31st March
It was an exciting day for Asha on Saturday March 31st, when Dr Kiran Martin formally launched the Asha Mentorship Programme, the first large scale organised effort to link students from slums with professionals. This is a pioneering initiative of matching a college student from the slums with a professional in Delhi to provide advice, guidance and leadership as that student prepares to go forward on their academic and career journey. At the event Dr Martin welcomed all the participants and gave an overview of the Asha programme that put in context how the organization was able to reach this point where we can join children from the slums with such accomplished professionals to such productive ends.
Click here to read more about this event.
27th February
Dr Martin accompanied by with seven Class 12 and College children from Asha slum met with India’s Home Minister Hon Mr P Chidambaram. The Home Minister gave the children his blessing for their upcoming exams and for all they wish to accomplish in life and encouraged them to study hard and not give up on their academic aspiration. Mr Chidambaram has always taken a keen interest in their development and has never missed an opportunity to be a presence in the lives of these kids.
Click here to read more about the meeting.
24th February
Dr Martin has been meeting with many of the high school and college students in the past few months. In extensive one-to-one and group sessions, she has spoken to all the children about the difficulties they are facing at home and in their studies in order that Asha may be able to help them through our Higher education Programme. The students told her of their problems in studying because of noise and privacy issues and the severe financial difficulties they face in getting to their college because of their extreme poverty. But they also shared their ambitions and incredible spirit.
21st October
Dr Martin met with the Hon Quentin Bryce AC CVO, the Australian Governor General in Canberra, who warmly welcomed her to Australia. Dr Martin shared she shared with the Governor General about Asha's work and the transformation taking place in Delhi’s slums.
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19th October
Dr Martin was the guest speaker at the Eucharist at the Opening of the Second Session of the 50th Synod, for the Diocese of Melbourne Anglican Church of Australia, attended by over 800 members. She was interviewed about Asha's work and her own spiritual journey by the Right Revd Philip Huggins, Bishop of the Northern and Western Region of the Anglican Dioceses of Melbourne.
Click here to read a reflection on the occasion on the Melboure Anglican Diocese website
17th October
Dr Martin spoke at a number of well known schools while in Australia. Among these were St Michael's Grammar School, Lowther Hall Girls Grammar School, and Geelong Grammar school. During these visits, she addressed students and staff about the work Asha is doing among the urban poor in Delhi and encouraged them to get involved in supporting the poor as well.
15th October
In Melbourne, Dr Martin was honoured at a lunch held for her by Hon Alex Chernov, Governor of Victoria at Parliament House. In attendance were distinguished guests from government, social service and academia, many of whom have association to Asha's work.
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13th October
While in Australia, Dr Martin was a keynote speaker at a seminar entitled 'Inclusive Development: What is it, and why does it matter?' at the Nossal Institute for Global Health. She was interviewed on the particular role women have played in transforming slum communities. The occasion also marked publication of an in-depth research study on the Asha urban community developement model by The Nossal Institute and Australia India Institute called “Asha: Hope and Transformation in the Slums of Delhi”.
Click here to read more about the event
Click here to read Asha: Hope and Transformation in the Slums of Delhi
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11th October
During her recent visit to Australia, Dr Martin gave a seminar at the Brotherhood of St. Laurence. The lecture entitled, Inclusive cities: Transforming the Lives of Delhi's Urban Poor, talked about the condition of the slum dwellers in Delhi and how Asha has been working to improve their lives.
Click here to read more about the event
Click here to listen to Dr Martin's lecture
5th October
Dr Martin was very warmly received by New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key at a private meeting in Wellington. Also present at the meeting was Mr Gary Agnew, Chairman of the Board of TEAR Fund New Zealand, Asha's longstanding partner. The Prime Minister had also met Dr Martin and a group of Asha college students from Delhi's slums this past June and played an exciting exhibition cricket match with them.
Click here to know more about the event.
5th October
In Wellington, Dr Martin also had meetings with Mr Kennedy Graham MP (below) and Mr Pete Hodgson MP in which she shared with them the latest work at Asha. It was an honour to be able to meet with them and build on the strong relationship that Asha has with the New Zealand Government. Dr Martin was also accompanied in these meetings with TEAR Fund Board Chairman Mr Gary Agnew.
3rd September
Dr Martin had a wonderful time at the Asha Day organized by Asha supporters in Napa Valley on 3rd September. The event included a silent auction and a wine tasting, followed by a delicious Indian lunch. She was also interviewed by KVON Radio's Jeff Schectman at the event. She was delighted to be able to meet so many old and new supporters and discuss Asha's present and future plans.
Click here to read more about the event.
17th Aug
Asha hosted the Celebration of Learning 2011 on July 28, honouring the 188 students from Asha slums who have been accepted to Delhi University and other prestigious private institutions. In an address to those present, Dr Kiran Martin described her pleasure at seeing the numbers of children at university increase year on year since 2008. Also present at the event were Mr P Chidamabaram, India's Home Minister and Prof Francis Clooney from Harvard University amongst other distinguished guests.
Click here to watch Dr Martin's Celebration of Learning Address.
Click here to read more about the event.
27th June
Dr Martin had the pleasure of meeting with the Prime Minister of New Zealand when she was a guest speaker at an event honouring the India-New Zealand relationship. It was a wonderful occasion, where 14 Asha slum children had the opportunity to speak to the Prime Minister and play with him in an exhibtion cricket match. Read more about the event here. You can read the text of Dr Martin's address here.
16th April
Dr Martin was interviewed by Geraldine Doogue on Australia's ABC Radio National, speaking about Asha and its higher education programme. You can listen online or download the interview here.
2nd March
It was an incredible evening at the launch of 'A New India Australia Partnership to support the aspirations of Delhi's urban poor' at the Habitat Centre. Dr Martin was honoured to welcome Shri Kapil Sibal, the Hon'ble Minster for Human Resource Development and Communication & IT as the Chief Guest at the event hosted by Asha and the Australia India Institute. Asha and AII, in collaboration with the Nossal Institute of Melbourne University are launching this partnership, which will focus primarily on research and studying Asha's successful model of urban development. Dr Martin was delighted that Hon. Alex Chernov, Chancellor of Melbourne University and Governor Designate of the State of Victoria, came to India from Australia for the event. She hosted a visit for him at an Asha slum where he had some very meaningful encounters with the community members. You can read Dr Martin's address at the event here.
12th February
Dr Martin had a wonderful day at the Asha Ireland Celebration in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, where she also gave the main address. It was so inspiring to see over 120 Friends of Asha from all over Ireland and Northern Ireland gather together in support of Asha. Read more about the Celebration here.
7th February
Dr Kiran Martin visited with CrossReach, a Church of Scotland organisation supporting social care and responsibility in Scotland. She spoke to the CrossReach staff about Asha’s work and Asha’s support in Scotland. Present at her address was CrossReach CEO, Mr Peter Bailey.
6th February
As part of Friends of Asha (Scotland) Conference weekend, Dr Kiran Martin was guest speaker at a number of events in the Glasgow area. The day started off on the banks of Loch Lomond, with a visit to Alexandria Parish Church where she delivered the sermon. Later in Dumbarton, Dr Martin addressed a group of 30 invited guests from 8 different churches in the West of Scotland. She ended the day as a guest speaker at Findlay Memorial Church in Glasgow. Read more about the events here.
5th February
Dr Martin was the guest of honour and keynote speaker at the first Asha Scotland Celebration, held at Holyrood Abbey Church, Edinburgh. She was so happy to meet with so many Asha supporters and discuss Asha's current work and future plans. Read more about the day here.
17th January
During her visit to Kusumpur and Tigri slums this week, Dr Martin observed that Asha, through its varied activities, had developed a presence in almost every home in these communities. She met with college and Class 12 students who are preparing for their exams and discussed Asha's work with slum residents. Read more about the visit here.
8th January
Dr Martin was delighted to receive the Right Reverend Philip Huggins, the Bishop of the Northern and Western region of the Anglican Dioceses of Melbourne at Asha. He was joined by his brother David Huggins, Assistant Director of the Catholic Education Office, Melbourne and their wives and children. Bishop Huggins is involved with poverty elevation organisations in Australia and he very much enjoyed discussion with Dr Martin on the Asha model.
16th December
During her recent trip to Australia, Dr Martin spoke with the Nossal Institute for Global Health's Elizabeth Morrow about her life journey, her work with Asha on behalf of Delhi slum-dwellers, and what others can learn from Asha’s model of human rights in action. Click here to read the interview.
15th November
In one of the highlights of the year, Dr Martin hosted the Celebration of Learning 2010, honouring the 170 students from Asha slums who have been accepted to University. Dr Martin is so proud of what they have achieved. It was an incredible evening at the India Habitat Centre, with the Hon'able Home Minister of India, Mr P Chidambaram as Chief Guest. Click here to read Dr Martin's Celebration of Learning Address. Click here to read more about the event.
12th November
It was a joy to be welcomed by HE Mr Peter Varghese at the Australian High Commission at a morning recpetion honouring Asha's college students. Dr Martin addressed the group of students and supporters present and accepted a grant from the High Commission and a donation from Australia's Commonwealth Games Team on behalf of Asha. She thanked Mr Varghese for the High Commission's continued support for Asha and is looking forward to new partnerships between Australia and Asha. To read more about the event, click here.
2nd November
Dr Martin paid a visit to Zakhira slum. Dr Martin wanted to see how the slum was progressing since her last visit and to interact with the local slum dwellers to personally hear their views and concerns. She very much enjoyed talking with the children's groups and women's groups and visiting college students' homes. To read more about the visit, click here.
28th Ocober
Dr Martin was honoured to recieve Dr Kim Hames, the Deputy Premier of Western Australia on a visit to Dr Ambedkar Basti slum. The visit was very fruitful and Dr Martin really appreciates Dr Hames taking the time to come and see Asha. To read more about the visit, click here.
23rd October
Dr Martin paid tribute to Jack van Ham, the outgoing director of ICCO, at a celebration in Utrecht, The Netherlands. Jan van Ham has been a longtime supporter of Asha's and ICCO has been an amazing partner. Dr Martin is happy to call Jack a personal friend and really enjoyed spending time with him and his family while in The Netherlands. She is delighted that Jack has offered to become an Asha Ambassador and work to promote Asha in his retirement. To read Dr Martin's tribute to Jack, click here.
13th October 2010
Dr Martin gave a presentation for the Nossal Institute. In attendance were Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, the Hon Alex Chernov, and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Glyn Davis, AC. The event was presided over by Associate Professor Peter Deutschmann of the Nossal Institute and many Nossal Institute and Melbourne University faculty and friends were present. Also in attendance was Phil Watson of the Melbourne Rotary Club.
Asha is very excited about the developing partnership with the Nossal Institue.
11th October 2010
Dr Martin attended a lunch hosted in her honour by the The Australia India Business Council, Victoria Chapter. The lunch was presided over by Victoria Chapter President, John Pereira. In attendance were prominent council members as well as representatives from the Nossal Institute for Global Health of Melbourne University.
Dr Martin gave a presentation about the work of Asha. The AIBC displayed a keen interest in Asha and a desire to get involved. They announced that they would like to nominate Asha as one of their charities of choice.
6th October 2010
Dr Martin delivered the Chancellor’s Human Rights Lecture at the University of Melbourne. She was introduced by the Chancellor of Melbourne University, the Hon Alex Chernov. Associate Professor Peter Deutschmann of the Nossal Institute gave the closing remarks. In attendance was Sir Gustav Nossal, for whom the Nossal Institute is named, along with his wife Lady Nossal. Faculty were there present from University of Melbourne Departments including law, human rights, engineering and the sciences.
The title of the lecture was 'Making Human Rights Real: Transforming the lives of India's poor and homeless.' The orientation was followed by a reception and dinner. Click here to read an account of the lecture by the Nossal Institute's Professor Rob Moodie.
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18th September 2010
Last Saturday Dr Martin joined Dick and Julie Hogben, Nigel Rees and other supporters in Yeovil to take part in the first Asha south-west conference in the UK.
It was wonderful to spend time with so many of our UK supporters, and many thanks to Dick, Julie, Nigel, Sue and everyone else who did such a good job of organising it, as well as everyone who took the time to attend. Read more about the conference here!
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16th September 2010
Dr Martin was happy to be able to spend some time at St Stephen’s Church in Twickenham on her recent visit to the UK. She spoke about Asha’s ongoing mission and latest activities in front of the congregation and Asha supporters. Asha is grateful to St Stephen’s Vicar Jez Barnes, who has previously led a team to Asha. Dr Martin spoke with church member Amanda Clegg who has been integral in fostering and strengthening the partnership between Asha and St Stephen’s. Ms Clegg is planning to lead a mission to Asha in February 2011.
14th September 2010
Dr Martin was pleased to address the South Asian Men’s Collective at Harvard College during her recent brief trip to the USA. She also met with the new SAMC president Jay Shah and they discussed SAMC’s fundraising plans for the upcoming school year. They also discussed the SAMC-Asha fellowship, which is a collaborative internship programme for Harvard students at Asha.
13th September 2010
Dr Martin had a chance to meet with the Asha USA co-ordinator Louanne Hempton during her USA trip. Dr Martin shared the recent happenings at Asha and she discussed with Ms Hempton, ongoing fundraising activities of Asha’s American supporters and the latest improvements in Asha programmes thanks to the assistance of donors from the USA.
06 September 2010
I was happy to present vocational students with loan cheques alongside Mr Madan from Punjab National Bank on Monday - click here to learn more.
31 August 2010
It's a crucial year for our very first batch of students as they will be graduating in April 2011. They've taken to higher education to the extent that nearly all of them are interested in doing a Masters degree once they graduate! I was able to sit with them and discuss possible post-graduate courses and prospective jobs. These young people didn't have any college-going role models within their communities, and yet they have worked extremely hard and adapted to their new lives marvelllously. I'm sure they will make us all proud next year.
21 August 2010
I recently met children's group members from Dr Ambedkar Basti and gave them t-shirts to wear while going around their area to raise awareness of the dangers of TB. They were very keen to get started after participating in a TB education and awareness workshop with my daughter Madhuri. TB is still a serious health threat in nearly all slums, and the efforts of these young people can really increase the number of cases that are detected, and the number of those people who undergo treatment.
20th August 2010
Mahesh and Mahinder have spent the last few years studying hard to achieve their mutual ambition of careers in engineering, and their dedication is producing excellent results. They were both hugely excited to show me their admission papers for two well-known engineering colleges, and we are all delighted with their success. Click here to learn more.
9th July 2010
I consider us very fortunate that so many people retain an interest in Asha's development work for months or years after they visit. The Hon Kapil Sibal is one of these visitors - you can learn more here.
8th July 2010
Today was a very special day for Usha and Mahinder, two dedicated young people who have been associated with Asha for many years. The Hon Mr P Chidambaram, India's Home Minister, was kind enough to grant a meeting to the two newly-admitted college students, myself and two Asha volunteers from Harvard. Learn more here.
I was suffering from Tuberculosis and my son couldn't cope with looking after me so he moved out. The TB got worse and I relapsed. An Asha community health volunteer noticed my illness, made sure I took my medicine and gave me rations of nutritious food. If Asha was not here I would have died by now.
Arshafilal, Mayapuri
