Useful reading to get a background on the development side of India, published by the UK Department for International Development.
These can be mainly accessed via the India 'country profile' section of the DFID website.
See http://www.dfid.gov.uk/pubs/files/Transforming-RL-India.pdf for Transforming Rural Livelihoods in India.
See http://www.dfid.gov.uk/pubs/files/india-factsheet.pdf for the 2008 India factsheet.
See http://www.dfid.gov.uk/pubs/files/hiv-india.pdf for Our story and responses to HIV/AIDS in India .
The India Country Plan from 2004 is on the website at http://www.dfid.gov.uk/pubs/files/capindia.pdf but will soon be replaced by a new CAP - see http://www.dfid.gov.uk/consultations/past-consultations/india-cap.asp for the consultation exercise (now closed) for the new strategy for the period up to 2015.
'Supporting security, justice and development - lessons for a new era' is at http://www.dfid.gov.uk/Pubs/files/security-justice-development.pdf
Also, Rough Guide to a Better World - great easy to read publication giving an outline to poverty in the world and what you can do about it.
Friday, 9 May 2008
DFID India - Resources
Monday, 14 April 2008
Learning Journey 2008
Saturday, 12 April 2008
Learning Journey // Ahmedabad (Part 1)
Connecting with India: My Learning Journey
(This is a report on the 8-day Learning Journey to Ahmedabad and Bhuj to discover a different side of India, of humanity and of myself) 15 - 22 September 2007
Day 1
Environmental Sanitation Institute (Sugadh) – a toilet museum and our home
Awaking after limited sleep due to a combination of heat, jetlag and excitement, we leave our simple and clean rooms at the Environmental Sanitation Institute (Sugadh) (“ESI”) to walk out on to the white marble veranda over-looking a beautiful landscape garden.
We begin the orientation by playing games that make us look quite ridiculous – which had the desired effect of breaking the ice quickly, before we sit in a circle on the marble floor to discuss introductions and objectives.Jayesh Patel, a dynamic social worker wedded to Gandhian philosophy and one of the founders of Manav Sadhna arrives to speak with us. He provides a warm welcome to the Institute, then explains that 80% of disease is water borne and therefore preventable by clean sanitation. This simple reason was what led his father to set up the Environmental Sanitation Institute, or ESI. Jayesh and his father Ishwerbhai Patel had designed preventative methods through the introduction of low cost sustainable toilets for the poor, combined with personal hygiene training to combat waterborne disease. ‘Jayeshbhai’, as he was more affectionately called, also introduced us to his approach to selfless service by seeing God in nature.
Drishti – an NGO with a vision
After a hearty traditional lunch, we set off in Jeeps to Drishti (meaning ‘vision’), an NGO with a difference. Drishti believes in building capabilities of NGOs and communities by using various forms of media, a process through which
they are empowering the underprivileged to communicate their stories in the public domain.Energetic, bubbly and someone who clearly loves communicating, Nimmi Chauhan introduces us to Drishti. “40% of married women in India have been beaten or slapped” she says, opening our eyes to plight of millions of women. She goes on to explain how Drishti assisted NGOs fighting such problems by setting up a media campaign including short but high impact videos. The result has been to give many women courage to speak up after seeing the footage of other women who have shared their experiences. As we saw this and several other short clips, we all sat their stunned by our first glimpses of the challenges India is facing. “The camera is our weapon”, courageously speaks one of the NGO volunteers on film.
How much does the Indian television media actually connect with the people of her country? How influential has Bollywood been to highlight the issues? Directors such as Mira Nair or Deepa Mehta have begun to make noise in this highly influential industry, but the question remains as to what extent TV is representative of the wider population.
Nimmi said something that echoed Jayeshbhai’s approach, which was that her work was not charity. It was in fact volunteering – and she stressed the importance of being clear why you want to do any kind of voluntary service.
A peaceful evening meal experience followed by world-class entertainment
On returning to Sugadh for our evening meal, we find a candle-lit room full of conference delegates about to eat a meal in silence, in the belief that it inspires personal reflection, contemplation and gratefulness. Several of us were asked if we would like to volunteer in serving food to them, so a few of us promptly wash our hands a get stuck in. Afterwards, the Learning Journey group all ate in a similar fashion (well, most of us tried to!).
After a few technical hitches, evening entertainment begins as we sit anxiously on chairs outside in the soothing dusk air. A group of youngsters from Manav Sadhna put on a world-class performance of drama, dance and music that has literally travelled the World, promoting the fundamental principles of Manav Sadhna – love and peace towards all of mankind. Jayeshbhai then delivers a touching speech, giving an insight into the extremely talented children who had just performed for us. One boy used to be a shoe cleaner, earning 2 rupees a time, working as hard as possible to pay for medicine for his sick father. Another boy also demonstrated similar love and commitment to his father, collecting batteries to empty acid and reselling. The acid would burn his hands because he would be opening batteries without protection (more stories).Day 2
The fight against caste discrimination being lead by Navsarjan
Navsarjan (which means “new creation”) works with the Dalit community, or ‘untouchable caste’, with its primary objective to strengthen the non-cooperation movement against the caste-based discrimination in Gujarat. Manjula
Pradeep, a Director of Navsarjan, explained some of the immediate issues addressed by her organisation such as violence against Dalits, ensuring primary education, eradication of manual scavenging and implementation of land reforms.As we sat in one of the school classrooms at the Navsarjan Dalit Shakti Kendra, we became guests of a school assembly, brought to life by a colourful dance by selected children. We were given a chance to interact and ask questions – which ended up with the each child standing up and stating which profession they wanted to join (as you might guess, cricketer and doctor where popular choices!). As we walked around outside, something inside me had been ignited, a feeling of anguish as much as love and compassion being around such transparent children. I thought to myself, what had these children done to deserve anything less than normal self-respect? Had it not been for Navsarjan, they would have also been confined to a life of cleaning up excrement, often with bare hands, and marred by social exclusion and degradation. How is this possible in such a sacred land, gracefully known as “Dharma Bhoomi”, (translates to a place of righteousness) where millions upon millions of human beings are treated in such inhuman ways? The Government of India has apparently set up systems, e.g. the reservation system where by each company must employ a specific percentage of Dalits, Tribals, and ‘other backward castes’ (or OBCs) to combat discrimination since it was officially outlawed in 1950. However, Manjula made us aware of the harsh realities and failures of the government action to resolve the miseries affecting the 160 million Dalits in India.
“I’m a Dalit, How are you?” is an emotional YouTube video created by Navsarjan and Drishti to raise awareness. After watching this, especially the interview of the school girl towards the end, you will momentarily experience the suffering of her people. I ask myself the question, in this emotionally charged state - can I just sit here? Or will I do something about it?
Railway Children providing living example of generosity
After lunch, we headed to Ahmedabad Railway Station to visit Railway Children, an international charity which operates at large railway stations across the World. It has been found that runaway or abandoned children were most vulnerable during the first few days or weeks after leaving home and few NGOs were targeting early intervention when the opportunity for family reunification, protection and developmental opportunities are greatest. We visited
an example of one of Railway Children projects, carried out by ASAG (Ahmedabad Study Action Group) which seeks to provide much needed contact and support for children who find themselves alone at the Station. 
each. “Don’t do that, otherwise how will you make any money”, say’s one of his volunteered carers, to which he responds “no worries – they are our guests for once in a lifetime”. I thought of the Hindu saying “atithi devo bhavah” (Guest is God). Wise words which comes from the same nation where this child, who clearly has few material possessions, is prepared to give all he has as gifts to these momentary visitors. At this moment I discovered that even when one has nothing, he can still give love – something that came in abundance in what appeared to be a nominal gift. I thought about how much abundance we have back home and how relatively ungenerous we are. In the afternoon, we arrived at Manav Sadhna, the NGO based at Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad (mentioned earlier). ‘Hridayakunj’ is the small cottage on the banks of the Sabarmati River, which became a place of great historic value when Gandhi resided there from 1915 – 1933, bringing with him the Satyagraha movement. We spend some time wondering around the calm, peaceful museum and heritage site – and witnessing where Gandhi once rested, meditated and spun yarn.
Manav Sadhna is located in a school-like building next to the Gandhi Ashram, a proximity which evidently keeps the Gandhian principles upon which Manav Sadhna is modelled very much alive. The organisation is comprised of a young group of dedicated individuals working for the upliftment of poor and needy children. There appears to be an endless influx of foreign volunteers associated with Manav Sadhna and many speak highly of its quality and impact in the local community.
As we walk into the playgrounds, we appear to be sanctified as guests by being offered paper hats and a paper flower to wear around our necks. A drum roll… and before you know it, a Dhol i
s blasting non-stop beats as an ocean of happy children surrounds us jumping up and down. As someone who is usually first to hit the dance floor at a party, I lead the way and go crazy with the children! The other participants follow when they realise how much fun this was.As we enter the main building, in traditional Hindu style, a chanlo/tilak is marked on our foreheads and a rakhi (with a doll hanging on it) is tied.
The never-stop-smiling face of Jayeshbhai is momentarily broken as his begins to speak to talk to us about the spirit of Manav Sadhna. “When Head, Heart and Hand are in Harmony, only then shall we experience Peace.” He truly put into practice what he preached demonstrated by the hundreds of joyful children that seem to float around him like a sea of love. “When the ego dies, the soul arises”, he continues, as he speaks of an overflow of compassion when we stop being so self-centred. “Sharing is caring” Jayeshbhai says, in a simple, clear and comical manner and tells us a fables about such principles.
Manav Sadhna is inspired by the Gandhian principles of truth, non-violence, uplifting the poor and oppressed, promoting health and sanitation and to educate the poor masses. After speaking to volunteers and reading the colourful displays on the walls, we realise this is a movement adapting these ideals to the current and complex issues facing not only India, but the world. It became clear how Manav Sadhna wishes to plant the seeds of hope and inspiration among all people, especially those children who have been neglected by society.
"Be like a ladder, not like a leader. If you become a ladder, then everyone develops themselves. And try to love all, serve all” says Jayeshbhai.
Living Service - Global Oneness Project Video about Jayeshbhai and Manav Sadhna.
Jayeshbhai and Anarben: Partners in Services – descriptive blog entry by a visitor to Manav Sadhna.
Every Child in School… Pratham, a NGO with courage to think big
At the regional headquaters for Pratham, we meet this charming couple, Harini and Aditya Natraj, who seem to be like the many once city workers and who have now found their ‘true purpose’. As we sit in one of their training rooms, Harini enthusiastically explains how Pratham provides educational opportunities to child labourers, street children and pavement dwellers. The motto of Pratham is ‘Every Child in School and is… Learning Well’. This is the largest NGO
we visit; it is massive and now has reach over 21 states with programmes aimed at pre-school education, accelerating reading technique, developing writing skills and basic arithmetic. Harini speaks with empowering vision and explains to us models of sustainability with education. Education must be fun to encourage learning, so Pratham has devised a unique interactive tangible learning approach, and packaged in such a way that it can be made available to distant villages. As a result, in the last 10 years, more than one million children have benefited through Pratham Programmes.
As we drive between Pratham offices and the slum schools (where Pratham is active), I negotiate to ride the motorbike with Pankhaj so that his colleague could take my seat in the jeep – a totally worthwhile trade except for the unanticipated side effect of my hair blow-dried for some time after!
Lunch was in Barista, the air conditioned up-market espresso bar, a welcomed break from the baking heat of the summer sun. I was slightly disappointed to find that the chilli paneer did not taste as good as the stuff back home, but Dharmesh’s birthday cake was delicious… well, what was left available for eating anyway!SEWA – Self employed women power!
After lunch we visit ‘Shanti Kendra’, a centre run by SEWA (Self Employed Women’s Association). Dharmesh, one of the Journey Leaders, encouraged my to engage with the women
(in Gujarati) as we sat down in a thin room face to face with women workers. I was blown away by the passion and energy with which Madinabhen spoke to me – her conviction to the cause was clear. She described vividly how she, a Muslim, and her fellow Hindu sisters would unite to overcome tension in the region. As she described her struggles, you could see the life emanating from this leader of her community. One seriously powerful woman. We take a walk outside to see the women making bidi’s and agarbattis.
Day 4
We discover the historical city of Ahmedabad with a Heritage Walk. The walk began from the picturesque Swaminarayan Mandir in Kalupur and ended in the glorious architectural legacy of the Jumma Masjid, covering in between the numerous pols, havelis, ornamental facades, workplaces of artisans and number of magnificent Hindu and Jain temples.
Slum tour: Stepping into the lives of slum dwellers – literally
This was perhaps the single most powerful parts of the Learning Journey. We immersed ourselves into a slum tour (Ramapir no Tekro), which took around 3 hours and probably changed the lives and perceptions of everyone who went on it.
After walking for 20 minutes, we eventually reached the actual thick of the slum (which most of us though began 20 minutes ago!). We were surrounded by small shacks and crowded spaces. As we continued to walk, we crossed over one of the sewers pouring into a stream. After carefully crossing the bridge, we came across piles of rubbish – and the rag-picking children, trying to find select pieces they can sell on for money. This was Gujarat’s largest slum and rag-picking was big business, which usually involved lower caste or dalit women and children separating trash into piles of plastic, paper and other materials to sell on to recycling barons (“middlemen”). I roam ahead and see some boys picking trash, next to which hungry cows and dogs are looking for scrapings. The stench of urine from the open toilets is overwhelming in the blistering heat as I gulp, realising that this is how they make their living.
As we progressed, Jayeshbhai, who was guiding us, seemed to know everyone single one of the 150,000 residents of the slum. He introduces us to one of the Manav Sadhna families and we take the opportunity to go inside their home. They have a small TV, a mirror on a shelf and pictures of Bollywood superstars on the walls – iconic of the dreams and transformation they are seeking?
We keep walking through until we come across many a new construction – a building that seems so clean, so strong and standing so proud in the midst of poverty. A place of hope and strength – this is the new Community Centre. An amazing building, built completely out of recycled materials and incorporating all faiths into its architecture. The complex has a large circular space in the middle, several classrooms and computer suites. We discover that this building has been a central focus for many of the slum dwellers, for it provided something solid and robust, a sense of family and unity they could rely on.
I see a dog in the corner, she is a mother and her body is withered showing her bones. Underneath, are two puppies trying to feed – analogous, I thought, to the situation of most mothers in the slum.I think we all walked away incredibly humbled – with a renewed sense of gratefulness for what we have been blessed with.
Sewa Café – living is giving
Volunteer Anjali Desai explains the vision behind Seva Cafe, a pay-it-forward restaurant in Ahmedabad, where each patron makes a donation toward the next person's meal. Devoted to the principle of "think globally, act locally," Anjali describes how this communal experiment in giving reminds us that every individual act of goodwill resounds in the collective human consciousness. (Watch the YouTube Video, also YouTube Video 2)
We head back to Sugadh to collect our bags and make our way to the bustling Ahmedabad Railway Station – to board the 7 hour sleeper train to Bhuj, in the northern Gujarat district of Kutch. Our friends from Railway Children manage to come and find us as we share another cup of chai, engaging in more testing Gujarati conversations. The stations is nothing like Euston or New Street… it appears even more crowded but with an added layer of dust and character. The station is a mini-ecosystem with its range of stores and food outlets to inhabitant ‘koolies’ (porters) and homeless people. It is here I realised where our parents get the incessant need to over pack – I’ve never seen so much luggage per person at a station!
On the way Bhuj, some lucky participants have the opportunity to sleep in the non-AC carriage – Amal being one of them, recollects it being a ‘good experience’, with the full range of sights, smells, and sounds!
Friday, 11 April 2008
Learning Journey // Bhuj (Part 2)
(continued from Part 1 - Ahmedabad)
Day 5
We arrive in the morning to Bhuj Station and make our way to Pranav Farm Resort, the health-retreat style accommodation that would become our home for the next few days. There is a swimming pool (which we did not get round to using!) surrounded by beautiful gardens, with our 2-bed round huts sitting in clusters like some kind of smurf village. The accommodation here and in Ahmedabad was clean and relatively simple – it would have felt uncomfortable visiting slums and then coming back to a 5-star hotel! After unpacking, a quick wash and powernap we have breakfast. Fully loaded up, we jump in our cars to visit Abhiyan.
Abhiyan, the umbrella NGO
Abhiyan is an umbrella organisation covering 30 NGOs and 450 Villages. Sandeepbhai and Sushmadidi host us at the Abhiyan office and enlighten us with a very informative and interactive presentation. Abhiyan set out in the late 80’s to create, nurture and enable communities. To build local leadership and confidence, through a sense of belonging and combined ownership.
Sushmadidi explained that the following factors made Abhiyan successful: commitment to locality; Acceptance of vulnerability and ability to ask for help and collective strength of all or “constructive transformation”.
After a ‘big-picture’ insight, we are able to see huge difference in environment compared to urban Ahmedabad. Kutch is a sparse land with different NGOs operating at large distances apart. Kutch has been made famous for earthquakes and we discover that not all efforts have been good.
KMVS – women’s self sustainence and empowerment
We have lunch at KMVS, one of the NGOs Abhiyan supports. KMVS (Kutch Mahila Vikas Sanghathan) is a collective of self-sustaining producer groups of over 6000 rural women. In addition to producing crafts, KMVS works on a range of empowerment/development issues such as savings and credits, legal aid, environment, health, education and local governance.
Due to KMVS’s sustained efforts over the past decade, these women have helped each other, their families and their communities extricate themselves from a vicious downward spiral of commercial exploitation by middlemen and traders.
HunnarShala – reconstructing communities
We take a drive out to the earthquake hit regions to see new sites being developed with housing for people made homeless by earthquakes. HunnarShala, an earthquake-relief NGO has been working out here on reviving old construction techniques and promoting new eco-friendly techniques of construction. Its aim is to reinforce the dwellings in durable matter for the poor populations, to encourage the integration of craftsmen in the processes of current constructions and to promote economic and ecological local materials.
It was saddening to find how long many had waited, but also pleasing to see how house proud they were now. An idea I picked up whilst backpacking previously to India is to take balloons where ever you go. They make great toys being so simple and easy to carry around. I inflate a couple and play with the local children – it’s great to see how within in a matter of seconds all hesitations and language/cultural barriers disappear and we are having fun like fellow villagers!
I recollect what Sushmadidi said about what makes Abhiyan successful and saw it in practice out in the field.
A Thread of Life - Shrujan
To provide contrast we then visit a more established NGO called Shrujan Trust, whose main objective is to provide design, marketing and training support to the traditional handicrafts sector of Kutch to make the artisans economically self-reliant. The organisation works as a kind of cooperative; It was quite interesting to see how the men created simple patterns with ink on sheets of cloth, packaged with bundles of expensive colourful thread and then sent these out to the women in villages. Shortly after the women would send back the finished products so that they can be taken to market. We see examples of the beautifully intricate ‘craft-womenship’ that are available for sale in the refreshingly cool air-conditioned shop.
Shrujan was started with artisans of one village in Kutch in 1969. Today, it offers help to over 3,000 women and 200 men in 120 villages of the Kutch district. We meet one of the founders of Shrujan, whose wife was recently chosen as a Laureate of the Rolex Awards for her plan to ensure the survival of an exquisite art form in a way that creates a sustainable source of income for the women of Kutch.
“Thread of Life” – Shrujan – is the beautifully carved motto on the stone outside the entrance. The website is particularly good example of the work – http://www.shrujan.org/.
Day 6
VRTI – institute devoted to developing innovative agriculture techniques
We begin the day by visiting VRTI (Vivekananda Research and Training Institute), formed in 1975 to make village economies self-reliant and sustainable. We take a walk around and discover how VRTI works on a range of issues from watershed management, agriculture, animal husbandry and eco-restoration. It was especially interesting to see the experiments they were conducting on alternative farming and bio-gas (plenty of cows around to support this work!).
KMVS Mundra – central office and distant shores
We first visit KMVS offices and have a discussion in the hall with select members of this organisation. A combination of midwives and other workers join us later. We discover how these women have been working since 1989, primarily as a collective of rural women focusing on development and empowerment issues around, handicrafts, savings and credits, legal aid, health, environment and citizens’ rights. They also run a radio programme – a powerful tool for women to relate to other women speaking free of men!
Having lunch was insightful – sitting on the floor with these local women interspersed between us. My conversational confidence had increased and I no longer hesitated. After a delightful insight, we travel out to a fishing community.
Even with the windows wound up full, air conditioning on max, the first thing to hit us was the stench. Stinking drying fish combined with salty sea air was putrid. As our cars drove up to the make-shift homes of these families, we begin to see a vast landscape, miles upon miles of sand and in the distance we see Mundra Port, famous for its ship building and being a central point of trade. Mundra is in fact one of the national “Special Economic Zones”, and currently receiving significant investment from the wealthy Adani Group. Walking around I didn’t feel anything special about what I was experiencing. As we walk around we see fences made of drying fish (e.g. Bombay duck) and the huts in which the families resided. As I walk in front of one of the huts the children come out, interacting with us. I notice their mother cooking food, with flies all over everything. Speaking to the fishermen, they tell us that every few days they have to pay for a tanker to come and deliver fresh water since the sea water is to salty for any kind of use. Combined with difficult prices received for fish, they are struggling to survive. As some of the girls retreat to the cars, we all decide its time to leave for breathable air!
Although it was uncomfortable to be in such a strong smelling environment, it was a powerful way to experience their lifestyle. People treat these fishermen as untouchables also, because when they come into the villages they bring the smell, the same one that was causing us to retreat.
We spend the remainder of the day in discussion. What are the challenges being created by economic advancement? What is the integrity of multinationals and is there any value to their promises to consider locals? We saw first hand the impact of the port development to the detriment of the Mundra fishing community. Is this the price we need to pay? Can anything be done?
Discussions and role plays
Full of energy for discussion, arguments and thoughts we begin the evening activity of a role play/group discussion. We are put in three groups – local village NGO, fishermen community, and the Company (i.e. Mundra Port Corporation / Adani Group). The position to argue: Adani Group wants expansion of the Port and we are to argue for/against this in front of a panel of Government Officials. Some interesting, and somewhat entertaining and even heated debate followed, before the judges went away to decide a verdict.
Day 7
Building bridges that connect national resource to local needs – Setu
Setu, meaning "bridge," is a NGO formed in the aftermath of the 2002 Kutch earthquake, to coordinate relief efforts and distribute resources based on localised need. Under the guidance of Abhiyan, Setu developed a vast local network that bridged the information gap between affected villages, the government, and NGOs. Setu’s current role, similar to its role during the relief efforts, is to collect accurate information to guide and implement development procedures. Setu bridged information in both directions: (1) Setu collected information at the village level and centralised it for use at organizational levels; (2) Setu took information from central bodies and distributed it through its village hubs to inform locals about government schemes and other rehabilitation efforts. In this way, Setu has played a pivotal role in numerous interventions involving village resources, health, education and livelihood.
We visit one location, Dhamadka, where Setu operated, and got a fantastic opportunity to visit a vibrant small village. After a short walk, we sit down on the floor in what seems to be the town centre (a big open space with a Mandir at the front!). A group of men join us – they look like they have just walked out of a bollywood movie as gangsters, but behind the oil slicked hair and hasslehof-shirts, we discover that these are the men with power in the village. They are the elected chiefs and local government or “panchayat” members. To our surprise, we find one of the women sitting there to also be a member!
We speak about the challenges faced in the village – such as electricity, school buildings and water supply. They explain how with the help of Setu, the local government has begun to consider their requirements. We get to see some of the evidence of progress made so far and walk around further, experiencing more great village life!
Train ride home and live entertainment Antaksharee
The train ride home was one of the most enjoyable social aspects of the trip! We spend endless hours playing Antaksharee, to the amusement (and probably eventual annoyance) of fellow travellers. It gets so late that the carriage lights go out for everyone to sleep, so we decide to stop playing and just chat. Due to the size of our group, we are spread over several carriages, so I manage to hop between a few to enjoy a variety of social gossip!
Day 8
Concluding thoughts and constructive action to take away… from Indicorps Anand Shah
“What does it take/will it take for change?” – wrote Anand Shah, one of the founders of Indicorps, on to a small chalk board as we all sat round in a circle on the veranda at ESI.
Anand, also a Harvard Graduate, sat quite simply on the floor in his kurta speaking with conviction of purpose. He spoke about how to challenge our thinking and to step out of our comfort zones.
He mentions Thomas Friedman’s “Golden Straight Jacket” as a way to describe the future and globalisation. Globalisation is inevitable, but there are two inherent struggles here – a drive for prosperity and development versus the desire to retain identity and traditions.
Anand continues to describe the shortage of people with the kind of thinking necessary to drive the right kind of change for India. From our visits to a variety of NGOs we saw the variation in leadership abilities. This is what Indicorps does I guess – brings the outside of the box thinking into the NGOs that would benefit from it most. Enabling projects to get much needed leadership, enthusiasm and skills as well as enabling eager Indicorps Fellows to get an amazing growing experience.
We come to some sort of conclusion to his initial question – What does it take for change? … People It takes people – a paradigm shift in peoples thinking – that will cause change. It was quite an open question with an open answer. Not specific to India, UK, your home or your community or even the World. “One should try and the leave the world better off by your existence”, said Anand. I share my opinion that I felt it was also leadership; genuine and integral, that was necessary to drive forward responsible change.
Another memorably quote to that came to mind from previous reflection session was:
“If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” - Lila Watson
To lead or even simply serve in India, one must consider his intentions carefully.
In Summary
There are two India’s. The developing India and the developed India. One resides in the cities and the other in the villages and slums. The pace of progress in the cities makes every Indian proud. However, it hurts to think that the shine from this golden India is blinding the world so that they cannot see the poor India, which unfortunately makes up large numbers.
I have discovered a glimpse, a day-in-the-life type experience of a person in poverty facing the type of challenges they do. I have experienced the joy, simplicity and innocence of slum children. To realise that money, wealth, clothes, lifestyle… ultimately are meaningless. When you look into the eyes of a child in poverty, you only get truthful expression – and when they show you love and joy, it is a pure sincere experience. Similarly, when they express sadness and distress, you feel it. You really feel it.
A vision, a dream and mission – call it what you want, but we met many individuals, leaders of NGOs, who so evidently lived up one in mind. They taught me what it means to live a life that makes a difference to the world, regardless of the size or scale of the problem. That anything is possible if you believe it so, especially with the overwhelming power of love and compassion.
I’m inspired. I’m ready to roll my sleeves up, get my hands dirty and purify my heart.
PRAMAL
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank first and foremost Connect India: Meenal Sachdev, Dharmesh Mistry, Pooja Warier, and Meera Manek. Without their vision and dedication, this experience would not have been possible.
In addition, I am grateful to the following people: Jayeshbhai Patel and everyone at Manav Sadhna/ESI who welcomed us into their home and lives, redefining our understanding of love and service. To all those who have fed us along the way and provided us a comfortable bed to give us much needed rejuvenation, and of course, the people of India – you may not realise, but you gave us much more than we were ever able to give you. From the bottom of my much more evolved heart, I thank you.
