Connect March2019, Issue 9 | Page 24

In a land where holi is an alien festival, it was a moment of pride when many tables took to the colors and water to let loose. Whether it was private parties or parties run by hotels, the new found passion for celebrating this colorful festival was well appreciated. If fellowship is what binds A1, the sense of commitment towards meaningful and effective projects is equally strong. We have seen in the previous months that A1 was successful in collecting and mobilizing funds to the tune of 1.1 crore from all over India , besides the 3.5 crore of help in kind already offered at the time of floods. Cognizant technology solutions, who was brought into the round table fold by CRT71, stuck to its commitment of associating with round table once again and offered around 85 lakhs; matching 80% of our collections towards the rehabilitation and redevelopment of affected schools. And I am proud to inform that within a few days of approval of the identified projects, we could inaugurate the first school library which was totally devastated by the waters.. other projects are in the pipeline and we expect to complete projects worth 2 crore in the next quarter with the help of all tables in the area. It is probably such large scale projects that has convinced the national board to come down to the gods own country for the 4th NEX early next month. An interval of 9 years separates the last NEX that A1 hosted. We hope to showcase the great work that's happening here and also present the finest of experiences as far as fellowship is concerned. As a preparatory exercise, tables of cochin had a unique day of sports activities where 4 tables contested in 4 sports - cricket, football, basket ball and volleyball over a gruelling period of 8 hours. The bonding from this event surely will see more active participation from A1 for all area and national initiatives. 1 a e r A AC Tr. Zaheer E Najeeb AST Tr. Vikas Agarwal