Education in India:
In many parts of the world, education is considered to be a basic necessity for life, just like food, clothing and shelter.
But in a developing nation like India the total literacy rate is 65.38% and the female literacy rate is only 54.16% (2001 census).
This data clearly illustrates the urgent need for providing basic education to the masses, especially children.
My connection with Asha:
Asha is a voluntary non-profit organization that raises funds for, and encourages education of underprivileged children all across India. Asha means 'Hope'- hope for a better future by empowering society via education.
I feel privileged to have received the best education throughout my life and feel that it is my responsibility to give back to society and those less privileged than me.
I have been connected with Asha for past two years, first with Asha- Stanford, Bay Area Chapter and now Asha- St. Louis.
I have really come to appreciate through Asha how far even a small contribution can go. As little as $20 can provide for an entire month of food, accommodation and books for poor children.
Asha provides hope to underprivileged kids in both rural and urban India.
Motivation for running:
Many children across India have to walk several miles to fetch clean drinking water or to go to school. This motivates my each run, giving me a chance to think on how to improve lives of these children.
Raising funds:
For the St. Louis Rock 'n' Roll- Half Marathon, I would like to raise at least $650 ($50 a mile) for
Asha St. Louis projects .
Please note:
- Asha is an entirely volunteer driven organization with zero overhead that means every dollar donated towards Team Asha goes directly to educate children without any administrative overhead.
- Asha is a US-registered non-profit (501 (c) 3) organization so every dollar you donate is tax-deductible. If your company has a matching policy for non-profits Asha will qualify for that.
