IAGB Spotlight

Samarthanam

As we all prepare to celebrate US Independence Day followed by the Indian Independence Day, it is most appropriate that we remind ourselves of the essence of national independence. Mahatma Gandhi said, “No society can possibly be built on a denial of individual freedom.” And another great leader, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “True individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence.”

Samarthanam – Trust for the Disabled is walking on the path shown by such great leaders for 25 years. This non-profit organization established by Mahantesh GK and Nagesh SP works tirelessly to provide equal opportunities to the visually impaired, disabled and economically underserved. The founders, though visually impaired, have a vision to build an inclusive society where all individuals can live with equal dignity. Samarthanam has developed roots all across India and has helped transform more than 60000 lives for good. They have set methods in empowering their beneficiaries through various initiatives in education, skilling (livelihood), rehabilitation, health and nutrition, arts & culture, sports, and environment. Considering the love of cricket in India, Samarthanam established the Cricket Association of the Blind in India in 2010. They also have a traveling troupe of artists with disabilities, named Sunadha, who excel in Indian classical, folk dance and music.

Samarthanam USA was formed in 2011 by likeminded Individuals and supporters to expand Trust’s donor outreach into the west, collaborate on various programs such as Youth Internship (from USA/Canada to India) and other mutual beneficial development campaigns, and extend support to the core vision and mission of the mother organization. Currently it operates under the leadership of Dr. Varavani Dwarki and his team. Dr. Dwarki had seen ‘Sunadha’ group’s cultural performance a few years ago. That motivated him to visit the organization in Bangalore. He became a dedicated supporter of the organization and took over the reins of the USA chapter from President Mr. Subu Kota in mid-2021. The US chapter’s focus is on fundraising for disabled people and their families, and providing education for the marginalized and the disabled children. You can find more about their work and initiatives at 

https://samarthanamusa.org/

Dr. Dwarki and his team wanted to bring people together and channelize the collective energy towards the great cause that they have undertaken. With that goal they have joined hands with IAGB, ISW (India Society of Worcester) and Boston based Juju Productions to present a mega-musical event ‘Nazraana’. The concert features maestro Vijay Prakash – the Oscar & Grammy winning song vocalist and winner of multiple Filmfare awards, along with New England’s very own Radio Mirchi Award winner, Anuradha Palakurthi. Flying in exclusively for the event is a band of 40 musicians from India led by Kamlesh Bhadkamkar. Preparations for the concert are in full swing. Tickets for the event are available at

www.Sulekha.com/Nazraana22

Dr. Dwarki is an avid runner and biker. He is passionately involved in motivating other able bodied individuals to excel in activities like walking, running, biking, and hiking. Now he appears ready to move the mountains for the benefit of disabled and marginalized people!