Floods in Sri Lanka: How Social media helped Sarvodaya's relief efforts.

Picture courtesy Sarvodaya Media unit

It was around 10 AM on Wednesday (12th January). I was writing a report, at my office, when suddenly a twitter alert popped up, mentioning my name. It was from one of my friends, wanting to donate his money to Sarvodaya's efforts, but worried because the online payment gateway of Sarvodaya website was not responding.

The tweets from @AmiSampath that got my attention.

Normally I would wait a while until I finished the report. That's how I manage twitter updates. But this one took my attention. I visualized the affected millions, and the ever so compassionate Sarvodaya field team with many volunteers, trying to help.
I got up, called few numbers from my mobile, and the technical matter was resolved in minutes. Thanks to Diyath Ariyaratne for speedy response !

@AmiSampath spreading the message after successful donation.

I updated, replied, retweeted the new link, and my friend Ami Sampath was able to do the donation. Not only he donated, but was kind enough to Retweet and spread the message.

Later in the day, few close to Sarvodaya, yet in different time zones, hearing the need from Sri Lanka, rallied on their twitter pages to spread the " need of the moment". Thanks Aparna Ashok, Isabelle Finateu, And Daren Forsyth for passionate tweeting.


Tag Development, the organization Daren works for, also joined in with a campaign.

On Friday (14th Jan) Sarvodaya joined in with a FaceBook page to spread the message on the rising demands. So Facebook friends also came in to help, in their smallest efforts, which at the end of the day, goes a long way to help millions !

I am still sharing and retweeting all #flood updates that I lay my eyes on. Thank you friends, I salute all of you on behalf of Sarvodaya, and in the name of humanity.

You can still join compassionately by clicking and donating at http://www.sarvodaya.org/wp-content/themes/arzel_gray/donate.html
AND sharing this story to 10 of your closed ones will be of greatest merit.

May the weather be peaceful !

Getting to work early morning - An example

pic by @isura

A little while back, I was inspired by a very courageous human. On my way from Piliyandala, passing Suwarapola, I saw a tailor, in his second floor shop, with a tube light on, working attentively on a dress. Time was 0605 AM. I was totally overwhelmed by the courage and determination of a single man.

Waking up early in the morning and planning the day, is the most important thing you can do in your whole life. It clears your mind out of clutter. You the see the day in different light. By the time you mix with the world, you have worked 1-2 hours more. And that's the best time of the day.

Here I am blogging this, to share a positive note. Have a great Monday, and have a wonderful week.

At 26, person of the year, 2010.

Many would argue, Is this the right time, for this accolade to Mark Zuckerberg.
I would say, I would not mind.
He has connected 550 milliong up to now. And at the rate FB is going, they expect the 1 billion mark in 2012.
It's no small feat.

This all started of a simple idea in a hostel room of Harvard in 2003. Simple idea, a simple mind. Wow.