Today, I received the contributions you all made (SGD$ 5,000/- ~ Rs 167,000/-) for the "XLRI Social Entrepreneurship Trust".
In fact the last fortnight has been quite good for the Trust. I got a contribution of Rs 12,500/- from one of the 91 batch alumnus (with a promise that this will be repeated every 2 months:)...
and one of the old XL strategy faculty who was visiting Jampot, and went with me to the Parichay's Learning & Design Center, and was so thrilled with their work, that cut a USD$1,000/- for the Trust on the spot)
So thanks folks, for making my day...
Special thanks to Rajesh "Ciggy" Soundarajan and Ramesh for mobilising the energy of junta
Paraphrasing GWB for the monies to the Trust, I would say - "Bring 'em on!" :0)
Since there is not much of an interest on playing sport, before the dinner I am suggesting a YOGArun in the botanic gardens. 630 pm start; end by 730 pm and still have time for a fresh up and ready for dinner. Any takers?
location: the wine COMPANY at 26, evans roadt - NOTE EVANS ROAD not dempsey road. ph: 67321229 ( write this down)
cost per person - 29++ ( the reservation is under xlri)
south african wines + chilean wines + german wines + beer+ pizza + pasta + salad + yummy chocolate dessert on offer.
vegetarians - and rastafarians - NO PROBLEMO!!
parking: lots available in the NUS campus
bus / taxi - come along BUKIT timah road and turn into Evans road
SPORTS: PJ - has nicely suggested bowling - I did not hear anything from anyone after that - I am wondering ?? Any interest...
In the meanwhile, thinking aboout activities - any interest in tennis or badminton. I can book the court in the CCA building opposite where we plan to meet.If there is an interest pelase send me a text - . the facility has changing rooms. those who want to play should be ready by 530 pm; I can book the courts for 2 hours; We can after the game, just walk over to the the wine company.
guys and gals - who are seeing this mail - could you please send a friendly phone call or email to some of the friends who are not in the yahoo group or those who are not seeing them to see if they would like to come for the 29/5 Friday get together. let me know by 28/5.
This is especially for those of you who are going to be in Singapore or passing through Singapore from 3/April till 24/May 2009.
National Geographic (NatGeo) is hosting my solo exhibition at their gallery attached to their store at #01-19 VivoCity, 1 Harbour Front Walk. Singapore.
Post this, in the latter half of this year, this exhibition would also be moving to their gallery in London. They are also discussing with me to exhibit some of my water photographs in their London Gallery during their Water Week from June 22 to 26th (though I still trying to figure out what is "water week"!!!)
As a nature photographer, I am thrilled at this recognition from the ultimate in nature photography. Do drop in if you are in Singapore during this time and buy the pictures for a worthy cause!!
Yes a whole lot of xlers in Singapore ran around the botanic gardens and felt really good to be a part of the community...in just a few hours and few steps we were able to build a great camaraderie and friendships. thanks to everyone who turned up and showed their support to xl and to the cause.
as you all may be aware by now, we were running to raise $ 5k for the XLRI Social Entrepreneurship Trust
The run was super. The weather, thanks to the rain god - it rained in the afternoon: was nice and cool..
we started a bit late but still were able to make the full 5k( approx) and be back by 8 pm. Not bad eh...thanks everyone...
A special one goes to Deepak (97 batch) from Stan Chart. He promised that he will come with his family (wife and 2 sons) and all of them did the whole run. A real WOW !...
Super job Deepak. I really admired your enthusiasm and the spontaneity. You are truly an XL soul. I hope we meet again and I really felt very happy for your kids and wife - they took the time and made all of us feel really PROUD.
Another special thanks should go to SCAMPY the loving adorable doggie and Nans (1983) and Shubha ( 1984) who made that happen. Scampy is so so adorable and was the darling of the party..
Talking about a party - thanks to Abhilasha to have made it to SBG after a party - even that shows true support and spirit.
Pity that many people said they will come but did not show up and did not message...
Oh I should not forget to thank Lavanya Rajesh for the super collection mechanism and t shirt logistics - thank you so much...
The location worked out really well. It was nice and cozy and we could use all the facilities etc till late.
I had asked Prof.Madhukar about increasing participation etc and he had indicated to me once in an e-mail - "if it is to happen and if the wishes are positive and there is good energy - the UNIVERSE will provide"...yes so it is.
When I arrived at 6.30 pm, honestly, I had my doubts and trepidations about the turn out - but I brushed the negativity aside and sent out many positive wishes and it seems like it all turned out well. what a dream (run) come true ...
I think the t shirts sold well and many million thanks to the new batches who have arrived in Singapore who fully supported the cause and made the contributions.
Thanks Dr Shree for spreading the word around.
I do want to just dial back on the objective we set and the next steps:
We did promise that we would raise $5K. Many people have supported us in this cause. shyam, aditya and few others have already indicated their contributions and our thanks goes to all of you..
We have to support the xl social entrprenuer trust. Like Rajesh said in his speech - it is not a charity. it is a business and business with a cause and they need the help. they are doing good work and we should not let this slip between the cracks. so guys and gals - it is up to us - and here is a great opportunity to pay it forward or give back or how/whatever you want to think about...
So friends - a small favor - even if you were not able to make it today it does not matter - find some time do your own run or walk - and send to us your contributions either to me or Rajesh. I think many of the people have our numbers - so please call
Since many of you are on vacation or last minute business travel etc - we are extending the date to make your contributions to 25 January 2009. Yes a good 6 weeks.
We'd like to send the contributions over to Madhukar by that time .... So there is time.
But don't wait. Just do it NOW. ..The spirit is in the giving and sharing and the time is perfect.
The specific location to meet is at the Gazebo inside the Bukit Timah Core of the gardens. It is near the Jacob Ballas Childrens Gardens.
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Getting THere
By Foot: Entrance to the Gardens is easy through the Gardens' major entrances: Tanglin Gate, Burkill Gate, Nassim Gate and Cluny Park Gate, and through the Bukit Timah Entrance.
By Car: Car Parking Facilities are available at the Singapore Botanic Gardens' Visitor Centre, Bukit Timah Car Park at Bukit Timah Core, Botany Centre, Jacob Ballas Children's Garden and Public Parking along Tyersall Avenue. Car Park Charges FAQs on Charged Parking System
By Bus: Get to the Gardens by Public Bus via Holland Road or Bukit Timah Road.
. Via Holland Road SBS Transit 7, 105, 123, 174 SMRT 75, 77, 106
. Via Bukit Timah Road SBS Transit 66, 151, 153, 154 SMRT 67, 171
By Taxi: There is a Taxi Drop-Off and Pick-Up point at the Visitor Centre along Cluny Road.
By Coach: a) Coach Drop-off Point is located at the Singapore Botanic Gardens' Visitor Centre, the Ginger Garden Coach Drop-off Point and Jacob Ballas Children's Garden.
b) Coach Parking is available at the Singapore Botanic Gardens' Visitor Centre, Tyersall Avenue Public Coach Park
Inspired by the Dream Run on Campus, the alumni in Singapore are planning a mirror event on the 13th of December. Here are the details from Ramesh Ramakrishnan.
Ok done ...we are all set!!
looks like 13/12 after all is a lucky day.
So here are the details in a simple format:
What is the idea? Run / Walk 5k in the Singapore Botanic Gardens on Dec 13 , 2008. Have some fun , Meet friends and pay $100 to assist the XL Social Entrepreneur Trust. Please bring the cash on the day.
When is it again? Dec 13, 2008 - Saturday.
What time? 7 pm start. We will assemble at 6.30 pm. Please note and please plan ahead to be on time.
Where exactly? Dec 13, Singapore Botanic Gardens. We will meet in the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden For those who are new the gardens are big - and this is in the quieter side (the bukit timah side). For those who are driving just drive along Bukit Timah ( going north/west) and park in the NUS SBG Law Faculty Campus street carparks. You can't miss it. The gardens are just there - http://www.sbg.org.sg/visitorinfo/mapofground.asp
And the walk/run? It is just across the garden from the Balls Childrens Garden up to the orchid garden, around the gazebo and back to the Jacob Ballas Garden. It is easy, scenic and a pleasant walk/run. If you are really keen 2 rounds will make a 5k.
After the run? Yes, Yes Yes... there is beer and dinner. There are many choices and depending on the number of people we can decide that later.
Changing and freshening up? Yes there are clean shower rooms in the facilities at the sports ground which is adjacent to the SBG. Don't worry.
Permission/Authorities? To be on the safe side I am applying / getting the permission from the SBG assuming we will push our e- group and get to the number 30. Written Permissions are required only for 30+
... Please pass the word around and get more people to enroll...there are still many people who are here in Singapore and not getting the messages or are not in the e group.
Want to get non xlers and friends to come along - please do so.
I take pleasure in inviting you to the XLRI Simgapore alumni meet, as per the following details: Date: 16th May Venue: Aangan restaurant, Peninsular Plaza Time: 8:00 PM Estimated expenses: About $25 per head
This is part of the meets organized by XL interns each year undergoing summer training at various locations. Since Fr. Jesurajan would be in town on the day, we would also invite him to the meet. I am sure this would be a unique opportunity for all to get in touch with XLers in Singapore and know about the latest at XLRI, Jamshedpur. Please confirm your participation by replying as soon as possible so that we can make the arrangements accordingly. I also request you to pass on the message to fellow XLers who might be interested in attending the meet.
Please find some time, give up your siesta this Saturday and come and see if you can attend a talk by Sales VP Angie Santa Maria the VP of Discovery And Animal Planet Networks in South East Asia. The last one from Chandran was fun and this one promises to be better.
Details: (print this email and stick it in your wallet)
Speaker: Angie VP from Discovery Time : 1230 pm Place : XLRI Singapore (www.imageint.com.sg) Location: Tower 5, Connection One, Bukit Merah Central
Driving Instructions: If driving park in public car park next to the bus terminal - connection one is just opposite. parking below tower 5 - you need to be lucky! Taxi: Just tell him to drop you in front of the bus terminal in Bukit Merah. Connection one is the building opposite.
Some people have asked when is the talk and what is Chandran going to talk about etc - here are the details
It is on INNOVATION:
- the importance of innovation in driving growth - How do companies approach innovation typically today; what's is missing - What are the key ingredients for innovation Consumer Marketers - whether of product or of service companies - from all walks of life would be quite intersted in the talk.
Date: 19 April Time: 1 pm Location: Xl singapore at 7 floor, Connection One, Bukit Merah.
D.Chandran, our local FMCG guru is giving a talk on INNOVATION on Apr 19.@ xlri singapore at 1300hrs.
Wih experience from Unilever,Thailand and Kraft Foods he is going to blow your mind away on why you buy what you buy.
Chandran co-founded I-morph, an innovation consulting company. Prior to this, he worked as Marketing Director, Southeast Asia, Kraft Foods. In Kraft, he provided Strategic Direction, guided Business Development and ensured world class in-Market Execution using Kraft's Integrated Marketing Tools. Before joining Kraft, he spent 11 years with UNILEVER in India and Thailand, spending considerable time in Sales and Brand Management, eventually serving as Regional Marketing Manager in the Home Care division.
You are welcome to attend.
XLRI@Sinagapur is located at
Image International [S] Pte Ltd 167, Jalan Bukit Merah #07-11, Connection ONE Singapore 150167. Ph: 6272 0785
In our critical meeting on December 16, we had jointly decided that XLers will start working with XLRI campus in Singapore to deliver special sessions on Saturdays (Usually 3rd Saturday every month) to the budding students at XLRI Campus in Singapore.
On January 19, it turned into reality with Abhishek from Standard Chartered took the leadership in delivering the first session to kick off the commitment. Well attended by both current batch and the Alumni, this session was enlightening with various examples from real life.
The session "The Strengths Philosophy: Have Fun While You Succeed." - The session went into the idea behind understanding one's own unique strengths and went on to explain on how we can maximize it to achieve highest impact in whatever we do. The maxim is to win any "game" playing through your own "rules". Maybe that is what Abhishek did :)
Well done Abhishek. I am happy to see the excitement and participation.
Ram, Vinod and I met up for lunch today and we thought, this will be a good forum to share our appreciation to Abhishek. Hopefully, we will have more volunteers who share their insights.
PS: As I write this, I have another confirmation from another XLer (Certified Trainer on Six Thinking Hats), who is happy to do a small workshop/session on De Bono's "Six Thinking Hats". If all goes well we will have this the next Saturday itself, by popular demand. Keep your calendars free for February 2, 2008 (~1:00pm-3:30pm). I will communicate more details formally later. Block your Calendars and Stay Tuned!
“The Strengths Philosophy: Have Fun While You Succeed.” - The session would explore the idea behind understanding your own unique strengths and maximizing it to achieve highest impact in whatever you do.
The maxim is to win any “game” playing through your own “rules”.
the speaker is Abhiskek from Standard Chartered
19/1 , 1.30 pm
XL Singapore
Please come over if you can...
Remember 130 pm 19/1.
The address is: Image International [S] Pte Ltd 167, Jalan Bukit Merah, #07-119, Connection ONE, Singapore 150167 Tel: (65) 6563-6680; Fax: (65) 6272 0750;
