NGOs Unite to Support One Another for Social & Civic Causes

After a fulcrum meeting that took place on 6^th January 2024 of over 25-30 NGOs to provide a strategic and single platform to one another, Vinay Somani – the founder trustee of Karmayog organised another on 13^th April 2024. 

Over 40 attendees thronged the C.K. Nayadu Hall at CCI Club. 

While issues such as organisational capacity; implementing and fulfilling their mission is quite a task for organisers and trustees of NGOs, maintaining momentum for the work is also quite a challenge. From environmental, social, advocacy and human rights work, there are several issues the NGOs gathered together had to discuss. 

While each attendee not only introduced them in the room, it was heartening to hear about the dire concern to push forward social causes in the room.

Following is what some of the participants said:

“Yesterday’s event was a storm in NGO networking space, facilitated and led by Vinay.”

Mahendra Mehta

“I would hope that such an evening will reinforce the idea that lofty goals for a better future are worth entertaining and nurturing. If Mumbai has 20 million people we need at least 10 percent to be deeply connected to social and environmental change from across all groups to overcome the inertia and vested interests that are deeply ingrained and attract more to a positive revolution.” 

Manas Rath – The Mumbai Donut CoLab

“We encourage you to take a look at our catalogue and place any gifting orders with us. It is our main source of income.”

Akhila Ramganesh – Swayam Siddha Society for Handicapped 

(a skill development/employment and livelihood for physically and mentally challenged individuals) 

“I would request everyone associated with a history of familial or societal mental history illness (Bipolar/Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorders or just any other mental illness to contact me. Families have to be counselled to be supportive and plan for the future of the family members.”\ 

Lorraine Khatau 

“I’m looking for advice, collaboration and support in the mission. My mission is to uplift lives as much as possible for the needful children of villages.”

John Wesley 

“For those who weren’t around when I spoke today, I wanted to share that I am a former corporate sector professional who migrated to the social sector seven years ago and now runs a think-tank called SHAKTIFY.”

Lata Srinivasan and Vaidhei Pagaria from Sampoora Shiksha Wholistic Education (registered as Gyandaan Foundation) extending across rural and urban underprivileged children English encourage a spirit of volunteering and offer internship opportunities in alignment with this initiative.

Other people who attended the event were Shailendra Mudra (financial planner), Manjula Jagatramka (NGO founder), Viduishi Somani (Volunteer), Akshay (CA), Tarun Agarwal (podcaster), Sona Kumar, Rajni Barasia (Rotary President), Kiran Reddy (Helm of Eight). 

I, Karina Pandya attended the event representing Angel Xpress where I volunteer and teach slum children English. Many people were also interested in the book that I had published (New York Wakes to Culture) which I gifted to a few people.