"The problem is not to wipe out the differences, but how to unite with the differences intact" - Rabindranath Tagore.
According to a recent World Bank Report, a staggering 40 - 80 million people in India have some form of disability. Low literacy, unemployment and widespread social stigma make the disabled one of the India's most socially excluded people.
Like many of you, I too have witnessed the uphill battle disabled people face, but have been unable to meaningfully contribute to their upliftment. During a recent visit to my ancestral village, my father introduced me to his childhood friend - Mr. S.Ramakrishnan - who founded and runs an amazing NGO - Amar Seva Sangam - helping many disabled people rehabilitate.
What is inspiring was that despite being disabled himself, Mr. Ramakrishnan has set up an amazing organization with dedicated people - each of whom makes a huge difference to a problem that one in 12 Indian families face today.
I am running the Tata Mumbai Half Marathon 2019, after a 2 year hiatus - drawing inspiration from these people - and wish to raise atleast INR 5,00,000 over the weeks that lead to the marathon. I hope each of you feels equally compelled to contribute - either by donating or sharing this page with potential donors - and helps Amar Seva Sangam serve its beneficiaries better.
I can personally vouch for the credibility of the organization and you can read up more about them at https://www.amarseva.org/.