Gaurav Warman believes “everyone owes some contribution towards society” and that it is time he does his bit! From this altruistic intention, he came up with the phenomenal campaign, ‘Ride 1200 kilometres for 120 little angels’ that is transforming lives of 120 little children. He is a resident of Mumbai and is presently working with L&T Mutual Fund as the Training Head.

Gaurav’s campaign is a fundraising campaign to aid 120 underserved children by riding 1,200 kilometres on bicycles from Mumbai to Jaipur commencing from 9 December, 2015. The funds raised from this campaign will be donated to The Akshaya Patra Foundation towards the Mid-Day Meal Programme, under which 120 children will be provided one meal a day for an entire academic year.

In this interview, Gaurav talks about his association with Akshaya Patra and his inventive fundraising campaign that is inspiring people around us…

Why did you choose to associate with Akshaya Patra for this philanthropic activity?

I chose to associate with The Akshaya Patra Foundation because I liked the concept of the Mid-Day Meal Programme for school children and wanted to contribute in my little way.

How would you create a culture of philanthropy in your own circle?

I would continually endeavour to do special activities like riding bicycles for long distances to urge people in my social circle to donate for underserved children.

How did you come up with this inspiring fundraising campaign?

I am extremely passionate about cycling and I just thought of doing this activity on a large scale by choosing to ride 1200 kilometres starting from Mumbai to Jaipur. This is just the beginning as I will continue doing more such philanthropic activities to raise funds for underserved children in future as well.

What are your expectations from this campaign?

My only expectation is that the funds should be utilised for the Mid-Day Meal Programme for the maximum benefit of underserved children in the most transparent way. With this, we could give them the best possible quality and quantity of food for their development.

Your concluding thoughts on Akshaya Patra would be…

“Akshaya Patra has taken a very noble initiative by urging people to fundraise for a greater cause. I highly appreciate your efforts taken towards the society. Keep doing the good work. We are with you during this journey. And I urge more people to come forward for this cause to support the Akshaya Patra Foundation.”

“Thanksgiving comes to us out of the prehistoric dimness, universal to all ages and all faiths. At whatever straws we must grasp, there is always a time for gratitude and new beginnings.”- J. Robert Moskin

Times are stormy. The world has offered us enough to complain and fret over. But the question we need to ask ourselves is — how often do we remember to give thanks for what we are in possession of?

Away from the common din of complaints, frustrations, anger and agony there is a day exclusively dedicated to showing your gratitude to all your near and dear ones. This day, universally known as Thanksgiving Day, is marked by excitement and anticipation. It is a day of gaiety and skylarking with your friends and family. People feast and give thanks for their good fortune.

But the question is, is it only enough to thank and be merry for the gift called life! Is our task only limited to enjoying a laugh and lavish meals with our family and folks? Wouldn’t it be nice if we could add a little philanthropic twist to this Thanksgiving?

What better way to show gratitude for your good fortune than to associate with The Akshaya Patra Foundation an NGO for children to help eliminate child hunger. Bask in the happiness of making a child smile this Thanksgiving by a simple donation of Rs. 750/-, enough to feed him/her for an entire academic year. Remember, your contribution will make a lasting impact this Thanksgiving day for kids in need!

We urge you to consider contributing to this worthy cause and Donate food for Thanksgiving on this occasion. A donation from you will give a child a reason to give thanks this holiday.

Above all, on this occasion, we would like to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving. We are grateful for your continued support and efforts to help us succeed. This Thanksgiving let’s come together to put on our giving gloves and bring pockets full of sunshine for our little friends out there.