title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE IMPACTFUL WORK OF THE SAMARTHANAM TRUST FOR THE DISABLED
WHEREAS, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled was established in India in 1997 by Founder and Managing Trustee Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar and Sugur Paramashivaiah Nagesh; and
WHEREAS, Samarthanam was founded with the mission of empowering those with disabilities and the underserved through its diverse initiatives focused on providing quality education, accommodation, nutritious food, vocational training, and placement-based rehabilitation; and
WHEREAS, Samarthanam works to facilitate opportunities to enable persons with disabilities and the underserved to keep pace with the rest of the society; and
WHEREAS, Samarthanam has been transforming lives across the domains of education, livelihood, sports, health, performing arts, wo.men’s empowerment, environmental sustainability, assistive technology, and community development for nearly 30 years; and
WHEREAS, during its tenure, Samarthanam has created measurable and lasting impact at scale with more than 34,000 students having received quality education and academic support; and
WHEREAS, over 53,000 youth have been trained for livelihood opportunities, with 67% successfully being placed in gainful employment; and
WHERAS, thanks to Samarthanam, more than 30 million nutritious mid-day meals have been served to schoolchildren; and
WHEREAS, over 50,000 cricketers have been trained through blind cricket initiatives; and
WHEREAS, more than 1,800 artists with disabilities showcasing their talents through music and performing arts platforms; and
WHEREAS, over 5,000 women have been empowered through vocational and non-technical skill development programs; and
WHEREAS, through their environmental initiatives, Samarthanam has scientifically processed more than 16,065 metric tons of dry waste and has planted over 80,000 saplings; and
WHER EAS, additionally, the Samarthanam Sisters Initiative was created as an inspiring platform that brings together talented women with visual impairments through sports, leadership, advocacy, cultural engagement, and community empowerment and aims to deepen global awareness, foster meaningful partnerships, showcase extraordinary talent, and amplify the voices of women with disabilities on an international stage; and
WHEREA, Samarthanam has helped establish Sunadha USA, a distinguished ensemble of blind and visually impaired artists from across the United States; and
WHEREAS, through music, cultural exchange, and performing arts, Sunadha USA celebrates artistic excellence while demonstrating the immense potential and creativity of individuals with visual impairments.
WHEREAS, Samarthanam USA was incorporated in 2011 as a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization; and
WHEREAS, since its establishment, Samarthanam USA has been committed to fostering inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities across the United States while building meaningful collaborations between the disability communities of both nations; and
WHEREAS, Samarthanam USA has since established Cricket Association for the Blind in the United States of America (CABUSA), which has played a pivotal role in promoting blind cricket nationwide; and
WHEREAS, this historic initiative culminated in the formation of the first-ever USA Women's Blind Cricket Team, which proudly represented the nation at the inaugural Women's T-20 Blind Cricket World Cup 2025; and
WHEREAS, Samarthanam USA aims to adapt and replicate their proven and transformative model across the United States through strategic partnerships and community engagement;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby recognize and uplift the impactful work of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and Samarthanam USA, the many lives they have changed, and the work they aim to start here in Cook County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and suitable copies be tendered to Mr. Adarsh Shastri, Mr. Mahantesh GK, and Mr. Ajeet Saingh.
end