Started preparation
Trip Start
Jun 25, 2010
1
18
Trip End
Jul 13, 2010
Where I stayed
My Home at Bidar
Bidar, Karnātaka, India
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
I am starting to Bengalooru on 23rd June for some important formalities at our HO and I need to make some last minute shopping for the trip! I need to carry some local delicacies and gifts to my friends of Holland. On 25th early morning, I am boarding Air France flight to Paris and from there, reaching Amsterdam on the same day. A trip of non-stop 12 hours! First time for me!
As I am planning to attend regular meeting of Rotary Clubs in Europe, my Rotary friends (Dr. Satish Biradar & Abhay) are helping me with some important advise and Rotary materials. Dr. Satish Biradar (Secretary 2010-11 of our Club, Rotary Club of Bidar New Century) has prepared an introductory letter and Abhay (Past President of Rotary Udyog, Peenya, Bengalooru) has assured me that he will get flags for my trip as well as club. Rotary is a wonderful experience and on the name of Rotary one can connect with millions. It reminds me of my visit to Rotary Club of Dhaka Downtown during my trip to Bangladesh. I will attempt to attend at least 1 meeting in every country.
I need to teach my wife how to chat on skype before I leave. Abhay mentioned about an international calling card and I need to check that.
About the trip:
Out of 19 days in Europe (including travel), I am spending about 11 days in Holland, 3 days in Italy (and Vatican), 3 days in France (Paris) and 1 day in Belgium (Gent). The trip in Belgium would be too brief and we'll be spending few hours.
Participation in SharePeople Experience Week Program (26 June-2 July) is the major theme of this trip. SharePeople is an amazing organization which links potential social entrepreneurs/enterprises operating in developing countries with European professionals/experts. SharePeople brings entrepreneurs in developing countries into contact with ambitious European professionals. By exchanging on the spot knowledge and experience in real-life management cases, both parties enhance their professional skills and contribute towards a better world.
During 2009, 2 professionals, Mr. Maurice Roijers & Mr. Sam van der Meij visited Nirantara and helped us in development of Branding/Marketing & IT-MIS Strategy respectively. Apart from sharing their rich knowledge, they also shared very interesting Dutch culture and friendship.
During my tour to Europe, Maurice is my my host and guide as he is taking me around showing several places. After the Experience Week Program, we are touring to many interesting places in Holland and cities like Gent, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Vatican and Paris. Maurice has started booking hotels, car, flights and train for this purpose. I'm expected to meet friends & parents of Maurice. I should also meet Sam and his family. Sam is now an elected representative in his local council and he must be terribly busy. But it will be my great pleasure meeting him again. Apart from that, I am exploring friendship with participants of SPEW, team SharePeople, Rotarians and new friends!
I am quite excited about the trip. At the same time, there are many exciting developments in Nirantara too! Our acquired Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) is now in our full control and we need to start transactions soon. Society's (NCS) microfinance portfolio transfer will happen by end of July and from 1st August, we will be operating through NBFC. Indeed high time to start our microfinance scaling-up.
See you soon!
Comments
Hello Niranjan - how exciting it is that you are going to Europe for this wonderful conference. Having 20 participants at the conference brings back fond memories of when we met at Grameen Dialogue now almost three years ago.
Congratulations on the latest developments/achievements of Nirantara - I honor the difference in the world that you are making.
I went back through the blog of your trip to ASA, BRAC and Grameen and was touched by your references to my role in getting you started blogging and your linking back to my blogs - first with you in Bangladesh and then my six week trip to India that you so kindly hosted for me.
It delighted me to see once again the wonderful experiences with the three great Banladeshi institutions and their incredible leaders.
I lived in Liege, Belgium in the 70's and spent much time in Holland and the countries you are visiting - so, through you, I will once again have fond memories revived of these places and people's.
Please add me directly to your distrubtion of this blog - and have a fabulous trip.
I will be seeing DSK Rao again tomorrow - he has become a good friend.
Best Regards
Marty