Team from River NEW YORK volunteer at Asha
“I extend the warmest of welcomes to John and Sara and the team from The River in New York. They have been visiting Asha’s Jeevan Nagar community regularly since 2014. And Jeevan Nagar is cleaner, healthier, and much better educated through our partnership. The residents are happy, they love following the Asha values, many young people are at university. One of them Chandan on whose life they had a deep influence since his high school years, is at Imperial College London.
Many women are empowered, there is peace and harmony, a strong sense of community, good relationships and friendships.
We can never thank you enough John and Sara and the River for our friendship that has resulted in this amazing transformation. Thank you for being committed to coming regularly; we all love having you.” – Dr. Kiran Martin
Many women are empowered, there is peace and harmony, a strong sense of community, good relationships and friendships.
We can never thank you enough John and Sara and the River for our friendship that has resulted in this amazing transformation. Thank you for being committed to coming regularly; we all love having you.” – Dr. Kiran Martin
Asha’s first beneficiary of the Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship
We wish Asha student Abhishek, the first beneficiary of the ‘Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship’ all the very best for his future as he beings to pursue ‘Master of Management’ at the prestigious University of Sydney.
Long-time supporters, Dr. Praveen and Nalini Prasad visit Asha
Asha’s long-time supporters in Sacramento USA, Dr. Praveen and Nalini Prasad and their friend TJ visited Asha in January for two days. Dr. Nalini spearheads Asha’s fundraiser in Sacramento for the last many years.
To witness the life in the slum first-hand they spent their two days in the Asha’s Chanderpuri Slum Community. From interacting with the members of Bal Mandal (Children’s Association), Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association) and Asha students to visiting their homes understanding their perspective towards life. The Asha students shared accounts of their experiences at University and the exposure they got during their internship. They talked about the challenges they have faced in their lives, and how Asha is continuing to help them to become ‘change-makers’ in their own community.
To witness the life in the slum first-hand they spent their two days in the Asha’s Chanderpuri Slum Community. From interacting with the members of Bal Mandal (Children’s Association), Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association) and Asha students to visiting their homes understanding their perspective towards life. The Asha students shared accounts of their experiences at University and the exposure they got during their internship. They talked about the challenges they have faced in their lives, and how Asha is continuing to help them to become ‘change-makers’ in their own community.
On the second day, they held an interactive workshop with the Mahila Mandal where Dr. Nalini shared her own story and importance of a girl child. While TJ took a session with the Asha students where he spoke about the importance of meditation leading to mental peace and positivity in life.
They also visited a slum community that is situated on the riverbed of Yamuna. It was overwhelming for them to observe the great level of contrast among the two communities – from a developed slum where Asha has been working for over three decades to an area where the intervention has just begun.
They also visited a slum community that is situated on the riverbed of Yamuna. It was overwhelming for them to observe the great level of contrast among the two communities – from a developed slum where Asha has been working for over three decades to an area where the intervention has just begun.
Dr.Kiran Martin featured in Femina Magazine
Dr.Kiran Martin’s humble beginnings and struggles in the founding of Asha were recently chronicled by Femina, the most popular women’s English magazine in the country. Dr.Kiran had a special feature in this monthly issue wherein her enthusiasm and pathos for the development of slum dwellers came to light.
Femina was founded in the year 1959, since then it has been capturing the essence of the Indian woman. The magazine features women achievers who have left a mark in their chosen field.
Femina was founded in the year 1959, since then it has been capturing the essence of the Indian woman. The magazine features women achievers who have left a mark in their chosen field.
Hope and Spice Cookbook launched in India
Eleven months, twelve slum communities, women home chefs and their recipes together helped to create ‘Hope and Spice’. This has been a true labour of love by the enthusiastic duo Amanda Clegg and Victoria Byrne.. ‘Hope and Spice’ was officially launched in India on Oct 30th at the British High Commission.
This event was graciously covered and featured on one of the oldest and most reputed newspapers in the country ‘The Hindu’. The Hindu initially started in 1878 as a weekly and became a daily in 1889, it currently has a readership of about 22.58 lakhs along with various publications in other regional languages as well.
You can support ‘Hope and Space’ through social media channels Instagram and Facebook and purchase your own copy from the website http://www.hopeandspice.com/
This event was graciously covered and featured on one of the oldest and most reputed newspapers in the country ‘The Hindu’. The Hindu initially started in 1878 as a weekly and became a daily in 1889, it currently has a readership of about 22.58 lakhs along with various publications in other regional languages as well.
You can support ‘Hope and Space’ through social media channels Instagram and Facebook and purchase your own copy from the website http://www.hopeandspice.com/
Hope & Spice Cookbook launched at British High Commissioner’s Residence
It was such a wonderful evening on 30th October at the launch of Hope & Spice in Delhi at the British High Commission! In a garden filled with twinkling lights, Dr. Kiran Martin introduced the authors of the cookbook- Ms. Amanda Clegg and Ms. Victoria Byrne to the audience and mentioned the painstaking effort undertaken by these authors to visit the women of Asha’s slum community for over a month to compile such an unique collection of 65 recipes.
The authors Victoria and Amanda had a happy reunion with the book’s contributors. “It’s wonderful to see them honoured tonight, ” said Amanda, “they were so happy to be given presentation pages of their recipes by Sir Dominic Asquith (the British High Commissioner).” Ramkali cooked her delicious gujiya and poppadoms to an audience of ambassadors and business leaders. Sir Dominic gave a heartfelt speech about this lovely book and cooked Rihana’s shami kebabs. Victoria said, “Talking to Asha supporters from Belgium to Japan has been absolutely incredible. I’m excited to see what they, and the corporate supporters right here in this city, will do next with this amazing charity.”
“This book is a testimony of Asha’s successful women empowerment programme” said Dr Kiran and urged everyone to buy the book and lend a voice to the women of the Asha slum community.
The authors Victoria and Amanda had a happy reunion with the book’s contributors. “It’s wonderful to see them honoured tonight, ” said Amanda, “they were so happy to be given presentation pages of their recipes by Sir Dominic Asquith (the British High Commissioner).” Ramkali cooked her delicious gujiya and poppadoms to an audience of ambassadors and business leaders. Sir Dominic gave a heartfelt speech about this lovely book and cooked Rihana’s shami kebabs. Victoria said, “Talking to Asha supporters from Belgium to Japan has been absolutely incredible. I’m excited to see what they, and the corporate supporters right here in this city, will do next with this amazing charity.”
“This book is a testimony of Asha’s successful women empowerment programme” said Dr Kiran and urged everyone to buy the book and lend a voice to the women of the Asha slum community.
To purchase the Hope and Spice cookbook, write to us at info@asha-india.org or click this link to grab a copy today: https://hopeandspice-usa.com/
Hope & Spice Launched in USA
‘Hope & Spice’, cookbook is a unique collection of authentic Indian recipes collected from the women of the Asha slums together with inspiring stories of the ways in which their lives have been transformed. The book has been compiled by Amanda Clegg and Victoria Byrne, Friends of Asha - Great Britain. Hope & Spice was originally published in the UK, and Friends of Asha USA is happy to have worked with the authors to adapt this cookbook for US readers.
We are delighted to announce that Hope & Spice has just launched in the US! 🌟🎉
Available at Shopify, click this link to grab a copy today: https://hopeandspice-usa.com/
We are delighted to announce that Hope & Spice has just launched in the US! 🌟🎉
Available at Shopify, click this link to grab a copy today: https://hopeandspice-usa.com/
Asha event at boston
Addressing pupils at Driscoll School in Boston ( Brookline). Thanks to Steve Watson for arranging this event. I am hoping to reach out to pupils with the Asha message, in a large number of schools in Boston in the future.
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Asha events at the river
Our dear friends John and Sara Furste who lead the Asha Support Group at The River
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Little kids from The River NYC collected $5422 for Asha. How wonderful!
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The US Version of the cookbook Hope and Spice is out!
Asha Events at Boston
Louanne and David Hempton hosting an Asha event at Jewitt House at Harvard. David is the Dean of Harvard Divinity School and Louanne is a long time Asha USA trustee. It was a wonderful gathering of Asha supporters of many years and gave us the opportunity to catch up on Asha updates and enthuse one another about Asha’s future plans.
Louanne making introductory remarks. Thank you so much Louanne and David for hosting this event at your beautiful home.
It has been pure joy to become friends with Steve Watson the pastor of Reservoir Church in Boston. The church has been supporting Asha’s work over the past 3 years, and teams have come out to Asha a number of times. Steve and I spoke together last Sunday, and the focus of our reflections was the Asha values and how they are transforming us all. Thank you to Steve and to Reservoir for such a wonderful partnership
ASha EVents at SAcramento
Dr Kiran, Founder and Director of Asha was hosted by Friends of Asha Sacramento who organized the Asha Day beautifully at the DoubleTree Hilton in Sacramento, USA. Here are the glimpses of the events held at Sacramento in the words of Dr Kiran:
How shall I express my gratitude enough to Drs Nalini and Praveen Prasad, Manmohan Passi and the members of Friends of Asha Sacramento for the wonderful Asha Day event they organized beautifully at Double Tree Hilton in Sacramento. They worked tirelessly for 6 months, bringing together their family and friends to listen to the Asha story and to make contributions to the work.
The silent auction had lots of items that had been donated by hotels, companies, restaurants, stores, and so on. Guests bid on the items and funds were raised. Thank you Stacy for putting in such a lot of hard work to arrange the auction items.
Guests enjoyed drinks and starters followed by a delicious Indian meal and Indian desserts.
Presenting A Journey of Hope to one of the chief organizers, Dr Nalini Prasad.
Asha year book being presented to the other chief organizer Manmohan Passi, with thanks for the many young people the group has supported over the past 7 years.
With Chief Organizers Manmohan and Nalini.
Asha events at napa
In the month of September, there were numerous Asha Events held in the west coast of the USA. These events hosted Dr Kiran, Founder and Director of Asha. Here are the glimpses of the events held at Napa Valley in the words of Dr Kiran:
On 6th September I addressed a wonderful class of young people at Vintage High School in Napa. I hope the stories of our Indian children from the slums were an inspiration!
Addressing the members of the Kiwanis club at Napa. This was my 20th year of visiting them every year! They have been so generous and kind, and have always welcomed me in their midst with open hearts and hands. Thank you Kiwanians for this wonderful partnership.
It gave me great joy to speak to the Boys and Girls Club of Napa. Their clapping for each slum child as I told their stories, their wonderful questions, their excitement and enthusiasm, it all made for a memorable afternoon.
With Jan Thompson, my friend of 25 years, and wife of Congressman Mike Thompson, Representative of Napa, California. They have been hosting Asha Day every year for the past 21 years, serving the Asha communities with compassion and commitment. This year the event will be held on Sept 8 at the beautiful Black Stallion Winery.
On 7th September, I had a wonderful morning addressing the pupils of Valley Oak High School in Napa. It’s an alternative school, providing high school students with the final opportunity to graduate.
The teachers and students were excited and enthused by the many stories of the Asha young people. With the many challenges the students of Valley Oak are facing in their own lives, trying to graduate, their spirits were raised!
The teachers and students were excited and enthused by the many stories of the Asha young people. With the many challenges the students of Valley Oak are facing in their own lives, trying to graduate, their spirits were raised!
An article on Asha Day in the Napa Valley Register, the oldest and best known newspaper in Napa.
L-R: Kailash and Gisela Chaudhary, Founders of Asha Napa, who have poured their hearts and souls into Asha for over 20 years, paying for all the catering, the event expenses and making generous donations for the work.
Further right, Rohit Patel and his wife Mridula who have been wonderful friends and introduced us to Drs Nalini and Praveen Prasad who began the Sacramento chapter of Asha. Thank you to everyone of you!
Further right, Rohit Patel and his wife Mridula who have been wonderful friends and introduced us to Drs Nalini and Praveen Prasad who began the Sacramento chapter of Asha. Thank you to everyone of you!
As Kailash and Gisela are growing older, they have passed on the Asha legacy to their beautiful daughter Rita, who now heads the Asha Napa Chapter, and has arranged all the meetings and events for me at Napa this week. Thank you so much Rita!
9th September marked the 21st Asha Day in Napa Valley California, hosted by Congressman Mike Thompson and his wife Jan Thompson. The organizing committee of the event was led by Rita Bresee, daughter of Kailash Chaudhary who organized the first Asha Day event and for many years thereafter.
Congressman Mike Thompson, the elected representative of the valley for over 20 years, addressed the gathering, sharing his beautiful thoughts about the mission and work of Asha, and the Asha Napa partnership.
Live Auction being conducted by Ira Smith, a renowned Radio Journalist in Napa.
Jeet, the owner of Aroma Restaurant provided absolutely delicious Indian food on a complimentary basis for a gathering of over 100 people.
Congressman Mike Thompson requested donors to come forward to Fund A Need for the various Asha programs.
He also spoke about the US version of Hope and Spice, and urged supporters to sign up to show interest in ordering copies as soon as the book became available.
He also spoke about the US version of Hope and Spice, and urged supporters to sign up to show interest in ordering copies as soon as the book became available.
Rita Bresee the Chief Organizer, with Jan Thompson. Deepest gratitude to Rita and to each one who made the day so very special as we all thought of the wonderful people in the slum communities of Delhi.
L-R: Kailash Chaudhary, Founder of Asha Day, Jan Thompson, Congressman Mike Thompson and Asha USA Board Member Dr Peter Choo. Thank you Peter for taking the time to fly over to the West Coast from Boston to participate in the event and to meet with the friends of Asha in Napa.
Bidding adieu to Asha’s first Chevening scholar
The British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith KCMG organised a reception at his residence to celebrate Chevening scholar Chandan’s journey to the UK. The august gathering included Australian High Commissioner- HE Ms. Harinder Sidhu, senior diplomats from various embassies, other eminent dignitaries, meritorious students from Asha slums and the Asha team. Sir Dominic started by congratulating Chandan and mentioning that Chandan will be a role model, mentor and an inspiration for thousands of students from the slums aspiring to become successful in various fields.
Dr. Kiran shared a visual presentation about Chandan’s life from Jeevan Nagar slum to the hallowed portals to Delhi University and further to Australian National University and now heading towards the UK. Dr. Kiran mentioned how Chandan represented thousands of Asha children.
Asha’s Internship Launch
A programme that started with just 26 students getting an opportunity to intern in the year 2012, has come a long way since its inception. It has been incredible to receive such an overwhelming response, with many more partners collaborating with Asha to provide a platform for the young talent of slums. Now in its eighth year, this programme has become one of the main highlights of our student’s journey.
Asha’s Internship Programme for the year 2019 was launched at the Australian High Commission on 30th May 2019, which was attended by High Commissioners, diplomats as well as corporate partners.
Asha’s Internship Programme for the year 2019 was launched at the Australian High Commission on 30th May 2019, which was attended by High Commissioners, diplomats as well as corporate partners.
This year, sixty-one students have been selected for Internships in 13 organizations, High Commissions and Embassies. Till now Asha had over 300 interns in the period of 8 years. We are glad to have new partners on board that include the Embassy of Switzerland, Embassy of Denmark and Embassy of Peru.
Simon's Riding For a Reason #3
Simon Chegwyn, an old Asha supporter is clearing the decks once again to ride his motorcycle for the noble cause of Asha. Simon is going to start his third 'charity trip', which is going to be his longest one as of yet, soon.
He started his first 'charity trip' from the United Kingdoms to India in the year 2009 and did another a few years back. Please donate to Simon so that he can help transform the lives of Asha slum communities.
To Donate from the USA: http://www.asha-usa.org/donate.html
He started his first 'charity trip' from the United Kingdoms to India in the year 2009 and did another a few years back. Please donate to Simon so that he can help transform the lives of Asha slum communities.
To Donate from the USA: http://www.asha-usa.org/donate.html
Asha Events at East Coast, USA
In a series of wonderful celebrations overseas, the Asha family paved its way straight to the heart of people living in Boston and New York this month.
Steve Watson and his skilful team organized Asha Day at Reservoir on September 15. The one-day-long event was celebrated with full enthusiasm and joy by all the participants including Asha founder Dr Kiran and an Asha student. Usha, an Asha Graduate spoke of her praise-worthy journey with Asha and showed them one of her masterpieces. She is currently working as a video journalist at Desi Martini, Hindustan Times Media Limited, one of the leading media houses in India.
Steve Watson and his skilful team organized Asha Day at Reservoir on September 15. The one-day-long event was celebrated with full enthusiasm and joy by all the participants including Asha founder Dr Kiran and an Asha student. Usha, an Asha Graduate spoke of her praise-worthy journey with Asha and showed them one of her masterpieces. She is currently working as a video journalist at Desi Martini, Hindustan Times Media Limited, one of the leading media houses in India.
Another grand event, Asha Sunday was celebrated at the River in New York on September 16 by Asha’s supporters and friends including John, Sara Furste and team. Associate Director Godfrey Martin shared the milestones of Asha and its incredible journey since 1988. Usha also delivered a delightful speech on her experience with Asha that brought her a huge round of applause. The event concluded with mouth-watering snacks and Asha Photo-Exhibition.
We want to express our gratitude to the entire organizing committee for both the events. It is with your support we are able to help the people living in the slums of Delhi.
Asha Events at Napa Valley
Asha Day was celebrated at Napa Valley by the Friends of Asha in California on September 8 this year. Congressman Mike Thompson and his wife Jan Thompson were the moderators at the event while Rita Bresee, daughter of Mr Kailash Chaudhary, was the chief organizer.
Kiwanis club Napa has been supporting Asha for the past 20 years, and it gave Dr Kiran and Usha great joy to be invited by them once again. Usha shared her story beautifully and Dr Kiran thanked them for their long years of support.
Dr Kiran and Usha were interviewed by the well-known anchor of KVON radio Ira Smith. KVON invites Dr Kiran every year to share the Asha story that a large number of Napans are now familiar with. Usha, who regularly interviews well-known personalities as a part of her job, was excited to be interviewed on radio for the very first time!
Dr Kiran and Usha speaking to high school students of Valley Oak School in Napa. Her story was received with much enthusiasm by the students, who are enrolled here to make up for the credits they need to graduate.
Dr Kiran and Usha were invited to address the students of Chamberlain School, a special school for children with court dates who have this one last chance to study and succeed in getting a high school diploma. They listened to Usha with rapt attention, many of them sharing some of the challenges she has faced, sharing the same fears and anxieties, and harsh living conditions. It was wonderful to see the support and mentoring the school teachers were giving these students.
Dr Kiran and Usha speaking to the Boys and Girls Scouts after school program in Napa.
American Embassy School students visits Asha
On 28th March 2019, the American Embassy School team of 25 students and five teachers visited Asha’s Kusumpur Pahari slum community. As a part of their population studies project, the students were interested in learning about the life of the urban poor, the status of girls and women living in Delhi slums.
Over a two-hour session, they interacted with the members of Bal Mandal (Children’s Association), Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association) and Asha students. They discussed the work they do and the difference it has brought about in their lives. The Children’s Association members talked about their desire to complete school and then go for higher education. Being of similar age groups, the students enjoyed this interaction and were very keen to know more about the life in the slums. AES students were delighted to hear many of the success stories.
Their discussion on social issues like dowry, abortion, mental health, equality, gender bias and sanitation and hygiene in the slums with Asha’s women’s association and Asha students was highly engaging. After the discussion the students went for the community visit, to witness life in a slum first-hand. This being the first encounter with slum life for most of the students, they were amazed at the challenges people face in their day to day life.
GLOBAL ASHA MEET 2019
In a first of its kind unique and interactive meeting was held at Asha’s Mayapuri slum centre where Board Members and other important functionaries from Friends of Asha (FOA) across UK, Northern Ireland, USA and Australia participated.
The session started with introductions, the Global Asha team, students and the women association members took turns to introduce themselves. This was followed by a session of interaction between the bright minds (students) from across Asha’s slum communities and the Asha’s Global think tank.
The session started with introductions, the Global Asha team, students and the women association members took turns to introduce themselves. This was followed by a session of interaction between the bright minds (students) from across Asha’s slum communities and the Asha’s Global think tank.
In the post-lunch session the interaction was held. It was a wonderful brainstorming session with new ideas, creative inputs as well as strategic roadmap to take Asha forward globally. For many of the Board Members, the session was going back to the drawing board and explore new possibilities. Richard Leder (National Coordinator- AFOA) chaired the discussion describing the milestones in the relationship between FOA and Asha India, also explained the activities on resource mobilisation in their respective countries.
Building relationships seemed to be “the key” to the future.
Building relationships seemed to be “the key” to the future.
Richard Leder concluded the meeting suggesting more ways of sharing and increasing visibility. The last lap was the Community visit at Mayapuri with the global guests.
We are grateful to our Global Friends of Asha for all their time, enthusiasm and passion to work for the cause of Asha.
We are grateful to our Global Friends of Asha for all their time, enthusiasm and passion to work for the cause of Asha.