Thank you for a wonderful 6th edition of Ananda Yana!

[Santhosh Padmanabhan]

Folks,

  Congratulations Everyone! We folks are fast becoming masters of dishing out smiles and happiness :) 

  What a beautiful day! ..and more importantly, what a beautiful evening and night before the exhilarating break of dawn. Every year, we wonder will we be able to do a good job, how will we handle the challenges! But, there are always super heroes who turn up and of course, the world conspires to make it a moment for posterity! The smiles made everyone as bright and sunny as the weather this year! This event never fails to inspire us and bring us all together. Sometimes, its easy to get swallowed by the monotony of a schedule, the problems and so much stress that life brings. But, I see "Ananda Yana" as that fleeting moment of carefree indulgence, the warmth from an affectionate hug, a magic potion...call it whatever...but, it is something that reminds us as to why we run, why we want to be a part of this wonderful community and how we make a difference in lives. Its magic also because, I don't think anyone can explain it in words! Yet, every time runners finish and thank us for the event, the words they use epitomises our vision and intent of the event! This shows how well we have brought our thoughts into fruition! A few points to note:

1. Is there any event where a dad runs in with a few months old baby in his arm? Is there an event in Bangalore where so many moms get their kids in proms? Is there an event in Bangalore where generations of women and men finish a run together as a family? Daughter, Mother, grandmother hand in hand! Is there an event when children finish and come back to cheer their parents? Is there an event in Bangalore, where you can't make out between children from disadvantaged backgrounds and other children? Is there an event that empowers the disadvantaged instead of offering sympathies or charity? I sincerely believe we are the answer to many such questions!

2. The running community in Bangalore is full of running groups and initiatives in the last few years. Events have become common place every weekend and each one of them claim to be a charity event. Many events and the need to stand out as actually led to an environment of restlessness and negativity in some instances! However, it was beautiful and nice to see all of us come together and so many running groups requesting us to make more of them part of the event! So much so that they want to take on more tasks other than AID stations alone! 

3. The runners who finished - almost all agree and see Ananda Yana as a place that doesn't judge anyone and shows the same love, warmth and care to the last runner who crosses the finish line as the first person who reaches. Many people choose to do their runs here than even bigger events! The race offers no medal, no 'official' certificate, no timing...yet, we offer what most don't - honesty and love!

4. The beautiful manner in which adults interact and take on tasks with the children of the communities we work with. The closeness and wonderful relationships that form leading to beautiful initiatives that help these communities is simply super! As an example, many runners came today to donate books, toys and so many other aspects to the schools without even making a request for the same!

....and many more!

  I would like to write a long email (well...it already is!) detailing and recognising each of the stellar background work that has gone. There were folks who balanced emergencies at home, yet made it for volunteering. There were folks helping out in the middles of major changes in their lives. There were folks who while recovering from major illness, still exuded so much positive energy for all of us! There were folks who spent multiple sleepless nights, hoarding half their houses with supplies for the event and yet were there in the morning with all their energy intact! There were folks who were battling illness and still kept on with commitments.The list is endless. It takes immense courage and a real huge heart filled with love and kindness to dedicate yourself and family for a cause. I just can't fathom how much each of you have given to this event! Yes, we all enjoyed being part of this whole event and we learned from it by contributing. But, it is true that it takes a special something to contribute and make this a priority! For now though, I will just say - 'Thanks!' - on behalf of everyone else to you! 

Of course, a special mention has to be made of a few people (new and old :) ) who took on a lot this year! Shiva and Srini (Dubai Srini ;), who did a lot of coordination work, leading all the teams, spending countless hours, constantly dedicating time and effort and taking on multiple roles and tasks! Venky, Ravanan, Rama and Nanda, wonderfully working as a team, staying calm and leading the route logistics even while many new challenges were thrown at them! Shiva, Akhila, Sindhu and team for ably handling registrations and coordination with Events High! Kanishka and team pulling off the impossible with a band that was almost not there and what a performance they all gave! Sharath, with humor even in times of stress and for being such a wonderful leader along with Srini with perfect planning and execution! George with his great insight, meticulous attention, diligence and sensitivity to each aspect! The amazing Ananya youth, our own army of happiness! Priya and Ashok for coordinating a wonderful catering experience - I don't think any mainstream running event has done what we did without causing much fanfare! Super breakfast! Shiva, Ravish and the team for the awesome awareness campaigns that got us where we are! Aishwarya and Sourav for handling the very important team of parking and medical! Satya for helping Aishwarya out! Srini Iyer for handling the finances, Sukla for coordinating the entire photography team in the most efficient manner! His dedication is exemplary! Prateek for coordinating the stage area, the sound system and performances along with the entertainment team! Basav for being a super mentor and getting our very own Pallavi and Srilaxmi to become stars displaying so much confidence! Shuba, Kanchen, Laxmi for handling all the aspects related to Freebies, baggage counter and so on.....the list will go on! Apologies if I missed any of the coordinators! Please do add to the list!...This event couldn't have been possible without you all! Thank you!

  Many folks have appreciated the event a lot! There are posts all over FB, I got messages on the phone and people I spoke to - all of them have only positive feedback for the event. We also have raised a lot of money and I suspect it might be the highest ever that we have raised through Ananda Yana!!. I am hoping we can do well and the much needed nutrition for all our children! We have done a wonderful Ananda Yana 2018 - the sixth edition has been a bigger success than the previous editions without taking away from our trademark love and smiles :)

  I tend to take family for granted the most - It probably stems from the trust and belief that no matter what mistakes I do or what problems I fall into, I have someone who will stand by me and shelter me with love. In a similar manner, we might have also taken your efforts or contribution for granted. I apologize if we failed to express how much your effort meant to the event.Thanks for being who you are and for being family. Ananda Yana, will always be around the anniversary of my brother leaving us.My brother helped me learn the value of expressing my love and affection to family in words and deeds. Rather than feel sad and be lost in memories and thoughts of what could be, I see Ananda Yana as a tribute to my brother in the most beautiful way possible. There is no greater joy than contributing to the joy and smiles of others'. 

  There are a few tasks that need to be done this year before we wrap up Ananda Yana. Shiva and Srini, can you please track the tasks, assigned to various members in the team to ensure its done? -

1. Feedback : We need to create a feedback form for volunteers separately and a feedback form for all runners. The feedback form for runners should be linked from the Ananda Yana website itself. It should be publicized by email and FB. - Deadline : Wed, June 6th 

2. Certificate: We need to set up the online download system for certificates. Use a collage of some photos to make the background for the certificate. Deadline: Wed, June 6th 

3. Thank you email to Volunteers: Everyone who interacted and got support from outside entities - other running groups, contacts in each school - Sneha Care Home, Ananya Trust and Thayi Mane, the traffic wardens organization, the music band, medical team from various hospitals etc - can you please draft nice personalized thank you emails and send it on behalf of 'Ananda Yana' ? Please think of every entity associated with Ananda Yana through your coordination team and please send the email out accordingly. Send the thank you email to every RH runner involved in your team as well. Include the Volunteer feedback form in your emails. Deadline: June 7th, Thursday - All team coordinators/members

4. Thank you email to all of RH: Shiva and Srini, please draft a nice email on behalf of AY organizing team and thank everyone part of RH for a successful 6th edition. Deadline: June 5th, Tuesday. - Shiva or Srini

5. Thank you email to all participants: A thank you email to all participants with Income/Expense statement for the event, Gallery, feedback form for runners and a downloadable certificate link. Deadline: June 7th, Thursday. 

6. Final report on Ananda Yana: Each team has to review the volunteer feedback, discuss among your team members and then type a nice summary of what went right, what went wrong and what we can do better next year. We will need one volunteer to put together all of this. Deadline: June 11th, Monday. - Srini Iyer to compile and follow up with each team

7. Final Income/Expense statement: This has to be done and ready. Please cooperate with Srini Iyer. Deadline: June 6th, Wednesday.

8: Gallery: All photo albums for the event must be linked from our website or FB page. The website should point to these photos. Deadline June 5th, Tuesday - Sukla please help out!

   Thanks once again for a wonderful Ananda Yana 2018! You all are true champions with a huge heart!

Thanks,

Santhosh.

--

I run, therefore I am - 

http://www.runnershigh.in
http://www.runnershighkids.blogspot.com

[Shiva Prasad]

Hi Santhosh/Leads,

 

Thanks for trusting us & handing the responsibility of coordination for Ananda Yana 2018.  It was indeed a great learning for us.  AND it has been a wonderful team effort to say the least.  Thanks to all who put in so much efforts to make this success.

 

Now, Final act… Status of the action items highlighted for closure….

 

Sl.	Activity	Deadline	Status
1

Feedback : We need to create a feedback form for volunteers separately and a feedback form for all runners. The feedback form for runners should be linked from the Ananda Yana website itself. It should be publicized by email and FB.

Wed, June 6th	Volunteers & Participants Feedback forms ready.  Mail template sent to EH & it’ll be published to all participants by today.  FB content with Thank you posted on both AY & RH sites.  Volunteer feedback published.
2

Certificate: We need to set up the online download system for certificates. Use a collage of some photos to make the background for the certificate.

Wed, June 6th	Certificate template ready.  Data uploaded & link ready.  Shared on FB & EH mailers.
3

Thank you email to Volunteers: Everyone who interacted and got support from outside entities - other running groups, contacts in each school - Sneha Care Home, Ananya Trust and Thayi Mane, the traffic wardens organization, the music band, medical team from various hospitals etc - can you please draft nice personalized thank you emails and send it on behalf of 'Ananda Yana' ? Please think of every entity associated with Ananda Yana through your coordination team and please send the email out accordingly. Send the thank you email to every RH runner involved in your team as well. Include the Volunteer feedback form in your emails.

June 7th, Thursday - All team coordinators/members	Simple Thank you note shared with Leads.   Mailer to all volunteers gone with Volunteer feedback.   Mailer to Group Registrations including schools, are WIP & being sent today morning along with photos & certificate download link.
4

Thank you email to all of RH: Shiva and Srini, please draft a nice email on behalf of AY organizing team and thank everyone part of RH for a successful 6th edition.

June 5th, Tuesday. - Shiva or Srini	Email sent to all volunteers with volunteer feedback form.
5

Thank you email to all participants: A thank you email to all participants with Income/Expense statement for the event, Gallery, feedback form for runners and a downloadable certificate link.

June 7th, Thursday.	Thank you email Template ready.  This is being sent thru Events High today.
6

Final report on Ananda Yana: Each team has to review the volunteer feedback, discuss among your team members and then type a nice summary of what went right, what went wrong and what we can do better next year. We will need one volunteer to put together all of this.

June 11th, Monday. - Srini Iyer to compile and follow up with each team	Reports updated in Anandayana website.  Team setup for Reporting & Documenting. Once we get the feedback, this will be closed.
7

Final Income/Expense statement: This has to be done and ready. Please cooperate with Srini Iyer.

June 6th, Wednesday.	Income/Expense statement along with Financial report uploaded on AY website & link included in EH’s thank you mailer.

8	Gallery: All photo albums for the event must be linked from our website or FB page. The website should point to these photos.

June 5th, Tuesday - Sukla please help out

All photos uploaded in Flickr.  AY Website modified & AY 2018 photos link enabled.

 

 

--
Thanks & Regards, Shiva

Shiva Prasad | Director Operations
Phone: +9180 6659 7540 | Mobile: +91 9980182813
Oracle Business Operations

Oracle Financial Services Software Ltd., | C V Raman Nagar | Bangalore

Oracle is committed to developing practices and products that help protect the environment

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[Chandra Gopalan]

Fantastic job Shiva/ Srini. You guys have done a wonderful follow through after the event. Truly applaud this

Cheers

Chandra

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[Santhosh Padmanabhan]

Folks,

  Congratulations Everyone! A beautiful Sunday that brings everyone in the community together with love and humanity! So positive and uplifting as always!

  What a beautiful day! ..and more importantly, what a beautiful evening and night before the exhilarating break of dawn. The years of experience showed in the determined, well planned and relaxed manner in which so many tasks were taken care of! When everything goes like clock work, there are still super heroes who are working round the clock! To sustain a community for ten years through various highs and lows, to be able to give a quality event that's just a little more than an event, to create something unique and beautiful each year...is not easy. But, its been a whole lot of fun, learning and wonderful relationships!

The smiles of every volunteer, runner and participant truly makes 'Ananda Yana' unique and remarkable! This event never fails to inspire us and bring us all together. Sometimes, its easy to get swallowed by the monotony of a schedule, the problems and so much stress that life brings. But, I see "Ananda Yana" as that fleeting moment of carefree indulgence, the warmth from an affectionate hug, a magic potion...call it whatever...but, it is something that reminds us as to why we run, why we want to be a part of this wonderful community and how we make a difference in lives. Its magic also because, I don't think anyone can explain it in words! Yet, every time runners finish and thank us for the event, the words they use epitomises our vision and intent of the event! This shows how well we have brought our thoughts into fruition! A few points to note:

1. Is there any event where a granddad runs in with his grandson mounted on his shoulders? Is there an event in Bangalore where so many moms get their kids in proms? Is there an event where little girls finish in their tricycles? Is there an event in Bangalore where generations of women and men finish a run together as a family? Daughter, Mother, grandmother hand in hand! Is there an event when children finish and come back to cheer their parents? Is there an event in Bangalore, where you can't make out between children from disadvantaged backgrounds and other children? Is there an event that empowers the disadvantaged instead of offering sympathies or charity? I sincerely believe we are the answer to many such questions!

2. The running community in Bangalore is full of running groups and initiatives in the last few years. Events have become common place every weekend and each one of them claim to be a charity event. Many events and the need to stand out as actually led to an environment of restlessness and negativity in some instances! However, it was beautiful and nice to see all of us come together and so many running groups requesting us to make more of them part of the event! So much so that they want to take on more tasks other than AID stations alone! 

3. The runners who finished - almost all agree and see Ananda Yana as a place that doesn't judge anyone and shows the same love, warmth and care to the last runner who crosses the finish line as the first person who reaches. Many people choose to do their runs here than even bigger events! The race offers no medal, no 'official' certificate, no timing...yet, we offer what most don't - honesty and love!

4. The beautiful manner in which adults interact and take on tasks with the children of the communities we work with. The closeness and wonderful relationships that form leading to beautiful initiatives that help these communities is simply super! As an example, many runners came today to donate books, clothes, toys and so many other aspects to the schools without even making a request for the same! One of them wants to place a bulk order of our bags with Shristi special academy as well!

....and many more!

  I would like to write a long email (well...it already is!) detailing and recognising each of the stellar background work that has gone. There were folks who balanced emergencies at home, yet made it for volunteering. There were folks helping out in the middles of major changes in their lives. There were folks who spent multiple sleepless nights, hoarding half their houses with supplies for the event and yet were there in the morning with all their energy intact! There were folks who were battling illness and still kept on with commitments.The list is endless. It takes immense courage and a real huge heart filled with love and kindness to dedicate yourself and family for a cause. I just can't fathom how much each of you have given to this event! Yes, we all enjoyed being part of this whole event and we learned from it by contributing. But, it is true that it takes a special something to contribute and make this a priority! For now though, I will just say - 'Thanks!' - on behalf of everyone else to you! 

This year was also unique in the way we engaged with social initiatives through the season and culminated with the beautiful Ananda Yana! The Runners High stall with a simple documentation of various efforts said a lot about what Runners High truly is! It was indeed a wonderful feeling to see people heap praise on our philosophy and community!

Of course, a special mention has to be made of a few people (new and old :) ) who took on a lot this year! Shiva, Sharath, Akhila and Srini (Dubai Srini ;), who did a lot of coordination work, leading all the teams, spending countless hours, constantly dedicating time and effort and taking on multiple roles and tasks! Venky, Ravanan, Rama and Nanda, wonderfully working as a team, staying calm and leading the route logistics even while many new challenges were thrown at them! Shiva, Akhila, Sharath, Preethy and team for ably handling registrations and coordination with Event Turbo! Prateek, Chandra and team pulling off the impossible with a band that was almost not there and what a performance they all gave! Sharath, with humor even in times of stress and for being such a wonderful leader along with Giri with perfect planning and execution! Krishan with his calm and hands on leadership, George with his great insight, meticulous attention, diligence and sensitivity to each aspect! The amazing Ananya youth, our own army of happiness! Vinay, Priya and team for coordinating a wonderful catering experience - I don't think any mainstream running event has done what we did without causing much fanfare! Super breakfast! Shiva, Ravish. Sukla and the team for the awesome awareness campaigns that got us where we are! Satya, Sourav and team for handling the very important team of parking and medical! Srini Iyer for handling the finances, Sukla for coordinating the entire photography team in the most efficient manner! His dedication is exemplary! Chakri for being our saviour, bringing a professional execution for the stage area, the sound system and performances along with the entertainment team! Basav for being a super mentor and getting our very own Yellumalai and Sharathkumar to become stars displaying so much confidence! Srilaxmi for being the confident fitness expert she has become leading the warm-up and dances! Vidhya, Pallavi, Jayanthi, Laxmi, Akhila for handling all the aspects related to Freebies, baggage counter and so on.....the list will go on! Apologies if I missed any of the coordinators! Please do add to the list!...This event couldn't have been possible without you all! Thank you!

  Many folks have appreciated the event a lot! There are posts all over FB, I got messages on the phone and people I spoke to - all of them have only positive feedback for the event. We also have raised a lot of money and I am hoping it will be the highest ever that we have raised through Ananda Yana!!. I am hoping we can do well and support running shoes for all our children in the various initiatives! We have done a wonderful Ananda Yana 2019 - the seventh edition has been a bigger success than the previous editions without taking away from our trademark love and smiles :)

  I tend to take family for granted the most - It probably stems from the trust and belief that no matter what mistakes I do or what problems I fall into, I have someone who will stand by me and shelter me with love. In a similar manner, we might have also taken your efforts or contribution for granted. I apologise if we failed to express how much your effort meant to the event.Thanks for being who you are and for being family. Ananda Yana, will always be around the anniversary of my brother leaving us. My brother helped me learn the value of expressing my love and affection to family in words and deeds. Rather than feel sad and be lost in memories and thoughts of what could be, I see Ananda Yana as a tribute to my brother in the most beautiful way possible. There is no greater joy than contributing to the joy and smiles of others'. This year being the tenth year of Runners High, we have started a trust in the name of my brother - The "Sai Vishwanath Memorial Trust" to carry on all the social and community initiatives of Runners High. Ananda Yana 2019 marks the first donations drive for the trust. 

  There are a few tasks that need to be done this year before we wrap up Ananda Yana. Shiva, Sharath, Akhila and Srini, can you please track the tasks, assigned to various members in the team to ensure its done? -

1. Feedback : We need to create a feedback form for volunteers separately and a feedback form for all runners. The feedback form for runners should be linked from the Ananda Yana website itself. It should be publicized by email and FB. - Deadline : Wed, June 5th 

2. Certificate: We need to set up the online download system for certificates. Use a collage of some photos to make the background for the certificate. Deadline: Wed, June 5th 

3. Thank you email to Volunteers: Everyone who interacted and got support from outside entities - other running groups, contacts in each school - Sneha Care Home, Ananya Trust and Thayi Mane, Chakri and team, the music band, medical team from various hospitals etc - can you please draft nice personalized thank you emails and send it on behalf of 'Ananda Yana' ? Please think of every entity associated with Ananda Yana through your coordination team and please send the email out accordingly. Send the thank you email to every RH runner involved in your team as well. Include the Volunteer feedback form in your emails. Deadline: June 6th, Thursday - All team coordinators/members

4. Thank you email to all of RH: Please draft a nice email on behalf of AY organizing team and thank everyone part of RH for a successful 7th edition. Deadline: June 4th, Tuesday. 

5. Thank you email to all participants: A thank you email to all participants with Income/Expense statement for the event, Gallery, feedback form for runners and a downloadable certificate link. Deadline: June 6th, Thursday. 

6. Final report on Ananda Yana: Each team has to review the volunteer feedback, discuss among your team members and then type a nice summary of what went right, what went wrong and what we can do better next year. We will need one volunteer to put together all of this. Deadline: June 10th, Monday. - Srini Iyer to compile and follow up with each team

7. Final Income/Expense statement: This has to be done and ready. Please cooperate with Srini Iyer. Deadline: June 5th, Wednesday.

8: Gallery: All photo albums for the event must be linked from our website or FB page. The website should point to these photos. Deadline June 4th, Tuesday - Sukla please help out!

   Thanks once again for a wonderful Ananda Yana 2019! You all are true champions with a huge heart!

Thanks,

Santhosh.