On 29th August, 2014, the Asha team was pleased to welcome Mr Harish Rao, Head-Asia Pacific, Sundaram Business Services and Member of Board of Directors of Australian Friends of Asha. Accompanying him were members of the Australian World Orchestra – Mr Alexander Briger (Artistic Director), Ms Gabrielle Thompson (CEO) and Mr Neil Thompson (Chairman).
A keen supporter of Asha’s work, Harish had invited the group to visit one of the Asha slums while they were in the country to prepare for their performance in Delhi next year. After a meeting with Dr Kiran, the group visited Jeevan Nagar slum colony and met with the community members.
Dr Kiran with Harish Rao and team.
In a highly interactive session that lasted for nearly two hours, they spoke with the members of children’s and women’s groups from the slum to learn a lot about their day to day life and the their involvement with Asha. While the women narrated their journey towards empowerment, the children excitedly chattered about the activities of their group.
Interaction with the members of Children’s association.
Inspired to hear about their struggles and achievements, they spoke highly of the grit and determination of the community and also congratulated the Asha team for their efforts. They also extended a warm invitation to the college students to their performance in Delhi next year.
To gain a deeper insight into the life in a slum, the group visited the homes of some community members. This, they say, was an eye opener as they were greatly moved to see how much the community, and especially the students, have been able to achieve living midst such deplorable conditions.
We would like to thank Harish and the Australian World Orchestra team for taking out this time from their busy itinerary to visit Asha. We look forward to welcome them again next year.
