voices... - Deepalaya

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Other landmarks achievements/features of this current phase are
• Accreditation of Deepalaya as an International legal entity, with offices in the U.S.A.,U.K. & Germany.
Deepalaya goes International-
The British Telecom (BT) had organized a workshop for its staff on Corporate Social Responsibility Mr. Chris Tuppen was one of
the participants from the UK (London) office. Chris Tuppen with a social bent of mind took C.S.R. very seriously and wanted to
visit a social development project before participating in the workshop so as to equip himself with the reality at the ground level.
One of his colleague at BT, who was sponsoring a child at Deepalaya suggested that Chris visit the organisation to obtain a first
hand knowledge of the activities undertaken and also met her sponsored child.They visited the school and project at Sanjay
Colony. Chris was visibly pleased and scribbled words of appreciation in the visitor’s book.
Deepalaya did not know the extent of his happiness and satisfaction until a telephone call came in September from BT, London
asking whether the funds raised for Deepalaya could be sent through the CEO of BT India.
What actually happened was the following : Chris Tuppen narrated his experience to his wife Deborah, who was a great enthusiast
for social causes. They discussed among themselves how to help a genuine cause like Deepalaya. The couple worked silently,
organized a backyard dinner and dance party with BT staff and local residents of Chris’s village. Chris has a large backyard extending
over a hectare.
The backyard dinner and dance party collected over Pound 4000 and the same is supporting ten students of Deepalaya School on
a perpetual basis. The relationship continues to grow. Deborah took an active role. Mr. Mathew visited them in their village on the
outskirts of London and discussed the potential of creating a Trust in U.K. to support Deepalaya.
A few friends of Deepalaya including the Tuppens have registered themselves as Deepalaya Friends in UK under a Trust, approved by
the UK Charity Commissioner. The Trust has the facility to collect back revenues to the extent of 28% of the donations received
by the Trust from the Revenue Department of the UK Government.