Have you ever had an opportunity that demanded just 5 minutes of your time, but resulted in millions of lives being influenced? Well, you are actually in luck...one such opportunity just presented itself! Isha Foundation needs your vote in the race to win a million dollars for Action for Rural Rejuvenation (ARR)-a bold, but practical initiative in India working tirelessly with the mission of rejuvenating the broken spirit of rural India and restoring lives.
The deal is simple, the organization with maximum number of votes received by 22nd Jan gets to win a million dollars to implement their idea. And that brings me to the idea-Action for Rural Rejuvenation. I have been personally fascinated by this project ever since the day I heard about it.
There is a side of India, that many of us conveniently ignore. Of course, there is the bright side-the dazzling IT sector, Bangalore, Chennai and all that fanfare..and then there is the rural side or rather the dark side. There are people who do not have access, even to basic sanitary facilities, leave alone clean drinking water or nutritious food or healthcare! Their livelihoods often depend on vagaries of the weather and many times even on the whims of unscrupulous landlords and money lenders. There are millions of people living in this condition and they are justifiably frustrated with their life and lack of support. Imagine what such a huge build-up of frustration could do to the country...and now imagine what would happen if all that frustration was converted into productive energy, what if they were given the opportunity to live a normal life and become positive contributors to the society..imagine the power that will unleash! If you thought the IT industry revolutionized India, you will be really surprised at this rural revolution-it can create wonders in the world.
ALL THIS IS POSSIBLE....we just need to start working towards it. I have seen ARR work in rural India, and they are bringing real change right to people's doorsteps. With mobile vans taking doctors to villages where there are no proper roads even, with Isha Vidya schools that offer free education to children-with emphasis on English learning and computers (something never done before!), with Yogashalas and community events that actually promote bonding beyond race, caste and creed (you have to watch one of these events to feel the energy in it!).
Many of us want to help, but cannot find the right source to contribute, our "busy lives" preclude us from going there to spend time with these people to understand their needs and figure out solutions. Here are people who have dedicated their lives to creating a better life for the rural Indian population. The least we can do is to spend five minutes to help them...Please follow these steps to vote for Isha:
1. Log into Facebook
3. Become a fan of the Chase Community Giving.
4. Go to:
It is that simple.
I have never come across an organization that is more intelligent, more humane and more ethical than Isha Foundation. Please let us help Isha do what is most needed in the society today.
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