The ultra challenges ... the cause inspires ...

To donate in Indian Rupees, you can make a cheque in the name of India Literacy Project, and mail it to:
India Literacy Project,
3rd Floor Narayani Apartments,
No 27, 2nd Cross Ramakrishnappa Layout,
Geddalahalli, Sanjaynagar, Bangalore 560094.

For the online transfer, details are as follows:
Bank Name: HDFC bank
Branch Name: Kasturba Road Branch
A/c No: 00091000059611
A/c name: India Literacy Project
IFSC Code: HDFC0000009

Those transfering funds online, please send your name, address, Bank Name, date and amount details to ilpindia@gmail.com for Income-tax purposes.

How did I get into running?
As the mallu (Malayalam speaking people) say SIMB-LY. Well it all started with me watching a documentary on BA flight back from London titled “Fat Man Running”. I was impressed by the fact that a person who is possibly 2 times my weight can run a full marathon. The thought that to my mind (read my egoJ ) was ”if that guy can do a full marathon, I definitely can!!!”.

Why do I run NOW?
A few reasons… I’m hooked on, it keeps me in good mood and last but not the least Prakhar and Runnerhood. After watching the BBC documentary I tried running long distance on my own and did so for a couple of months in the weekend and then it stopped. Couple of months later we (Prakhar and myself) were in a science quiz in our apartment when he mentioned that he is a long distance runner and I was like “When the student is ready the teacher appears”. I started running with him to participate in Sunfeast 2009 and have continued since then.

I have always wanted to be able to contribute to the under previleged children. The main reason is that it is not the kids fault that they were born in such families and we the luckier ones should give them every opportunity they can. I have been looking at various organizations that are working in this area and I think India Literacy Projects projects are making a visible impact with maximum amount of money going to the cause they support. Another big reason is TRUST, I personally know some of the individuals who have been long associated with ILP as I run with them regularly for almost 2 years now.

So, at the Bangalore-Ultra, I am running for ILP's new initiative at Guru Nanak School , Prakash Nagar Bangalore. Most students who attend this government aided school are first generation learners; their parents are painters, masons, autorikshaw drivers. etc. ILP is trying to improve the learning competencies of the students in the 10th standard. 25 children are tutored by a teacher assistant, using education videos and worksheets, that increase academic learning through peer to peer learning.