Building Homes and Hope for a cause at Mumbai Marathon 2012
Habitat for Humanity India participated in the 9th Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2012. Some of our many supporters were Sequoia Capital, Oberoi International School, General Mills and individuals: Joiel Akilan, Bindiya Malhotra, Vladimir Kuskovski (Principal – Oberoi International School) , Rajiv Agrawal, Surin Kapadia, Rachna Jhunjhunwala, Urvashi Joneja and Annika Schauer who ran in support of our cause in the Dream Run (6 km), Half Marathon (21 km) and Full Marathon (42 km).
A thank you to Mrs. Avanti Birla (Brand Ambassador- Women IndiaBUILDS (WIB) who pledged support as a Dream Maker (a category specially created for the Marathon where committed and highly motivated individuals who feel passionately about a cause, commit to raise a substantial sum of funds towards their charity). WIB members, Mrs. Sheila Kripalani, Mrs. Arti Sanghi and Mrs. Sabira Merchant also pledged support by sponsoring the running bibs of Habitat staff.
We specially thank Sequoia Capital (Corporate Challenge Team), Joiel Akilan, Bindiya Malhotra, Vladimir Kuskovski (Principal – Oberoi International School) , Jatin Mamtani, Rachna Jhunjhunwala, Urvashi Joneja and Annika Schauer for their contributions to the cause.
Habitat for Humanity India Hero, actor John Abraham was also present as ambassador of the Marathon.
Youth for Habitat Concert
14 January, 2012
Hundreds of youth from across Mumbai celebrated performances by local artists in an evening of music, song and dance on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at the Bandra Fort Amphitheatre, Mumbai. The event launched Habitat for Humanity’s YouthBuild campaign to promote safe, secure, decent and affordable shelter for families in need, among the youth.
Local artists, Aditi Bhagwat, Colour Compound, Shazneen, Petula Rodricks, India’s hottest young saxophonist Rhys Sebastian and the legendary Merlin DeSouza enthralled the audience with a blend of Indian classical, Jazz, Rock and dance performances.
The crowd swayed to the music of one of India’s most sought after flautists, Ashwin Srinivasan and his band the Bombay Project.
An introduction to Habitat for Humanity’s work across the globe and in India by Naresh Karmalker (Director -Capital Campaign, IndiaBUILDS, Habitat for Humanity India) was followed by a power-point presentation on YouthBuild and on how youth can promote the cause through social networking as a part of the campaign by Cdr. Deepak Visvanathan, Director-Technical Services & Operations, Habitat for Humanity India and Coordinator – Youth Build India. Youth Build India Brand Ambassador Sneh Koticha vividly shared the experience of her first Habitat build at the young age of sixteen. She emphasized how the completion of the project not only resulted in shelter and a healthier life for one family, but also gave a girl child access to education.
Youth icon and Bollywood actor Purab Kolhi texted a message to the audience encouraging youth to take action. “There is great joy in being part of the building of someone’s home”, the actor shared, “I support Habitat and Youth Build and if the gathering today is interested, then people can go online and create their own page and bring in all their friends and family too.”
In this exciting new initiative for 2012, Habitat for Humanity’s YouthBUILD calls together all concerned young people to build homes, communities and hope. You will be joining other young volunteers from China, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand to physically build homes as well as raise awareness and support through their social and digital networks. Habitat for Humanity India is looking for 500 onsite YouthBUILD champions wanting to roll up their sleeves and make a difference by building homes at Habitat sites around Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi & Chennai on the 12th of May, 2012. In addition, you can be part of a 25,000 strong army of youth across India who will join thousands others in Asia in going online, creating their own pages and inviting their friends, families and colleagues to support, volunteer and fundraise for Habitat through your social and digital networks.
Through the next five months, young people across Asia will be raising a clarion call for ending poverty housing in the digital space. Activity will peak on 12 May, when thousands of youth will simultaneously build houses in China, India, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand.
The government of India estimates that the housing deficit in India is nearly 40 million – that means, nearly 200 million Indians have no place to call home. Moreover, more than 60 percent of India’s estimated 180 million dwellings are temporary or in a dilapidated condition.
To be a part of YouthBuild and create your own support page, visit : www.habitatyouthbuild.org/india. For more information, log on to www.habitatindia.in or drop a mail toinfo@hfhindia.org.
Habitat for Humanity India Lays Foundations for IndiaBUILDS in Bengaluru
11 January, 2012
Habitat for Humanity India hosted a special gala dinner to celebrate successes and recognize contributions of the IndiaBUILDS Advisory Committee, led by respected Smt. Rajashree Birla, at ITC Gardenia Hotel. In town to recognize Habitat for Humanity India’s progress and commitment were members of Habitat for Humanity’s ‘World of Hope’ Asia-Pacific Steering Committee: Philippines’ Mr. Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Indonesia’s Mr. Jimmy Masrin, India’s Mr. Asit Koticha, and other business luminaries from the Asia-Pacific region who support Habitat for Humanity in the fight against poverty housing.
“Corporate and individual supporters have kept momentum high for the IndiaBUILDS campaign. In 2011, the IndiaBUILDS UK chapter took off, and resulted in a big pipeline of people interested in engaging with Habitat for Humanity. Tonight the Habitat for Humanity India IndiaBUILDS Bengaluru chapter launched, spearheaded by Mr. Asit Koticha of Pashmina Realty”, said Rajashree Birla, IndiaBUILDS Chairperson.
At the gala dinner Pashmina Realty presented a cheque supporting the building of 100 houses to IndiaBUILDS. This presentation follows a commitment from Pashmina Realty that for every flat sold in Pashmina Waterfront, a new property development in Bengaluru, one family living in poverty housing will be supported to secure a safe and decent home. This represents a pledge to support 1,100 families or more than 5,500 people
Habitat Global Hero, Indian movie star John Abraham,said in a video message shown to guests: “I am so happy today that an initiative called BUILDATHON is being launched, which is led by Mr Asit Koticha and the Pashmina Developers Group, to put in money into Habitat for Humanity and to support a cause that I think is so beautiful and a model that is so novel, that I think other people in the realty sector must follow.”
Habitat for Humanity India also announced its participation in a pan-Asia initiative called YouthBUILD. For this, it will join Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and China in motivating thousands of young people across the five countries to support the building of homes, communities and hope on a single day in May.
Mr. Rick Hathaway, Habitat for Humanity International’s Asia-Pacific Vice President, said: "We are excited that these young volunteers will be encouraged to reach out to their families and friends through their favorite digital networks to support and cheer on their involvement in Habitat’s YouthBUILD."
Through the next five months, young people across Asia will be raising a clarion call for ending poverty housing in the digital space. Activity will peak on 12 May, when thousands of youth will simultaneously build houses in China, India, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand.
The government of India estimates that the housing deficit in India is nearly 40 million – that means, nearly 200 million Indians have no place to call home. Moreover, more than 60 percent of India’s estimated 180 million dwellings are temporary or in a dilapidated condition.
Ms. Kim Panjwani (WIB Member) and her employees from Omega Capital participated in the Footsteps 4 Good charity run and walk organized by Mrs. Jill Beckingham (wife of the British High Commissioner) scheduled on 2nd Oct 2011 as part of the Joy of Giving Week celebrations (2nd to 8th Oct 2011). Habitat for Humanity India was one of the many chosen charities.
Beyond the Odds: A bike expedition to Build Back Better in Leh
After a long and arduous journey made even more difficult by the inclement weather at many places, the riders entered Leh on the 13th of August. On the 14th, the team were joined by 20 jawans of the Indian army and the beneficiary families and participated in a day-long build at the Habitat site at Stoklam Palam in Leh. After building at Leh along with the families, Mr. Vinod Rawat, the expedition leader, said: “The experience of being able to do something practical, and to help build homes in Leh with Habitat for Humanity is
something myself and the other riders were really looking forward to. We really want to dispel stereotypes that differently-abled people are dependent on others. Instead, we want to motivate others in a similar position to explore their own strengths and challenge their perceived limitations.” Mr. Rawat and one other member in the group are prosthetic Jaipur Foot users. The third rider has been affected by polio.
On 15th August, India’s Independence Day, after hoisting the National Flag at Leh, the riders proceeded to conquer Khardung La, the highest motorable pass in the world. On their return journey, the team again stopped at several cities along the route as well sharing their story of courage as well as talking about the mission of Habitat for Humanity and the Leh Disaster Response Project.
The riders were felicitated and congratulated at a Welcome back event organized on 27th August 2011, to celebrate their triumphant feat. The riders reached the venue directly, after a strenuous ride of over 4,000 miles. Being on their motorbikes for about four weeks the riders zealously shared their riding and building experience. “Assisting the beneficiary families in Leh to help them build their homes was a proud moment to the riders”, said Mr. Rawat.
Riders receive a warm welcome from the residents of Palam, Leh
The team wants to send out a strong message to the general public that it is possible to transcend one’s own tragedies and reach out to others less fortunate. All through their journey, thanks to the generosity of United Phosphorus Ltd & the local Rotary Clubs, the riders were provided accommodation and also felicitated at receptions where they spoke about their incredible journey and their mission for Habitat for Humanity, appealing to everybody to contribute generously to the cause. During their road journey social meets were organized at Vapi, Ankleshwar, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Delhi before arriving in Leh and Chandigarh on their way back. They interacted with local residents and the media. Every meet was exceptional and has been able to open new doors for Habitat for Humanity India.
Habitat for Humanity India’s disaster response program in Leh aims to rebuild 24 homes that were completely destroyed in floods and mudslides in Ladakh in August last year. Funded through donations, this program will provide affected families with safe, environmentally friendly, culturally relevant and disaster resistant shelters. These new houses will also enable families to survive the extreme cold weather they are faced with each winter.
Riders dig foundation and pass bricks along with army Jawans and the beneficiary families at Leh
Unfurling of the National flag at Leh on 15th August
Riders at the welcome & felicitation event on 27th Aug. 2011 after a round trip motorbike expedition of more than 4000 miles
Riders with the sponsors and local supporters at the Welcome and felicitation event in Mumbai
We express our sincere gratitude to our sponsors
We express our sincere gratitude to:
HSBC Bank
United Phosphorus Limited
Altruists 1984, the 1984 alumni batch of St. Theresa’s High School, Bandra, Mumbai
H-West Federation, Mumbai
The Rotary Club (Bandra, Vapi, Ankleshwar, Anand, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Manali)
90.8 Jago Mumbai
Lupin
Hotel Maan K, New Delhi
Cricket legends, Bollywood icons and business leaders kick start Habitat for Humanity fund-raising drive for India
M.S. Dhoni, captain of India’s World Cup winning team, wanted to provide a nurturing environment for young people. He was speaking at a fundraising dinner in London held in aid of Habitat’s IndiaBUILDS ad the M.S. Charitable Foundation.
Mrs. Birla, introducing the IndiaBUILDS campaign, at the ‘East Meets West’ fundraising dinner
London, 18 July 2011: England and Indian cricketing legends, Bollywood stars and business leaders
were united today at a fundraising dinner hosted by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, current captain of India’s
World-Cup-winning cricket team, and Mrs. Rajashree Birla, Director of Aditya Birla Group, for Habitat for
Humanity and the M.S. Dhoni Charitable Foundation, ‘Winning Ways, today for tomorrow’.
At the colourful ‘East Meet West’ event at Hilton Park Lane Hotel, cricket stars Sachin Tendulkar, Brian
Lara, Yuvraj Singh, Courtney Walsh, Farokh Engineer, Alec Steward, Harbhajan Singh, together with
Bollywood icons, Ranganathan ‘Maddy’ Madhavan, Jacqueline Fernandez , Omi Vaidya and ex-cricketer
and commentator, Ravi Shastri, mixed with high-profile business leaders to enjoy dinner and take part
in a charity auction.
“I want to provide the right environment for young people, and then there will be no reason why they
can’t flourish” said M. S. Dhoni, as he addressed a room of a thousand people.
The most popular item sold in the charity auction at the dinner was a painting by Sacha Jafri, which
sold for £260,000 (US$ 419,000 / INR18.6m), created as a special tribute to Sachin Tendulkar and to
commemorate the day that India won the Cricket World Cup earlier this year.
This was closely followed by the cricket bat used by M. S. Dhoni in the World Cup Final, and signed by
the sportsman himself, that went for £100,000 (US$161,000 / INR7m).
Other popular items included an original copy of the script of Bollywood blockbuster 3 Idiots signed by
the director and cast; a chance to spend a day on the set of forthcoming film, Teri Meri Kahani, starring
Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra; John Abraham’s biker jacket and helmet, signed and framed by the
Bollywood actor; and a special coaching session with M. S. Dhoni at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
Both charities, Habitat for Humanity and the M. S. Dhoni Foundation, will equally benefit from the
auction and ticket sales.
Cricket stars, both past and present, took the opportunity to praise Sachin Tendulkar, India’s record-
breaking batsman, who was present at the event. Alec Stewart compared Tendulkar to the greatest
batsman of all time, calling him “a modern day Sir Donald Bradman”. Rahul Dravid said: “In India, we
have many gods. Sachin has just been added to the list.
”
The ‘East Meets West’ event was the grand finale of events taking place over the last two days to launch
Habitat for Humanity’s IndiaBUILDS campaign in Great Britain, a new fundraising drive to support
families currently living in substandard houses in India.
Mrs. Rajashree Birla said: “A home is a primary need for every person. It transcends being just a shelter,
as it represents the opportunity to unleash potential. A house is the focal point around which families
grow and communities thrive.”
Earlier today, guests gathered for a high tea reception at The Orangery in Kensington Palace with the
Duke of Gloucester, Royal Patron of Habitat for Humanity Great Britain, and yesterday (Sunday 17 July),
supporters took part in a ‘mock build’ at London Business School, laying symbolic bricks and tiles to build
a house representing the 100,000 homes hoped to be built in India by 2015.
At this ‘Build a Home – Brick by Brick’ event, Bollywood star Ranganathan ‘Maddy’ Madhavan shared his
reasons for supporting Habitat for Humanity and the IndiaBUILDS campaign: “When I was younger, I had
these noble aspirations and believed I had the power to make a difference. I have been lucky enough
to see the world but still only felt I was half the man I wanted to be. This is why I support Habitat for
Humanity. I want to be that person to make a change. The easiest way to support is by writing a cheque,
but I also encourage others to volunteer and fulfill that desire to make a difference.”
230 low-income families get new houses at the dedication ceremony
Dodipal, Gujarat, 11 June 2011:
Habitat for Humanity India in partnership with ANaRDe Foundation and H N Safal Group dedicated the first batch of completed houses of the 230 house project for the low-income families in Dodipal, Gujarat. Of the 230 houses being built; 50 houses are in Amreli, 40 in Anand, 30 in Dharampur, 40 in Mehsana and 70 houses in Himmatnagar. The unique feature of these houses is that they are made on a self build basis with technical support and supervision of Habitat for Humanity India in partnership with ANäRDe Foundation.
Habitat for Humanity is instrumental in the development of the concept, facilitation and implementation of the housing project in partnership with ANaRDe Foundation. This partnership has already built about 1700 houses for low income families in Gujarat since 2005. H N Safal Group has now come in to support the project through its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. The houses are constructed with locally available material and designed in a socially & culturally appropriate manner. The project will provide safe, decent and affordable homes to 1150 people, which in turn will enable them to improve their living conditions. The project will culminate on 31st December 2011.
Speaking on the occasion through a tele call the Chairman ANaRDe Foundation Shri Kapoorbhai Chandaria Said “The partnership with Habitat for Humanity has been a long and fruitful one and we now have a vision to support at least 100,000 families in Gujarat in constructing cost effective houses and supporting them in improving the quality of life”.
Shri Dino L Touthang CEO Habitat for Humanity in his message of felicitation stated that the dedication ceremony marked another milestone in the mission of Habitat to house underprivileged families by giving them an opportunity for inclusive development.
The HN Safal Group Chairman said that he was extremely happy that a powerful tool of social responsibility wherein NGO-Corporate partnership has successfully implemented a pro poor housing scheme had been created and that he looked forward to continuing such support in future.
The Chairman Mr. Hasmukhbhai Vora said “We have a continuing social responsibility towards the people of the area in which we operate more so towards the less fortunate. It has been a constant endeavour to create sustainable economies and transform stagnant lives in the active partnership through synergized and pro-active hand-holding in the area of infrastructure, education, health and environment. We have public commitment to carry on this trusted relationship”.
About ANäRDe Foundation
ACIL - Navasarjan Rural Development Foundation ie. ANaRDe Foundation has completed twenty nine years of its existence in Integrated Rural Development Programme and is present in 15 states in India. Their expertise lies in Watershed Management, Organization of Self-Help-Groups, Entrepreneurship Development Programmes, Low cost housing and Micro-Credit.
About H N Safal
One of the homeowners at Dodipal Village Mrs. Rathod Meena ben
Ribbon cutting at one of the houses by Mr. Hasmukhbhai Vora, Chairman, H N Safal
HN Safal is a leading Real Estate Developer in Gujarat and has a vast experience and expertise in constructing Commercial, Residential & Plotted Schemes. Presently, HN Safal is executing projects of around 10 million sq.ft in the city of Ahmedabad. At HN Safal the corporate social responsibility is integrated with Company’s objective of “BUILDING HAPPY SPACES”.
HN Safal received the National Award for the empowerment of people with disabilities, at the hands of the honorable President of India, Smt. Pratibha Patil, for having recruited visually handicapped people.
International Women’s Day celebrations
All women team from Larsen & Toubro built at Karjat on Women’s Day
Run for a cause supporters
On International Women’s Day, 15 women volunteers from Timken India, which produces anti-friction bearings and related products, worked on a Habitat for Humanity build in southern India. The build was part of a project to build 150 homes for low-income households headed by women in Hegde Nagar. The project was first launched on International Women’s Day in March 2010 and, since then, about 50 houses have been completed. “Even though none of us have any experience doing this, we are enjoying ourselves. We know that this Women’s Day, instead of listening to speeches and talking about the ‘situation’ of women, we have done something that will help change things,” quoted Regina Vasudevan, Timken’s Head of Communications.
Indiainfoline supported Habitat India with a banner ad gratis during Women’s Week 2011
RajashreeBirla, Ron Terwilliger speak for Habitat at Indian Merchants’ chamber dinner; they also join Habitat build of Premier University Alumni
Mrs. Rajashree Birla at the Ivy Leaguer Build with His Excellency, Shri. K. Sankaranarayanan, Governor of Maharashtra (second from right).
Corporate supporters of Habitat for Humanity India rallied around Habitat’s cause of providing safe, decent and affordable housing at a dinner co-hosted by the Indian Merchants’ Chamber in Mumbai recently.
Mr. Ron Terwilliger, Chairman Emeritus of Trammell Crow Residential, the largest developer of multi-family housing in the United States, was honored at the event. Terwilliger, who is former chairman of Habitat for Humanity International’s board of directors, is now leading Habitat’s Global World of Hope campaign to galvanize resources.
At the IMC dinner in Mumbai, Mr. Terwilliger said: “I grew up in somewhat modest beginnings, and since then I’ve spent my life helping thousands of people enjoy a first-class housing experience. I’ve been fortunate enough to achieve a fair amount of success and wealth along the way, and I’ve come to
Rajashree Birla, Chairperson, IndiaBUILDS, lights the traditional lamp while His Excellency, Shri. K. Sankaranarayanan, Governor of Maharashtra (second from left), Radha Sankaranarayanan, Ronald Terwilliger, Chairperson, at the event in Karjat
recognize the important role decent housing plays in thelives of families, particularly the working poor. Those who work hard to operate our companies, clean our hotels and keep our communities safe are the backbone of any economy and when they are properly housed, that has a positive social and economic impact on society.”
Various Indian corporate leaders spoke at the event, including Mrs. Rajashree Birla, director of Indian conglomerate Aditya Birla Group and Aditya Birla Center for Community Initiatives and Rural Development & Chairperson of Habitat’s IndiaBUILDS campaign and members of the IndiaBUILDS’ advisory committee, Mr. GulKripalani and Mr. Niranjan Hiranandani. Mr. Kripalani is chairperson and managing director of Pijikay Group of Companies and Mr. Hiranandani is managing director, Hiranandani Group of Companies.
Volunteers at the Ivy Leaguer Build mixed clay for cement, among other tasks.
The following day, Mrs. Birla and Mr. Terwilliger joined 62 volunteers who are alumni of premier institutions in India and abroad at a Habitat build at Kawatewadi village, Karjat, over 90 km from Mumbai. The two-day Ivy Leaguer Build involved volunteers who graduated from Columbia University in the U.S., Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad, Kolkata, American School of Bombay, Indian Institute of Technolo gy and Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, both in Mumbai.
The volunteers mixed clay for cement, moved bricks and laid bricks to build the walls of four houses as well as painted the external walls.
Mrs. Birla and Terwilliger interacted with several Habitat home partners and the volunteers. Both of them also dedicated two Habitat houses together with His Excellency, Shri. K. Sankaranarayanan, Governor of Maharashtra
The Ivy Leaguer Build was part of HFH India’s project to provide 200 families in Karjat with solid, permanent homes. Each house being built measures about 300 square feet (nearly 28 square meters) in size, has a stone foundation, brick walls and tiled roof. The house has a living area, a bedroom, a kitchen and a washing area.
HFH India gets corporate support in the 8th Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon About 150 local and overseas corporate and student supporters joined Habitat for Humanity India’s staff in a 6 km. “Dream Run” as part of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2011. This is the third year HFH India has been among the non-profit organizations to benefit from the event. This year, some 571,000 rupees (US$12,300) was raised for Habitat’s work. Among the contributors were Sequoia Capital, whose staff also ran the half marathon; individual and corporate pledge raisers from AT Kearney, Temasek Holdings, General Mills, Enarr Capital (Nana Nani Foundation), Fulcrum Logic as well as from Oberoi International School. Global Habitat Hero, Indian actor John Abraham, was also present as ambassador of the marathon.
