UTMT Society has a very simple mission - to encourage and equip marginal farmers to adopt bee-keeping. It has two direct benefits: 1) Immediate income through sale of honey 2) Dramatic increase in productivity of the farm (remember the biology lessons on pollination?). I have now known the team for many years - first as an advisor and now a Board member. The fact that they work in some very backward, tribal regions and do so with so much passion, is something that inspires me every single time I interact with the team.
I am not a natural athlete or runner. Motivated by my desire to raise money for UTMT, I first ran the half marathon in 2014. I had to skip 2015 due to a back problem but I prepared hard for the 2016 edition. There was high drama a week before the race when I pulled my hamstring and was advised not to run. I couldn't bear the thought of letting down everyone who had contributed, so I went ahead. Fortunately, it went fine and I even improved on my 2014 timing!
UTMT is in an exciting phase of its journey with a renewed vision and strategic direction. I am inspired by this vision to make a pledge. For every minute that I shave off my previous best timing (2.25), I will contribute 10% of the money raised on this page, till I get to 100%. So if I improve my timing by 10 mins, I will match every rupee contributed here by a rupee of my own. I really hope you will see it fit to contribute to this cause.