Manasa Chepuri Venkata

Runner

Hi

Thank you for visiting my page. I am training to run a half marathon (13.1 miles) for the first time this year to raise funds on behalf of Asha.  Before starting to train with Asha I never ran more than 2miles so I never thought I would do something as tough as running a half marathon. Asha’s vision is to empower through education and as educated individuals all of us can relate to it as we would not have been what we are today but for our education

“Human nature shapes society and Education shapes Human nature.” Poverty is the root cause for lack of basic necessities of millions o children in India. Education is sidelined as it is unaffordable leading to a vicious cycle as Illiteracy inturn leads to poverty, malnutrition, unemployment and more; it is disheartening to see so many kids in India who lack access to basic education.

I truly believe that education gives the power to change one’s life and empowers you to make informed decisions.  My target race is on February 19, 2012, in Austin, Texas. I am running the half marathon so that I can raise money to make a difference in the lives of the underprivileged in India.

Asha for Education is a zero-overhead, volunteer-driven organization that supports education projects in India in the belief that education is a critical requisite for socio-economic change.

My fundraising goal for this marathon is at least $100 per mile (so $1310total). I have never pledged to raise this sort of money before but this is a team effort and with your support I believe I can achieve it. The goal is not just to raise money but to create awareness about the importance of literacy to create a better place and how we can fit into the big picture to create a progressive society.

I urge you to be a champion for education by donating so that more underprivileged people can get educated. Empower one who can empower others.

Please learn more about Asha’s projects here: http://www.ashanet.org/austin/projects/

OR Watch this video:   http://tinyurl.com/Asha-overview

Thank you for supporting me.

Best Regards,

Manasa