Vasantharatna Foundation for Arts (VRFA) was started by Subhashini V in memory of her husband. Colonel Vasanth Venugopal, AC, Commanding Officer, 9 Maratha LI laid down his life while fighting insurgents in Jammu and Kashmir on 31st July, 2007, while he was deployed on the Line of Control in rugged and inaccessible terrain in Uri Sector. Col. Venugopal was awarded the Ashok Chakra (posthumously) for his gallant act and supreme sacrifice to his nation. He displayed outstanding bravery, courage, and resolute leadership during his illustrious career.
It was the life Subhashini lead with her husband as an army wife and then a martyr’s widow that sprung the concept of VRFA. VRFA was not only borne out of the memory of Col. Vasanth V but also continues to embrace the essence and values that Col. Vasanth V so firmly believed in.
Vasantharatna Foundation for Arts (VRFA) was started by Subhashini V in memory of her husband. Colonel Vasanth Venugopal, AC, Commanding Officer, 9 Maratha LI laid down his life while fighting insurgents in Jammu and Kashmir on 31st July, 2007, while he was deployed on the Line of Control in rugged and inaccessible terrain in Uri Sector. Col. Venugopal was awarded the Ashok Chakra (posthumously) for his gallant act and supreme sacrifice to his nation. He displayed outstanding bravery, courage, and resolute leadership during his illustrious career.
It was the life Subhashini lead with her husband as an army wife and then a martyr’s widow that sprung the concept of VRFA. VRFA was not only borne out of the memory of Col. Vasanth V but also continues to embrace the essence and values that Col. Vasanth V so firmly believed in.
Forever Forty, in an imitable style of weaving thoughts and memories in a colourful tapestry that can only be described as the exhilarating life of Colonel Vasanth Venugopal, captures his very essence.
Written with the intention of celebrating life, Forever Forty just does that. It draws the reader into his inner thoughts, whispers to his wife while being posted far away on cold, rugged, inhospitalble mountains, memories of events, the love for his marriage and family, and jousts with his friends. The book sleeve rightly says “a life lived well” as the inner pages take you on a journey from one story to another, staying true to his characteristic sense of humour and the inspiring personality he donned. Forever Forty follows a man who stayed true to himself and his love right from growing up in a loving household and a childhood filled with wonderful friends, to marrying the woman he loved, raising beautiful children, and honouring his service in the army right to the very end.
Forever Forty, in an imitable style of weaving thoughts and memories in a colourful tapestry that can only be described as the exhilarating life of Colonel Vasanth Venugopal, captures his very essence.
Written with the intention of celebrating life, Forever Forty just does that. It draws the reader into his inner thoughts, whispers to his wife while being posted far away on cold, rugged, inhospitalble mountains, memories of events, the love for his marriage and family, and jousts with his friends. The book sleeve rightly says “a life lived well” as the inner pages take you on a journey from one story to another, staying true to his characteristic sense of humour and the inspiring personality he donned. Forever Forty follows a man who stayed true to himself and his love right from growing up in a loving household and a childhood filled with wonderful friends, to marrying the woman he loved, raising beautiful children, and honouring his service in the army right to the very end.
As wife of late Col. Vasanth Venugopal, Subhashini wanted to capture the thoughts and person of her husband – a reminiscent means to portray the man she shared her life with as he was seen by his family and friends. In her author’s note to Forever Forty, Subhashini says, “[the book] was meant to be a way of preserving his memories for “his two dear little fellows” as he fondly referred to our daughters”. Drawing on letters and stories from family and friends, Subhashini says, “this book is really authored by Vasanth himself and how fitting that is”.
Cousin to Col. Vasanth V, Veena was younger to the colonel by nine years, and recalls that throughout her childhood she hope to grow up quickly so as to converse with him as an equal. “He made the cleverest remarks, the most inventive jokes, and had this sharp, incisive wit that you just did not want to be the target of”, she says in her author’s note. And that witty style is most evident through Forever Forty. Veena reminisces that her cousin drew her to conversations and books that covered a wide range of issues, “It is ironic that the area in which Vasanth chose to enlighten me the least was the danger he put himself in every day of his life”. She wanted the world to know.
As wife of late Col. Vasanth Venugopal, Subhashini wanted to capture the thoughts and person of her husband – a reminiscent means to portray the man she shared her life with as he was seen by his family and friends. In her author’s note to Forever Forty, Subhashini says, “[the book] was meant to be a way of preserving his memories for “his two dear little fellows” as he fondly referred to our daughters”. Drawing on letters and stories from family and friends, Subhashini says, “this book is really authored by Vasanth himself and how fitting that is”.
Cousin to Col. Vasanth V, Veena was younger to the colonel by nine years, and recalls that throughout her childhood she hope to grow up quickly so as to converse with him as an equal. “He made the cleverest remarks, the most inventive jokes, and had this sharp, incisive wit that you just did not want to be the target of”, she says in her author’s note. And that witty style is most evident through Forever Forty. Veena reminisces that her cousin drew her to conversations and books that covered a wide range of issues, “It is ironic that the area in which Vasanth chose to enlighten me the least was the danger he put himself in every day of his life”. She wanted the world to know.
Vasanthatharatana Foundation for Art instituted the Col.Vasanth, AC Memorial Award for Excellence in Leadership to honour and motivate the best high school student. The award was distributed on 25th November 2013 at Christian High School, Udipi. The award went to Master Sachin Kumar and Ashwini. The event was attended by over 28 school friends of Col. Vasanth V.
Vasantharatna Foundation for Art instituted the Col. Vasanth, AC Memorial Award to honour and motivate the best NCC cadet in M.E.S. Degree College for his/her discipline, dedication and high standard of integrity. The Award was distributed at the MES Degree College Quadrangle, Bangalore on 15th August 2013, and was part of the college 67th Independence Day celebrations.
Vasanthatharatana Foundation for Art instituted the Col.Vasanth, AC Memorial Award for Excellence in Leadership to honour and motivate the best high school student. The award was distributed on 25th November 2013 at Christian High School, Udipi. The award went to Master Sachin Kumar and Ashwini. The event was attended by over 28 school friends of Col. Vasanth V.
Vasantharatna Foundation for Art instituted the Col. Vasanth, AC Memorial Award to honour and motivate the best NCC cadet in M.E.S. Degree College for his/her discipline, dedication and high standard of integrity. The Award was distributed at the MES Degree College Quadrangle, Bangalore on 15th August 2013, and was part of the college 67th Independence Day celebrations.
Started as a support system for the families of Jawans martyred in the service of the nation, the VRFA works with over a 120 wives and children to bring a renewed sense of belonging, purpose, and independence to their lives.
Registered office - Vasantharatna Foundation for Arts
7/21, 9th Cross, Lower Palace Orchards
Bangalore – 560003
Corporate office - Vasantharatna Foundation for Arts
#300/1C, 16th Cross, 6th Main
(Opp.Sadashivnagar Club), Sadashivnagar Bangalore - 560 080
For programs related queries
Deepthi Sharma
Mobile: +91 98805 35381
Email: info@vasantharatna.org
Email: supportus@vasantharatna.org