Golf 2009 – Karuna, which means compassion in Sanskrit, is the heart and soul of Karuna Charities. It is a grass-roots organization that makes a difference in the lives of the needy and disadvantaged in the United States, India, and other countries.

From Frost to Darkness; a Fun Day of Golf!

Karuna Charities Washington, Inc. held its Ninth Charity Golf Tournament on November 7, 2009 at Falls Road Golf Course in Potomac Maryland. Frost threatened to derail the fun but the Karuna volunteers and supporters were steadfast in their commitment. Vice President Ms. Kanti Singh was the first to arrive on the cold morning and assisted with registration and breakfast set-up. Although her bagel needed some work; the treats were a welcome addition.

The registration desk was ably run by Vice-President and Treasurer, Mrs. Jasbir Sethi and Mr. Ajay Avasthi; while Vice-President, Mrs. Sujata Avasthi took photos of the proceedings. Golfers came, hit range balls, drank a hot beverage, shared golf stories and then took part in the putting competition. Volunteers, Mssrs, Jayant Kalotra, Jim Bonnell and Charan Ahluwalia, stationed on the practice green, encouraged golfers to make the challenging uphill putt. The closest to the hole and the winner of a putter was Mr. Vaid. The weather thankfully warmed to the upper 50s by the time our 10 Tee Times came around.

Under President, Mrs. Amrit Kalotra’s watchful eyes, things went off smoothly. She even coaxed a few golfers to buy the raffle, putting and mulligan package. At the turn, some of the groups quickly picked up a hot meal and beverage; while others enjoyed a leisurely sit down meal. The last groups hurried to complete 18 holes; at times needing night vision goggles.

The closest to the pin winners (#3 Mr. Hiten Ghosh; #11 Mr. Sandeep Tara) and longest drive winners (#7 Mr. Pradeep Ganguly; #16 Andrew MacKay) were the first to be announced. Along with a gift prize they receive a free round of golf each from our gracious hosts. The raffle drew a lot of interest as prizes included golf paraphernalia; including a swanky wedge; restaurant gift certificates, and two tickets to the Karuna Diwali Gala on November 8^th. The team of Sanjay, Akbar, Asad and Javed were the Team Champions of the team captain’s choice event with a scintillating 41.

President Kalotra, Vice President Avasthi, and Joint Secretary Savita Malhotra thanked everyone, including our sponsors: Hughes Network Systems LLC; International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. (IBTCI); Optimos Inc.; Simon Krowitz Meadows & Bortnick, (SKMB); Ms. Nilima Mehra of Chitrmala Television; an anonymous Karuna Well Wisher; Bombay Tandoor; and Indique Heights. A special thanks to the one individual who donated over $200; and the two individuals who provided donations of over $100.

The golf coordinator, Ajay Kalotra (akalotra@ibtci.com), hopes to see you all next year at a course in Washington D.C. as we are rotating courses at locations where Karuna offers student scholarships, i.e., Northern Virginia; Maryland/ Montgomery Country and the District of Colombia.