tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068680618585663832024-03-13T08:07:30.276-07:00Villager in the Cityvirtual= practical & effective; villageois= 'French' for villager.
Upcoming posts: Tibetan Refugees; Jalundhar Village UpdateAn Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216817436517797955noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706868061858566383.post-87634090720232278762007-01-31T16:51:00.000-08:002007-02-14T10:23:22.701-08:00Selective Abortions in Punjab<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqp0PEYEaOiOR0IrSECctOgfFumJWaq0SPkCuoZY_-kq_OYyvSnkhyphenhyphen4WdgsKEhKXy07xf4mhY02dyOx09kiz1_yX-8RoYhNgXRin5pDxIB7cxgmSRwGn3bsj3aFa3ZRdzg0qe8y9-bJAkp/s1600-h/fetus.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqp0PEYEaOiOR0IrSECctOgfFumJWaq0SPkCuoZY_-kq_OYyvSnkhyphenhyphen4WdgsKEhKXy07xf4mhY02dyOx09kiz1_yX-8RoYhNgXRin5pDxIB7cxgmSRwGn3bsj3aFa3ZRdzg0qe8y9-bJAkp/s200/fetus.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031453697398183938" /></a><br />While in the village in Jalundhar, Punjab, Lisa and I interviewed teachers at the local schools. It was touching to see and hear how beautiful, candid, and bubbly these women were. These women relayed to us many of the social issues they face, and the lack of assistance available to them. <br /><br />A very unfortunate and controversial issues is foeticide, or <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5293148">selective abortion</a> based on the sex of the fetus. They indicated that it is not just a problem that belongs to poor or lower caste families; it is a societal problem with significant ramifications. The ratio of boys to girls is astounding in the states of Haryana, Punjab, and Gujarat. The teachers indicated both upper class, wealthy families and lower class, poor families have selective abortions. The teachers indicated that "<span style="font-style:italic;">poor families would starve themselves to save up money to buy an abortion under the table</span>." They indicated the need for social services and education in rural areas is needed to help prevent selective abortions. <br /><br />I recently read an article in the Christain Science Monitor about the astounding rate of <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0113/p01s04-wosc.html">selective abortion in India</a>. The prestigious British medical journal, The Lancet, stated that over 500,000 selective abortions are done per year to avoid births of girls! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/390331716/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/390331716_cf11dcb39c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Punjabigirls" /></a><br /><br />A girl child is considered more of a 'liability' rather than an 'asset.' To marry a daughter, most times the family is obligated to give dowry to the groom's family. Also sons maintain the family's name and contribute to the family's wealth. Strict laws were passed to ban selective abortions in 1994; however the rate has increased and such abortions are generally done through bribes and other illegal means. There has been a <a href="http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=34298">crackdown</a> recently on this illegal practice. Along with punishing perpetrators, the government needs to provide more social programs and incentives to families bearing daughters. It is too deep of a problem to simply punish. Reform of societal values and education in rural areas is vital.An Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216817436517797955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706868061858566383.post-36895268356976467882007-01-15T12:42:00.000-08:002007-01-23T13:07:24.424-08:00Dalai Lama on Buddhist Meditation<span style="font-weight:bold;">My Question to His Holiness on Meditation</span><br /><br />His Holiness the Dalai Lama is visiting San Francisco this April '07. It is surprising how much he travels all over the world raising constant awareness for his people. <br /><br />While we had our special meeting with him at a Tibetan Temple in Dharamsala, I squeezed in a final question for him at the end. Since I have a deep interest in Eastern philosophy, particularly meditation practices, I asked him to explain how he stays focused with so much going on around him. Following was the brief dialogue:<br /><br />Me: When you meditate, how do you stay focused?<br /><br />His Holiness: (chuckles) That is <span style="font-style:italic;">my</span> problem! (The whole group and His Holiness laughing)...<br /><br />Me: Sometimes I have that problem too. <br /><br />His Holiness: I have to train simple point in mind. I use analytical meditation. According to Buddhist practice, there are two types of meditation: Samadhi and Vipassana. Samadhi is simple point in mind. Vipassana is analytical meditation. Everybodys do that, in different fields. When your mind analyzes, concentrated, involved fully and focused in analytical meditation, then other minds may not be very active... Your mind fully concentrated on other subjects like that. So that is very useful. I feel analytical meditation, or Vipassana is more important than Samadhi. Samadhi is just something like relaxed, your mind is focusing on one point and nothing else. So it is useful, important, but as far as changing our concepts, training of our mind or shaping new shapes of our emotions, analytical meditation is much better, much stronger!<br /><br />Me: Thank you.<br /><br />His Holiness: Good?!<br />------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Reflection</span><br /><br />Upon my arrival back to the US, I researched both types of meditation that His Holiness talked about. I have vague familiarity with both types, but not from the Buddhist perspective. Samadhi meditation is the concentration of the mind (one-pointedness of mind) and is the third division of the Eightfold Path of the Buddha's teaching. Samadhi is a calming, focusing, and pacifying meditation which has been incorporated into many traditions in both East and West. Yoga can be considered a form of Samadhi meditation. <br /><br />Vipassana means insight, and it depends on direct experience and observation. Of most of the sources I researched, I like the approach Wikipedia offered in explaining Vipassana. According to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vipassana#Practice_of_vipassan.C4.81">Wikipedia</a>, "The actual instructions for Vipassana meditation are not often published in clear terms in public venues. This is simply to avoid confusion and prevent incorrect technique. The instructions are not esoteric or difficult but basically involve retraining the mind to avoid its innate conditioned response to most stimuli. In order to obtain maximum benefit, it is recommended that this be learnt from a legitimate source as it does have deep cleansing effects...The purpose is also not to release past trauma, but to bring full awareness of the mind, body and all sensations and be fully present. This practice is thought to develop a deep, experiential understanding of the impermanence of reality and also brings to the surface and dissolves deep-seated complexes and tensions. The technique fosters development of insight and needs to be continued as a way of life in order to having lasting effects.</span>"<br /><br />According to Buddha, The<span style="font-style:italic;"> "mind is intrinsically pure. However, it becomes polluted by the absorption of impurities."</span> It seems that all major religions have some form of meditation, or contemplation to cleanse and relax the mind. Various religions have different forms of meditation to achieve a certain consciousness. For instance, meditation could be used to bring and maintain the self in the present moment; or to free the mind of desire and other thoughts; or achieving concentration with the mind focused on God, or love; or focusing the mind on a single object (such as the breath, or a mantra); or an ultimate awakening of the mind, or reaching a higher consciousness, such as Nirvana (which I think is rare).An Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216817436517797955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706868061858566383.post-86684375566523848922006-12-19T11:16:00.000-08:002007-02-14T10:41:23.386-08:00The Greatest Generation...Unfortunately when our team left Dharamsala for Amritsar, I got notice that my Grandfather had fallen gravely ill. Before leaving for India, I had promised him that I would do <span style="font-style:italic;">Ardas</span> (pray) in Amritsar, the Sikh holy city. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293835809/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/122/293835809_e2147a186d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6815.JPG" /></a><br />We were in Amritsar until the October 27th, and left for Delhi via train. I knew I needed to go home urgently. I arrived in California late October 28th, and went directly to the hospital where my Grandfather was. I spent that evening and the next day with him until he took his last breath on October 29th. <br /> <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/311395424/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/119/311395424_6d60bcf55d_m.jpg" width="159" height="240" alt="Pitha Ji" /></a> A.S. Sandhu, 1913-2006<br /><br />He is the survivor of India's independence from the British, the bloody <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/06/south_asia_india0s_partition/html/4.stm">Partition</a> of Punjab after the British relinquished control of India, and the tragic loss of all his children except his one living daughter. Bloodshed and disease were rampant during that time and medical care was poor, if not absent. He was a true survivor, eternally in <span style="font-style:italic;">chardi kala </span>(high spirits). His dignity, wisdom, talent, and total dedication and integrity inspired awe and respect for him from all who came in contact with him. He lived his belief of purity of mind (ishnan), compassion for all human beings (daan), and unshakable love for God and his creation (naam). He exemplified dignity of labor by being a doer, a creator who was actively involved all his life.<br /><br />Tom Brokaw wrote a book about the generation of American heroes who were in their prime during the Great Depression and World War II. This generation was linked not only by a common purpose, but also by common values--duty, honor, courage, service, love of family and country, and, above all, responsibility for oneself. In this book, Brokaw introduces people whose everyday lives reveal how a generation persevered through war, and were trained by it. It is said that generation was "<span style="font-style:italic;">the </span><span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0003/06/lkl.00.html">greatest generation</a></span> any society has ever produced."<br /><br />Along similar lines, I feel the same way about the Indian men and women who lived during World War II, the fight against British imperialism, the fight for India's independence, and the deadly Partition of Punjab. My grandparents are of this era. Despite losing everything including their home, land, priceless family tree and heirlooms, and the many family members along the way, they remained steadfast in their integrity, dignity, courage, love of family and country, and their responsibility as human beings. People of my grandparent's generation should be celebrated and honored for their legacy. Unfortunately I do not sense the same kind of life force (truth, integrity, courage and values) in the generations that have come after them...at least not to such an extent.<br /><br />It seems like the end of an era...a time and place that will never be the same again. My Grandfather has been the most influential and dearest person in my life. Coming to terms with his passing is so sad and make me wish for a time long past. My Grandfather's qualities were truly exceptional and rare, and I am confident he is someplace very lovely...We celebrated his incredible life and his beautiful legacy.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293835841/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/117/293835841_023982ca16.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6816.JPG" /></a><br />Sri Harimandar Sahib, where I prayed for my GrandfatherAn Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216817436517797955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706868061858566383.post-82628698420173688892006-11-18T22:05:00.000-08:002006-11-26T10:21:52.779-08:00Pingalwara<span style="font-weight:bold;">Pingalwara Center: A Place for Hope, Health and Happiness<blockquote></blockquote></span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293842101/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/110/293842101_c63c43dff8.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6828.JPG" /></a><br />This was a remarkable place, and the story behind it is even more compelling. Pingalwara's formation was sparked in 1934 by Bhagat Puran Singh Ji in Amritsar, Punjab. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293842064/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/114/293842064_ec8914643c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6827.JPG" /></a><br />For over 14 years, Bhagat Puran Singh tirelessly carried an abandoned, spastic child, usually on his back. The Partition of Punjab in 1947 (to form Pakistan) resulted in massive bloodshed. Millions of people were forced to leave their belongings in Pakistan to cross into India. My own grandparents survived the Partition but lost many of their children on the difficult journey. It was a traumatic and dark period in India's history.<br /><br />Bhagat Puran Singh went through rough periods, and in 1948 when Pingalwara was taking shape, he stood along the streets requesting money. With the money he managed to collect, he bought food, clothes and medicines for the sick. He fed and bathed them, and took them to the hospital for treatment. He never allowed war, plague, or extreme weather to get in his way, and he continued to pick up stranded people (whether they were infected, sick, dying, etc).<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293842507/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/119/293842507_4381d45a56_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="IMG_6848.JPG" /></a><br />Pingalwara means a house or asylum for the disabled, handicapped or crippled. We learned the Center also houses and takes care of the elderly, abused, people suffering terminal diseases, etc. The Center houses a humble museum dedicated to Bhagat Puran Singh depicting photographs of his early years and his simple belongings. He leaves a powerful legacy, one full of wonder and hope. <br /><br />It is said that, "...Pingalwara is full of legends that would never make newspaper stories- for they are success stories about people picked up in their infancy from garbage bins, girls abused and abandoned by their families, and those mentally retarded grown-ups normally sent to harsh asylums for their lives" (All India Pingalwara Charitable Society).<br /><br />Bhagat Puran Singh was well beyond his time. While no one gave attention to threatening environmental issues, he tirelessly advocated against deforestation and soil erosion. He stressed the need for planting trees, preserving natural resources, limiting the use of diesel and gasoline, and leading a good, simple life. <br /><br />We spent a day in Pingalwara where Dr. Inderjit Kaur (who runs Pingalwara now) graciously provided us with a tour. We saw the main branch where they had living quarters and daily classes for neglected children and mentally impaired women. We also visited the branch just on the outskirts of Amritsar, where they house the school for the underprivileged and the prosthetic and physical therapy center. The employees and volunteers of Pingalwara were hard at work teaching, repairing, building, and providing services to people. We were very moved and impressed with their dedication to Bhagat Puran Singh's legacy. We donated to their cause, and felt that this help would go far. Pingalwara needs these funds and creates a wonderful environment to those who need it most. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Photos<blockquote></blockquote></span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293842720/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/120/293842720_20dd34399d_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6858_1.JPG" /></a> Conjoined twins on all vital organs who can never be separated. Pingalwara Center, Amritsar, Punjab. October 26, 2006. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293842668/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/102/293842668_d5363813e0_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="IMG_6856.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293842208/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/107/293842208_e220fef5ea_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="IMG_6833.JPG" /></a><br />Young girls at the school for the underprivileged; Child of a mentally impaired woman<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293842412/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/119/293842412_9cb9843deb.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6843.JPG" /></a><br />Rebecca and cognitively impaired children dancing to Bhangra music<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293842599/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/99/293842599_bc4b595239.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6854.JPG" /></a><br />Lovely children in class at the school for the underprivileged<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293842364/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/103/293842364_5a5398f575_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="IMG_6840.JPG" /></a><br />Sweet girl in class at the school for the cognitively impaired<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293842524/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/117/293842524_eaa5866429.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6851.JPG" /></a><br />Children having a nice chuckle and drinking their milk<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293842124/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/105/293842124_edca5ceb3e_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6829.JPG" /></a><br />At the Pingalwara old school print shop where people are provided with small employment opportunities to publish Bhagat Puran Singh's manuscripts for free public distribution.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293842693/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/117/293842693_ebf50f6d61.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6857.JPG" /></a><br />Team with Pingalwara President Dr. Inderjit Kaur (pictured in the blue). Dr. Inderjit Kaur has been wonderfully leading Pingalwara since the passing away of Bhagat Puran Singh in 1992.An Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216817436517797955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706868061858566383.post-32021549481988206962006-11-17T12:55:00.000-08:002007-02-14T10:50:04.437-08:00Dharamsala to Amritsar<span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">A Surprisingly Arduous Journey</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293835604/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/99/293835604_c7b3ebdc72_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6804.JPG" /></a> Our journey from Dharamsala to Amritsar was absolute madness. The traffic congestion, road closures, detours, and holiday celebrations in honor of <a href="http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/gurus/buddha.html ">Baba Buddha (1506-1631) </a>made traveling quite arduous. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/310583196/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/99/310583196_1665efa58f_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Baba Buddha"/></a><br /><br />When we were finally within the Amritsar district, traffic was stop and go. At every interval we had to stop, a group of Sikh boys would practically jump on our jeep to clean it and aggressively offer us beverages. It seemed almost normal to me, but since most of the team members have never traveled in this manner, their reaction was funny. Many of them thought we were being accosted or attacked. I explained that because there is a holiday, everyone is celebrating, and local people offer beverages to passersby traveling along the main road. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293835577/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/117/293835577_ba678294d6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6803.JPG" /></a><br />We left Dharamsala in the early afternoon but did not reach Amritsar until about 8pm. Our new drivers were terrible and we truly missed our Punjabi-speaking Tibetan drivers. Once we arrived in Amritsar, Tom and his guide Hekani arranged for us to stay at a guest house which was rather creepy. Some team members refused to stay there. So we stayed at a so-called 5 star hotel, the Ritz Plaza which I did not care too much for...but it was the best we were going to get by that point.<br /><br />Punjab's government needs to consider improving the conditions of their roads and highways, along with more practical design and infrastructure. Perhaps entertaining proposals from wide ranging experts in fields such as engineering and architecture, could serve as the beginning to much needed reform and restructuring.<br /><br />The highlight of Amritsar is Harimandar Sahib (aka Sikh Golden Temple). It is truly beautiful and unique in architecture. Most impressive is the undeniable feeling of peace one feels sitting at the water's edge near the Temple. I only hope that the administrators of the Temple upkeep its' beauty and prevent tarnish. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293835624/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/115/293835624_84fe45a494.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6806.JPG" /></a> <br />Lisa and I went to the Golden Temple the night we arrived in Amritsar, October 26, 2006.An Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216817436517797955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706868061858566383.post-30846554881857736022006-11-15T01:00:00.000-08:002006-11-27T08:46:56.694-08:00His Holiness the Dalai Lama<span style="font-weight:bold;">A Rare Meeting<blockquote></blockquote></span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293792661/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/101/293792661_776ed8c081.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6692.JPG" /></a><br />Quite a rare opportunity to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama! So many people told me how lucky I was to have this chance. After the meeting, I reflected and thought to myself, "<span style="font-style:italic;">Am I any different now that I have met him? Have I changed in any respect?</span>" I have not changed, but I am motivated to gain more discipline in my meditation (more on that in a later post!). I am also grateful for this opportunity because the Dalai Lama represents many things to me. He is a true spiritual and even political leader. He has done much for his Tibetan people, particularly in motivating them to succeed in the modern world through education while holding on to their identity as <span style="font-style:italic;">Tibetan Buddhists</span>.<br /><br />The Dalai Lama is believed to be the reincarnation of each of the previous thirteen Dalai Lamas of Tibet (the first having been born in 1351 AD), who are in turn considered to be manifestations of Chenrezig, Bodhisattva of Compassion. Since the Dalai Lama is also considered a manifestation of Chenrezig, he would be the seventy-fourth in a lineage that can be traced back to a Brahmin boy who lived in the time of <span style="font-style:italic;">Buddha Shakyamuni</span>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293792596/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/101/293792596_78937364e6_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="IMG_6690.JPG" /></a><br />Grateful to meet you, Your Holiness!<br /><br />When asked about his current goals, he replied that he had 2 main areas of focus:<br />1. The promotion of <span style="font-style:italic;">human values</span> such as compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment and self-discipline.<br /><br />2. The promotion of <span style="font-style:italic;">religious harmony</span> and understanding among the world’s major religions. He stressed that all major world religions have a similar message on the importance of being good human beings despite any philosophical difference. <br /><br />What beautiful commitments to strive for and live by! If all religious leaders or religious groups thought in that respect and lived by such practical values, the world would not be in such a crisis.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293792458/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/106/293792458_9a5fff55b4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6683.JPG" /></a><br />The Dalai Lama has a strong presence. I recognized his strength of mind, character, and intelligence. He speaks several languages, has been all over the world successfully promoting the Tibetan cause, and is the spiritual leader of the Tibetans! Some of his many successes include:<br /> <br />* Awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his non-violent struggle for the <br /> liberation of Tibet. <br /><br />* First Nobel Laureate to be recognized for his concern for global environmental <br /> problems.<br /><br />* Has travelled to more than 62 countries!<br /> <br />* Has received over 84 awards, honorary doctorates and prizes in recognition of his <br /> message of peace, non-violence, inter-religious understanding, universal <br /> responsibility and compassion.<br /> <br />* Has also authored more than 72 books. <br /><br />He has held special meetings with presidents, prime ministers and royal families, and has also held dialogues with the heads of various religions.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293792566/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/116/293792566_539e6b7ca2.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_6688.JPG" /></a><br />Here is Tom, who arranged for us to meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Tom has been a champion for the Tibetan cause, and has donated much of his time, research and funding to aid projects in Dharamsala. Every year he sends law students to Dharamsala to teach Tibetan students human rights courses.An Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216817436517797955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706868061858566383.post-30186941553284876782006-11-14T22:41:00.000-08:002006-11-17T00:58:18.165-08:00Dharamsala, Part II<span style="font-weight:bold;">Education in Dharamsala<blockquote></blockquote></span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293825223/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/102/293825223_baddca4626_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6781.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/298623843/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/120/298623843_964f21a318_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="mountainview.jpg" /></a> <br />We were fortunate enough to interview directors of various Tibetan schools, nunneries and the Transit School. When Tibetan refugees arrive in India, they are transported to the refugee center. They await their rare meeting and personal blessing from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293514805/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/121/293514805_ce58ffc823_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6664.JPG" /></a><br />After the blessing, younger refugees are placed in the Sherub Gatsel Lobling School (Tibetan Transit School) where they have the option to remain for up to five years. The school has approximately 700 students. There they are taught a trade, language skills, technical training and education along with food and board. These young refugees have the option to stay the five years or leave earlier. After their time at the Transit School, either they go to a regular school, begin working, or are placed in one of the many Tibetan centers all over India. Some go back to Tibet so that the Tibetan culture is preserved and the aim of independence is never forgotten. I was impressed with their organization and outreach to the International community.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293514914/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/115/293514914_112eedfcb4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6676.JPG" /></a><br />We interviewed the Director of a Tibetan and Indian school in Dharamsala who is a very excited about the work he does with the schools. Because the school is a mix of Tibetan and Indian students, he stressed ongoing cultural exchanges during childhood. This ensures a mutual understanding between ethnic Indians and the Tibetans. He told us the Indian government has been good to the Tibetans and allowed them to freely live in Dharamsala, while allowing them to preserve their culture...in many ways better than in Tibet. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has aided his people well, and people all over have been generous to the Tibetans out of care and concern. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/297496455/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/101/297496455_5c8570d8f0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Dharamsalakids.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293792950/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/103/293792950_bf5a08e0a9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6702.JPG" /></a><br />School children taking a break at the Tibetan cultural festival. Tibetan school girls out for a walk.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/298623828/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/113/298623828_ee62f5bb9b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="lunchroom.jpg" /></a><br />Dining hall for primary school children<br /><br />Overall, my findings led me to conclude that Dharamsala schools are in fairly good condition, and are constantly being improved and modernized. We learned that Tibetan schools and the new villages that are propping up in the region are funded heavily through international philanthropy. Funding also comes from the Dalai Lama Foundation, Tibet Administration and other standard governmental aid. <br /><br />There are clear differences between the needs of Indian schools and the Tibetan schools. The pressing needs of many Tibetan schools included: improving the building structure of some schools, better benches, softer mattresses, and more nutritional food. However the many poor Indian schools had very critical needs such as an actual structure, walls, non-dirt floors, stationary, books, and other basic essentials. The manner in which the Tibetan government in exile has created, maintained and modernized their school system should serve as an example to many Indian states that have been <span style="font-style:italic;">unable</span> to do the same for their own schools. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293808871/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/110/293808871_ff27d6ec7a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6750.JPG" /></a> <br />Kids in their music class excited to see us!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293808806/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/101/293808806_a02b21f527.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_6746.JPG" /></a> Tibetan girl dressed for her art and music class.An Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216817436517797955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706868061858566383.post-22153407579529044692006-11-11T12:46:00.000-08:002006-11-15T16:45:33.859-08:00My November Posts<blockquote>My India Posts & the India Team<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></blockquote><br />Our team consisted of 1 American man, 5 American women of different ethnic backgrounds and 1 Indian woman living in Delhi (not pictured below). It was an interesting mix, we all had different experiences and various strengths to add to the pot! I am thankful to my team members who were very genuine in their personal endeavors. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/297554554/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/120/297554554_b18f0df203.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="India Team.jpg" /></a><br />Pictured above: Angela, Cherlyn, Tom, Lisa, Rebecca, and me<br /><br />We cultivated wonderful ideas and plan to tackle some of the problems we saw in the schools.<br /><br />Before heading out on our expedition to India, I decided to blog my observations, reflections, and adventures. My recent posts are intended to share these adventures and expose regions generally not on the radar of global philanthropists.<br /><br /> <br /><a href="http://www.technorati.com/claim/wzpxpxk3rx" rel="me">Technorati Profile</a>An Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216817436517797955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706868061858566383.post-20155028537722702292006-11-10T19:22:00.000-08:002007-01-23T13:13:41.022-08:00Tibetans in Dharamsala, India<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293809021/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/113/293809021_8f1aca1a05.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6757.JPG" /></a><br />Dharamsala, city of exile for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his Tibetan people, has become a very diversified place over the last fifty years. It is like a second home to many Western people, including celebrities, who cheer and support the Tibetan cause. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293514565/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/116/293514565_dd418f28e2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6649.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293808647/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/121/293808647_2ae03bd94a_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6736.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293451937/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/116/293451937_8e1b8d4fd3_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6553.JPG" /></a><br />It is rather easy to get around in Dharamsala since there is much Western influence, but getting there is the hard part! We were fortunate enough to have a reliable driver from Delhi. "Jack," our Tibetan driver had a broad range of influences. He was born and raised in India, speaks English, Tibetan, Punjabi, Hindi, and many other languages, and is learning Spanish and French! He went to Punjab University in Chandigardh, is a practicing Buddhist, and listens to many genres of music. On our drive, he played a wild range of music videos including Snoop Dogg, Maroon 5, Eagles, Cat Stevens, Bhangra, Tibetan, Chinese, and many others. He is the proud father of a baby girl with his wife, whom we had a brief chance to meet in Dharamsala.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293514451/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/105/293514451_009800ee46.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6643.JPG" /></a><br />The Tibetans, in general, had very genuine qualities of kindness, peacefulness, and an abundant openness to people of all walks of life. Jack, a modern Tibetan in my view, had a fusion of cultural influences from his proud Tibetan heritage, his upbringing in India, interactions with Western travelers, and the effects of globalization. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293450844/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/106/293450844_bdf49ab387_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="IMG_6509.JPG" /></a><br />Many Tibetans in Dharamsala were very open about the growing concern of the survival of their Tibetan culture and identity. Nevertheless, it was refreshing to see that many Tibetans including Jack were adjusting well to modernization, yet thoroughly practicing their religion and honoring their heritage. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293452432/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/111/293452432_f2c6db4b33.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6637.JPG" /></a><br />Tibetans are doing many things to preserve their culture and promote their cause by having cultural shows, presentations, and concerts. This attracts Western attention, and Dharamsala definitely had many foreigners compared to surrounding areas like Punjab and other states. In the five days we were in Dharamsala, the Tibetans had a protest against the Chinese government's atrocities, Tibetan cultural shows, a candlelight vigil, and a concert against drugs and to promote AIDS awareness. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293452278/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/117/293452278_509dc1ac8f_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6594.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293792971/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/99/293792971_b897713336_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6706.JPG" /></a><br />The Tibetan Unemployment Co-operative Society was happy to announce that weekly a group of new arrival artists from Tibet will entertain visitors, educate the public on Tibetan identity, and encourage support of Tibetan youths.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293792364/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/116/293792364_ac3496f6af.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6677.JPG" /></a><br />We noticed pictures of the missing Panchen Lama posted all over Dharamsala. I guess that keeps the search ongoing and keeps fresh the memories of a lost Tibet. Panchen Lama is a title like Vice-President or Prime Minister. According to the Tibetans, the Panchen Lama was 6 years old when he and his parents were "kidnapped" from their home in Tibet by the Chinese government. He has been missing for over 6 years. Panchen means "Great Scholar" and Lama is a word Tibetans use for a religious teacher. Tibetans believe that the Panchen Lama is the protector of all the world's living beings.<br /><a href="http://www.tibet.com/dasaguide.html"><br />Dharamsala</a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293514478/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/104/293514478_171ba2fb45.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_6645.JPG" /></a>An Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216817436517797955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706868061858566383.post-58376287141101257612006-11-09T23:00:00.000-08:002006-11-14T19:13:03.609-08:00Village Conditions in Jalundhar District, Punjab<span style="font-weight:bold;">Village Mindset<blockquote></blockquote></span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293411722/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/117/293411722_844eb91807.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6492.JPG" /></a><br />One of the few homes with a door, home of Late Jagat Singh and his family<br /><br />As we roamed around a few villages in the Jalundhar District, there seemed to be a disconnect between the city proper and the villages. The cities in Punjab are polluted because of the smog, lack of proper city planning, landscaping, or a practical plan. Fortunately the cities still have access to resources, technology and modern amenities. We stayed at the Radisson in Jalundhar (I did not realize there was a Radisson there until I made our booking). <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293219112/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/113/293219112_953b14b938_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6358.JPG" /></a> Radisson in Jalundhar city<br /><br />The villages, on the other hand, are the centers and homes of the farmworkers of Punjab, which is the agricultural capital of India. The farms of Punjab are beautiful with long pastures of green; it is a nice getaway from the harsh conditions of the cities. The villages are usually located in the midst of the farms. Unfortunately, the homes in villages we examined are poorly constructed and falling apart.<br /><br />For instance, the central part of Khaira Majja village had about 1-2 larger homes with surrounding homes that were completely dilapidated. It was such a contrast seeing one fairly nice home with the attached surrounding homes falling apart (walls broken in, no roofs or doors). The immense amount of poverty was mind blowing to us. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293411539/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/113/293411539_9a1e6ddb53.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6484.JPG" /></a><br />The women who lived in these homes were very kind and let us in to examine the conditions. Most of the homes were 1 bedroom with about 3-5 people sleeping there, and the kitchen being directly in the bedroom. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293411621/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/103/293411621_bc50119273.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6487.JPG" /></a><br />Some of the team members gave the women money although I took a step back at that moment. I think the better way to help is through sustainable options rather than handouts. Many of the women were weeping out of pride and sadness. One woman openly greeted us and said, <span style="font-style:italic;">"Welcome to the homes of the poor. What can we do for you?"</span> <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293411597/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/104/293411597_e7baedea7d_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="IMG_6486.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293411561/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/108/293411561_0b0c1f24eb_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6485.JPG" /></a><br />I began looking around, examining their homes, the little alleys leading to their homes, and the general well being of the small community. The largest problem (aside from the governments lack of public assistance) lay in the mindset of the people. They are living in poverty and have allowed it to take over their lives. <br /><br />They seem a depressed people who do not know how to empower themselves to get their community out of the extreme conditions. But alas, despite the depressive state, the Punjabis are an optimistic people. The potential our team saw in the community was inspiring. There were little steps being taken (ie, the addition of a small generator, the partial construction a model school for the primary children, attempts at creating s system for proper sewage disposal, etc). Many seemed to be investing in their kids in any way they could. Most of the village people shared the belief that "<span style="font-style:italic;">we've lived our life and it isn't going to change much, but maybe we could make it a little better for our children</span>." <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293411505/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/102/293411505_42fc920cbb.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_6483.JPG" /></a><br />Pictured above is a "Narlka," which is where several families get their water source for cooking, bathing, and washing.<br /><br />The state government definitely needs to help their people through more funding of the schools, better electricity and water for the residents, and access to proper health care. The villagers need to invest in their communities, lift themselves out of the "<span style="font-style:italic;">we are poor and helpless</span>" mindset, and start making solid improvements. <span style="font-style:italic;">I believe that how you live inside is indicative of what you will produce outside</span>. For instance, if a person is living in an extremely depressed state of mind and their home surroundings are filthy and unkempt, then the likelihood of their community being pleasant and organized is highly unlikely. <br /><br />About 99% of the homes we saw in this village were breaking down, extremely tarnished and abandoned-looking although there were whole families living in them! The spiritual and practical side of me realizes that constructive change has to start from the inside, and then it can permeate outwards! Unfortunately the villagers cannot make the changes themselves; they need resources, practical tools, and assistance from external sources.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293411466/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/118/293411466_ea29ebb326.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_6482.JPG" /></a><br />Pictured are young girls trying to keep a home clean by sweeping the floors. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293411663/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/111/293411663_fde6be24d2.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_6489.JPG" /></a><br />Mrs. Singh, who is the Sarpanch of the village (leader of the Panchayat), stands before her husband to greet us.An Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216817436517797955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706868061858566383.post-75304969931777642092006-11-09T22:28:00.000-08:002006-11-17T00:43:58.221-08:00Primary Khalsa Public School, Jalundhar, Part II<span style="font-weight:bold;">JALUNDHAR, PUNJAB<blockquote></blockquote></span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/297439310/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/101/297439310_363cd34c35.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Nurserykids.jpg" /></a><br />This is the Model Primary School that the village panchayat (local lawmakers) has started and is still trying to build. The kids are primarily in nursery to the 5th grade. For <span style="font-style:italic;">primary</span> education, there is free education until the beginning of 6th grade at government aided public schools. However, according to the teachers, when the kids were entering junior high, they did not know basics in language, math, science so the model school was established. The village is struggling to make ends meet, there is a lack of books, writing utensils, paper, supplies, proper lighting, and classroom space. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293410728/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/116/293410728_abb6442d29.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6438.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293410816/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/102/293410816_679c215a14.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6441_1.JPG" /></a><br />The youngsters were precious, and so shy when they first met us! Rebecca brought them markers, crayons, and candy for which they were thrilled.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293410695/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/117/293410695_9d8148c0db_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="IMG_6437_1.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293410930/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/105/293410930_0899c43380_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="IMG_6448.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293411052/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/103/293411052_241706e5e3_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6456_1.JPG" /></a><br />Pictured are two preschool students, and the school bus for the little kids. The older ones walk or ride their bikes. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293411107/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/106/293411107_4e6b6f0783.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6458_1.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293411175/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/121/293411175_a1bb81967f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6460.JPG" /></a><br />The students definitely were not shy anymore after we went to their classrooms, held discussions, answered their questions, and introduced them to an IPod and computers. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293410870/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/103/293410870_f349419f53.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6443.JPG" /></a><br />The adjoining land where the preschool is being expanded to accomodate the students.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293410978/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/106/293410978_bce02f41db.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_6450.JPG" /></a><br />Lisa taking copious notes with Cherlyn walking outside the Khalsa Public School.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/297439321/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/120/297439321_1d1c23908c_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="RebeccaHarjit.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/297439298/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/101/297439298_aae04b22db_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="KhairaMajjaSchool.jpg" /></a> <br />Rebecca and I at the Primary School. Tom ready to go after our time at the school.An Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216817436517797955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706868061858566383.post-64611927597562369902006-11-09T16:58:00.000-08:002006-11-17T00:49:05.270-08:00Rural Senior Secondary School, Jalundhar, Part I<span style="font-weight:bold;">KHALSA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL, JALUNDHAR<blockquote></blockquote></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/297439279/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/110/297439279_4a89cac621.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="KhairaMajjaGirls.jpg" /></a><br />This was one of our most moving experiences because of the innocence of the children, candidness of the mostly female teachers, and genuine concern of the village panchayat (local village government) about the welfare of their children. They greeted us with open arms and pure excitement at our arrival to the Khalsa Public School. This is the ancestral village of some of my relatives and since this was my first trip to this village, it was very special.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293409730/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/112/293409730_33a7e2113c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6369.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293409755/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/103/293409755_cda727771a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6370.JPG" /></a><br />Here is the school committee greeting us on our arrival. "Welcome" inscribed and a flower drawn in chalk.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293409809/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/100/293409809_840969986e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6371.JPG" /></a><br />School Comittee members, teachers, students, and our group on our arrival.<br /><br />During our visit to the school, we interviewed 3 teachers in various subjects: Punjabi language, Arts & Craft, and Mathematics. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/297439355/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/107/297439355_6995961560_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="teachers.jpg" /></a>They were very candid about the conditions of the schools, the lack of education support, and zero technology for students. We also asked them about issues of infanticide, domestic violence, and caste discriminations. We recieved very informative responses which I will discuss in a future post. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293409976/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/122/293409976_814759430a_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6381.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293409999/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/101/293409999_63c9f40fbc_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6382.JPG" /></a><br />Their charisma was contagious, and we found it all too unfortunate that there is a lack of public resources for these women to expand their horizons, make use of technology to teach their classes, and to educate other women to enhance their status. We decided that we would create future projects that could potentially be sustainable for these women and children. The committee of the school, although very generous, open and dedicated to improving the school, were mostly uneducated themselves, which makes it hard to provide the children with what they need. Outside resources, international involvement, philanthropic interest, and dedicated individuals who are educated could help turn this village around.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293410202/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/99/293410202_d432352fd3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6403.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293410536/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/105/293410536_c25518ff9e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6424.JPG" /></a><br />Rebecca really got the children excited with her IPod, something they have never heard of. We took a poll and asked over 100 students if they have used a computer, and we had one boy said he has one time. There are well over 700 students and not a single computer. The school is comprised of Punjabi students who are of Sikh, Hindu and Christian faiths<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293410252/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/115/293410252_c6956193f4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6406.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293411333/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/102/293411333_a5e9008473.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6474.JPG" /></a><br />Lisa taking part in class! These students who were so eager to learn.An Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216817436517797955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706868061858566383.post-26733131490618566822006-11-09T14:24:00.000-08:002006-11-13T16:35:20.308-08:00Keep Ludhiana "Clean & Green"It is noble to desire helping those who are substantially less fortunate; however the reality of providing any direct assistance or relief is much more complicated and stressful. For me, there was the overwhelming realization that many of the people I came into contact with live in and amongst poverty. It is a way of life and part of the mindset of people, and prevalent on all levels. The blame can be laid on so many people, the government, global corporations, and even the impoverished individuals themselves. People with power and leverage need to re-evaluate how they conduct their business and re-assess the the quality of the laws they pass. Locals need practical tools, knowledge, and a new way of thinking in overcoming poverty.<br /><br />After Delhi, our first brief stop was in the industrial city of Ludhiana, Punjab (see photos). Of anywhere I have traveled, Ludhiana had the worst pollution I have experienced. Most of my team members became sick within minutes of being there. It would be interesting to learn whether any environmental tests and research projects have been conducted there. Assemblywomen Rebecca Cohn, who was also on the trip, stressed the need of environmental agencies to examine the conditions of Ludhiana, a highly industrialized waste of a city. I would not be surprised if people start developing cancers or other sickness from what they are breathing in everyday. Very distressing.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293218826/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/106/293218826_c958ef9c1c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6336.JPG" /></a><br />There were a few signs that read, "Keep City Clean and Green." Perhaps that was an initiative taken by a local agency or the government, but it doesn't appear to have made any constructive difference. I visited Punjab in 1998, 2003 and now in 2006. Each time I have been privy to the worsening conditions of Ludhiana, and other cities in Punjab. I mention the pollution problem to various locals, and they always agree with the issue of pollution. However, they have no tools, education, or means to improve the conditions. They barely make it through the day to feed their families. Even if they are doing well financially, they have no clue as to environmental protections, safeguards, or what practical things can be done to prevent further degradation. They are powerless in a system that envelopes them, in a country with so many people, I do not think many locals feel they have a voice.<br /><br />So what can be done? I think a lot of power is in the hands of the international community. The United Nations, global corporations, and environmental agencies need to team up and educate the governments and local people of developing countries like India. Even if such work is currently being done, it needs to be guaranteed on a larger scale. I feel for simple villagers who suffer at the expense of globalization and industrialization without any proper environmental safeguards.<br /></p><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293218867/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/110/293218867_d483ee402e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6339.JPG" /></a> <p>During our short stop in Ludhiana, there was a constant veil of smog making it difficult to breathe. Ludhiana, October 18, 2006.</p>An Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216817436517797955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706868061858566383.post-25486141824390695202006-11-09T12:40:00.000-08:002006-11-13T16:35:53.628-08:00Environmental Degradation in Punjab<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293218946/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/102/293218946_4d25bcaa02_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293218946/">Smog.JPG</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/khaira/">harjit524</a>.</span> <p>This was taken on our way to Jalundhar on GT Road in Ludhiana<br /><br />India, the original country from where my family came, is an unusual, extremely diverse country. Incredible and alarming is the density of poverty that pervades the country, yet alongside there exists much wealth. This was the third trip to India in my adult life. Despite attempts at economic improvements, there is a severe lack of infrastructure and continual degradation of the environment.</p><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293218806/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/108/293218806_efb96a9b6f_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293218806/">Masks.JPG</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/khaira/">harjit524</a>.</span> <p>Realizing what it would be like to live in a city with dangerous levels of pollution, Cherlyn & Lisa take measures to alleviate the congestion they feel in Ludhiana. October 18, 2006.</p><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293218985/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/108/293218985_b37fe46358_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293218985/">Punjabigirl.JPG</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/khaira/">harjit524</a>.</span> <p>Local Punjabi girl covering up due to the immense pollution in Ludhiana, the Industrial city of India. Ludhiana, Punjab, October 18, 2006.</p>An Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216817436517797955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706868061858566383.post-15423682795949853512006-11-08T17:39:00.000-08:002006-11-20T19:35:08.086-08:00Crazy Drive on GT Road<span style="font-weight:bold;">PUNJAB<blockquote></blockquote></span><br />Map of Punjab (<span style="font-style:italic;">click to view</span>)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4335/86287605207344/1600/punjab.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4335/86287605207344/320/punjab.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> <br /><br />The main highway to Punjab from Delhi is referred to a GT Road. One challenge is getting out of Delhi, and then the adventure begins. If you have a strong stomach and do not get car sickness, then you may be ok on this drive. Otherwise, a train is highly recommended! Along the way we pass through the state of Haryana (which used to be part of Punjab until the government split Punjab in many subsections). The drive felt like an episode of twilight zone. Old, new, Eastern and Western all come together and the result is complete chaos most of the time!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293217107/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/105/293217107_9fee663f67.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6246.JPG" /></a> <br />Elderly Sikh man on his tractor<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293218288/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/115/293218288_84e718e7b8.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6305.JPG" /></a><br />Big colorful trucks<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293216838/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/117/293216838_3d576e1cec.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6231.JPG" /></a> <br />Angela greeting roadside mechanics<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293216227/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/117/293216227_6a10211ba8_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6196.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293217154/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/118/293217154_8fa561f7d0_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6250.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293217846/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/115/293217846_71d7079cc4_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6283.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293216105/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/105/293216105_2ffd8f901b_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6187.JPG" /></a><br />Bags of wheat, hay, cotton and other goods. Punjab is the breadbasket of India. Most people from Punjab are "Jatts" by caste indicative of their farming status. The majority of Punjabi people are of the Sikh faith although they barely make up 2% of India's population.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293218666/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/108/293218666_74e05c33b3_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6322.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293218734/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/105/293218734_4da624e8a2_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6325.JPG" /></a> <br />Kids next to a tractor and a Sikh man and his wife fixin' the old bike<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293216883/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/110/293216883_263ebe6673_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="IMG_6234.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293217240/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/101/293217240_42444d2e49_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="IMG_6255.JPG" /></a><br />Hekani, Angela and Lisa taking a break and Cherlyn, the little hipster, taking a walk on our way to Jalundhar, Punjab<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293218514/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/112/293218514_cafc786cb9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6316.JPG" /></a><br />Standing nearby a Sikh Gurudwara (aka Temple) and a "Dhaba" which is like a fast food Indian roadstop. I have found Dhabas to be more reliable than many restaurants because the food is fresh and made to order. I stick to vegetarian most of the time, and will eat meat when I know it is fresh and the place is trustworthy. Don't be fooled by the cleanliness and modernlike feeling of a restaurant in India- they aren't always the best in terms of taste, quality and safety! I learned through experience!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293218579/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/115/293218579_fc989df2fa.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6319.JPG" /></a><br />Hmmm, not quite holding it upright, here is a Sikh man living in Punjab selling US flags at his little shop. He was quite thrilled to see a bunch of Americans passing through.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293217557/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/108/293217557_ac4315f9d8.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6269.JPG" /></a><br />Before thinking someone's a bad driver, think again in India! Honking the horn is essential (yes, it gets annoying, but don't worry, one gets used to it); drivers communicate by way of blowing their horns, and NOBODY stays on their side of the road in the cities. The lane dividers are purely incidental!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293217279/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/120/293217279_6e3b77fd7c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6257.JPG" /></a><br />Jack, our cool and calm Tibetan driver, listens to Snoop Dogg in the midst of madness (traffic congestion, pollution, excessive honking, and noise!)An Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216817436517797955noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706868061858566383.post-52931409429736460532006-11-07T16:45:00.000-08:002006-11-20T19:44:04.426-08:00Successful Delhi School: Mira Model SchoolWe visited a school in Delhi that was founded by Dolly Oberoi and her family. It caters primarily to middle to upper-middle class families, and provides a plethora of courses including a world-class technology focus. <br /><br />Dolly, who resides and works in the greater Washington D.C. region with her husband Curtis Cox, is the founder of the lucrative and very successful C2 Technologies. Here she is at a leadership conference in DC where I met her and learned about Mira Model School in Delhi.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/291877910/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/111/291877910_4210a58b47_m.jpg" width="240" height="204" alt="IMG_5765.JPG" /></a> Here is a web link to her company: http://www.c2ti.com/company/company_leadership.htm<br /><br />Her family still resides in Delhi and have successfully established the school and are working on developing a dental school currently. The Oberoi family and the teachers at the school are very eager to be at par with technological advances and know-how of top-rated Western schools. With the resources available to them, I have no doubt that they will continue to thrive. <br /><br />The school did not have pressing needs, but future collaborations with the teachers is likely on the agenda. I have taught at the secondary level, and created an international distance learning project, which can be very successful if planned accordingly. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/296881353/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/116/296881353_1f3d4dcbe5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6090.JPG" /></a> <br />Kids with their hard hats on ready to do some rock climbing!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/296881289/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/116/296881289_02f238e50c_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="IMG_6088.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/296881417/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/119/296881417_d5d85e277e_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6093.JPG" /></a> <br />With Mrs. Oberoi (in the middle), a student is congratulated for climbing to the top.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/296881205/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/117/296881205_9e0c37980f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6084.JPG" /></a><br />Kids at play here on a bright, sunny day in Delhi.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/296881491/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/100/296881491_0b7ae40368.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_6095.JPG" /></a> Angela, our team member, taking a stab at the wall! Angela had a very calm disposition, but always tried everything. Her fearless attitude won much respect from me!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293171325/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/112/293171325_cb9b5adaea_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6102.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/296881272/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/100/296881272_6a30ee7a46_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6087.JPG" /></a><br />Mr. Oberoi, his assistant and Rebecca talking about the successes of their school. The dentist and his assistant show us the dental care clinic for the students.<br />To compare and contrast schools of different economic extremes in India offered insight into the deep rooted issues of caste and socioeconomic status.An Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216817436517797955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706868061858566383.post-80254217379954348722006-11-07T01:13:00.000-08:002006-11-16T11:20:04.812-08:00Dancin' Street Kids in Delhi<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293171605/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/119/293171605_3b2c521d6a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6115.JPG" /></a> <br />Now this was interesting! These kids decided to make a mini-business out of their talent so they danced and did acrobatics attracting attention…plus they seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely! Sadly, most of the kids we saw in Delhi begged for money and followed us- sometimes very aggressively. It was very numbing to the mind to survey such conditions everyday.</p><br /><br />Here are more pictures of Delhi kids just hanging out and having fun. The girl pictured loved her roller skates, and enjoyed showing them to us. Cherlyn poses with the little girl.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293125683/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/111/293125683_90744ffc1d_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="IMG_6058.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293125832/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/109/293125832_0f3b6edbcc_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="IMG_6064.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293125900/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/112/293125900_143e5c4586.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6068.JPG" /></a>An Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216817436517797955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706868061858566383.post-30446273240161897872006-11-06T00:41:00.000-08:002006-12-02T00:11:13.193-08:00Delhi School<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293125148/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/117/293125148_bc80cde339.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6039.JPG" /></a><br />Here is Tom, Professor of Law, who initiated this trip. He invited many of the team members to come along to dedicate their time to helping those who are impoverished in India. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293171411/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/112/293171411_a91593b16a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6106.JPG" /></a><br />Green Field Paramount School in Kusumpur Village in Delhi was the first school our team visited after our arrival in India. Rebecca Cohn, Ms. Bhatia the Principal, and I are pictured here. This school is located in a very poor section of Delhi, and it has roughly 70-100 primary school children. Ms. Bhatia was friendly and accepting of any potential help, but unfortunately was not able to offer details of how the school is run and who actually established it. She said there was a "board of directors" but she did not have enough time to get the information to us. I liked that she wanted to improve the dilapidated condition of the school. My only qualm was the lack of transparency about the workings of the school, but given some time, I will uncover the logistics. I think she was honest, and needed all the help she could get for the school. Our group provided her with funding to improve the condition that she felt needed most attention: the classrooms structure. Checking the condition of the school regularly will be on the radar.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293125033/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/120/293125033_b2fe2d2bb3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6036.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293171530/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/115/293171530_c6b7d1e910_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6112.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293125361/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/110/293125361_e74f36723b_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6044.JPG" /></a><br />Pictured is the entrance to Green Field Paramount School and a young girl learning her alphabet. October 18, 2006.</p> <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293124942/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/111/293124942_4014e17d3c.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_6034.JPG" /></a> I liked her! Using her boldness, she got herself in front of the boys to get her photo taken. I observed that all the boys had shoes, even if worn out; although she walked around Delhi barefoot.An Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216817436517797955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706868061858566383.post-41060651742609506052006-11-05T23:57:00.000-08:002006-11-11T01:36:20.401-08:00Journey to IndiaHere is an article I wrote before going on this trip. Rather altruistic and seemingly idealistic, but definitely a successful trip in terms of brainstorming ideas and creating projects!<br /><h3 class="post-title"> </h3> <div class="post-body"><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><u>Individuals Taking a Unique Journey to India</u><br /></div><p style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"> H.K. Khaira<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">October 11, 2006</span><br /></p> <p> A new journey into India... to explore, examine and assess the needs of people who have little to nothing but their hope and faith. Even in the midst of immense beauty, culture, tradition, and the numerous gardens, it is difficult to look past the poor and decrepit conditions in India. Congestion and squalor of all kinds can be found from homelessness, begging, malnutrition, and endless traffic jams. The lack of proper health care, basic education, clean drinking water, sewage disposal, and other environmental protections are the biggest challenges in a country with a whopping billion people. </p> <p>A small team consisting of wealthy philanthropists, interested humanitarians, and resourceful scholars from the Bay Area may be taking part in this unique mission. Upon returning from India, the hope is that the various members of the team will put their cash or resources to good use and create pilot programs that will be sustainable in the future. </p> <p> I will take part in this mission, and utilize my background in social justice and education. I have a deep understanding of the many societal and economic problems in India. That is the reason California Assembly Member Rebecca Cohn and other team members are taking part in this new mission. Cohn has never been to India, and desires to benefit women and children who have limited access to education and basic needs.</p> <p> The trip will begin in Delhi, where the team will meet with key government officials to discuss the possibility of constructively aiding lower caste Dalits and other disadvantaged groups. The team will then head to Punjab and visit the dynamic Pingalwara Society, which is home to some of India’s forgotten people including orphans, elderly, cognitively impaired, abused women, and the homeless. Further, some poor rural schools, shelters, and the proposed site of a much needed hospital in a village of the Jalundhar District, Punjab will be assessed.<br /></p> <p>Part of the trip will be spent in Dharamsala, a town in Northern India where Tibetans fled to avoid persecution from the Chinese government. Once a sleepy, undistinguished village, Dharamsala is now the home of the Tibetan Government in Exile, as well as His Holiness the Dalai Lama. There, the team will spend time with the Dalai Lama and visit various Tibetan refugee centers. Tom Nazario, Professor at the University of San Francisco, who set up the trip to India, is committed to helping the Tibetans. He plans to donate his funds to Tibetan nunneries and schools. </p> <p> In a country with plenty of human resources, the amount of poverty and illness is staggering. Certainly the team recognizes that the needs of impoverished people in India are great and that they are committed to create and support the many initiatives providing long-term sustainable programs for all people in need, particularly women, and children in India. </p> </div>An Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216817436517797955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706868061858566383.post-48020563855170225532006-11-05T01:20:00.000-08:002006-11-16T11:10:21.953-08:00Arrival to Delhi<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293451184/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/118/293451184_4b2f27190f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6518.JPG" /></a><br />Pictured here is the team when we got to Dharamsala: Angela, Cherlyn, Lisa, myself, and Rebecca. Missing is Tom and his guide Hekani. <br /><br />Our various specialties included architecture, education, non-profit, law making, real estate, and freelancing. Tom is a Law Professor who originally initiated the trip. Hekani, the Indian lawyer and myself co-coordinated the trip with Tom. <br /><br />A wonderful aspect of the team was our total diversity. Individually we had much to offer, and were able to cultivate creative project ideas for schools in India. <br /><br />We established friendships through shared experiences in critical moments of personal growth and expansion. Traveling through a developing country to primarily examine harsh conditions and the immense poverty took a toll on our state of mind...but that was when the growth moments happened. I believe people should step outside their own bubble or comfort zone, and take time to examine what is happening around them in the world. It is really humbling...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293171889/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/111/293171889_2e65c744b7_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6173.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293171927/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/118/293171927_8897a0c7df_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293171927/">IMG_6176.JPG</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/khaira/">harjit524</a>.</span> <p> Tom standing outside our hotel in Delhi. On our arrival, we stayed at the Lakir House, a fairly comfortable and humble Tibetan hotel. </p><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaira/293171795/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/117/293171795_0763dc00bc.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6153.JPG" /></a><br /><p> We loved the signs we would see in India. They read funny to any foreigner, even if India is their ancestral home.</p>An Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216817436517797955noreply@blogger.com0