Honouring Fr McGrath - Contributing to his Dream - Human Life Centre

Forwarding this message from Prof Shukla.

Folks!
Fr McGrath has been an icon for so many XLers and to XL as such - an institution by himself...
Human Life Centre has been his dream to continue contributing to the society.. one way to honour him would be to support the cause he has been nurturing
I am forwarding Mario Lobo (77batch)'s mail below, please circlate it
maybe our time to pay-back...

thanks
madhukar

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Mario Lobo


Dear Madhukar,

To honour Fr Mc Grath for the contribution he has made to the lives of most of us, who have had the honour of knowing him and especially to continue the good work he has initiated for the weaker sections of society I am sending in my contribution of Rs 1 lakh. I would actively encourage each one of you to send in whatever contribution you wish to make directly as indicated below. Following is the note I received from the HLC office with the instructions.

The information below will be very helpful for XLRI alumni wanting to give donations to Fr. McGrath - both in India and abroad. It will take care of "wire transfer" in India as well as alumni based abroad who will need the Swift Code and other code details. To be on the safe side, you can mail them the FULL DETAILS below. This way they
will have the complete information.

Name of Account : Human Life Centre

Bank Account No : 0160301000003770

Bank Name & Address : The Lakshmi Vilas Bank Ltd,
Plot No. 622 - B, Janpath,
Saheed Nagar, Bhubaneswar 751007

Bank Code No. (SWIFT CODE) : LAVBINBB

IFSC Code (for RTGS/NEFT) : LAVB0000160

Bank's MICR Code No. : 751056002

Madhukar, it would be good if you can forward Fr Mc Grath's address and Bank details to other XLers whose email addresses are available with you. This will enable many more to make their contributions.

With Best Wishes,
Mario

Joy of Giving, Jamshedpur - Website launched

Take a look :
http://jamshedpurjoyfest.blogspot.com/

Get inspired.

Donate.

Motivate others to get involved too.

Launch of the "Joy of Giving Week"

The Unveiling Ceremony of the "Joy of Giving Week" (Sept 27-Oct 3, '09) was a unique event at XLRI last week. It which brought together the entire Jamshedpur community - the corporates, schools and colleges, NGOs and voluntary organisations, local press, XLRI's students, faculty and staff... - all for a common cause, which everyone felt excited about.

This commitment and excitement is pulpable from the following video-clips..

Fr E Abraham, S.J., Director XLRI - Welcome Speech

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFZJx5CNINI

Mr AD Baijal, Group Director (Global Minerals), Tata Steel - Inaugural Address

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJBwHLdWtpw

Mr Imtiaz Ali, Film Director and Brand Ambassador of "Joy of Giving Week" - Remarks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNqhjEgCsGQ

Mr Anshu Gupta, Founder Director, GOONJ on "Vastra Samman" initiative

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bOZyE9nvJ8

Mr Rana Sinha, Managing Director, Telcon
& President, XLRI Alumni Association, Jamshedpur Chapter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6y4eumcEhCg

Sr Flavian AC, Principal, Carmel Junior College, Jamshedpur

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av4UQ0A3Pgg

Mr Amitava Ghosh, Secretary, Kala Mandir, Jamshedpur

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwP5y3ySNM4

Prehaps, the most overwhelming part of the event was when one-by-one, people from the audience stood up and owned "their space" in the Joy of Giving Week...

Expressions of support from the Jamshedpur Community

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9C-xW64LKg

--
Posted By The Theme to XLRI Jamshedpur - News and Latest Updates at 8/28/2009 01:45:00 PM

Invitation: XLRI's Intiative for "Joy of Giving Week"...21st Aug - Unveiling Ceremony

From Prof. Shukla:

Hello folks!

I am writing this mail to invite you for the Unveiling/Launch Ceremony of the Joy of Giving Week ( http://www.joyforgivingweek.org) @ Jamshedpur, which XLRI is planning to celebrate, participate in and anchor across Jamshedpur during Sept 27th- Oct 3rd, 2009.

As some of you may be aware, the Joy of Giving Week is a unique event - or movement, one can say - which will be celebrated across the country - and has received wide support from

- celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar, Nandita Bose, Farah Khan, AR Rahman, etc.

- corporates like Google, Apollo Hospitals, Taj Group, etc.,

- business leaders like Azim Premji, Narayana Murthy, Adi Godrej etc.,

- organisations ranging from Mumbai Dabbawalla to Chennai Auto Union etc.

- govt bodies such as Delhi Govt, AP Tourism, etc...

The purpose of this nation-wide initiative is to create a "Festival of Philanthropy", and to encourage the spirit of volunteerism, that can, over the years, become a part of the Indian ethos, with the event being celebrated every year covering Gandhi Jayanti.

According to one news item in Indian Express (http://tinyurl.com/JGW-2croreIndians) 2 crore Indians are going to be part of this event... and naturally, XL has to take a lead to facilitate this for Jampot.

To share our plans and to seek your support - and your endorsement/inputs - we are organising the Unveiling Ceremony for the event on August 21st (Friday), 6:00pm at XLRI (Fr Prabhu Hall, Learning Center).

Besides the CEOs of local companies, Principals of schools and colleges, NGO bodies, our own students and faculty, etc., two people who will be participating in this ceremony are:

1. Film director, Mr Imtiaz Ali (of Jab We Met and Love Aaj Kal fame), and who is also one of the Brand Ambassadors for the Joy of Giving Week)

2. Ashoka Fellow Mr Anshu Gupta (Founder Director of Goonj - http://www.goonj.info/). Anshu was also one of the winners of CNN--IBN Real Heros Award earlier this year - and as you may perhaps know, XLRI has a partnership with Goonj to run a Cothes Bank at XLRI.

It would be great to have you with us, when we launch/unveil this initiative - as our minor contribution to this event/movement from XLRI. Needless to say, we will need all the help from XL alumni to "make it happen"!!

ciao

madhukar

Singapore Alumni Chapter raises 5000SGD$ for XLRI Social Entrepreneurship Trust

Received this mail from Madhukar Sir yesterday.

Thanks a ton, all the "Dream-Runners"!

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)

Parichay's (an XL Students' Venture) Product Brochure

Folks!

As you know, XLRI Social Entrepreneurship Trust had funded the inception of 3 social business ventures by our students last year.

Parichay (http://www.parichay.co.in) - which trains and provides market linkages to rural and tribal artisans - is one of them.

Currently they are working with only Bamboo artisans (and have serviced 2 orders), and plan to scale-up into 5 other crafts (Dokra, Grassmat, Payatkar Painting, etc.) - and create and sell fusion products to provide sustainable livelihoods to rural/tribal artisans.

I am enclosing their product brochure. These can be good corporate gifts, conference material, etc. - or even domestic artifacts... they can also customise the product to your requirements

My purpose in writing to you is with a request:

1. If you know about any company/ organisation, which can give them bulk orders for any item, this will be a big help

2. They need to scale up to bring in other rural/tribal crafts into the fold - and need investments to do so (XL SET provided only INR 2.5lacs - rest is their own money)... and it is the "fusion products" combining different crafts, which will give them high returns (and to the artisans). So if you know someone who would be willing to invest in their venture, will be gratefull if you can connect them.

You can write to me or write to Vikas - co-partner of Parichay.

thanks

madhukar


Kims Note: Since I could not attach the .pdf file here. . .

Link to some of the products is here:
http://www.parichay.co.in/

Their blog on their progress is also extremely fascinating and I would highly recommend reading it for inspiration.
http://parichay.co.in/blog/

The Loveliest Smiles

Swarathma live at the Child Care Home for abandoned girls, children of sex workers, in Kolkata, India. These were the loveliest girls in the world. To see a smile, an unconditional smile on the face of a 6 year old... it is the most amazing feeling ever.

Jishnu Dasgupta (BMD 06)

Making a difference in Orissa

Dear Friends and Family:

The recent communal violence in Orissa has been particularly bloody.

Three thousand people are still too insecure to return to their burnt out villages and are still residing in camps..

Many of us know Fr Mc Grath and the band of Jesuits there personally.Outlined below is their peace initiative--for all communities--with no strings attached.

Contributions to them are tax exempt and Fr Tony will make sure you get your receipt.Their accounts are transparent and most of your money will reach the intended recipient.

Your DD's,or cheques/money orders, should be in the name of "CENDERET- XIM Bhubaneshwar", payable at Bhubaneshwar.

Peace ,

David
76BMD

Dear David,

Peace!

We, the Jesuits operate under a secular banner "Orissa Citizens' Initiative. We have initiated community-based peace building process in Mundigodo gram panchayat in Tumudibandha block. In this GP three villages were affected in the recent violence and two people were murdered. Though the quantum of damage, while comparing with other blocks like Raikia, G Udayagiri, Tikabali, Phiringia is less, - Tumudibandha being close to Jalespata, where the ashram of Swami Laxmanananda located - there is constant fear among the people in this block. In fact we had to make a choice between whether to get into a high tension area, which is still not possible, or start from less tense area where some peace building could be initiated.

We have done the assessment of 13 revenue villages in Mundigodo panchayat and the assessment is being processed. Already we have initiated medical camps and non-competitive games in four schools. Soon after the elections, due for 16 April, we will be getting involved in a systematic manner in these villages. Our aim is to build mutual trust and confidence among the Adivasis and the Dalits across religions and slowly build peace in the communities. To start with, we will be taking up medical interventions mainly to control communicable diseases like malaria and water-borne diseases, and school-based activities. Slowly we would take up village development works by accessing available government schemes by formation of women and men's groups and introducing income generation programmes.

Soon we also plan to enter into the adjacent Kotagarh panchayat where more than 7 villages were affected. The works are carried out from Tumudibandha proper. There is a Jesuit involved full time and he works in collaboration with a local NGO.

In this summer, we will be training 40 boys in driving, and 60 girls (12^th std appeared or pass) in computer and spoken english training for a month. We have plans to offer 6-month skill training for both boys and girls.

Where could your support and solidatity come in as of now? The following are the possibilities:

1. In providing uniform to 650 boys and girls in 13 revenue villages in Mundigodo GP (from 1^st standard to 8^th standard) on an average of Rs 200 per child.
2. To buy books for the same 650 children in the coming academic year on an average of Rs 200 per child.
3. Once we expand the works in Kotagorah Block, we expect and will fulfil similar needs.
4. You could support boys who will be taking up driving, or girls who will undergo spoken english and computer education. (driving per boy Rs 3,000 per month, and computer and spoken english Rs 4,000 per girl per month. This includes board & lodge and course expenses too)
5. To support deserving families for income generation programmes. This will be carried out through a revolving fund scheme.

We will constantly update you with the field report, as to how the people are benefiting by your support and by our interventions.

Gratefully,

--
S. Tony Raj, SJ

Coordinator
Orissa Citizens' Initiative
58 Forest Park
Bhubaneswar - 751 009

28 Mar : Bangalore observes Earth Hour

2,712 cities, towns and municipalities in 83 countries have already committed to VOTE EARTH for Earth Hour 2009, as part of the worlds first global election between Earth and global warming.

8:30PM local time, wherever you live on planet earth. Saturday 28 March 2009

You may have heard about Earth Hour or seen an advertisement or hoarding in Bangalore city. Some of my friends in Bangalore have been actively promoting Earth Hour - a huge global campaign to spread awareness about global warming and climate change.

If you want to be a part of this campaign, all you need to do is switch off your lights this Sat (Mar 28) from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

Some huge organizations in India are joining this campaign, the RBI, AIR (yes, govt bodies!), ING Vysya Bank, HSBC Bank, HP, Wipro, Intel, Infosys, Google, and TPI.

Even better, get your friends and families to switch off their lights too. There’s a whole bunch of activities and resources that you can get on this from www.frogg.in.

If you would like to take it a step further, you can join the candle campaign at Forum mall at 8:30pm on Saturday. Thanks to the efforts of passionate individuals like Kuruvilla Kurian and Sonalee Panda, even Brigade Road Association and Forum Mall have agreed to observe Earth Hour and turn lights out for a whole hour on Saturday. They have also signed up Anil Kumble to help them promote the cause in Bangalore. (

More details on Earth Hour, can be seen on :

http://www.earthhour.org/home/
http://www.earthhour.in/
http://www.frogg.in/

Join the Fan Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=59682824420

Show your commitment to the environment. Save our planet!

B-schools assist student-entrepreneurs

From Business Standard

Business Standard (Kolkata March 03, 2009, 0:19 IST): While venture capitalists (VCs) are reluctant to fund several entrepreneurial ideas this year, a few of the country’s B-schools are helping student entrepreneurs to go ahead with their own ventures by providing seed funds, mentorship and using the alumni network to raise funds and get in touch with useful contacts.

While many B-schools and IITs have introduced deferred-placement-policy, which enables students to take a break from placements for a maximum period of two years and even come back for it in case the venture does not kick off, students, on the other hand, have been making progress with the funds provided by respective institutes and alumni networks.

Though the final placement season is likely to continue for another month in many B-schools, several students have already put their business ideas in place.

XLRI Jamshedpur is the forerunner so far, with as many as three business plans in place.

According to Madhukar Shukla, a professor at XLRI, “XLRI recently raised close to Rs 14 lakh from its alumni network and other donations towards its XLRI Social Entrepreneurship Trust. The Singapore chapter has also generated close to SGD 5,000. This would go towards the seed fund reserved for student entrepreneurs. Right now, the students are looking to generate more funds to complete the various orders they are receiving from companies on a trial basis.”

“As many as seven students may opt out of placements this year. Each venture needs large funding. If the students are able to get it, which is a work-in-progress, they will opt out of placements. Otherwise, one person from the team will stay with the venture, while the others will perhaps take up a a job to keep the venture going... but for sure, whichever way, the ventures will continue,” Shukla said.

‘Parichay’, an initiative by XLRI students, is a venture to connect rural and tribal artisans and craftsmen to the mainstream market. According to the student body handling Parichay, a large part of India’s traditional rural and tribal art is dying because the artisans, being disconnected from the market, have not been able to contemporise their designs, and since they have no direct access to the market, they do not find their work remunerative enough to continue.

The students have roped in a few designers, who have developed product-prototypes for them, and are negotiating with NIFT, Pearle Academy and others, who have shown interest to send their students for internship.

The Parichay members have also built the ‘Learning & Design Centre’, where the rural tribal artisans are being trained to develop the product prototypes. The students are also in the initial stages of negotiation with Nabard, which has shown interest in the venture. The ‘Parichay’ team has already got close to Rs 3 lakh as seed funding from XLRI, and has also generated some funds through the prize money in various competitions.

Another initiative by the students of XLRI is ‘Swavalamban’, a venture that aims to use ‘ox-driven generator’ (a technology patented by a BIT Mesra professor of 20 years’ standing, and a known name in the renewable energy circles) to provide electricity to the villages in Jharkhand. So far, the Swavalamban team has an order from the Jharkhand Renewable Agency Development Agency (JREDA), and has also got sanction from the Jharkhand tribal minister to electrify one village as a working ‘proof of concept’. Tata Motors’ CSR department and SEEDS (an NGO) have showed interest by ordering five units each for testing in their villages, while NTPC has shown interest to acquire 200 units at a research level. Larsen & Toubro has seen the prototype, and in principle agreed to acquire some for their CSR activities.

A third project, ‘Dream4Others’, is the youngest of all ventures at XLRI. The venture aims to use online market surveys to generate funds for registered NGOs. It is being mentored by a director at A C Neilson.

Likewise, at Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME) Bangalore, at least two students are opting out of placements this year to pursue a project that converts petrol-run two wheelers into CNG-led vehicles. According to Nigel Job, one of the two students opting out of placements to pursue this venture, “This project ensures savings of close to Rs 6,000 every year on fuel prices and is eco-friendly too. Our project will convert two wheelers which are running on petrol to CNG.”

“The start up cost is close to Rs 15 lakh. We are talking to National Entrepreneurship Network (NEN) and a few venture capitalists for the funds,” informed Ranju George, another student who is opting out of XIME Bangalore placements this year to pursue this venture.

At S P Jain Institute of Management & Research, first-year student Praveen Gera plans to start a venture on manufacturing auto-ancillary parts made from carbon fibre, which is expected to ensure longer life with smooth and durable texture. “Around Rs 1.3 crore is the capital required for this project. There are four of us involved in this project and we intend to opt out of placements next year to pursue this project. Our institute helps students with seed fund of up to Rs 20 lakh,” Gera said.

At IIM Calcutta, at least two first-year students are opting out of summer placements to pursue their own ventures. Pranav Kumar, a first-year student of IIM Calcutta, has decided to pursue a venture on mobile value-added-services. He, with his team of six others, has started ‘Mobme’, a social networking venture on mobile. “The entrepreneurship cell at IIMC is helping us meet several venture capitalists. We are also looking at angel funding for our venture,” said Pranav Kumar.

Likewise, Pathikrit Ghosh, another first-year student of IIMC, has decided to opt out of summer placements to start a consultancy project, offering consultancy services for sectors such as energy, sales and marketing, human resource, and others. “This is a low-capital business and would need close to Rs 2 lakh to start off,” said Ghosh. Abhishek Nagaraj, another first-year student at IIM Calcutta is planning a social networking site on videos. “It will be a Wikipedia centred on video. I already have a prototype and the start-up cost is very little and manageable,” Nagaraj said.

Update on XLer NGO's

here we have an XL students ("NGO") team (actually a business venture - a partnership firm) the 8 selected out of 2300 entries in one of the Asia's biggest entrepreneurship competition - Eureka at IIT Mumbai

http://eureka.ecell.in/result.php

Clean tech contestants vie for $50,000 at Eureka! 08

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Services/Education/Clean_tech_contestants_vie_for_50000_at_Eureka_08/articleshow/4020679.cms

(and if they win these, this will meet part of their funding requirements - Eureka is $50,000)

and is among the 16 selected in an international competition ("NGO" Global Social Entrepreneurship Competition - Foster School of Business, Univ of Washington, Seattle)

http://foster.washington.edu/gsec/Teams.shtml

(dont know the prize money)

I am also happy to share that the institute's is providing for their travel expenses to US to participate in the GSEC

and that XLRI Social Entrepreneurship Trust provided them the first incubation funding (we did to two others student ventures too - Swavalamban and http://www.dream4others.com/ and will continue to do so, if we get the funding from Xlers or other sources...

two of these ventures funded by the Trust also sweeped the Kalpavriksha event:

http://xlri.blogspot.com/2008/11/xlris-social-projects-sweep.html

an institute's "brand" (and worth) is built by the investments in building a robust product.

help out if you can by connecting to:

isel.sigma@xlri.ac.in

ciao

madhukar

ps: for those who came in late:

http://www.parichay.co.in

83 batch reunion on campus

Message from an alumnus of the 83 batch:

I just got back this week from the 25th Year Reunion of my Batch of 1983 at XLRI. About 33 of us met at Jamshedpur, some of us after a full 25 years. Was great fun to re-connect and also see how much XL had grown in this period. The physical infrastructure alone is more than three times of what it used to be in our time. Another noteworthy development is the much more favourable boys to girls ratio!

Among other things we had a very good discussion with the Director and management of XLRI about starting a XLRI Endowment Fund (XEF) which can help the Alumni and others contribute to the growth and development of XL and its community. We presented a plan which was received enthusiastically and we hope it will take firm shape in the next few weeks. Will share more details once it is in existence.

Narinder Singh

XLRI talk on Social Entrepreneurship

From The Telegraph

Jamshedpur, Dec. 23 (The Telegraph): To make people aware about social entrepreneurship, XLRI has planned a national conference.

The Social Entrepreneurship Trust and Social Initiative Group for Managerial Assistance (Sigma) of XLRI will arrange the conclave on social entrepreneurship on January 31 and February 1 next year.

The theme of the conference would be “Providing Access for Sustainable Devel- opment” while its purpose is to showcase innovative social entrepreneurship ventures by individual entrepreneurs, NGOs, corporate executives and government agencies.

It will also provide a common platform for sharing of experiences, issues and concerns of the social sector.

About 150 development sector professionals would attend the conference.

It will be the first-of- its-kind for XLRI. The conference will be organised in association with Ashoka: Innovators for the Public, a global association of social entrepreneurs, and IndianNGOs.com, a portal on social and developmental of India.

“The conference is part of the diamond jubilee celebrations of the B-school. We wanted to give a distinct identity to the social concerns, so we thought of coming up with this conference.

“There are resources but they can’t reach the grassroots and that is a cause of concern,” said Madhukar Shukla, the professor of organisational behaviour and chairperson of Social Entrepreneurship Trust at XLRI.

The conference has been designed around six sessions over two days, each highlighting the problem of “accessing the resources”.

Experts would talk on access to credit and financial services, access to education, access to healthcare and hygiene, access to livelihood opportunities, access to market and rural access to societal resources.

Each session will have three speakers who will share their views and provide solutions.

The conference will also have a social entrepreneurship workshop, a performance by Blind Opera and competitions for students interested in social entrepreneurship.

=======
Confirmed Resource Persons/ Speakers:

Ms Aparna Banerjee
CEO, Project Sukanya
& Ashoka Fellow

Mr Anshu Gupta
Founder, GOONJ
& Ashoka Fellow

Ms Chetna Gala Sinha
Founder, Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank
& Ashoka Fellow

Mr CV Madhukar
Founder, PRS Legislative Research & Co-Founder, Akshara Foundation
& Ashoka Fellow

Mr Dilip Ranjekar
CEO, Azim Premji Foundations

Dr Joe Madiath
Founder & Executive Director, Gram Vikas
& Skoll Social Entrepreneur

Mr KC Shashidhar
Chief General Manager, NABARD, Jharkhand

Mr Keerti Bhusan Pradhan
Head of Programs - India Office, Right to Sight

Dr Pradip Sarmah
Director, Centre for Rural Development
& Ashoka Fellow

Mr Pravin Mahajan
Founder & Executive Director, Janarth

Mr Rajiv Khandelwal
Director, Aajeevika Bureau
& Ashoka Fellow

Mr S Shivkumar
Chief Executive, ITC Agri Business - E-Choupal

Mr Samit Ghosh
CEO, Ujjivan

Mr Solomon Jaiprakash
Founder & Chief Executive, Maya Organic*
* awaiting confirmation

Ms Sushmita Ghosh
President Emeritus, Ashoka: Innovators for the Public

Dr Vanita Viswanath
CEO, Udyogini

Mr Ved Arya
Managing Trustee, SRIJAN
& Ashoka Fellow

Mr Venkat Changavalli
CEO, EMRI - Emergency Management & Research Instt

Mr Verghese Jacob
Lead Partner, Byrraju Foundation

Mr Vijay Mahajan
Founder & CEO, BASIX
& Senior Ashoka Fellow

Posted By The Theme to XLRI Jamshedpur - News and Latest Updates at 12/24/2008

Pictures and Video of Singapore Edition of XLRI Alumni Dream Run

13/12

XLRI Dream Run
Singapore
Botanic Gardens

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.

Love and Peace.
Best Wishes
Ramesh



View the photo album: XL Dream Run, December 13, 2008

Watch the Video:

8 days to go - Put Enthu, Put Fight!

8 days to go! Put Enthu, Put Fight!

Hurry up, please send in your confirmations!

Can you also share (?) Adults and (?) Children.

We will assemble at the Botanic Gardens @ Gazebo inside the Bukit Timah Core of the gardens. It is near the Jacob Ballas Childrens Gardens.

6:30 Registration and start the walk at 7pm

Getting there: http://www.sbg.org.sg/visitorinfo/openinghours.asp

Specific Location: - BUKIT TIMAH CORE - http://www.sbg.org.sg/bukittimahcore/bukittimahcore.asp

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.

__________________

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

Social Entrepreneurship Conference @ XLRI: need help for leads for funding/sponsorship

Folks!

looking for money/funding/sponsorship!! - or leads/contacts which will lead to money/funding/sponosorship

How does one get funding/sponsorship of about Rs 15 lacs (besides the participation fee) for the 1st National Social Entrepreneurship Conference at XLRI scheduled during January 31st-February 1st, 2009?

The target participants are about 100-150 representing development sector professionals (social entrepreneurs, NGOs, government officials operating in development space, CSR executievs, academicians, and interested students) who will attend the Conference.

,The following have confirmed their participation as speakers so far (in last 10 days)...any leads/ contacts will be helpful

- Mr Anshu Gupta (Founder, GOONJ & Ashoka Fellow)

http://www.goonj.info/

- Ms Aparna Bannerjee (CEO, Project Sukanya & Ashoka Fellow)

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/life/2008/04/11/stories/2008041150110400.htm

- Mr CV Madhukar, (Founder, PRS Legislative Research & Co-Founder, Akshara Foundation & Ashoka Fellow)

http://www.aksharafoundation.org

- Mr Dilip Ranjekar (CEO, Azim Premji Foundations)

http://www.azimpremjifoundation.org

- Dr Joe Madiath (Founder & Executive Director, Gram Vikas)

http://www.gramvikas.org/

- Mr Keerti Bhusan Pradhan, (Head of Programs - India Office, Right to Sight)

http://www.righttosight.com/index.htm

- Dr Pradip Sarmah (Director, CRD & Ashoka Fellow)

http://www.crdev.org/rb.asp

- Mr S Shivkumar (Chief Executive, ITC E-Choupal)

http://www.itcportal.com/rural-development/echoupal.htm

- Mr Samit Ghosh (CEO, Ujjivan)

http://www.ujjivan.com/

- Dr Vanita Viswanath (CEO, Udyogini)

http://www.udyogini.org/

- Mr Venkat Chaganvalli (CEO, EMRI - Emergency Management & Research Instt)

http://www.emri.in

- Mr Verghese Jacob (Lead Partner, Byrraju Foundation)

http://www.byrrajufoundation.org/

- Mr Vijay Mahajan, (Founder & CEO, Basix)

http://www.basixindia.com/

ciao

madhukar

XL Singapore - We can demonstrate the Spirit of Giving!

Dear Friends:

this is an appeal

to xlers and xl alumni

as xlers and xl alumni,

.... we have always had a special purpose in our lives.

... a purpose that goes beyond professional success – beyond money, beyond titles and designations.

we believed...

we believed from the word go! that we, as xlers are special...

... and different from the iims and other institutes

we believed in giving back....
we believed in giving back, through the many projects and assignments that with did with the local people while we were in jamshedpur.
we believed...

we believed that we are there to make a difference!
we believed in helping the underserved realize their dream.
today....... as we have gained fame, name, reputation and money

can we...

can we give back!

can we help in our own small little way,
can we help the people through our institute

... that has made us all what we are today.

it is small request!

Can we donate to the cause we believe in..

little droplets from each of us, will fill thousands of people with tears of joy

.. those little contributions

will evoke smiles in a thousand faces,

twinkles in the eyes of children,

satisfaction to old parents, who see their children achieve their dreams...

can we tell in our own small way

that we care

that we care for them

we care for their dreams!

donate generously! donate today!

Here’s an appeal

1. We are having an XL Nature Walk on December 13, 2008 in Botanical Gardens (7pm).

a. The idea is (1) To come together for a cause – The XL Social Entrepreneurship Trust http://www.xldreamrun.com

b. And (2) get together with friends and families

c. Would like to know the participation, please help reply to XL Singapore

d. More details on http://www.xldreamrun.com

2. We have revived our presence in a few more areas – to be more relevant with changing times.

a. On Facebook: “XLRI Singapore” on Facebook. It would be a good idea if you can join in there J

b. On Blogspot: http://xlsingapore.blogspot.com.

3. Videos: We have a few places some videos are posted on YouTube and MSN Video

a. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkIIQOCskqU;

b. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv_lsAU387I ;

c. http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-US&playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:ca2b9f08-223a-4b79-9bc7-88a18ae9f826&showPlaylist=true

d.

[Rajesh Soundararajan]

Ruchi Gupta Varshneya (98BMD) completes Philadelphia Marathon

Ruchi Gupta Varshneya had written in 2 months ago about preparing for the full marathon and requesting encouragement, prayers and support.


Ruchi was motivated to run the marathon to contribute to the cause of Asha for Education

For someone who had never trained as a runner and a mother of twins, the training was long and hard, but Ruchi says that it was her commitment to the cause that helped her see it through. Running the half marathon in New Jersey on 5th October and the Full marathon in Philadelphia on 23rd November.

Ruchi did not forget those who had supported her endeavor and I received this lovely note from her, a day after the marathon:

Hi Kim,
Hope the note finds you well. I wanted to let you know that I completed the Philadelphia marathon this Sunday. It took me all of 5:30 hours, however I finished strong with a smile. Thanks much for your support to the cause.I also surpassed my fund raising goal. All the encouragement from friends like you was much needed and constantly replayed in my mind between mile 20 -25!.
All the effort will be worth it if it contributes to some under-privileged girls getting education and brighter future.
Thanks for trusting me
Ruchi

Way to go Ruchi! We are proud of your achievement!

XLRI Dream Run - Phase II

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.

Best Wishes,
Ramesh
ReVive Consulting Group

The Day XL Jamshedpur Ran

I've posted a lot of entries on the XLRI Jamshedpur Dream Run.

The event happened on the 16th and was hugely successful with 300+ runners.

Prof Shukla has taken some awesome pictures to capture the spirit of the run which can be viewed as a slide show on http://lifeatxl.blogspot.com/

More pictures are visible on The Official - XLRI Dream Run Website

Note & Clarification from Prof:
Thanks for the support...
...and hope that funds keep coming in for the XLRI Social Entrepreneurship Trust

Let me also clarify about the nomenclatures (Donning my hat as the Secy of the XLRI Social Entrepreneurship Trust ;0) ...

1. XLRI Social Entrepreneurship Trust does not support "charity"... we know that those will be non-sustainable in the long-run

2. We support and nurture "Entrepreneurs with a Social Cause" - ventures which are potentially sustainable, and can make a difference to the society - and these, at present, are ventures promoted by the current-batch (09) students/entrepreneurs, who have formed/registered partnership companies to take-off (Paricha, Swavalamban, & Dream4Others

3.- What we do try to do from the Trust is (before starting to support them) to vet their plans, give them some ideas, connect them to people who may help... and give them some funds (VCs would call it "incubation fund") to start with their ideas...

4. So far, I guess, our judgement has been right - At least not "wrong"

http://xlri.blogspot.com/2008/11/xlris-social-projects-sweep.html

======================

Sunday, November 09, 2008

XLRI's Social Projects sweep "Kalpavriksha"

Two Projects supported by XLRI Social Entrepreneurship Trust (*), Parichay and Swavalamban were judged 1st and 2nd respectively in the IIM Indore's Social Business Plan contest "Kalpavriksha" - a forum for self sustainable business plans with the potential to make a difference to society.

The two projects were selected from among 103 entries from across the B-Schools, and were judged by executives from Aavishkaar India Micro Venture Capital Fund, IndianNGO.com and India Development Gateway

Besides the prize money, along with other finalists they will also receive mentorship by executives from IndianNGO.com and India Development Gateway, a capital market place for social ventures in India. They will also be able to put up their ideas on India Development Gateway.

As the winner of the event, Parichay will get a direct semi-final entry into the Global Social Entrepreneurship Competition (GSEC) to be held at Foster School of Business in Seattle, USA (Feb 23-27, 2009)

====================

5. XL Students' 3rd Social Venture got online yesterday... please do check and register (if you have 5minutes):

http://www.dream4others.com/

ciao
madhukar