Update on Br Bant Singh聮s funds Dear donors and friends, I am extremely sorry for my inability to give positive update on Br Bant聮s funds. Everyday I am waiting for a word that the fund had delivered to Br Bant. But, due to the reasons given below, we were not able to deliver the funds yet. I apologize for the delay and I take complete responsibility for that. This was what happened so far: 路 At first, our plan was to deliver the funds through Dr KP Singh, who was scheduled to go to India soon after our drive ended. But, he could not go due to several reasons 聳 ill health and cancellation of Conference etc. 路 Realizing that his trip will be delayed further, we plan to hand over the money through someone in India itself. Dr KP contacted his reliable persons there and arranged everything. At that time Bant聮s family member聮s were suffering from ill heath (due to dengu fever) and we could not complete the task. 路 Soon after that, Bant had admitted to Hospital in Delhi. Dr KP and I spoke to him 3 or 4 times and discussed the procedure of handing over money (Rs.203,447.00) to him. Based on our conversation, we started working on the issue. We need to have a medical certificate from the doctor attending on him in order to deposit the money in the bank. Dr KP spoke to the doctor and arranged for it. 路 Meanwhile an organization called IALA (to which Bant belongs) came in to picture and starting demanding us to deposit the money on IALA聮s account rather than Bant聮s personal account. It seems, all the money Bant got from Government is deposited on IALA聮s account, for the reasons I do not know. We did not agree for that and insisted that our money will only be deposited in Bant, his wife聮s name. Several times I directly spoke to IALA聮s people and explained the situation and requested them to help us to finish the at the earliest. Dr KP had been in communication with everyone involved on regular basis and updating us despite of his busy schedule. They promised us that they will do whatever needed to help us finish our job. This happened nearly a month ago. We have been waiting for their help to get the medical certificate. The sad part is that Bant is not willing to do anything without the permission from IALA. 路 Till now, nothing happened. Bant had gone to his village for hearing on the court case. So, again, it may get delayed further. So, I though it is better to give an update to the donors whatever they may think. Our next strategy: 路 We will continue to work with AILA to get the medical certificate. When we get it, we deposit the money as we have planned and handover the certificate to Bant. 路 Meanwhile, Dr KP is kind enough to send back a cheque for $5,000 to Br Ramakrishna, our acting treasurer. We have received it today. We keep it with us till the work is done. When the work is finished, we will return the cheque to Dr KP. 路 This arrangement is made to free me from mental agony due to its delay. More over, I have been postponing our scholarship work as I am feeling guilty to ask for more donations without finishing this work. 路 Now, the cheque is with us and I will take complete responsibility for everything that will happen to the money collected. It is difficult to believe. But this is the truth. For the past 6-7 weeks, we have been working very diligently to complete the work 聳spending our time and money. Who gives this much trouble to receive money for free? But this is happening in Bant聮s case. Sometimes, we are feeling very frustrated. Still, we will continue to work on this till it is completed as we have desired. The more I desire it to complete fast, the more it is getting delayed. So, please accept my apologies for the delay. Trust me 聳 your money is safe in our hands and I take complete responsibility. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. I know it is very difficult for the donors to understand after this much delay. But it is the truth and we are doing everything humanly possible. I will update again when I have something good to tell. Meanwhile, with this update, at least I can start my scholarship work that is two months away. With regards Benjamin P Kaila
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ An educated man without character and humility was more dangerous than a beast. If his education was detrimental to the welfare of poor, he was a curse to society. -Babasaheb Dr B R Ambedkar Please visit www.ambedkarscholarship.org
