Samaritan Samantha talks about the Magic Bus Mumbai benefit

Samantha Nayar, Board member of Magic Bus, has been involved with myriad charities in the US and Australia primarily working with differently abled children and AIDS. The dynamic lady has also made her presence felt in advertising and marketing arenas, with many of the major global agencies in Account Management, for 16 years. She has worked with a diverse portfolio of brands including Coca-Cola, Nestle, Bayer, Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, Goodyear, United Distillers, Ferrari, Guerlain, De Beers and Gillette, across the globe.

In her former position as Executive Vice President and Worldwide Account Director for BBDO in New York, she was running $250 million of business in 70 markets. She has been a Magic Bus Board member for the last 10 years and worked closely with the team on strategy and communication and of course on fundraising. In an interface with After Hrs, she talks about Magic Bus' 15th birthday and the auction slated to be held on December 18 in the city.

What's your role at Magic Bus? How do you attempt to make it more experiential this time?

While we have benefits in Delhi, London and Singapore, the Mumbai Gala is the biggest fundraiser and generates the funds we need to reach out to India's poorest children. The evening will be truly amazing and very memorable. This year is Magic Bus' 15th birthday, which makes it particularly special. Amongst the many celebrities supporting the charity on this night; our patron and chief guest Abhishek Bachchan, Mandira Bedi as emcee and Miss America 2014. Zarir Warden and his band The Other People, will provide fabulous entertainment and the spirit of giving and philanthropy will be in abundance. The other big challenge is that the event itself must have a flow that is action-packed, with many 'wow' moments and also conveys the mission of Magic Bus to our guests without sounding self righteous or boring. The last but most important challenge is in organising the event. Overall, the Benefit has over 450 different stakeholders, including the sponsors, donors, vendors, performers, guests and volunteers so just the logistics of it is a huge undertaking

How do you aim to make the auction unique this time?

It is tough to keep the auction lots fresh and exciting. In the auction, we focus on experiences rather than selling items like art or jewellery. We are very fortunate to have the long term support of great brands such as Moet et Chandon, donating a Journey on the Whiskey Trail with Glenmorangie, Dior, donating a Paris fashion weekend, BMW with a Bavarian experience, Gucci giving a Journey to Florence and this year we have some really different lots such as a House of Cards set visit followed by a lunch with Robin Wright and the cast, tea with fashion diva Elizabeth Hurley, who will spend an afternoon hosting the winner of a bid plus a friend in London. The Magic Bus Mumbai benefit is now in its fourth year and every year we challenge ourselves to better the experience for our patrons. My fellow
event committee members Superna Motwane, Noblesse, DNA's own, Shreyasi Goenka and Blue Star¹s Sunaina Murthy and I have put on our best thinking caps to curate product-and-experience combinations that will attract even the most experienced of world travellers and connoisseurs. When designing an auction lot, we are always asking ourselves - is this truly unique? Is there another experience that will add value? We have to remember that each auction lot has to pass our exclusivity test. But at the end of the day it is the people in the room that make the big difference. The generosity of our guests over the years has changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of children. We try make sure that our guests and patrons feel appreciated.

You've been involved with children's charities in the US and Australia. How did you get attached to children's causes? Was it inherent or something in particular inspire you?

I believe strongly in giving a percentage of earnings to charity as well as getting involved where it makes sense and adds value. India's population is young. Changing the lives of a child changes the future of the country. There are over three million charities in India today. Charity is needed everywhere. I chose Magic Bus because of the way that the they works with the children and their communities and most importantly because I know where the funds are going.

How do you see the future of Magic Bus?

Magic Bus plans to reach out to more areas and children across India, especially the rural, remote areas of India. We plan to upgrade the youth development programme Laqshya in a big way. This programme ensures that young people go on to further education or employment. The ultimate aim is of moving people from poverty and towards better livelihoods.

How do you maintain a work life balance?

I try like most women to do the best I can - you juggle and multitask to the best of your ability and hold your breath and hope it all falls into place!

You are one of the most stylish individuals. How do you interpret style?

I try to be practical and functional in the day and quite sexy and glamorous at night. Personal style is at the end of the day about how one carries oneself and being confident has always helped me navigate the most challenging social and professional terrains! A simple outfit can be totally enhanced with a killer pair of earrings, a bright lip and the right attitude for example.