Samarthanam Overseas Relations Desk

Samarthanam’s programs especially the sports and culture wing have received tremendous support from overseas philanthropists for some time now. Taking Samarthanam Overseas is currently one of the major focuses of the Overseas Relations Desk of Samarthanam.  During the reporting quarter several steps have been taken to strengthen the overseas operations and initiatives.

Samarthanam USA, Inc.

It was registered in Boston and determined in August 2012 as exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code where all contributions are deductible under section 170 of the code with the Employer Identification Number 45-2470938. During the quarter the following activities were undertaken.    

1. A dedicated website www.samarthanamusa.org was launched in August 2013. The website has provision for sharing information about the activities, happenings, stories from the field, views from friends, well wishers, volunteers and supporters and also options of donating online. Samarthanam invites you to visit the website and share your experience with us.
2. Samarthanam had the privilege and joy of receiving Mr. Subu Kota, Director, Samarthanam USA, Inc., Ms. Mangala Kumar, Ms. Nagamani, Ms. Savitha and Ms. Karthyayini – guests from the USA who visited various projects and facilities of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled in India. All the visitors have been long standing supporters of Samarthanam programs and activities. Mr. Subu Kota spent considerable amount of time discussing future strategies for expansion of programs and reach for Samarthanam. Ms. Mangala Kumar agreed to represent Samarthanam USA, Inc. in the Bay Area while the others have all assured their continued commitment to supporting the NGO’s activities in future as well.    
3. A team of eleven active members from USA and India came together for a conference call on 29^th September, 2013 and discussed future course of action and implementing the expansion plans of Samarthanam USA, Inc.
4. Samarthanam USA has been connected with GlobalGiving and Indiegogo – crowd funding platforms. Samarthanam USA has also been listed under DELL’s list of charities in Bangalore.

 Samarthanam UK:

Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled is in the process of registering its charity in the United Kingdom. A three member Steering Committee has been identified with Mr. Adam Pickering being the President (Chair), Mr. Geoffrey Smith being the Secretary and Mr. Hemanth accepting to be the Treasurer. The first draft of the Constitution has been prepared and the registration process would begin during October this year.

The Overseas Relations Desk of Samarthanam would like to acknowledge all the overseas individual donors to name a few Mr. Ravi Ika, Mr. Krishna Ika, Ms. Mangala Kumar, Mr. Michael Festa, and Mr. Naravulu Venkatesh; and institutional donors for their valuable donations towards the activities of Samarthanam; we truly appreciate their act of kindness and generosity.

"The Overseas Relations Desk of Samarthanam aspires to leave its footprints in other countries as well. We believe that this would be a great opportunity for our sports and culture teams to continue receiving exposure to global culture while contributing to the fundraising efforts of the organization towards long term sustainability of the programs."