event was organized by Buzzintown.com and Woodland to commemorate World Heart Day. Mr. G.K. Mahantesh Founder Managing Trustee of Samarthanam was part of the event and cycled for the green cause.

T-20 Blind Cricket World Cup Logo Launch Ceremony

Samarthanam’s G.K. Mahantesh cycling for a cause

Samarthanam ‘Parisara’ receives the Star Green award from Puneet Rajkumar

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www.samarthanam.org

We, Gian (19) and Marius (20), from Germany decided to volunteer at Samarthanam's Primary School in HSR Layout, Bangalore. The school does not only provide basic education, but also shelter and three meals a

day for more than 200 children between four and 17 years, including visually impaired, mentally & physically challenged children, adolescents and adults, orphans or children from economically disadvantaged families. Also some of the teachers are physically disabled. After having spent six weeks (Gian) and two weeks (Marius), we got the

Samarthanam Founder on CNN-IBN Live News

Samarthanam Founder Managing Trustee Mr. G.K. Mahantesh appeared on the news bulletin of the T.V. channel CNN-IBN Live. Mr. Mahantesh spoke about Samarthanam alumni Girisha's Paralympic win and the forthcoming T-20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezcjzK-5n1A

Our heartiest congratulations to Samarthanam alumni Girisha Hosanagara Nagarajegowda for winning the silver medal in the high jump event at the London 2012 Paralympics. Girisha says, "I had no money, no rewards, no job, and not one person to support me". It was at this juncture that he enrolled himself for BPO training with Samarthanam. It was here that he was pushed to restart his sports training.

Print Media Coverage

Achiever of the Quarter

SPECIAL MENTION

VOLUNTEERS SPEAKGian and Marius

Paralympics medalist Girisha H N

Gian and Marius volunteering at Samarthanam

www.samarthanam.org

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www.samarthanam.org

impression that the children live a safe, regulated and good life without suffering hunger or fear.Both school staff and children welcomed us and it did not take a long time for us to feel accepted and appreciated. Everybody is very interested and wants to know everything about our country, our culture and our families. We have a lot of funny moments with teachers, children and the rest of the school staff, but also some serious conversations.Our job is to teach Basic English from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm and to play with the children afterwards, which is a huge contrast; while they can drive one crazy during class they are really fun to be with while playing. Nevertheless it is a lot of fun most of the time, especially if you can

notice their English having improved since we have started teaching. The days are long and sometimes we are really exhausted in the evening, since we spend up to 13 hours a day at the project. In our opinion, volunteering is all about teaching and learning from each other to aim for the best result. All in all we have a very good time with plenty of unique experiences and do not really look forward to get back home in a few weeks.Samarthanam would like to thank Gian, Marius and all the volunteers like them who share their time and skills. We sincerely appreciate their passion and dedication.

Samarthanam CABI to host World Cup Cricket in India

The World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) conferred the hosting rights of the first-ever T – 20 Blind Cricket World Cup to India. The World Cup will be held between December 1st and 13th in Bangalore. Ten countries - Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka Nepal and host country India - will be taking part.

Sourav Ganguly is the brand ambassador of the event. All the Indian cricketers have pledged their support for the T-20 Blind Cricket World Cup.

Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled is chief organizer of the World Cup. Cricket Association for Blind in India (CABI), affiliated to (WBCC) World Blind Cricket Council, is the sports initiative of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. It is the apex body that organizes blind cricket across India. World Cup memorabilia, merchandising, T-shirts and promotional events are planned. Please get in touch with us to express your interest.

Financial Summary

· Total requirement (cash + kind) – 6.32 Crores· 30% in kind is expected to be received· Received till date – 2.5 Crores· Shortfall – 2 Crores

World Cup - Financials Breakup

Expected in kind (in crores) 1.78

Shortfall (in crores) 2

Received till date (in crores) 2.5

WHAT IS NEXT

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www.samarthanam.org

Walkathon 2012 - Walk for the World Cup

The annual Samarthanam Walk-a-thon is scheduled to be held on November 17th, and will be a fundraiser for the upcoming T-20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind, besides being a forum for creating awareness. This year we expect 20,000 people from different walks of life to take part in the walkathon. We urge you to support us – with your co-operation, contributions, and by being there. Walk hand in hand with us for a society free of discrimination!

Barrier-Free School

A 100% accessible residential school is under construction in Bangalore. Envisaged as a state-of-the-art facility, the school will cater to around 700 differently-abled & economically u n d e r p r i v i l e g e d students. We request y o u t o c o n t r i b u t e generously towards c o m p l e t i o n o f t h e a c c e s s i b l e s c h o o l project.

How to Donate

Donations to Samarthanam are exempted from tax under sec 80G & 35AC of Income Tax Act. Cheque or DD should be drawn in favour of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled (OR) you can donate online through our website www.samarthanam.org/Donate to SamarthanamFor more details, please write to kumar@samarthanam.org/mahantesh@samarthanam.org or call +91-9449864775/ +91-9448365929.

· If you would like to receive the e-newsletter by email and/or unsubscribe from the newsletter, please contact prashanth@samarthanam.org

or CA: 39, 15th Cross, 16th Main, Sector – 4, HSR Layout, Bengaluru – 560102 Karnataka State, India, Telephone: +91-80-25721444, Email: info@samarthanam.orgwith your complete postal address.

· If you would like to make a financial contribution towards receipt of the newsletter, please write to kumar@samarthanam.org

Want to Contribute?

· Share your time and skills with us· Assist with sales of memorabilia· Raise funds for the World Cup· Network with organizations for sponsorships· Spread the word and promote the T-20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind

We urge you to contribute generously and have a hand in making this game-changing event a success. Seize the opportunity; make a difference.

For more information, please contact us at +91-9449864699, +91-9448365929.

Upcoming Barrier-Free School at HSR Layout

Presents

Contact: CA#39, 15th Cross, 16th Main, Sector - 4, H.S.R. Layout, Bengaluru - 560102, Tele-Fax : +91 80 26582570E-mail: mahantesh@samarthanam.org, Mobile: +91 9449864687, For registrations contact : 9449864775, 9449864784

Kittur Rani Chennamma Stadium, Near Cosmopolitan Club. @ 3 pm

Jayanagar 3rd Block,

On Saturday 17th

November 2012 In Aid of T-20 World Cup for the Blind

Cultural Extravaganza from 6.00 pm onwards

For online registration: www.samarthanam.org/walkathon www.buzzintown.com

WALK-A-THON 2012B E N G A L U R U

www.samarthanam.org

Roopika Walkathon Brand Ambassador

Sourav Ganguly T-20 World Cup Brand Ambassador

1st-13th

Cricket for the Blind

For sponsorship and other details contact: 9448365929, 9449864699, 9449864695, 9945145252, 9449864775, 9449864787 Email: info@samarthanam.org, mahantesh@samarthanam.org

www.blindcricket.in

Peenya Division: Vividha Enterprises, No.66, 6th Main, 3rd phase, Peenya Industrial Area, Bangalore - 560058, Mobile: +919449864778

Gadag Division: L H.Dudihalli Building, 4th Cross,Panchakshar Nagar,Gadag, Karnataka,Ph: Office: 08372237775

Bidadi Division: #370/1, Ashwini Umesh ArcadeBasement, B.G.S. Road, Bidadi -562 109

Dharwad Division: Samarthanam Parisara, Door No. 48, Dasappa & Sons Building, 5th Main, Gandhi Nagar, Dharwad 580 004, Ph: 0836- 3194038,

www.samarthanam.org

Head Office: CA: 39, 15th Cross, 16th Main, Sector – 4, HSR Layout,Bengaluru – 560102 Karnataka State, India,

Telephone: +91-80-25721444, Email: info@samarthanam.org

T-20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind 1st - 13th December 2012 at Bangalore