Runner:   Manisha Joshi

Event:   Full Marathon (26.2 Miles)

I firmly believe that changes no matter how small make a difference. Asha for Education's work in partnership with grass root level organizations and volunteers is important; it can change and make a difference in the lives of so many children. I am running the marathon because I want to make a difference no matter how small by spreading awareness about Right to Education, Right to Information and various other social issues. Please DONATE and help build a different world - a world which gives opportunities to every child!

"Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -- Arundhati Roy

Runner:   Kapil Singh

Event:   Full Marathon (26.2 Miles)

I am running the Philadelphia Marathon to raise awareness and funds for the cause of basic education for underprivileged children in India. Imagine a world which gives opportunities to every child! I am running to remind myself and others that such a world is possible. Please DONATE and help build a different world.

Runner:   Kalpesha Patel

Event:   Full Marathon (26.2 Miles)

There's Hope.

First let me say THANK YOU to all those who are taking the time to read this. I hope that you will find what I have written as inspiring as I do.

Over the past few year I have accomplished many things in my life some big, some small and some average everyday things. Thought I have yet to accomplish everything on my list of "Thing to do Before I Die" I have accomplished a few. I have one that I've been thinking about for sometime now, and that is how I can help the country that I love (India) and its people.

I was born in India and came to the US when I was one. I haven't been to India in many year (believe me it been a long time) but I've always felt connected to India and hope one day soon that I will be able to travel there and see all its wonders. From what I remember, during my first visit as a child is that India is country filled with poor individuals. Living in the US any American would think the same thing. As a child, I failed to recognize that these individuals may have been poor in material and money, but they by far are rich in spirit and faith. I have come to realize that the people of India have more sprit and determination then I probably ever will and for this reason and a with more purpose I have chosen to run my second marathon.

I'm running the Philadelphia Marathon for two simple reasons. The first reason is obviously for my own health and well being and also to challenge myself yet again. The second reason is for the purpose of helping people in need.

My goal is to raise $300 to $500 in the next few months. The organization I am running for is called ASHA which means HOPE. We are a group of volunteers that help to address all issues effecting human life such as the education of underprivileged children, health care, environmental and socio-economic issues and women's issues in India. 100 % yes you have read it correctly 100 % of your donation will go directly to the children of India. To read more about ASHA please go to www.ashanet.org. I believe that in real life ambition, hard work, and determination is what will get you through the day and carry you to the top. I hope that you will help me with my ambition, hard work, and determination by donating what ever you can afford to keep HOPE alive for all the people especially the children of India.

Thank you for your contributions and see you all at the finish line on November 18, 2007.

Runner:   Maheshwar Lal

Event:   Half Marathon (13.1 Miles)

Socially aware as a kid , socially conscious as a teenager to Socially active as an engaging adult. Being a human being , anything that concerned the humanity left me wondering whether I can do something about it... it was always a wishful me a man with good intention but no actions. India is growing economically at a breath taking pace... but in this prosperity there are many who are left behind because they never had to opportunity to bask in this glorious rising sun of the world. We all have a duty towards the society to give back .... to create a land of equal opportunities. Asha for Education is a medium to make a difference. Running for Half marathon for me is one way of saying " I do care ".

Runner:   Vijay Komaragiri

Event:    Full Marathon (26.2 Miles)

Thanks for visiting my page, please read through. I am running the Philadelphia Marathon on Nov 18th with Team Asha of Asha Philadelphia Chapter.

Asha for Education (AfE) is a secular organization dedicated to change in India by focusing on basic education in the belief that education is a critical requisite for socio-economic change. Visit Asha websitefor more information about its activities.

I am running this Marathon to raise awareness about the activities of Asha in India and to raise funds to support the cause. To remind my friends and remind myself through every stride I take that there are a lot of underprivileged children in India who can't afford to get the same education we were fortunate to receive. And more importantly to remind ourselves that we can do something about it and realistically work to see these kids achieve a decent education.

I have been involved with Asha for quite sometime now and the work that the volunteers have been doing inspired me to take a more pro-active part in supporting the cause.

It is the shared belief among Team Asha volunteers that even though we cannot change the situation overnight, any action is better than inaction, and every little thing each of us do, every stride we take and every dollar we raise will get someone closer to the dream of an educated and successful life. If you too are interested in our marathon program, please feel free to contact me.

Please make note of the fact that AfE is a zero-overhead non profit organization and all the donations made are utilized in full for the benefit of the children. I and other Team Asha marathoners bear the full cost of our training, equipment and registration expenses from out of our own pockets. Asha for Education is the highest rated charity by Charity Navigator in "Development and Relief Services" category. You can also check out Asha's program efficiency ratings in this link.

If you want more information about any of the above feel free to contact me by e-mail at komaragiri AT gmail DOT com or by phone on 412 251 1037. I will be glad to provide as much information as possible. Any amount donated is neither too small nor too big for the cause and every dollar helps some one get closer to an educated life.

Runner:   Mayuri Das

Event:   Half Marathon (13.1 Miles)

I am running Philadelphia's Half Marathon to spread awareness about eradicating child labor, which is Asha's theme for the year. Every sweat dropped will be towards the well being of poor children who are struggling and striving for existence. This run is the least I can do and any encouragement will be well received.

If you can read this message, then, you have access to a warehouse of knowledge, information and ample amount of opportunities in life via the internet. Do take a moment and think about making a difference to the little ones who are toiling day & night and are kept away from primary schools. These children could make a significant change one day if molded the right way and ONLY education can make that happen.

Child labor has no boundaries. Whether it is India, countries of Africa, Mexico, China, we should be responsible in our own ways of making a difference, for encouraging children to go to school.

The video applies to poor children across the world. http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZIhkfIv2ALA

If the message reaches out to you then please support me here at ASHA.

Runner:   Raj Walia

Event:   Full Marathon (26.2 Miles)

Funds Raised: 1,721.00. I am running the Philadelphia Full Marathon on Sunday, Nov 18th 2007. 

The need to take up new challenges and break old barriers has always been exciting to me. And this is the reason that I want to run the marathon for Asha , to give other kids the same chance. The same opportunity. I believe that this is only possible if they get that one wealth that no one can steal from them? The wealth of an education, of knowledge.

Those of you who have lived or visited India would have witnessed the rampant poverty that exists. Education is the ONLY constructive option underprivileged children have in a life that is shrouded in poverty. Asha and the Marathon training program are squarely focused on education as the fundamental building block to transform the lives of children on the street.

While I sweat it out I'm also working towards a goal that is much more important than the finish line. My goal is to raise $2,620. That is $100 a mile that I (hopefully!) run. A mere $20 is enough to fund a child's food, health, shelter, and education needs for a month in India.

You can either donate securely by credit card (just click on the donate button on this page and follow the instructions) or send/give me a check or cash. Please make the checks to "Asha for Education". You may work for a company that matches charitable donations either in part or full. So you can donate more to this worthy cause! Please contact your HR department for details.

I hope you will donate towards this worthy cause. I recommend a donation of $26.20 ($1 per mile) but please feel free to donate how much ever you like.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and thanks very much in advance for your contribution towards this cause. If you have any questions about my run or how your contribution will be used in Asha's projects, do write in to waliaraj@gmail.com or call 201.852.2293

Runner:   Lavanya Madhusudhan

Event:   Half Marathon (13.1 Miles)

Working with Asha for Education in any capacity is a very rewarding experience in itself. Being a part of the Marathon 2007 team contributes to the experience by allowing you to achieve a personal goal and develop physical and mental strength by participating in an endurance sport, all the while raising funds and awareness for a wonderful cause.

Runner:   Raviraj Chavan

Event:   Half Marathon (13.1 Miles)

I am running to create awareness about a wonderful community called Asha for Education. Providing hope of a better future to several unprivileged children in India through quality education.

This marathon is an opportunity for me to do something for the country we cherish the most, and of course I need your support to achieve this goal. Support for better future of our nation

Runner:   Namrita Khandelwal

Event:   Half Marathon (13.1 Miles)

Asha's mandate touches the core of India's future - education and children. That strikes a cord with me.