Wita travels
Galaata 2009 Sponsors
Ms Lakshmi Bhajana and Ms. Neetu Mehta are the Managing Partners of Wita travels based in Sunnyvale, California. Wita Travels has been actively involved in contributing towards various charities including Udavum Karangal (Helping Hands) - San Francisco Bay Area chapter. They have been sponsoring the Pallavi concert of Galaata for three years in a row. A much loved sponsor among the Udavum Karangal Bay Area Chapter this year they were elected as the Patron of Galaata’09.

Over the course of this conversation Ms Lakshmi Bhajana elucidates her reasons for choosing to be a philanthropist and also why she has been choosing Udavum Karangal as her choice of organization to support.
Can you tell us about yourself?

Lakshmi: I am one of the owners of WITA travels. I was raised in Chennai but am currently based in Cupertino, California. Travel has always been a passion for me and I have over 15 years experience in the travel industry. Apart from a busy schedule involving my business, I take time to paint as it relaxes me and most importantly spend as much
time as I can with my family.

When and how did you get involved in philanthropy first?

Lakshmi: Getting involved with philanthropy was something I always wanted to do but could never afford. In fact I was at the receiving end while in school. My high school education and college tuition was funded by a philanthropist. This developed in me a strong desire to give back to the community when I was in a better position. Today I can afford to give and help people and this would not have been possible if not for the help of someone who did not even know me. I prefer it the same way.

Life has definitely come full circle for you. What about your choice to support Udavum Karangal and how did you hear about this organization?

Lakshmi: Yes, I definitely feel more fulfilled as a person.

I had heard of Udavum Karangal and the wonderful cause of Vidyakar when I was in Chennai. All of us dream of making a difference and it is amazing to see how he converted his dream into a reality and ensures that orphans and destitute can dream secure in the hope of a good tomorrow. I visit the Udavum Karangal home every time I am in India and come back strengthened with the resolve to continue my association with the cause. I never imagined I would get to speak and interact with him. I consider it an honor to be able to help Udavum Karangal in whatever small way I can. It may just be a drop in an ocean, but it is true little drops of water make the mighty ocean.

What is your advice to youngsters today about getting involved in philanthropy?

Youngsters today are more perceptive than we were at their age. If the idea of giving and bringing joy to others is presented well they should be able to comprehend and contribute. Getting them involved in volunteer driven events that contribute to charities like Galaata should develop their awareness of the importance of giving back to the society. I have seen my daughter also get involved in Udavum Karangal on our visits back home.

Ms Neetu Mehta is the other Managing Partner of Wita Travels. She shares her reasons for forming Wita travels and also supporting charities like Udavum Karangal in particular.
Tell us about yourself

Neetu: Lakshmi and I have known each other for years now. We are friends first and partners second. I think in a sense this can also be a reason for the success of Wita travels. When you enjoy what you do and the company of your team members, success is a given. We have seen each other’s kids grow up here. Like everyone else, we have our daily runarounds between
work and home.

What made you come together to form WITA travels? You already mentioned working with someone you like as reason for your success what else do you attribute the success of WITA travels to?

Neetu: When we started WITA, we were very small. Our primary motivation was to have more independence for ourselves. The ability to carve our own schedules was highly desirous especially with growing kids. This coupled with usual family responsibilities meant the only option for us was to start independently. Both of us share the same work traits – a passion to do it right for our customers.

WITA travels has been a constant supporter of Udavum Karangal, being prime sponsors for Galaata'06, Galaata'07, Salangai to Salsa, Galaata’08 and now Galaata’09. What is your motivation to support Udavum Karangal?

Neetu: We were both looking for an outlet to give back to the community. Udavum Karangal’s passion for helping children really touched us and that’s how we started supporting the cause. I had an opportunity to meet Mr.Vidyakar in person at a dinner organized in his honor last year. I was impressed with his strength and resolve. In these tough economic times it is all the more important to support worthy causes. Another association that we support is Derawal Sangh Sabha which has a similar charter for widows and children.

Udavum Karangal, SFBA wishes Wita Travels the very best in their business and great growth!

Wita Travels:

Wita travels specializes in low and competitive fares for air travel within the US, as well as international travel. They cater to both business and vacation travelers, making air, rail, car and hotel reservations, and customizing vacation packages and cruises.

767 E. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, California
408.830.9776
http://www.witatravels.com
info@witatravels.com
 
 
 
 
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