Recently, the name Amit Gupta became somewhat familiar to those in the South Asian community and well- beyond, thanks to the magic of instant communication, social media and the best of his friends. I initially heard of him through a good Thaakat friend and decided to google Amit to get more information on his situation. I quickly found myself sort of well- stalking him and the wonderful talents he had lent to our digital world.
In conjunction with the kind folks at the Hamdard Center, Thaakat Foundation hosted our first bone marrow registration drive in February. While on that gloomy Sunday we registered just under two dozen individuals, we realized this was not a cause we could abandon. Since then we have hosted six drives registering over 350 people, the majority of whom come from minority communities that the registry truly lacks.
As I entered the classroom to present to these young bright eyed individuals, I felt inspired by all of the ideas, diversity and vision that was around me. After I shared a little bit about how THAAKAT began and what our goals were for the future, I went on to share why community service was so important.
This Thursday March 3, 2011 the National Honor Society at Jaqueline Kennedy Highschool will be hosting a benefit where all proceeds will be donated to Thaakat Foundation’s local and global causes for 2011. The night will be decorated with colors, music performances and dancing with a feature presenation by DJ Flawless! As the students round up preparations, THAAKAT had the opportunity to talk to Puja Patel about what has been going on behind the scenes. Puja is a supporting member on Thaakat and teacher at the highschool. She been working non stop with the team these last few months to ensure the experience is a wonderful one for the students.
Why did you feel it was important to get the kids at Jaqueline Kennedy Highschool involved?
In our quest to get youngsters to give back to our communities, we meet all sorts of people. Many of these young heros are talented, compassionate and have an abstinent want to make the world a better place. Hoorah to all of you who have made a step towards making a difference. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Amani Memon. Amani had helped to host a BBQ in support of Thaakat Foundation last year and this year, as a student at Elmhurst College, she has been working to organize a prosperous charity event on campus that not only brings culture to campus but will be recognizing Thaakat as their worthy cause. Prior to kick starting planning, Amani has already raised almost $1000 for the cause, her way of saying, we can do this and yes it will be a success! Here is your chance to meet the delightful youngster who aims to inspire difference through her own actions.
- Are you Creative?
When I heard of Sir Pervez Musharraf’s arrival in New Jersey I felt this was something I needed to hear, it was something that I needed to be a part of. I had tried so hard to not be a part of the political arguments in Pakistan, though when there is turmoil and disrepair as there is today, it is unavoidable to turn the other way. The source of all of the problems come from the leadership and infrastructure you have in place. Unfortunately with Pakistan, there is neither and we can’t deny it any longer.
The floods came and left, the mass help came and left, the sympathies came and left but the victims still remain a reality in Pakistan after suffering the worst floods in its history. Sure we feel for the victims every time we hear about them, but we will never be able to understand the true extent of how helpless they feel. A lot of times we leave it up to the social organizations and wealthy community to help out. It might be fair because we can only donate so much, but when it comes to effort based help, we just can’t shy away. The Pakistan Flood victims are counting on the angels to provide them shelter, food and support. The Chicago community has this unique opportunity to be those angels. All YOU have to do is show up for 2 hours at the Leader Petrochem facility in Glenview, IL on November 6th or November 7th to help pack food ingredients for meals. Tasks will include filling bags with ingredients, weighing, sealing, packing and stacking the boxes. Yes, it will be a lot of fun and the best part is you will be in great company with likeminded folks like yourself. We will be proud of this effort, sachi mein!
