Asha’s 30th-year celebrations concluded with a gala event on February 10, 2018. This was attended by the honoured guests, Hon’ble Alex Chernov, AC QC, Former Governor of Victoria and Founding patron of Asha Australia, HE Nadir Patel, Canadian High Commissioner, HE Harinder Sidhu, Australian High Commissioner, HE Brian McElduff, Irish Ambassador, HE Joanna Kempkers, New Zealand High Commissioner and Bishen Singh Bedi, Former Indian Cricketer.Also present were our global Friends of Asha (FOA), supporters, women, children and students from Asha supported slum communities.
The event saw a mix of cultural performances by Asha’s very enthusiastic and talented children and students and first-hand stories from the communities showcasing Asha’s role in the transformation of the slum dwellers in the last thirty years.
Dr Kiran Martin in her very emotional speech expressed her gratitude towards all the supporters for their unconditional support and for helping attain the vision and mission of Asha. She narrated the journey of Asha’s thirty years and how together with the team they overcame challenges and helped the people living in slums live a dignified life. From children doing odd jobs to fend for their families to women being confided to their homes, Asha’s slum communities have come a long way. Dr Kiran expressed her desire to reach out to every slum in Delhi, so that every child can go to school and every slum dweller has a hope for a better future.
Women, students and children from Asha communities shared their positive stories of change. They narrated various activities carried out by them in their communities and how their communities are transforming every single day.
HE Joanna Kempkers, New Zealand High Commissioner in her heart-warming speech said, ‘’I am extremely honoured to be a part of your 30th year celebration. Before I joined as the High Commissioner, I had already heard about the wonderful work Asha was doing in the slums. My first visit to Kanak Durga slum community and my interactions with the women and students left a lasting impression on me. I was inspired in so many ways. New Zealand High Commission is glad to support Asha in its cause and will continue doing so.’’
HE Nadir Patel, Canadian High Commissioner in his remarks said, ‘’I am so touched to hear so many powerful stories of change and no matter where I am you will always have me as your ardent supporter. I wish to be a part of the 40th year of Asha’s celebration and look forward to seeing many more students and children’s dreams turned into reality.”
The journey of Asha’s 30 years was showcased through a video. Students also paid tribute to the Founder and Director, Dr Kiran Martin through a video showcasing her journey from the beginning and read out a poem written by one of the students.
Global friends of Asha, renowned doctors associated with Asha’s referral system, providing free treatment to people from slums, and senior staff of Asha were felicitated for their valuable contributions to make Asha work impactful.
Asha graduates, Dilip and Chandan beautifully presented the evening to the gathering, leaving everyone impressed.
As Asha continues to take steps towards the mission of reaching out to every slum in Delhi, we hope that you will continue to stand by Asha’s cause and help in achieving many more milestones.
Thank you for the wonderful thirty years!
