Usha R. Balakrishnan |
Founded in 2006, CARTHA (doer in Sanskrit) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. We share with you our vision, our program portfolio, and exciting pilot initiatives in this short summary. We are dedicated to fashioning a new type of bridging professional—a Collaborative Doer—who leverages academic-practitioner collaborations to enhance the positive impact of technological and social innovations. With our C2G2SM Training Model—Building Collaborative Competence (C2) within Multisector Partnerships for Global Good (G2)—we inspire, connect, and help mobilize resources for Collaborative Doers in Academic-Public-Private Technology Transfer Partnerships, Global Health and Corporate Social Responsibility. Our current programs result from work with a range of scientists, researchers, writers, entrepreneurs, and filmmakers in the US, Mexico, UK, Kenya, and India.
We invite you to browse our website. For more information, please call CARTHA founder Usha R. Balakrishnan at 319-248-9625 or write to her.
CARTHA means “doer” in the ancient language of Sanskrit. I chose this name because “getting things done” – and joining up with others to get more things done, easier, faster, and in a fun way! -- has always been my passionate interest. Over the years, people have variously called me a “go-getter”…and I have taken it as a compliment! Through CARTHA, I have simply created the chance to be a “better go-getter” on behalf of others, to help others, to foster more collaborations, and to make our world a better place.
CARTHA focuses primarily on academic-practitioner collaborations. Within such multidisciplinary partnerships, it is no longer sufficient to address just the “what if’s” or just the “how to’s”. We need a “can-do” attitude, and be audacious about saying “why not!” This may allow us to induce and spur more innovation, more creativity, more sharing, more giving, and more concerted action for our own collective benefit. We need the ideas and discoveries of today to assist in the development of innovations and products for tomorrow. We need the young people of today to be transformative leaders for tomorrow, to make our world a better place. A culture of innovation demands innovations in culture.
CARTHA is an entrepreneurial – and therefore, inherently risky – endeavor. However, when the goal is to “make a bigger difference” – by more purposefully bridging the gaps between theory and practice to launch partnerships that enhance global good – there is no longer a feeling of fear of failure, or for that matter, tiredness. Energetic professionals from so many disciplines and sectors are teaming up with me: without such support, I would not have had the confidence in me to do what I am doing today. I also see CARTHA becoming a vehicle that supports our younger generations. This is the best way to show my deep gratitude to all those who have taught me, mentored me, and supported me to advance so many good causes.
CARTHA is readying many exciting projects. However, like most organizations, CARTHA will need support – human, moral, and financial – to succeed in its work to help others. You will find that large portions of this website are still under development. However, if reading about CARTHA piques your interest, you must call or write to me. I always welcome feedback and input, and look forward to hearing from you in these early formative stages.
Cheers,
Usha R. Balakrishnan
Founding President & CEO
Chairman of the Board
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