Give-India !

It was just yesterday when I finally made up my mind and pulled out the old and not-in-fashion clothes out of my flodded wardrobe. I didn't exactly know what to do with them; I just wished it could reach some needy fellows. I used to give them to my maid earlier but I found that she doesn't really "care" and "need" them so this time I asked a housekeeping girl if she can take the old clothes. She seemed to be happy but her expectations quickly rose and within 8 days after she picked up a huge bundle from my house, she came with more demands- this time her grandpa wanted a sweater, her nephew wanted old toys and her father wanted a "blue jeans"!!!!

Huh ! It was quite unexpected and embarassing too...

I mean, I never wanted her to thank me 100 times in return but at least I never expected her to be back (that too so soon) with a big family demand!!!

Reaching orphanages and old-age homes is not practicallynot always possible when you wish to help or donate something. And it was the time when I came across the portal-GiveIndia ! It is an Initiative taken by Venkat Krishnan (An IIM Alumni) who dared to do something different for our Society. It is about the "Giving" culture which is more prominent abroad compared to our country.

When I read and explored more @ Venkat and his efforts, I sincerely agreed with the situation that he describes. Whenever we, as common urban people "wish" to "Give" or "Donate", 2 questions surface our minds in no time --first, Where or How can I help (donate)? and Second, How can I know whether my money is used properly? Thanks to the currupt systems spread all over!!

With the yearly appraisals, increments, booming stock markets and rising NAVs, we are able to donate more than ever.GiveIndia not only helps you find the different NGO's working for varied causes like Children, Youth, Education, Old People, Poverty but also sends you a detailed report on the amount that you donate through them.You can choose throgh various options also based upon the amount you wish to donate. They also tie up with corporates wherein emloyees can "donate" monthly (a small amount is automatically deducted from the "willing"employees' salary, every month). But Venkat doesn't want people to feel this donation just as a monthly deduction but he wants to spread this "giving" fashion across all communities and geographical boundries.

So please visit http://www.giveindia.org/

I wish, these few lines will make you think and "give" more...

--Neha