Development Alternatives celebrated 25 years on October 25, 2008 at Ghitorni, New Delhi. Everyone who is a part of DA - staffs from TARAgram, donors, fund raisers, associated members – was invited to the celebrations. More than 275 guests from various quarters graced the occasion, adding to the overall gaiety.

The silver jubilee celebrations of DA began with cultural activities and games. The rock band Ekam Satyam belted out some foot-tapping numbers and got the audience to their feet. Yet another reason for the festivities was Dr Ashok Khosla becoming the President of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).

It was a celebration of the DA family - its partners and well-wishers - who have supported DA and believed in the founder’s principles. Dr Arun Kumar offered a warm welcome to the guests and everybody present.

During the celebrations, the management of the DA group felicitated the war horses of the organisation, those who have been with DA for over 15 years and performed continuously. The war horses award has been given in recognition of invaluable services rendered towards the vision and mission of DA. The award is made of recycled wood plaque on a wooden base. The idea was to represent the organisation and the individuals who together weave the fabric of the organisation, giving it the structure and humanness, further reflecting participating work - organised yet organic. The flight of the butterfly like form is that of each of the individual War Horse inspiring the other stars waiting in its wings.

Veena Joshi from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) spoke on her association with DA.
The Chairman’s special prize was conferred on AVM Sahni, Dr Arun Kumar and George Varughese.

The other highlights of the event were:

• Talent hunt show
• Awarding the plaque of appreciation to staff who contributed 15 years of their lives to DA
• Announcing the winners of DA’s first photography contest
• Tug of war between the teams of Dr Arun Kumar and George C Varughese q

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