My Parinati and I

When Avi and Ganesh had told be about starting an NGO on the lines of Rural Reach program run by Infosys- one of whose programs we three had attended- I had accepted with enough dose of suspicion, having known my friends to be more of talkers than doers, or as my fiancee, Namita, calls it 'ashirvad (without prasad)'. But last week when our organization completed 4 years, I was proved wrong and felt proud of it.

Parinati was special. It was like evening rains after a sultry day. It brought pleasantness in my life. Jnaneshwari, a book that's considered among the superior spiritual book of all times, lays emphasis on sharing. It says none is un- or under- qualified to share. Parinati gave me this wonderful opportunity. To share my knowledge, money, effort and time- even though I have the former two not in decent amounts.

Parinati is a education society- that supports education of students from underprivileged families mainly from rural areas. Parinati has been able to touch so many lives- the students, their parents. That brings a sense of satisfaction that a small bit that you have done has impacted lives in a positive way. It feels very good when parents to students we have given scholarships to call me and thank me and say that their lives have better because of us or when the students of the schools we visit recognize us and happily tell us that they are using the books we had donated last year or when they take our autographs. The fact that we cover untouched parts of the state brings even more satisfaction. The treatment I had received when I had visited Yadwad last still comes before my eyes.

I was slightly reclusive. But Parinati brought many wonderful people in my life. Members, who became my fast friends. Vendors, students, parents, teachers, government officers. Without meeting these ladies and gentlemen, my life would have been less colorful. It puts a great responsibility to represent Parinati in these places- but let me admit it so pleasing. I learnt several things in the process to make our activities meaningful and rational.

I loved finances. I have been maintaining Parinati's finances since its inception. Then I have prepared and presented 3 Financial Budgets. It has made me never to be void of good thoughts and great memories. Such great is the association with Parinati that I am always filled with positive thoughts.

Thank you God that thou made Parinati happen in my life.