Dilo

Close to the heart

As a small boy, I wanted to do big things when I grew up. Things that will astonish people, things that will make me famous and big and powerful. But as I grew up, what I learnt looking at my parents and my friends' parents and my teachers changed my perspective of what "BIG" was. My father used to tell me stories about his childhood and his father. He told me that the day he got his PhD, he wished grandfather was alive to see that moment - It would have been the best gift the son could give to his father. My Grandfather was a Deputy Superintendent of Police when he retired. That in itself was an achievent back in those days. But when I heard my father say that Grandfather had lost his father at a very early age, and how he survived on charity from relatives and unknown noble hearts, and how he struggled to become a self made righteous man, I could not but be moved. With all thanks to God, I wondered - if it was not for those noble people who helped my Grandfather after his father died, where would he have been, where would my father have been and where would I have been? These were simple people like you and me who took the time to help him at that young age. Their small act of 'following their heart' has earned them a reward from God that no paycheck or bonus can match. My father, my family and every one in our future generations are all indebted to these simple people - who were just like you and me.

These stories of hardship and overcoming those, changed my perspective of the world. I still wanted to do big things - but my definition of BIG has changed. Those simple people, did the real BIG thing. They changed the course of history. I am a Computer Networking Engineer in San Jose, California today, and I remember my dream now.

So what do I do?

I learnt about the Association for India's Development from a colleague, who they are and what they do. And at once I knew it was time for me to do my BIG thing. I liked their projects - the most touching were their education plans for the unprivileged or the underprivileged. For example, they have the "Tsunami Middle School" Project that will improve the quality of education provided by the middle schools in the region. They have several such projects as you can see on their website - AidIndia How do I help them? I joined them.

We want to reach out to people like you and me. For that, we have undertaken that we will run the San Francisco Marathon race this year on July 26, 2009. Being my first go at a long distance race, I have decided to do a half marathon - 13.1 miles (21.08 KM). So yes, it is not simple - it is going to squeeze every bit of strength in me. But every drop of sweat during my trainings and during the race will be sweet because it will be for a good cause - to help the projects of AID and because I know that I am doing something both BIG and close to my heart. You can look at the progress I have made in my running since April 18 at this site : Naim's Runs

If you would like to support me in our path, please donate for this noble cause. We are reaching out to you through our running. Our every effort can be made meaningful only with your support. This year I plan to raise $2500 dollars. Try to donate as much as you can - as much as your heart tells you - and know that you have done something that eventually - maybe 3 generations later will inspire a young boy or a girl to do BIG THINGS.

There is no doubt that every penny you spend in this cause is actually spending it in God's way.
In the Holy Quran, God says (Chapter 2 verse 261) :

"The likeness of those who spend
of their substance in the way of God
is that of a grain of corn:
It grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains.
God gives manifold increase to whom He pleases;
And God cares for all and He knows all things."

And the Bible is very clear in saying in Psalm 41:1 and 2: "Blessed is he that considerth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies."

So take a few moments - please recognize the efforts that I am putting in, and as an appreciation, and believing in God's promise of everything good if we consider the poor, please donate generously. And God is always true to his Words.

Here is the link to read my blogs about the world, things define me : Naim's Blog.
Here is my running graphs and training : Naim's Runs.
Here is my Orkut page : Naim in Orkut.
Here is the page to get to the donation button : RunForIndia Naim's Page.
My email ID is this : email. Please email me if you want any clarifications or details. I will be glad to get back in touch with you.

Please donate now, as much as you can. And make a difference in the lives of millions.
Yours Truly
Naim Tabriz Khan.

posted by Chicken 65 @ 9:21 AM