I was in India last week and had the opportunity to spend time with my mother, my brother and his family and my niece. Also, attended a 25 year reunion at my high school (Don Bosco) in Chennai. I have not been to India since 2005 and it was great catching up with everyone.

CEI has sponsored a leper colony in 2005 and I visited the same last week. I had heard about the leper colony at an event that was held in Pittsburgh sometime in 2004. Padma Venkatraman is the lady who has setup the program to support leper colonies in India and she has dedicated her life for the past 10 years or so supporting this program and making this a phenomenal success. The reason that I was drawn to support the leper colony two years ago was the two aspects articulated by Padma: (i) The lepers typically did not have a desire to live and this program motivates them to live, (ii) This program does not give the leper a grant instead it provides them a loan and helps them see and achieve success in a short time period. I saw three micro industries that are a big success in the leper colony that I visited this time: (i) Artists (I bought several paintings from them), (ii) Furniture store, (iii) Restaurant (small scale). The lepers seemed happy and motivated and all indicated that being involved in these programs have been a life changing experience for them. I also visited a school for children of lepers that was supported by the funds that CEI gave two years ago. There is an opportunity to CEI to help here with providing computers to the school along with computer based education on a go forward basis.

I got back on Sunday and was happy to see my wife (Neeta) and my kids (Isana & Omisa). Now back to work as usual

Raja

The backyard of the Spangenbergs was packed for the August 15th Meet & Greet; about 150 people attended this event. This wine and hors d’oeuvres event (catered by Atria’s) was set around the beautiful backyard in-ground pool. Florrie and Bill Spangenberg were really gracious in setting up this wonderful event; thanks to both of them for the same. Thanks to the Host Committee for inviting the attendees from the 1st Ward to create such an overwhelming turnout.

Matt Smith provided a really nice introduction for me and I have the opportunity to talk about my ideas for Mt. Lebanon to this audience. I talked about some statistics on our taxes and how they have increased along with debt in the past 5 years. I talked about the vision and goals for keeping Mt. Lebanon #1 and a go forward plan without deficit spending; ideas such as bringing in more revenue by attracting start-up’s to Mt. Lebanon and converting Washington Road into a Technology Corridor for knowledge based businesses; improve the quality of the service without increasing taxes or debt by using innovation and technology. Look for a video of my presentation along with photos to be uploaded shortly.

The feedback that I got from everyone was that they felt that this event was a really good success. I had several individuals ask me detailed questions on various local issues after my presentation and these individuals let me know that I had their vote after my responses.

This was my first Meet & Greet event and I was really happy to have the opportunity to meet so many from the 1st Ward. Thanks again to everyone for their support and dedicated efforts.

Raja

I really enjoyed handing out balloons to kids at the car show on July 1st and at the July 4th celebration in Mt. Lebanon Park. I would say that I went from never having filled a balloon with a helium tank to becoming a pro at this over these days. Thanks to everyone who helped with these events and for making them fun; check out the photos on my flicker account. I had lots of people talk to me about my vision for Mt. Lebanon and leave after making a commitment to support me.

 Raja

• Listen to MP3 interview here

This was an exciting day for me and my family. I want to thank everyone who helped me on the Primary Election day. My two daughters were there to help dad win the Republican nomination.  Please let me your feedback from the Primary. Thanks for everything.

Raja

This weekend is my first “official” week of public campaigning with door-to-door visits throughout Mount Lebanon’s 1st Ward. I’m looking forward to having an opportunity to visit with you and earn your support.

I’ve spent my professional life building a business right here in the South Hills. While there are important leadership skills and lessons learned in the private sector, campaigning for office is a new adventure for my family and me. That’s why I am especially thankful to the many local Republicans who’ve lent their talents and expertise to this campaign.

I’m looking forward to meeting you in person. I invite you to post your ideas right here, on this website, on ways we can make Mount Lebanon an even better place to live, work and raise a family!

Sincerely,
Raja