Heartwarming gestures by our children

Over the past few years, we've done many things to raise funds for PNLIT, and we've realised that fund-raising is quite a challenge. To a social-cause fund-raiser who may knock on your door, the most disheartening experience is when you express regret and shut the door. Donations apart, we have often found it difficult to get people to part with Rs 220 for a PNLIT calendar, or even Rs 30, in exchange for a PNLIT wristband.  

However, there are many generous souls out there, generous both in terms of time and monetary support, who share our dreams, who believe that together we can make a change, and because of whom we have sustained. When these generous souls are children, it is truly heart-warming.

Recently, Sanjay Dev, a young boy of 9  years, donated Rs 1000 to PNLIT. Sanjay had put up a car racing game stall at his apartment's Christmas celebration on 24th Dec 2015. After paying the stall charges, his net profit was Rs 500. His father Reghunath had promised to make an equal contribution, which is how the figure reached Rs 1000. 

Sanjay, at his car racing game stall

Another young donor is Rohan Mishra, a Std 12 student, who like Sanjay lives in the Puttenahalli Lake area and believes that "charity begins at home". A few months ago Rohan said he would like to contribute by donating Rs 1000 from his pocket money every other month. And he does! Apart from monetary contribution, over the past year, Rohan has spared some of his time doing a few back-office things for PNLIT.    

Some months ago, another young enthusiast Vishnu Sreenivas, who was then in high school, took a group of children for a nature walk around Puttenahalli Lake, charging a small fee. And he donated the money he had collected to PNLIT. 

We've also had our children actively promote the PNLIT cloth bags, while dissuading the use of plastic carry bags. 

Thank you children, and thank you parents.

"Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands." - Anne Frank

An event for those 15+

We had earlier announced that Artyplantz and PNLIT are organizing a programme on 16th November (early evening), for children aged 8 to 14. More details about this event can be seen here. 

On the morning of the same day (16th November), we have put together a different programme for adults and children above 15 years - to sensitize and help them connect with nature. This event will be held 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fee: Rs. 350/participant. Seats limited to 20. More details in the poster.

Please register with: 

Rekha George (mob. 9740151629) / Nupur Jain (mob. 9886629769)

Click image to enlarge

A unique opportunity for 8 to 14 year olds

PNLIT is committed to promoting awareness of the environment among the residents around the Puttenahalli Lake. We are happy to tie up with Artyplantz to achieve this end. Like PNLIT, ArtyPlantz loves nature and takes real pleasure especially in plant life. 

ArtyPlantz and PNLIT are organizing a programme specially designed for children between the ages of 8 and 14 years, to help them discover the beauty of plant life. If you'd like your child to become a "citizen of the natural world," please note that the session is on Sunday, 16th Nov. from 3.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Fee Rs. 250/child. Seats limited to 20 (twenty) to ensure personal attention to each child. For more details, see poster. 

Please register with: 

Rekha George (mob. 9740151629) / Nupur Jain (mob. 9886629769).

Click image to enlarge

Discover the potential in you

By getting the Puttenahalli Lake rejuvenated, we have shown that it is indeed possible for ordinary citizens like us to effect a positive change to the community. However, our work has just begun and in order to execute our very many plans that will complete the transformation of the lake, we need your help. 

Please do not dismiss this mail as a "What do I know about all this?" or "I don't have the time..." etc. 

We did not get into lake conservation because we knew what to do but because we wanted to restore the lake come what may. We were aware that in the process we'd make mistakes in plenty but we were, and are, prepared to learn from them. We readily share our experience with anyone interested in reviving a lake anywhere in the city or elsewhere. It is only by all of us working together that we can hope to avert the water crisis looming over a city once called "The City of Lakes!"

On the occasion of International Women's Day, we appeal to all women to join us. Discover the hidden potential in you by being a part of this community initiative to nurture our immediate environment. You will make a difference not just to and for yourself but also for your family and society. 

Needless to say, this invitation is open all men and children too! Together let's celebrate "People's Day!!"

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Usha

PNLIT at the Baldwin Business & Career Fair

On 23rd November 2013, PNLIT had the opportunity to be at the first Baldwin Business & Career Fair, an initiative pioneered by my school alumni, the Baldwin Alumni Association - for Baldwinians, by Baldwinians. Special thanks to Major Goverdhan (from the organising team) who persuaded me to come down to Bangalore for this.

One of the primary objectives of this event, which is planned to be periodically held, is to create an interactive platform where eminent Baldwinians, industry leaders can inspire and mentor the high school and graduating students as they begin to make critical career choices for their future. It is expected that the students will benefit from these interactions and in turn contribute to national success in more ways than one. In the process, the old girls and boys of the school hope to build and leverage the power of a strong and vibrant Baldwin alumni network that will not only enrich our alma mater but also each other, personally, socially and professionally.

Baldwin Boys' High School, where the event was held, did not fail to impress, with its overall ambiance, infrastructure and students. It was amazing to note that everything that went into setting up the event had Baldwinians involved - shamiana, sign boards, flyers, volunteer clothes, food, first aid, music, etc. Baldwinian Rajan S. Mathews, the Director-General of COAI, was the Chief Guest. There were several speakers from an array of fields - sports, medicine, technology, law, finance, social work, architecture, corporate leadership, education, civil services, real estate, defence, communications, entrepreneurship, etc.    

Arathi talking to Mr Wilson (Principal, BBHS), Mr Rajan Mathews 

The PNLIT Stall

The PNLIT Stall had a good flow of traffic, especially children, who came by for the "I love our lakes" stickers that we were giving away. It was heartening to have a few of the Environment Studies students and staff attend our classroom workshop on environment conservation. 

Nupur, Chandini, OPR and I (and my mom Rukmani Manay who also spent the day at the stall) had some eye-opening interactions that we hope we can grow, and learnt a few things we can use while running our NGO and promoting the cause of lakes in Bangalore. (We also did a few other things like getting eyes tested, blood pressure checked, pranic healing and meditation...!)

Pictures of the event can be seen here.