Ms. Renu Menon, wife of former international Table Tennis player Late Vilas Menon, had launched a trust ‘Vilas Menon Trust’ in her husband’s name, three years ago. And, the first beneficiary was young Om Lotlikar who was felicitated at National Sports Club of India(NSCI) , in presence of office bearers of NSCI, celebrities like masters of table tennis, artistes and senior sports journalists. Few exhibition matches were also played amongst the invitees, with a group of upcoming children partnering with them. Om who is physically handicapped, represented India last year in Paralympics at China and won the state TT championship for Para sports recently.
Late Vilas Menon
It may be recalled that in the past late Vilas Menon who was a popular international level TT player with many friends, had organised regular exhibition matches of Table Tennis to promote the game, by inviting celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar, Sanjay Manjrekar, Shakti Kapoor, Archana Puran Singh and many others. Later, after his sad demise his wife Renu organised such exhibition matches in memory of her husband and celebrities like Kapil Dev, Nana Patekar, Salim Durani, karsan Ghavri, Arbaaz Khan, Dhanraj Pillay, Nikhil Dwivedi, Sunita Menon, TV personalities, Sports Journalists & former TT international and Industrialist Niraj Bajaj took part, supporting her endeavour to promote the game of table tennis.
The idea of establishing a Trust in her husband’s name was always there in Renu’s mind after the sad demise of her husband. Though ‘Vilas Menon Trust’ was formally launched by her, it has now received official charity registration and contributions made by individuals and corporates shall qualify for deduction under section 80G(5)(VI) of the Income tax Act 1961.
Speaking to magzmumbai about this trust, Ms. Renu Menon said that Well Wishers like Mr. Niraj Bajaj and Kapil Dev have always been supporting her to organise exhibition matches to promote the game of table tennis and now they will be supporting her future plans to be taken up by this trust. Initially, Renu has planned to start training in Table Tennis for Municipal School children in Mumbai, which will later spread to other cities and district places. TT tables and Kit will be provided to selected children from these schools and they will be offered training area wise, under expert TT Coach. Many ex-TT players have already expressed their support for her plans.
Those who desire to offer donations to this trust, may send their cheques in favour of Vilas Menon Trust and forward the same to Ms. Renu Menon, who will issue them receipt for the same. For more details, Ms.Renu can be contacted @ 9819799867 or 9892352238 .