DESHPANDE CENTER FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP HUBLI, INDIA

the DESHPANDE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

MAY|2010
Inside this issue: Welcome to the May 2010 issue of DFP’s Glocal Newsletter

Welcome 1 DFP is a six-month residential program that achieves social change by educat-
ing young adults who are committed to the development sector in entrepre-
Modules 1-2
neurship training. All fellows hail from India, with many of them from Karna-
Guest Speakers 3 taka itself and in many cases specifically from the Sandbox area—five districts
Leadership Activities 3 of Northwest Karnataka where the Deshpande Foundation places its focus. The
backgrounds of the fellows vary greatly, ranging from economics to social work
Skill Development 3
to business administration, but in every case, each fellow is dedicated to insti-
Alumni Happenings 4 gating positive social change. The program content itself strikes a balance be-
tween theory and application. While there is a substantive classroom compo-
Notes from the Editors 4
nent, the courses are predominantly interactive and discussion-based. Fellows
receive many assignments that take them out of the classroom and into the
DFP is now on field, energizing and motivating them and leading them to gain confidence in
Facebook! their ability to work as effective professionals.

Join the official Fan Page:
facebook.com/deshpandefellowship
This past month, Fellows have been engaged in a variety of interesting mod-
ules, guest speaker sessions and activities—many of which have taken them
out into the field, giving them new experiences rich with new expertise in the
process.
We hope you enjoy this latest issue of Glocal.

Modules
RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT AGRICULTURE
Chandru Lamani and Ajay Suman, DCSE Program Managers Sangeeta R. Patil, Mallikarjun R. Patil — Program Officers, AME Foundation

This Module helps us to know the legal rights In this module, fellows learned about the steps of growing
of the citizens of India. It’s very necessary for crops: plowing sowing, watering, fertilizing, weeding, intercul-
social entrepreneurs who can access the gov- tivation, harvesting, threshing, drying, storage, grading, and
ernment details, and also helps for the enter- marketing. Soil plays an important role in agriculture, so that
prise which works with grass root level people is why it is necessary to test it once in a two or three year. Ag-
or for social awareness for the people. The riculture is nothing but nutrient mining. Fellows also learned
module was practical – in groups of two, fel- about the more intricate aspects of agriculture, for example,
lows went to various government offices such how insects can both help
as the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and the and hurt the crops, and
Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation how to manage the planting
(HDMC), and the Karnataka Water Board to to minimize the damage
exercise their that bugs can do. They
rights by ask- learned the dangers of pes-
ing both suo ticides. Finally, the instruc-
moto informa- tor explained a new proc-
tion as well as ess: LEISA, or Low External
details on spe- Input Sustainable Agricul-
cific issues ture, which is based around
governed by harnessing natural systems
to achieve true sustainabil-
the various
organizations. ity.
Page 2 Glocal, May 2010

Modules: Continued
LIVELIHOOD
Pramod Kumar, Youth Mentor: Samvada Organization, Ramanagar

The Livelihood module was very interactive and informative. Fellows came to
know the difference between income generating activities and livelihood activi-
ties. The thought of livelihood tells that the regular flow of income which is not
disturbed by the regular activities and by this there should be raise in the status
of that family. The livelihood activities should be sustainable, and relevant local
technologies are used. Many organizations have been doing intervention in many
places to create the livelihood opportunities for the community according to
need. The case study analysis was helpful to understand the work of many or-
HEALTH ganizations in creating livelihood opportunities for the people.
Abhijit Mahalingashetty, M.D. Candidate: University of Louisville - Kentucky, USA

Fellows learned about different aspects of public and global health including
differences in rural and urban healthcare in India. Epidemiology, the fellows
learned, allows researchers to find cures and track a particular disease. Al-
though public health has many fields, they are all interconnected. Fellows
learned about different diseases affecting India and how the same disease can
affect urban and rural areas differently. The main reason for this was poverty.
Fellows felt that healthcare offered a good opportunity for entrepreneurs to
start organizations that focused on neglected issues like rural healthcare.
HIV/AIDS
Laksmish, State Program Associate: Samraksha Organization, Bangalore

The HIV/AIDS session was a continuation of the Health module. Module Spe-
cialist Mr. Laksmish explained how HIV/AIDS spreads, the differences between
HIV and AIDS, and the present situation regarding HIV/AIDS in India. The ses-
sion also addressed many misconceptions about HIV/AIDS and the taboo na-
ture of the disease. Many questions were answered including the AIDS stage
and progression, how the body reacts to the AZT tablets, where those tablets
are available, and how NGOs and GOs are working to address the HIV/AIDS
problem.

ENTREPRENEURIAL MOTIVATIONAL TRAINING (EMT)

Rita Sengupta, Director: National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development

The EMT module put Fellows through a variety of training activities which
ranged from fun, to challenging, to enlightening. Activities were designed to
reveal different qualities within themselves, such as if they are inclined toward
positive and negative thinking, or helping them calculate their level of risk tak-
ing behavior. At the end of the module all were suggested to do business - get
raw materials and later sell the finished goods to the same company
(manufacturing of Ship). The module included various brain storming activities
where fellows came to know about their own problems, most of which can be
corrected by themselves only. Finally, at the end of the module all fellows came
to know which qualities they have to make them good entrepreneurs.
EXTENDED VILLAGE STUDY
Extended village study is helps to understand specific problem of village. In that
study fellows take a specific subject or problem. The topic chosen helps to know the
problem or finding the solution. Fellows used some study tools, mainly methodology
of the study, objectives of the study, and identifying strategies to address the prob-
lem. Also included in the study are observation, interview, survey and group discus-
sion. Extended village study is only focused on specific subject. It helps to solve the
problem. The extended village stay really helped fellows understand how to identify
problems and work towards solutions for those problems. They also learned strate-
gies and skills to help them solve these kinds of problems in the future.
Glocal, May 2010 Page 3

Inspiration from Guest Speakers

Gururaj Deshpande
Founder, Sycamore Networks and Co-Founder, Deshpande Foundation

Famously known as the “serial entrepreneur,” Gururaj “Desh” Deshpande spoke to fellows on social
entrepreneurships and on his own entrepreneurial experience, which has spanned many years. He
talked about the process an entrepreneur has to undergo to thrive. Desh shared his guru mantra with
the fellows: “Have absolute faith in the thing that you want to do. If you believe in what you want to do,
the world will believe in you.” He explained that the different steps involved in the entrepreneurial
process were Conviction, Hurdles, Perseverance, and Network/Advisors. Desh’s entrepreneurial zeal
was very inspiring, and exceeded the expectations of the fellows. All fellows were all very happy to
have the opportunity to learn a little bit more about Desh in this eagerly awaited visit.

Ayappa Masagi Ullas Kamat

Founder, Water Literacy Foundation CEO, I Create, India

Mr. Masagi shared with fellows regarding his professional
journey. He launched the Water Literacy Foundation in 2005.
He told fellows that usually, when you are a first time entre-
preneur, starting your own enterprise, no one believes in you.
It is only after an entrepreneur achieves success that everyone
appreciates. Besides his journey, he explained about his work
– water problems which can only be solved by the harvesting
of rainwater, which is our most precious resource.
Mr. Kamat’s session focused primarily on sharing his knowledge of
marketing and business strategy. The fellows found his explanation
to be excellent. He shared his experience on how an individual can
start a business, and well as which qualities he believed to be neces-
sary in the life of an entrepreneur. Additionally, he shared how new
entrepreneurs can use those qualities to be successful. Finally, Mr.
Kamat shared his formula for the fundamentals of business: I HOPE
– Individual, Homework, Opportunity, Plan, Execute.

B.A. Biradar | Founder, Chanakya Career Academy

Mr. Biradar completely shared the experience of his entrepreneurial journey, from his origins with
his grass root level family to being the founder and leader of his own career academy. He explained
that the entrepreneur needs to have patience and work for satisfaction, not for money. Eventually, the
entrepreneur will have enough expertise that he will be able to make a profit. Fellows learned that e
sky is the limit – anyone can be an entrepreneur if they work with passion towards their goal.

Leadership Activity — RTI Awareness

Fellows were educated about the Right to Infor-
mation Act of 2005 (RTI). Fellows then educated
members of the Unkal community about RTI by
performing different skits. The excited fellows
performed their skits and fielded the public’s
questions. Due to fellows’ efforts, villagers came
to know about RTI and shared their problems
with the fellows. The fellows were able to help
with solutions and additionally helped some peo-
ple fill out RTI applications.

Skill Development Sessions

Harnessing Solar Energy: Jagadeesh, SELCO Program Manager for Innovations
Jagadeesh led a presentation to Fellows on the benefits and applications of renewable
energy, especially solar power. His organization, SELCO, works to develop solar technol-
ogy and provide solar energy devices to rural communities in Karnataka.
Teamwork & Professionalism: Giselle Aris, Global Exchange Fellow
Giselle led a session designed to help Fellows learn how best to work with others in pro-
fessional scenarios. Through various activities and role plays, Fellows navigated many
difficult situations that my arise in their future jobs.

PR and Press Releases: Poorvi, Intern: TIE Hubli

In this session Fellows learned the importance of maintaining a good image for their or-
ganization in the eyes of the public, as well as how to craft an effective press release.
Privacy & Confidentiality: Suzanne Rizzo, Global Exchange Fellow
Suzanne taught Fellows the meaning of Privacy and Confidentiality. Through case studies
and debates she showed them the intricacies of confidentiality issues, and the importance
of handling them carefully in both personal and professional situations.
Glocal, May 2010 Page 4

Alumni Happenings
Alumni of the Week
Beginning in the month of April, Deshpande Foundation Director Naveen Jha announced a new program designed to recognize those DFP
alumni who have made exceptional contributions to the DFP community. From this point forward, alumni leaders will be recognized on a
weekly, quarterly and annual basis. Below are the first recipients of the special designation.

Week 1: Mr. Pramod Kumar, Cohort-I

Since graduating from DFP as a Fellow of Cohort-I, Pramod has been actively in-
volved in both the Development Sector and with the Fellowship. Although cur-
rently based in Ramanagar, near Mysore, on his trips back to Hubli-Dharwad Pra-
mod has been active in organizing meetings with DFP alumni and fostering a
sense of collective engagement with the Program. Most recently he joined with
DFP as a Module Specialist for the Livelihood module, to great reviews from cur-
rent Fellows.

Week 2: Ms. Poonam Jha, Cohort-III

Poonam donated 25% of her first salary to the DFP Corpus Fund, the idea for which
she had also proposed. Even while busy getting acquainted with her new post at
Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, Poonam has made generous contributions of
her resources to DFP, as well as referring applicants for Cohort-V. Within her Fel-
lowship itself, Poonam was known for her friendly and helpful nature. She was
even named “Friendliest” when the Cohort-III superlatives were announced. Now,
after her Fellowship has been completed, her support of DFP has continued.

Dear DFP Alums: This month: Alumni News

Just got hired for your dream job? Is
there a new addition to your family?
Anything special happening in your
life?
You can be featured in the news sec-
tion as well!
Email alumni@dfmail.org and let us
know what’s going on!
• DB Vanageri & Fathima Q of Cohort-II were married on 9th April in Gadag.
• Cohort-II’s Latha joined CHF International in Bangalore as Program Officer.
• Basavaraj K of Cohort-II started “OM Farm” - a shed-based sheep farming business
near Ranebennur.
• Savita Y of Cohort-III joined Navchetana Foundation as HR Manager
• Sanjeev Kulkarni, Cohort-I joined Vidya Poshak as Executive for Resource Mobili-
zation Cell
• Cohort-I’s Ashutosh joined ISB as a MBA student of Class of 2010-11. He intends to
use his education to make IT work for the poorest of the poor.

Notes from the Editors

Santosh

Before the Fellowship, if anyone would have asked me if I knew what my

Santosh P. goal was, my answer would have been “no”. Now, I am clear about my goal,
and credit goes to DFP. Awesome modules and guest speakers keep my
santosh.p@dfmail.org
motivation consistent. All of the modules are increasing my confidence.
Shivaprasad G.
shivaprasad@dfmail.org
Sunil P. Sunil

sunil.patil@dfmail.org The last three months in DFP have been a memorable milestone in
my life. What I have dreamed is coming true here. DFP is like an
Santoshimata P. ocean full of Knowledge. Fellows are really given the abilities
santoshimata.p@dfmail.org needed to solve local problems.