tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15314504320383098292024-02-19T09:12:46.791+05:30Social Education and Development SocietyA grassroots NGO in Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, Indiaadministratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11916166576712393652noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-63721431077168984192014-12-01T12:20:00.001+05:302014-12-01T12:25:50.070+05:30CDM Verification 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXi74qbt8doLyjGBr_PGU5cETH54CfOopQHEChgHQdrI0J5viU7gPjabmJYT_MSYNpNqa-5pnK3gcF5TI8yJkVuYIUtOYH8pLKUazPXJWynU4K9UmptBW-8ThYXjIWASfrnHUFO72fuI/s1600/SEDS+received+its+second+biogas+verification-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXi74qbt8doLyjGBr_PGU5cETH54CfOopQHEChgHQdrI0J5viU7gPjabmJYT_MSYNpNqa-5pnK3gcF5TI8yJkVuYIUtOYH8pLKUazPXJWynU4K9UmptBW-8ThYXjIWASfrnHUFO72fuI/s1600/SEDS+received+its+second+biogas+verification-1.jpg" height="320" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-uKex-VZjhyWHvLnKyoRuS9VC_-GCatmegFXVx5bRH8NNGz0voF4choUfaCmGxMGmJ2CEM927PJb02RZ1BSmb33kDrkWg1HQh_ps2t_OxnbIDBLHRdt75MsQVJlBSfkDIPhKJ3Vp8Qk/s1600/SEDS+received+its+second+biogas+verification-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-uKex-VZjhyWHvLnKyoRuS9VC_-GCatmegFXVx5bRH8NNGz0voF4choUfaCmGxMGmJ2CEM927PJb02RZ1BSmb33kDrkWg1HQh_ps2t_OxnbIDBLHRdt75MsQVJlBSfkDIPhKJ3Vp8Qk/s1600/SEDS+received+its+second+biogas+verification-2.jpg" height="320" width="263" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11916166576712393652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-68612518944001156942014-11-22T15:05:00.001+05:302014-11-22T15:13:34.921+05:30RAJEN JOSHUA CHANGES THE FACE OF VILLAGES IN ANDHRA PRADESH<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
link http://www.harmonyindia.org/magazine/Nov14/index.html<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48rNACmF41XgwxjXFyQkAy6xke09idu5FtDs9x7VjRR8wBSpILwj_vt4eXqWQErj-TJ54404gN73UGDo9VCBF8M-kyad_lmEheLOp-NNJh_HmrD_l7v3q62Ny_XXPZTnwxQyvJfp39rs/s1600/Revving+up+for+Revolution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48rNACmF41XgwxjXFyQkAy6xke09idu5FtDs9x7VjRR8wBSpILwj_vt4eXqWQErj-TJ54404gN73UGDo9VCBF8M-kyad_lmEheLOp-NNJh_HmrD_l7v3q62Ny_XXPZTnwxQyvJfp39rs/s1600/Revving+up+for+Revolution.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaFAb3GExMsHQj8eaRBhJTQgV8CtBnLSJ0zWtHDU2XxUPUXflGVvIf0-8CqDTinzZbILxAE_aXcwmJkIBH48QZCWW6BeHezgdft5D8edAq1cWCnGAYtoL2SN1XEcC_dvWHFlL0CFIBGE/s1600/Revving+up+for+Revolution+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaFAb3GExMsHQj8eaRBhJTQgV8CtBnLSJ0zWtHDU2XxUPUXflGVvIf0-8CqDTinzZbILxAE_aXcwmJkIBH48QZCWW6BeHezgdft5D8edAq1cWCnGAYtoL2SN1XEcC_dvWHFlL0CFIBGE/s1600/Revving+up+for+Revolution+3.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YaPfe3baNx7xzyaqZHqGGTfmbf6hDakqjK7zCgqi6khyKrgNuByEzHlKhhZYNsuZNFkj8JSa2-3gYuKGjbGT1_HPUHPRUHmvEQMaKSz3iumXO8p9o9MNcXFanhBY_r43xOaLiuISipM/s1600/Revving+up+for+Revolution+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YaPfe3baNx7xzyaqZHqGGTfmbf6hDakqjK7zCgqi6khyKrgNuByEzHlKhhZYNsuZNFkj8JSa2-3gYuKGjbGT1_HPUHPRUHmvEQMaKSz3iumXO8p9o9MNcXFanhBY_r43xOaLiuISipM/s1600/Revving+up+for+Revolution+2.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11916166576712393652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-59191738115910051362014-09-09T14:00:00.001+05:302014-09-09T14:02:27.475+05:30Volunteer Say: DREAMCATCHER WORKSHOP by Natalie Owens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Dreamcatching at Lilani with some lovely ladies.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-Cl7xD_4tvMJjiks1FtJrK6zI9uxXOr3MkwjVTxWeoPIqLuumqOO-UuF46VBrg2jLMadNbKQ6YEsF6g6rnjObdYiwN2Su3cg-ckXbhnU3CVWNTmBt3LnHPLq_iPARgblaE_Mm4Iefaau/s1600/10349157_329309660563082_6855126502686873815_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-Cl7xD_4tvMJjiks1FtJrK6zI9uxXOr3MkwjVTxWeoPIqLuumqOO-UuF46VBrg2jLMadNbKQ6YEsF6g6rnjObdYiwN2Su3cg-ckXbhnU3CVWNTmBt3LnHPLq_iPARgblaE_Mm4Iefaau/s1600/10349157_329309660563082_6855126502686873815_n.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXH-B3ir3CycPrF14ouGn5s4oPsoEPUt48Cwks9NscvamSbg2-iH49a5P-gYW7Watr6xm4Ii7-54nk2NyVRMqUYPf-fdpOJIj-I9hqt48ptBtD9IPE7ONaodqBMmPkaunX_C1VDjdhSgPh/s1600/10511200_329308997229815_7215037880302958934_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXH-B3ir3CycPrF14ouGn5s4oPsoEPUt48Cwks9NscvamSbg2-iH49a5P-gYW7Watr6xm4Ii7-54nk2NyVRMqUYPf-fdpOJIj-I9hqt48ptBtD9IPE7ONaodqBMmPkaunX_C1VDjdhSgPh/s1600/10511200_329308997229815_7215037880302958934_n.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwE2Ht8QoFUXL8iI14pUMcy1ig-TRwfAxwJeIer_TjrnaBfg5O7M6mhQG8UqpjFoDMI6Qd0GMNX454DPLIHyXWURQ5r0LTaER6L8hNeFdLDVSJ-BJuYxE4Mk_NNEFSbVOOoTa9GvpKFZXz/s1600/10537496_329309420563106_7431259724165836814_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwE2Ht8QoFUXL8iI14pUMcy1ig-TRwfAxwJeIer_TjrnaBfg5O7M6mhQG8UqpjFoDMI6Qd0GMNX454DPLIHyXWURQ5r0LTaER6L8hNeFdLDVSJ-BJuYxE4Mk_NNEFSbVOOoTa9GvpKFZXz/s1600/10537496_329309420563106_7431259724165836814_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyen6YaMbUQ5E6ztSiMlvOf359NlhyphenhyphenrnBZ1k8CEQfhn9zAUuDRtFUyVInqfHwlkTAj3VDwp5XSRVycR-Bg1fK_SidtXEET4vjiyoQiJLHdiZrPm-wFiBhU3EE629PkWk1Nyr3Rli_46Gg7/s1600/10614127_329308643896517_3090509969445524820_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyen6YaMbUQ5E6ztSiMlvOf359NlhyphenhyphenrnBZ1k8CEQfhn9zAUuDRtFUyVInqfHwlkTAj3VDwp5XSRVycR-Bg1fK_SidtXEET4vjiyoQiJLHdiZrPm-wFiBhU3EE629PkWk1Nyr3Rli_46Gg7/s1600/10614127_329308643896517_3090509969445524820_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcjhm1_gBT4WMbMip8_O2nhvyg6nGf2Z5O9b1VQ7ex0hdn9aAU-YPcOe-igHjV3x62rFk4zMxgSabxPDA8b6_GlcJq8Jg3P0_KCQcgeZDEiaHNQ1cggX2WqLwjCUCpk7zx8DuopW5H9oy/s1600/10665796_329309307229784_4384436970875675205_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcjhm1_gBT4WMbMip8_O2nhvyg6nGf2Z5O9b1VQ7ex0hdn9aAU-YPcOe-igHjV3x62rFk4zMxgSabxPDA8b6_GlcJq8Jg3P0_KCQcgeZDEiaHNQ1cggX2WqLwjCUCpk7zx8DuopW5H9oy/s1600/10665796_329309307229784_4384436970875675205_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Photo Courtesy: Natalie Owens</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Follow Natalie and her trails at</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nat0wens/1/1407678905/tpod.html</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-79972952671906988052014-09-09T13:58:00.003+05:302014-09-09T14:02:39.120+05:30Volunteer Say: THINKING TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE by Natalie Owens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;">For those who know me well, I am at my happiest at home with a can of paint and something old to transform. Creativity and traveling are my two favourite vehicles of inspiration and expression. So it wasn't surprising that I was drawn to spend my days at SEDS’s business venture "Lilani" that comprises of all of the above. Lilani is a tailoring centre based at SEDS and produces incredible up-cycled, recycled and handmade clothing, accessories and homewares. It is run by Rashna (Manil and Rajen’s daughter) and employs 5-6 individuals from the surrounding areas as well as outsources work to people in their own homes. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;">Lilani provides an alternate means of livelihood and income for the rural agrarian people of Anantapur District. By building on self-confidence through employment and vocational training, individuals may use their acquired skills to some financial and independent benefit to ultimately become self-reliant. Rashna and I are in discussion around ideas on Lilani’s growth and development that will ultimately generate much-needed funds for SEDS that can be sustainable, eventually breaking some dependency on foreign aid. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;">There is something special about adorning yourself and your home with pieces that have been hand-stitched and woven with love from afar. I have had the privilege over the last week of working with some amazing rural artisans. I have seen first hand groups of women and men whom gather sitting cross legged sharing laughter and stories sipping on masala chai while working their creative magic into each thread. There is such an energy buzz here and it’s inspired me immensely. In preparation for Lilani’s market stall at The Green Bazaar I made a sign out of salvaged materials from the farm. Rajen has given me free reign to rummage the farm for materials to up-cycle, quite like my personal playground of rustic tools and materials. I also made a big dream catcher out of an old wooden hula hoop, its colours inspired by the amazing Indian scrap fabrics that were at my disposal and its end result has generated some interest in holding a workshop in the local village. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;">The Green Bazaar was held on Sunday in Bangalore and is a collective hub of individuals celebrating eco-friendly living- from DIY up-cycling workshops to composting demonstrations. It’s a bi-monthly event and its theme this month was “Let’s Recycle”. It is not hard to notice the piles of general mixed waste that accumulates in random pockets in the city and in the villages. We are really blessed to have a waste management system in Australia that is all done for us we just need to separate our materials into the different bins provided. Here however it is reliant on personal agency to act and unfortunately with millions of people in Bangalore alone it is a challenge to manage this without governance or social order. Therefore it was evidently reinforced among the younger people present at The Green Bazaar that a change in their attitudes and behaviours of waste management is necessary as they are the future leaders of India. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;">Lilani’s stall at The Green Bazaar marketplace was a great success. It showcased a range of eclectic handmade and up-cycled fabric bags, rugs baskets, yoga mat bags, cushion covers, beanbags and more. Demonstrating the art of utilising locally available resources such as fabrics and materials to create new products. It was also a chance to promote Lilani and SEDS and raise awareness of its sustainability ventures including its “Eco-tourism” farm stay, which already attracts many a weary souls from the cities to rest and rejuvenate while also learning about the rural lifestyle and its benefits. Fundamentally this day for me represented the art and benefits of living self-sufficiently. It demonstrated a community banding together with a common goal to raise the consciousness of individuals to adopt sustainable living practices, which in affect has social impact to inspire a new way of thinking and make lifestyle changes.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;">“In order to make progress or to do anything a man [sic] must awake from his sleep. A community must likewise awaken from the sleep of backwardness, of living day-to-day without concern for the future.” ~ Bogaert</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwPsUzELKJhPMSmPeyRVNGPz1-mGy5a6lQjgkSGMQ8B6wpZykXO6oymyBsHD3geGMLv-q4hsTFASgB8FhdDaYkRHtqWLMIF686c3JspTGzon6c4qqQNGZrVY4vOlWbo4MOu7VwtX-d64f/s1600/148750_10154549448385154_1394646968858780953_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwPsUzELKJhPMSmPeyRVNGPz1-mGy5a6lQjgkSGMQ8B6wpZykXO6oymyBsHD3geGMLv-q4hsTFASgB8FhdDaYkRHtqWLMIF686c3JspTGzon6c4qqQNGZrVY4vOlWbo4MOu7VwtX-d64f/s1600/148750_10154549448385154_1394646968858780953_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6UUIlImonbcrwwoltOtkl7tUcwVFhivOBv2Wag4aOKoLsPykoXGKP1pw_W6Ae2NjvXaOU05WSm4yvJYg8xkzBWXeUcPOhI7BWbJLYFE2mnF1CoaWOYYnA39Z3o67enA4zMzS9F4e2r7Q/s1600/10471316_10154549448185154_9033727880148098494_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6UUIlImonbcrwwoltOtkl7tUcwVFhivOBv2Wag4aOKoLsPykoXGKP1pw_W6Ae2NjvXaOU05WSm4yvJYg8xkzBWXeUcPOhI7BWbJLYFE2mnF1CoaWOYYnA39Z3o67enA4zMzS9F4e2r7Q/s1600/10471316_10154549448185154_9033727880148098494_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuVkwoyowz3msgBrGO4sZ8Sn8OKKEGRuTvVKarXNA63Q22AH4Lc_3rRDqjp03acR5Nk35bTg1Eev6YrJCDpAM189b8iFy9-hLElwltxFO1DER8IQzKRyJqJqhtxdwcUPEeJBxrAk-SwP1/s1600/10603564_10154549448210154_2812931644861215011_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuVkwoyowz3msgBrGO4sZ8Sn8OKKEGRuTvVKarXNA63Q22AH4Lc_3rRDqjp03acR5Nk35bTg1Eev6YrJCDpAM189b8iFy9-hLElwltxFO1DER8IQzKRyJqJqhtxdwcUPEeJBxrAk-SwP1/s1600/10603564_10154549448210154_2812931644861215011_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizR2MnL5f814H4Re658bpbQL6HJBf786DM-sZ5O5HkXGW_w8jslOfTCTKyCBqfpmx70z7W4JWcxfnh5eOXdvkGPveoeVrHeuSR9aDRjfuciMZETcUPrbEmoHCoMIglzvfqlAohmb_gJNL0/s1600/10653494_10154549448355154_2097679783188316655_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizR2MnL5f814H4Re658bpbQL6HJBf786DM-sZ5O5HkXGW_w8jslOfTCTKyCBqfpmx70z7W4JWcxfnh5eOXdvkGPveoeVrHeuSR9aDRjfuciMZETcUPrbEmoHCoMIglzvfqlAohmb_gJNL0/s1600/10653494_10154549448355154_2097679783188316655_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPo86maxVSeGMI1rCTiB64x1Bm36u2ivzxJJ80xfUnwZhDBiTlwwbwHIJQuMqFky3Jl8nD2QvtGgYpX7QBb8HIxDSfOAgAoHVMQ_7VVmd5YVOv29rnOfb1OEmCxQ2UgfyLM5jQHicHfFVL/s1600/10660142_10154549448190154_6314301951082282625_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPo86maxVSeGMI1rCTiB64x1Bm36u2ivzxJJ80xfUnwZhDBiTlwwbwHIJQuMqFky3Jl8nD2QvtGgYpX7QBb8HIxDSfOAgAoHVMQ_7VVmd5YVOv29rnOfb1OEmCxQ2UgfyLM5jQHicHfFVL/s1600/10660142_10154549448190154_6314301951082282625_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Photo Courtesy: Natalie Owens</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Follow Natalie and her trails at</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nat0wens/1/1407678905/tpod.html</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-11449067711780858592014-09-09T13:55:00.001+05:302014-09-09T14:02:47.347+05:30Volunteer Say: struggle and freedom by Natalie Owens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;">"These two words are inextricably linked; one can not exist without the other. Without</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;">struggle, freedom can not be gained, and without freedom our struggles become meaningless. “ – as quoted by a past SEDS volunteer.<br /><br />I have learnt that 'freedom' is a complex concept open to interpretation. On the surface, the meaning of freedom is 'the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants' and ‘the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved’. However, scratch away the surface and you can start to discover it’s complexities and contradictions depending on the social, economic and political fabric of a country and its citizens. Words are socially constructed to describe ones experiences. In India, you learn from a very young age that freedom is something that you possess.<br /><br />“People will not struggle if they believe they are already ‘free’“.<br /><br />On August the 15 we celebrated the Independence Day of India. The children of SEDS Ananda Vidyalayam school put on a delightful performance of song and dance. The Indian flag was hoisted with the children saluting it with pride, a tradition passed down through generations. This day marks 68 years ago when India declared its Independence from the British colonial rule but not without a brutal fight where many lives were lost in the struggle for freedom. It is a proud day for the people of India that continues to be celebrated with grace and dignity. When the children are asked ‘What is the meaning of this day’ the children all sing out proudly “FREEDOM". To some the word freedom means freedom in every sense of the word.<br /><br />Colonial invasion and rule, however, leaves a deep scar on a country as it assaults its citizens' identity and leaves an insidious trail of oppression. I can only begin to relate this to the injustice of our Indigenous Australians, land of which our ancestors also colonised. Through discussion and dialogue individuals have expressed a crisis of identity as they naviagate their way through the layers of poverty, gender, class, status, caste systems, religion and seek to adjust to India’s emerging weternised progression in the cities….rural communities are being overlooked and the uneven distribution of wealth ensures that they remain at the bottom of the socio-economic chain.<br /><br />Caste systems for example have provided individuals with instant identity, one which you inherit by birth. This class and status discrepancy is highly evident here. It is believed that if you are born into a lower caste and experience poverty, physical disability or disadvantage, acceptance of this struggle will bring you better fortune in your next life. Your gender, caste and religion all determine access to education, health care and your overall position in society.<br /><br />On another note, representatives from PIA (Partners in Aid) an Australia-based organisation arrived last week. PIA manage the sponsorship of 500 children in this area to ensure their fundamental human rights are met i.e. have suitable access to education, water, healthcare facitilites and housing. On Sunday, SEDS facilitated a health camp where 250 children arrived from surrounding villages to have a head to toe health check by local doctors and specialists. Many health issues were identified such as poor dental health and eye problems that would otherwise go undetected and funds will be raised to be able to provide these children with the appropriate treatment necessary. Each child also received new uniforms, shoes, school supplies and a school bag. Please visit<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.partnersinaid.org.au%2F&h=nAQHT4CgD&enc=AZMdraSRI7NqRyn9ca38zkUNiQpOv5yJNtbdESCVEpxmE2uS3lSsYn40_g_aItWVkK-cm7-qBRAWw5FLe-taI6T5Je7syNaEapog-l8sIEiisV-MIKgpHlhR2r7A_s1DIvuOt8yPchiv0T_-BVDSd8yR&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.partnersinaid.org.au</a> for more information and how you may like to contribute through sponsoring a child in India <i class="_4-k1 img sp_LWp1MpKGrs1 sx_35a5d8" style="background-image: url(https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v2/yP/r/90b8T5aM1AH.png); background-position: 0px -7986px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"></i><br /><br />I have scratched my head long and hard to understand the profoundness of the word ‘freedom’ and what it means and must conclude by saying that the experience of freedom is personal and contextual. For me, born into a life of privilege my experiences with struggle and freedom are different to the next person, however by critically questioning these social constructions through discussion with others from different cultures, enables a shift towards understanding social issues in systemic or structural ways.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LHtsyFGmDPgnXDlDchfonYKKAE8QDIOGO7CR84gXu1cg05Jw4R5zm7fZKte-ZJd6bgZDaLWmKntccf-pPsMXAgx9_GNb7i0X_8pB8AYTjpiCEO683JJm37_sIahV0UcuDBxzHOwK-1PG/s1600/10346274_10154505957935154_2568647271955201529_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LHtsyFGmDPgnXDlDchfonYKKAE8QDIOGO7CR84gXu1cg05Jw4R5zm7fZKte-ZJd6bgZDaLWmKntccf-pPsMXAgx9_GNb7i0X_8pB8AYTjpiCEO683JJm37_sIahV0UcuDBxzHOwK-1PG/s1600/10346274_10154505957935154_2568647271955201529_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UH3Z-zbkmQPjJ6ZRhQspGQU0MO1QVQiG97f7Fkn25Ie0ZqorPY2xcv-wO8KJ_bYapuHcZbq9pBWbJiiB2G0LvjkCNIxgRq4Vm2G2MpD4vFdzKBxDPwyd_Ffg4Ebps1ND00TSJPbIx8iA/s1600/10522150_10154505957930154_2472377990060254646_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UH3Z-zbkmQPjJ6ZRhQspGQU0MO1QVQiG97f7Fkn25Ie0ZqorPY2xcv-wO8KJ_bYapuHcZbq9pBWbJiiB2G0LvjkCNIxgRq4Vm2G2MpD4vFdzKBxDPwyd_Ffg4Ebps1ND00TSJPbIx8iA/s1600/10522150_10154505957930154_2472377990060254646_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAmptEPVaynGloWacpJhDpR5vpyPljl9rq37mEuSDZmoG5hQFJ2BXae4kAfkBeyY1Ai-BBFLvQdZcsyXY2et80JHHIW_d_3S73eGp_S1W-zn0KVF2WhxDI-639wPntNsWg-ziVmzpBgEA/s1600/10590553_10154505958175154_4572497777728870197_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAmptEPVaynGloWacpJhDpR5vpyPljl9rq37mEuSDZmoG5hQFJ2BXae4kAfkBeyY1Ai-BBFLvQdZcsyXY2et80JHHIW_d_3S73eGp_S1W-zn0KVF2WhxDI-639wPntNsWg-ziVmzpBgEA/s1600/10590553_10154505958175154_4572497777728870197_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaG49F0_YxPvbOIQ0N4MlE-XocEjShg7konbEJ43qbmF5nIZuLpCvfFY7KX9sr_txYa9cSenDZqo5DB-xYgaPbC4G05rX1-7azjoZ0tHaNuASC_YhUo36ibJlLmrzC63LKiHFMf7sw9Yw/s1600/10612622_10154505957950154_4800879375445305236_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaG49F0_YxPvbOIQ0N4MlE-XocEjShg7konbEJ43qbmF5nIZuLpCvfFY7KX9sr_txYa9cSenDZqo5DB-xYgaPbC4G05rX1-7azjoZ0tHaNuASC_YhUo36ibJlLmrzC63LKiHFMf7sw9Yw/s1600/10612622_10154505957950154_4800879375445305236_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-kS-IkEJ6To282Id8dCcdUljuMqNeYZ1fx_bEmnKaEJ9T5a9J02WqI8wR87JJ3gb394gU1XagmaLt0hWo5EGBdOiWsC-iMSRaYGYRqbrPdI9RoI7FmX2VQeumdnBp9H6u9SiPuC8-6dj/s1600/10612783_10154505958195154_8249162464346805669_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-kS-IkEJ6To282Id8dCcdUljuMqNeYZ1fx_bEmnKaEJ9T5a9J02WqI8wR87JJ3gb394gU1XagmaLt0hWo5EGBdOiWsC-iMSRaYGYRqbrPdI9RoI7FmX2VQeumdnBp9H6u9SiPuC8-6dj/s1600/10612783_10154505958195154_8249162464346805669_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikj8kYhdIDzu3KMfEhj9c3WEV0FyH07nqWnS_ocAwpU3mcfLVCHJKtwwyqSaYlFdB1Zp83YY78XGIRLNJ1v-1RyX4pe2nfJ7yRRURiNjPuPNVO64JrI2WdpJdL5JFnWYFy6QpB2mScVSUF/s1600/10620592_10154505958185154_8233198248516535981_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikj8kYhdIDzu3KMfEhj9c3WEV0FyH07nqWnS_ocAwpU3mcfLVCHJKtwwyqSaYlFdB1Zp83YY78XGIRLNJ1v-1RyX4pe2nfJ7yRRURiNjPuPNVO64JrI2WdpJdL5JFnWYFy6QpB2mScVSUF/s1600/10620592_10154505958185154_8233198248516535981_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Photo Courtesy: Natalie Owens</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Follow Natalie and her trails at</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nat0wens/1/1407678905/tpod.html</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-32462181429615948522014-09-09T13:43:00.001+05:302014-09-09T13:43:13.700+05:30Disha Kathuria: SEDS from the eye of a volunteer (Health Camp)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">On 17th August 2014, a health camp was organised at SEDS. It was conducted along with Partners in Aid, Australia. Children aged between 10-14 years received medical check up by efficient local doctors. About 200 children were examined and precribed suitable drugs. Here's a glimpse.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeparBLqP37ZqzpDtTolQq3vkRATev3cLuTvCI-1K0xSJlVyui5uSdL4wLJ25T4H_HCCUghpf5ix_csUecwyTuAnGKlMZCrAUF52QzxFjXaKk9PUO1t3NP5CupqAY4zvPEM37sDaOdaz3/s1600/10599419_945986828761508_5038378617590355948_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeparBLqP37ZqzpDtTolQq3vkRATev3cLuTvCI-1K0xSJlVyui5uSdL4wLJ25T4H_HCCUghpf5ix_csUecwyTuAnGKlMZCrAUF52QzxFjXaKk9PUO1t3NP5CupqAY4zvPEM37sDaOdaz3/s1600/10599419_945986828761508_5038378617590355948_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">Children waiting in line to register their name and age before being sent for check up.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6LmTLP1FGvtjcajImUMvvZqzC62PyH2A6brjSLEQQytKC-a8OwvrUxEXrmksKAQfUc0V55G6xjSoaWzGE6r_vLgAWYfjBH7jiENBaN1mD-HkAe1WJVpqSJLddZBSw4SAYk9PnfmSp5Au/s1600/10649445_945987955428062_7274339154050721377_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6LmTLP1FGvtjcajImUMvvZqzC62PyH2A6brjSLEQQytKC-a8OwvrUxEXrmksKAQfUc0V55G6xjSoaWzGE6r_vLgAWYfjBH7jiENBaN1mD-HkAe1WJVpqSJLddZBSw4SAYk9PnfmSp5Au/s1600/10649445_945987955428062_7274339154050721377_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">Lyn Pikering from Partners in Aid, Australia registering the children.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jtQilfniLxKJL9pdBqMev2uFBSvo4fQCODm3njN6DaolNsHONUnKEFAfGiijBtXOFvuPJBXoiNXN8uCKVol4RdjuQKLN7cLd1RPfrDaCS4jCvkQPqg_nWLlnKNmRPfAOdhLKiJnyGg7C/s1600/10613015_945988752094649_3468383992165197434_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jtQilfniLxKJL9pdBqMev2uFBSvo4fQCODm3njN6DaolNsHONUnKEFAfGiijBtXOFvuPJBXoiNXN8uCKVol4RdjuQKLN7cLd1RPfrDaCS4jCvkQPqg_nWLlnKNmRPfAOdhLKiJnyGg7C/s1600/10613015_945988752094649_3468383992165197434_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">Tags were issued to the registered kids.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvkwAvnrxtxiRuy8gjFzRpSTGfC_gHlkjKWd3cMs8AMlBGJofuqueezQxy4-9G2cj61BU_VnCJkQrXQrtL92ywlfcK2CfpXENraFIkPiDBx6joXw8cxR0NEL9bzk7n4O2wQPFK0WBaf4U/s1600/10641022_945989095427948_5772371148295221909_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvkwAvnrxtxiRuy8gjFzRpSTGfC_gHlkjKWd3cMs8AMlBGJofuqueezQxy4-9G2cj61BU_VnCJkQrXQrtL92ywlfcK2CfpXENraFIkPiDBx6joXw8cxR0NEL9bzk7n4O2wQPFK0WBaf4U/s1600/10641022_945989095427948_5772371148295221909_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">Anji, a student of Anand Vidyalayam seen here helping Lyn with the registration.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvNnFY3SwfZRIkBEOVpz3FZdrwWSGBxJsxL8r3htXy67DOHsmpKf8Zkclw-5KtiNDmQYJelMOwib00x3-Z4eE93fHRThAresQxl1MHuzAYmncl_sb2QcB4aLvwPRbnS7gE2Sxa5T2H5yX/s1600/934819_945992585427599_6404642775141652484_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvNnFY3SwfZRIkBEOVpz3FZdrwWSGBxJsxL8r3htXy67DOHsmpKf8Zkclw-5KtiNDmQYJelMOwib00x3-Z4eE93fHRThAresQxl1MHuzAYmncl_sb2QcB4aLvwPRbnS7gE2Sxa5T2H5yX/s1600/934819_945992585427599_6404642775141652484_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMMFcrBfo1QoHoqCtT53Q7ERUl92C40KiDaWZbqvX5-iIhChqQMm5SI6XkDDhQGXcflXudKDU3v46_ZwfeYonlw6iocoeh1CIHLzFnirb_hvOJj2mDMQlmU_Yoh7WR5qJo9ZQOhwm5sMG/s1600/10628316_945991628761028_172425188093779424_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMMFcrBfo1QoHoqCtT53Q7ERUl92C40KiDaWZbqvX5-iIhChqQMm5SI6XkDDhQGXcflXudKDU3v46_ZwfeYonlw6iocoeh1CIHLzFnirb_hvOJj2mDMQlmU_Yoh7WR5qJo9ZQOhwm5sMG/s1600/10628316_945991628761028_172425188093779424_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0yelZT3LroIV7HGrgVhUMwWkyl7RJQHYOivpHq4ZUoAExHhlpg4cmPwjgEvSnnt-ovcMhF_QesOQ3xrpx1ItEJnMDuW52Xp3LFtcHOVflJd_PDB5milM37qdH8ELCOq1quiukqNLfHmw/s1600/10647074_945992332094291_2678872238129635347_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0yelZT3LroIV7HGrgVhUMwWkyl7RJQHYOivpHq4ZUoAExHhlpg4cmPwjgEvSnnt-ovcMhF_QesOQ3xrpx1ItEJnMDuW52Xp3LFtcHOVflJd_PDB5milM37qdH8ELCOq1quiukqNLfHmw/s1600/10647074_945992332094291_2678872238129635347_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGpK-E58mB50ZkuP7h9us9HFiJpWarme56zsl8SXcts22S1EgMQqI8FYxIh-4JmBy6WvN2hxd4Qv9xYDk96C34QsgDQY9bD-l48cM4J4yyP46dLm1f5od7M92giI6s5RgqFKfxXLDqaEv/s1600/10690196_945992022094322_8366463821803181407_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGpK-E58mB50ZkuP7h9us9HFiJpWarme56zsl8SXcts22S1EgMQqI8FYxIh-4JmBy6WvN2hxd4Qv9xYDk96C34QsgDQY9bD-l48cM4J4yyP46dLm1f5od7M92giI6s5RgqFKfxXLDqaEv/s1600/10690196_945992022094322_8366463821803181407_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">The chlidren were then sent to get their basic physical examination done. It included checking their weight and height. Ranga, another student from Anand Vidyalayam offered a helping hand. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZ3oM-bRzTaxxFU_fDg-WeeVJt2yv3ukBi5psqh6wIOyiW6AeawS8kETF5JnbRjSEgRD0UeO83xk4gk4zgeKCimniMI5fVoO2wPAJrXYWbAN4U_RsdS2pjkLY9C_xbonRLJK0uKUZY13F/s1600/10603223_945992888760902_5733579355559380008_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZ3oM-bRzTaxxFU_fDg-WeeVJt2yv3ukBi5psqh6wIOyiW6AeawS8kETF5JnbRjSEgRD0UeO83xk4gk4zgeKCimniMI5fVoO2wPAJrXYWbAN4U_RsdS2pjkLY9C_xbonRLJK0uKUZY13F/s1600/10603223_945992888760902_5733579355559380008_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">That's Nandini, my favourite girl in the whole world. Isn't she beautiful? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kTzu7eM2CO2bkAx_P8LiGqQvp6glVDHCq4m40tIxIujEZgCC0E3xYfM09C9JU56ej6nNGMev9pwrYTdCDBr_GiJQN3ltMKRoLNoq6D8ida2qoSdixGF1KTBIZJ5sUdtJ0enXnqSDfIpK/s1600/10580227_945993322094192_3164451854498577257_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kTzu7eM2CO2bkAx_P8LiGqQvp6glVDHCq4m40tIxIujEZgCC0E3xYfM09C9JU56ej6nNGMev9pwrYTdCDBr_GiJQN3ltMKRoLNoq6D8ida2qoSdixGF1KTBIZJ5sUdtJ0enXnqSDfIpK/s1600/10580227_945993322094192_3164451854498577257_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">Children receiving an eye-check up. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4x7rBXK1VAiqRJ5jWLwDQpcFhhynEH3RY9I9fgaQPv511rcciyFGjJ_A76KphgvEuFStL_Y_l4vJ0zcvetVVpI73e5Xa5d2YDmX5S4fQZpQGOG4C6AJoslTPOFDGEeyqDivokIWO5x1cy/s1600/10522440_945994208760770_7940524692713057434_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4x7rBXK1VAiqRJ5jWLwDQpcFhhynEH3RY9I9fgaQPv511rcciyFGjJ_A76KphgvEuFStL_Y_l4vJ0zcvetVVpI73e5Xa5d2YDmX5S4fQZpQGOG4C6AJoslTPOFDGEeyqDivokIWO5x1cy/s1600/10522440_945994208760770_7940524692713057434_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggavhr8KP9BLRckGAwn5ZmAD8Bf4CnBg8-eeCq3QFQYhcUmxIb-rexe-Ss7L6b1erecuXAHT4jnmELD6iiqvhRYlzep_v1DwhzYKnh99v3HpI6fsCz1nHoIh2SBG_R9qd2-g1Lhy3EaXs-/s1600/10628478_945999712093553_470180400418427814_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggavhr8KP9BLRckGAwn5ZmAD8Bf4CnBg8-eeCq3QFQYhcUmxIb-rexe-Ss7L6b1erecuXAHT4jnmELD6iiqvhRYlzep_v1DwhzYKnh99v3HpI6fsCz1nHoIh2SBG_R9qd2-g1Lhy3EaXs-/s1600/10628478_945999712093553_470180400418427814_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSl4FU3RLnGOgiKCmPh4xAetKseD2ia9jRuQkexqhWC9CgoV4JrfwcOLopZ33M5iLVx3COFujqdnQrD_fziF3zBCnexgDP1oBj2braJzP3r14Nn9-vK5bwJPQTWis2OrcQBlJGCkyzhDcd/s1600/10635832_945999342093590_5680703609893191293_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSl4FU3RLnGOgiKCmPh4xAetKseD2ia9jRuQkexqhWC9CgoV4JrfwcOLopZ33M5iLVx3COFujqdnQrD_fziF3zBCnexgDP1oBj2braJzP3r14Nn9-vK5bwJPQTWis2OrcQBlJGCkyzhDcd/s1600/10635832_945999342093590_5680703609893191293_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">Laborious doctors examining the village children. They found that poor nutrition and scarce availability of the right medicine is among the few causes that lead to weakness, something that is all too common here. Lack of hygeine was cited as another major reason for their illnesses. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvogEyveQnkELiqf5f53iffTY5ViDRpA4L5Rk9_1LD-JuUKaHSgkCwk5KDuAUoKNFDk4gqiBqsbawqYMXKCw0VYQYI6MpEr31QocX7mEdRQ-15bi4U-BlVg2ldW8LO5PBO9hZsW3zieo1/s1600/10649990_946000378760153_2064170848651271269_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvogEyveQnkELiqf5f53iffTY5ViDRpA4L5Rk9_1LD-JuUKaHSgkCwk5KDuAUoKNFDk4gqiBqsbawqYMXKCw0VYQYI6MpEr31QocX7mEdRQ-15bi4U-BlVg2ldW8LO5PBO9hZsW3zieo1/s1600/10649990_946000378760153_2064170848651271269_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">Natalie, Martha and Claire during the hard day's work. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-17915949978428297112014-09-09T13:37:00.000+05:302014-09-09T13:37:16.694+05:30Disha Kathuria: SEDS from the eye of a volunteer (Farm maintenence) <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Jasper and I came to SEDS with a single-minded mission - create awareness about the NGO and its initiatives; because to us that's what it seemed to lack. Gradually as we began to spend our time at the farm and understand its workings, we realised that it needed a few repairs internally too. What does that entail, one might ask. Well, it's simple. T<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">o run a house, or a company or an NGO, there's one requirment that beats all. Meticulous organisaition or management. And this is what we found lacking. An important aspect that could no longer be ignored. We decided to discuss it with Manil. And she agreed with the loopholes we pointed out. But underlining the problem was only half the work done. An active solution was needed to be put into effect immediately. Jasper came to the rescue with an ingenious plan. He called it the Farm Maintanence Program. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br /></span></span>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
The best answers are most simple. Simple to devise, simple to execute and perhaps simpler to follow. To help SEDS maximise management, Jasper realised that one must first know all the ares that needed conditioning. The following areas seemed to cry out for such polishing -</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
1) Farm Vehicle Maintenence </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
2) Generator Maintenence </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
3) Keys Maintenence </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
4) Kitchen Maintenence </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
5) Livestock and kennel Maintenence </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
6) Driver's Duty Maintenence </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
7) Store Keeping and Maintenence </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
8) Swimming Pool Cleaning and Maintenence </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
9) Overhead Tanks Water Filling and Maintenence </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
10) Office Cleaning and Maintenence Organize</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
11) Office/water/coffee/biscuits </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
12) Medicine/Pills/First-aid Kit Maintenance</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
13) Guest Room Maintenance</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
14) Stock keeping of Diesel</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
15) Watering trees and plants</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
Once the problem areas were recognised, it was followed up by drawing out charts/forms that detail out everything that these departments must undertake to ascertain smooth functioning. Next, we chose a supervisor to represent each department and oversee its functioning. Once we had the charts ready, a meeting with the staff was called in. Here's a glimpse.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bGICLYC1IrtQUuVt5FhNr60yBr98l3bA0rh-AgnuQ5woV4Z_2w-SRreTmr9ON3ATV6Y_YIIFLt_Rv6ESvhKJnvvviTUgoSiFbFKNzwPkUH7Ule1X_bGuyVDs7tr9OmhsWvMuuDDJrJen/s1600/10433151_936578773035647_1108057277965657094_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bGICLYC1IrtQUuVt5FhNr60yBr98l3bA0rh-AgnuQ5woV4Z_2w-SRreTmr9ON3ATV6Y_YIIFLt_Rv6ESvhKJnvvviTUgoSiFbFKNzwPkUH7Ule1X_bGuyVDs7tr9OmhsWvMuuDDJrJen/s1600/10433151_936578773035647_1108057277965657094_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Jasper and Manil, informing the staff about the need of the hour.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jsKIZGRcTTrAjxYkwAwec8fS6CSL3tEs_ospfqHvvRDwEg6nIoaF2Mz5orgRf5XXsTm1UvRpOkutzHN7xuh2gHvN-RUxiEd4fa4R053ZgPV6mJN3Cu19s0koo9WEHlFDhi4FljOQaRus/s1600/10616432_936580676368790_8457013235656485210_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jsKIZGRcTTrAjxYkwAwec8fS6CSL3tEs_ospfqHvvRDwEg6nIoaF2Mz5orgRf5XXsTm1UvRpOkutzHN7xuh2gHvN-RUxiEd4fa4R053ZgPV6mJN3Cu19s0koo9WEHlFDhi4FljOQaRus/s1600/10616432_936580676368790_8457013235656485210_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Jasper explaining to the staff the current state of affairs at the farm and what needs to be done for improvement. In short, each man and woman was informed of their duties and their role as a SEDS's staff member.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDubKOQVn0i4NdU4yheFXBq9Lty58vEO4J-ILR27yPEFeY7vRd-W-wOmO7WOuNQ_6fJOgI8BmjTHfT2husiCEAipInRwy06Pdc4T1Aa4nt6YYJ2ADdY-G1nmDNPqg29MRNiFal9yVqTwQ/s1600/10614304_936580769702114_8619381018087259912_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDubKOQVn0i4NdU4yheFXBq9Lty58vEO4J-ILR27yPEFeY7vRd-W-wOmO7WOuNQ_6fJOgI8BmjTHfT2husiCEAipInRwy06Pdc4T1Aa4nt6YYJ2ADdY-G1nmDNPqg29MRNiFal9yVqTwQ/s1600/10614304_936580769702114_8619381018087259912_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Pallavi, an ex-student of Anand Vidyalyam, and the incharge of guest room maintenence seems to have struck a lighter note. </span></div>
<span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWq6I71NnqxBo3jtMT7HlGM4NVUljOkn2t0hRXyvNaZmlwD2JZEQSDl2MLSfvMmH7LAd5dsAktn5X7zzJYWf5mD6u6EV0D0wT4czUR3WOTYhSmndyj318TpoUE39oHvFfyOeIwmYkCbvEr/s1600/10509608_936581149702076_3184562648203573022_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWq6I71NnqxBo3jtMT7HlGM4NVUljOkn2t0hRXyvNaZmlwD2JZEQSDl2MLSfvMmH7LAd5dsAktn5X7zzJYWf5mD6u6EV0D0wT4czUR3WOTYhSmndyj318TpoUE39oHvFfyOeIwmYkCbvEr/s1600/10509608_936581149702076_3184562648203573022_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
</span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
Roja, incharge of store keeping and maintenence shares her point of view.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
The meeting went well. Soon, the supervisors will be handed over the charts outlining their duties. We just hope our endeavour will help streamline such requirements for the future as well.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
Photo Courtesy: Disha Kathuria</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-33536369725663563572014-09-09T13:31:00.000+05:302014-09-09T13:31:19.726+05:30Disha Kathuria: SEDS from the eye of a volunteer (Independence Day Celebrations)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">On 15th August, 2014 India celebrated its 68 years of freedom. A day to be grateful for, became even more special for us when we were invited to be Chief Guests at SEDS school, Anand Vidyalayam. We accepted the invitation with love and humility, that Mr. Henry, the school's principal, had sent for us. Handwritten and heartfelt, it became a moment we'd cherish forever. And when the day came, we were left wonderfully surprised at the performance this 'school of joy' had put to celebrate India's Independence Day. </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiD_XoWGjEYoGTUelbRljV6RDL_wYBlOOkysEERy7dqHd6yH_BFP4Igx4YsekPooqZf4umnqljxOxzrDxMkb5_aDIhN4ir06mNytX5MrYu_MA0utluCxHvFO4dTkTncvOMT92-GR9JvQr/s1600/10413321_931990096827848_4118923921301170701_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiD_XoWGjEYoGTUelbRljV6RDL_wYBlOOkysEERy7dqHd6yH_BFP4Igx4YsekPooqZf4umnqljxOxzrDxMkb5_aDIhN4ir06mNytX5MrYu_MA0utluCxHvFO4dTkTncvOMT92-GR9JvQr/s1600/10413321_931990096827848_4118923921301170701_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ecLnzK3ZKugouSyoD56LXF6XO3UX7DUqyZN-LNO9UgmS0tudPwSvTRTCiUo1ZNfI_a8fP8PxUktZZRidudg0EIwhyphenhyphenQ3ph_2xdOmdzsRgFl72p5jfcGzyuf2l0-3Dxt-GXpoAjahxgwne/s1600/10557173_931989683494556_8313612711575727087_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ecLnzK3ZKugouSyoD56LXF6XO3UX7DUqyZN-LNO9UgmS0tudPwSvTRTCiUo1ZNfI_a8fP8PxUktZZRidudg0EIwhyphenhyphenQ3ph_2xdOmdzsRgFl72p5jfcGzyuf2l0-3Dxt-GXpoAjahxgwne/s1600/10557173_931989683494556_8313612711575727087_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Y7ie5CC2qMM0nxNJ5-kzA6biqozsetdIC_hEQ8P-pFxlAGZWVWdMzq3ARU0aQVVsWdDE7MvqQAEFUrmSVO2nKa_UzjjO3m1nEox27HgoxBHdn37-G2dQrAk1Y8_iorAj22jcVavIMAfo/s1600/10616231_931990296827828_1034811036051465062_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Y7ie5CC2qMM0nxNJ5-kzA6biqozsetdIC_hEQ8P-pFxlAGZWVWdMzq3ARU0aQVVsWdDE7MvqQAEFUrmSVO2nKa_UzjjO3m1nEox27HgoxBHdn37-G2dQrAk1Y8_iorAj22jcVavIMAfo/s1600/10616231_931990296827828_1034811036051465062_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">The school premises were modestly decorated and filled us all with a sense of pride and belonging. </span></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_beu__u1MUzJNP9JDUVAJimIkL8DZxvcpFcrpxVd-mPT_F5l_ka9Tnq69ameh8Hk8RxJG6qEboLiY5BXvKETHaiadnZio6xfeHQgeRz55T8IgFW5Fl0apWHNV8GbEwF6AVhB6OVVXCMny/s1600/10478598_931990926827765_6174735519741587157_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_beu__u1MUzJNP9JDUVAJimIkL8DZxvcpFcrpxVd-mPT_F5l_ka9Tnq69ameh8Hk8RxJG6qEboLiY5BXvKETHaiadnZio6xfeHQgeRz55T8IgFW5Fl0apWHNV8GbEwF6AVhB6OVVXCMny/s1600/10478598_931990926827765_6174735519741587157_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoL2hx6cXcxTCppX9hB2vTl7ikCcjvgEoKpl3IVc7dzuDlrH6N_WV54g7_waKzf-74JQ4Jhyk0xwp6u2GcvaggIxYogvJZ7HJUv8ywkK901xpAPlbo3dbluMID59ZG-WzNPKNz-xSX5RD9/s1600/10622830_931992730160918_7570530596966076879_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoL2hx6cXcxTCppX9hB2vTl7ikCcjvgEoKpl3IVc7dzuDlrH6N_WV54g7_waKzf-74JQ4Jhyk0xwp6u2GcvaggIxYogvJZ7HJUv8ywkK901xpAPlbo3dbluMID59ZG-WzNPKNz-xSX5RD9/s1600/10622830_931992730160918_7570530596966076879_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">The lovely audience gracing the occasion. </span></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouuh_w6bk1tRhqz9S5VXiFZAelOVdSiBHvNZ6giBXI3SUpc0JMdSLIgX81RAT9aw6le3EIco7k_2VDeYVXPVW0_aENd_yD6LykPwH_qigYTb_QkXav_R0iVYBYoPajpm59u01tKqVJTfa/s1600/10599656_931993160160875_1143003893737944796_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouuh_w6bk1tRhqz9S5VXiFZAelOVdSiBHvNZ6giBXI3SUpc0JMdSLIgX81RAT9aw6le3EIco7k_2VDeYVXPVW0_aENd_yD6LykPwH_qigYTb_QkXav_R0iVYBYoPajpm59u01tKqVJTfa/s1600/10599656_931993160160875_1143003893737944796_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">The students dressed as prominent figures from our history.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33CN2s_wjDL8Ed3EP36yiqJC5L8yf-TQkJdD1eAZKEhyphenhyphenO7DqD_UfhD_WXrWMo0XvOhQlIg-bRnqaOjXKQ2FSqon0udEJ8Tj5QKm4RnUfIEASFHwcULj_TMPxcdiscM0VzNMab1PnZ2Uw7/s1600/10603520_931994423494082_7870709496232618737_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33CN2s_wjDL8Ed3EP36yiqJC5L8yf-TQkJdD1eAZKEhyphenhyphenO7DqD_UfhD_WXrWMo0XvOhQlIg-bRnqaOjXKQ2FSqon0udEJ8Tj5QKm4RnUfIEASFHwcULj_TMPxcdiscM0VzNMab1PnZ2Uw7/s1600/10603520_931994423494082_7870709496232618737_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Students getting ready to sing the National Anthem.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTN6EQ_lqTgnh7X9cSN0Ukm8Ar0RDPHyD6dp1TKfqH_ID6TLmEwZzs1ukSQPGVuYU1bSdvdP1idAjqiGkuDUbajBJXQaMwSiYbvojWVVoqZfABhlS5199-LuZvUoceU0fpFRiH1a8ORakm/s1600/10520551_931995883493936_6989630709955128402_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTN6EQ_lqTgnh7X9cSN0Ukm8Ar0RDPHyD6dp1TKfqH_ID6TLmEwZzs1ukSQPGVuYU1bSdvdP1idAjqiGkuDUbajBJXQaMwSiYbvojWVVoqZfABhlS5199-LuZvUoceU0fpFRiH1a8ORakm/s1600/10520551_931995883493936_6989630709955128402_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnNBRx9a3u72i7D1VuDDZlbl2L75sx4Q3Ubtxy5_Jg8zGbIZh6mGrbToE1JdlMHCsDXP0qSl6qmN3i_G423V1-LpwgPDT6ip_Z4jLEOik5MC5K2RSLoyLlZk79bs_vr5Bu_2L52sK4vVe/s1600/10540627_931995313493993_7281659424169420155_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnNBRx9a3u72i7D1VuDDZlbl2L75sx4Q3Ubtxy5_Jg8zGbIZh6mGrbToE1JdlMHCsDXP0qSl6qmN3i_G423V1-LpwgPDT6ip_Z4jLEOik5MC5K2RSLoyLlZk79bs_vr5Bu_2L52sK4vVe/s1600/10540627_931995313493993_7281659424169420155_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUPvLjgs_s1mdHFauac3kFalogBDxfFaTSspVEob4pi2NDw0SsXx3rSiUytCc76oNAhjRWh54h-e_CuRNIkgcT4jiPWpQ-elNdYD7uIUF9Q6IeIsLomSTwfTwCj2fUw2pZ0GSWnq7-Z-Y/s1600/10599576_931995173494007_8637991194408617232_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUPvLjgs_s1mdHFauac3kFalogBDxfFaTSspVEob4pi2NDw0SsXx3rSiUytCc76oNAhjRWh54h-e_CuRNIkgcT4jiPWpQ-elNdYD7uIUF9Q6IeIsLomSTwfTwCj2fUw2pZ0GSWnq7-Z-Y/s1600/10599576_931995173494007_8637991194408617232_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Teachers and a few other elders teaching students what it means to be free. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRc3GniqUtbzYYijkb0r8kKs-qUjWEJY3SvyT2TVh4yxXszx5lET2WfEYd_mJlithHagtpU1CbkwkTLMDA8gciNyA_fp9QpbYtZm8lLtclQ7m3d5Uyt_T22zBCmYYIiMtdURDJvCQkQUQ/s1600/10632655_931995696827288_3313158139374108728_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRc3GniqUtbzYYijkb0r8kKs-qUjWEJY3SvyT2TVh4yxXszx5lET2WfEYd_mJlithHagtpU1CbkwkTLMDA8gciNyA_fp9QpbYtZm8lLtclQ7m3d5Uyt_T22zBCmYYIiMtdURDJvCQkQUQ/s1600/10632655_931995696827288_3313158139374108728_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1YLT2EXpNdrG8iSa_5IHyruyG1KWBzZfEHtyu_J3R01rX40cWay-MXsTwjvS5i_F3E036px76s2XQLBjZ_w4CoBwT9x3OplDdkxrfzyYi5lMH3edd2ErBXGy6E0xX6N7sEYkmIfW0-im/s1600/1908412_931997013493823_5889903766881818964_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1YLT2EXpNdrG8iSa_5IHyruyG1KWBzZfEHtyu_J3R01rX40cWay-MXsTwjvS5i_F3E036px76s2XQLBjZ_w4CoBwT9x3OplDdkxrfzyYi5lMH3edd2ErBXGy6E0xX6N7sEYkmIfW0-im/s1600/1908412_931997013493823_5889903766881818964_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiQ3CmjG7wXweSz8Jrwou4RxxJS3P-le0Ka1ME8uMtxy0zQ6zoTjbLnDyRp4Nv6YOqXx20zdbIVi2-t4rrnjiYHju_48nxpmtQNYnsmx08hU5J5Zw5KsdIYaiN9Tts17JMWMKBVpVVHBe/s1600/10629851_931997366827121_1644169028379723171_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiQ3CmjG7wXweSz8Jrwou4RxxJS3P-le0Ka1ME8uMtxy0zQ6zoTjbLnDyRp4Nv6YOqXx20zdbIVi2-t4rrnjiYHju_48nxpmtQNYnsmx08hU5J5Zw5KsdIYaiN9Tts17JMWMKBVpVVHBe/s1600/10629851_931997366827121_1644169028379723171_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">The students of Anand Vidyalayam put up a grand show for the audience. Spellbound, we enjoyed every moment as the students danced, sang, acted and more. Kudos to Mr. Henry and his team of dedicated teachers who do their best to bring out the best in their students.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #dddddd; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">Photo Courtesy: Jasper Daniel and Disha Kathuria </span></div>
</strong></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-89478816788585694782014-08-20T15:40:00.002+05:302014-09-09T14:02:57.638+05:30Volunteer Say: A PARTICIPATORY APPROACH- PART ONE by Natalie Owens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I say part one as we have only been living at SEDS for two weeks now and it feels like we are only scratching the surface of the interconnectedness of community life in Anandapuram. Slowly, finding our way through the layers of community organisation and its complexities of history, culture, caste systems, gender and poverty, that have all molded a way of life that exists today. I only attempt to understand it not to be an expert. It has been such a pleasure and priviledge to sit and hear the stories of these people and hope that I can share some insight of our global brothers and sisters who are doing it tough and contribute purposefully in some way, for "we are all waves"- Hindi proverb.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">Since 1980, SEDS has been working with the local communities to improve the livelihoods of families, by providing a range of social and environmental initiatives. However SEDS discovered that by providing its services and resources for free, they were not being valued by the communities. Therefore, in 1990 SEDS realised that a more sustainable approach was to involve the community members as much as possible through participation. Each target community has since been required to contribute a small amount towards the facilities, whether it is the installation of a water pump or a biogas fitting. This two-way process has had positive outcomes as the people become stakeholders in the development process of their community.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">In the last week we have gained exposure to some of these exchanges where SEDS is called to do a biogas fitting or maintenance. We entered a village where there were people living out of tents in poverty. A farmer expressed his sadness that someone had accidently split the water pipe while digging, thus cutting off the village water supply. The SEDS field worker obviously took this seriously, however it was requested that a small contribution of 200INR be paid to SEDS for the repair, ($3.50 Australia Dollars). It appeared to be an unexpected amount that the community would have to pay for, however they would need to accommodate for this. SEDS encourages this contribution in order to empower communities to take ownership of these processes and their resources, this deters a sense of dependency on the organisation.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">Another story of reflection was one of a small community that was fitted with a biogas system by SEDS. Workers have reported difficulties in shifting some of the perceptions and processes of community members and farmers who are set in their ways. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">While communities see the benefits of biogas, it is a task to change traditional attitudes and behaviours that have been used for hundreds of years. An example of this was when a community faced financial concerns they were forced to sell their cows, thus the manure (fuel) for biogas was not available and as a result people returned to their traditional ways of cooking on an open fire. One lady though decided that she would collect cow manure from neighbouring fields and through her actions and personal agency she was able to demonstrate a shift in thinking.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">We also recently attended our first community organisation meeting of local farmers who are participating in the Low Carbon Farming (LCF) initiative. This involves the use of no chemicals and fertilisers which helps to generates carbon credits ie. money from Developed Countries such as Australia. The farmers reported that they are very happy to be involved as it reduces the costs of buying chemicals and fertilisers and provides a much-needed income. While the organic farming process is more time consuming they can see the benefits in the long term. The only problem that was communicated by the farmers was the lack of rainwater in the area which causes substantial delys in the process.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">To be continued.... ~~<3~~</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8EDf9cshVA8U4zSyItB0J2LRCaGwkM322l72fciRQBvSoswtRoZzMgyR9CcOSlOVqFc4DsQy70BAKJmcOA8Lg56f2CdM1630pMPL5kNrJbzQKjr05cBtRmFVBJki8gXKe65bxp1aJ3yH/s1600/1.1407678905.meeting-the-local-villages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8EDf9cshVA8U4zSyItB0J2LRCaGwkM322l72fciRQBvSoswtRoZzMgyR9CcOSlOVqFc4DsQy70BAKJmcOA8Lg56f2CdM1630pMPL5kNrJbzQKjr05cBtRmFVBJki8gXKe65bxp1aJ3yH/s1600/1.1407678905.meeting-the-local-villages.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkfsxL-wr9nFGZVBCoCEcVi8fQ5Iy7XcUdFS3ENUSPEQUdWZ1MI_AVE0pY6k_aH0ncKE6dD1QGEOJ4ZOQSNlyncZz-DVlrMEZZJ4wQV_YOo7STbfRjEDDuX78FkH5vkyBm5mOKDX-akae/s1600/thumbnail.xlarge.1.1407678905.community-get-together-to-discuss-issues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkfsxL-wr9nFGZVBCoCEcVi8fQ5Iy7XcUdFS3ENUSPEQUdWZ1MI_AVE0pY6k_aH0ncKE6dD1QGEOJ4ZOQSNlyncZz-DVlrMEZZJ4wQV_YOo7STbfRjEDDuX78FkH5vkyBm5mOKDX-akae/s1600/thumbnail.xlarge.1.1407678905.community-get-together-to-discuss-issues.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEify3_6L6Q-J9IBIWKkTF-TPvs88B8Zn2IVwJPHV2jY6zpdS5JxJ0LxISBfCwwna688sn9XyRN8axoxX8aLFm4b2U-fjh6OU77QRzinRdLtzDrBoktR3bZ5gcxbPAiQuZbA6KSk_BSJpDqZ/s1600/thumbnail.xlarge.1.1407678905.lovely-door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEify3_6L6Q-J9IBIWKkTF-TPvs88B8Zn2IVwJPHV2jY6zpdS5JxJ0LxISBfCwwna688sn9XyRN8axoxX8aLFm4b2U-fjh6OU77QRzinRdLtzDrBoktR3bZ5gcxbPAiQuZbA6KSk_BSJpDqZ/s1600/thumbnail.xlarge.1.1407678905.lovely-door.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Photo Courtesy: Natalie Owens</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Follow Natalie and her trails at</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nat0wens/1/1407678905/tpod.html</div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-18705857345384597052014-08-20T15:32:00.000+05:302014-09-09T14:03:10.751+05:30Volunteer Say: Welcome to SEDS by Natalie Owens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SEDS- Social, Education and Development society, is located about 180kms (2.5hr drive) from Bangalore in the Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh. As we turned off the main road we noticed a large rock face in the distance with the word SEDS inscribed in large white letters like the Hollywood hills we joked. As we drove towards our new home filled with anticipation and excitement we passed through rocky terrain and beautiful overshadowing mountains. The landscape was dry and barren of water. We then passed through a bustling small village of shops and local action called Penukonda, this would be our closest town to buy goods. 20kms later we arrived at our beautiful organic farm home-stay, the surroundings were evidently greener with palm trees and plants everywhere.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">SEDS was founded 30 years ago by Rajen and Manil (husband and wife) to address the environmental problems of the area as Anantapur was the second most drought and desert prone area in India with an agrarian economy. The drought has caused many social issues in the area including a high-rate of school drop-outs, unemployment, increased crime in the area, migration to urban areas, Indebted farmers commiting suicide, lack of food security and high rate of deforestation.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">"You can't change people’s minds until you feed them" ~Rajen~</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">SEDS now works in 5 mandals covering an area of 5,400 sq. km. with a population of around 300,000 across 180 villages. Its aim is to empower communities and improve their environment and livelihood through sustainable projects such as bio-gas, low carbon farming and water storage methods. SEDS also facilitates community support, self-help groups, skill development, and education programs to the nearby villages, with an aim to particularly empower and upskill the women.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">The SEDS farm itself, where we are living is a bustling community that operates it’s own projects including a private school and English lessons, a hostel for children who are homeless or unable to remain with their families, a sponsorship program, and much more. Claire and I have begun to work in the school in our spare time providing tuition to some of the children who are struggling with their English.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">Yesterday, in our lunch break, the teachers gathered in the staff room and started painting Henna on one another in preparation for Ramadan festivities tomorrow. On our way to school we were surprised by the head chef Gangama who bounded out of some thick plantation with some herbs in her hand. Most of the workers on the farm speak the local language of Telugu so we had some difficulty understanding what she had been harvesting. But later I found her grinding a green substance in a massive stone mortar & pestle and discovered she was making her own organic Henna paste for Ramadan. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">As I look out of the window of my humble room, beautiful green trees stretch for miles with abundant bird and wildlife, sunflower fields and farmland it is hard to believe this was once considered desert prone land, Manil and Rajen’s success is evident.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">Anything is possible…</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_dAG4Gh7_s48qiZ5n5VXB2iu5yWFvMEmpy852KbdMrD0MOl_mogbG-lKO-8S9R8h5QmnNQNk6IutCv-9I49Aug5Tyb7_18aHIrDS8XHYRQBY4RQbiJrdCiagGNuOMMK9hnvmzXHhVAwn/s1600/1522258_10154447130150154_2883256202321401042_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_dAG4Gh7_s48qiZ5n5VXB2iu5yWFvMEmpy852KbdMrD0MOl_mogbG-lKO-8S9R8h5QmnNQNk6IutCv-9I49Aug5Tyb7_18aHIrDS8XHYRQBY4RQbiJrdCiagGNuOMMK9hnvmzXHhVAwn/s1600/1522258_10154447130150154_2883256202321401042_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjj-ugHtFk9W24oCiJhZg8YTTRVcht2dsX1kjjJW9YdU7XmNTWEVf9O_IvVsoZdDejhC6t5ptLZa9sp3_z75pPAP1SQ3GG17SahdQH7mBy96_wybmTQ0l4SDgZxJCsldqKPTgTAYk3C-Nw/s1600/1911883_10154447129890154_3811185675692002270_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjj-ugHtFk9W24oCiJhZg8YTTRVcht2dsX1kjjJW9YdU7XmNTWEVf9O_IvVsoZdDejhC6t5ptLZa9sp3_z75pPAP1SQ3GG17SahdQH7mBy96_wybmTQ0l4SDgZxJCsldqKPTgTAYk3C-Nw/s1600/1911883_10154447129890154_3811185675692002270_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PkfgWXbYkACHV69zacu6xNu06208VTtjcBYn8wdDqobeDgjVm1iMt0fnEn4yOpODnqC2Cj4nBY5-Hkhz_-cdCXKu5pSBHN8y-GscfhvA1caYIr5Vgv3wyDToTVJ2U391H3myLURqm7cQ/s1600/10481759_10154447130160154_35015822734323282_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PkfgWXbYkACHV69zacu6xNu06208VTtjcBYn8wdDqobeDgjVm1iMt0fnEn4yOpODnqC2Cj4nBY5-Hkhz_-cdCXKu5pSBHN8y-GscfhvA1caYIr5Vgv3wyDToTVJ2U391H3myLURqm7cQ/s1600/10481759_10154447130160154_35015822734323282_n.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCJfZp_Rnv9IiFEmbk6U9NKTdRG9chL4yOHvoCWoIsFXJ_BFzFtYsS_IdsX6eLt1t7W4d7aEOgBQbF5WShRfvn0Es4Qo0EEJddOpjPEwKPERT0Syp68DViA_FMzGnOJ4HtEMEfZE8chx8/s1600/10561555_10154447129900154_4377729355498831292_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCJfZp_Rnv9IiFEmbk6U9NKTdRG9chL4yOHvoCWoIsFXJ_BFzFtYsS_IdsX6eLt1t7W4d7aEOgBQbF5WShRfvn0Es4Qo0EEJddOpjPEwKPERT0Syp68DViA_FMzGnOJ4HtEMEfZE8chx8/s1600/10561555_10154447129900154_4377729355498831292_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2_rr-n2Pz4JCVjO0DnDvJPywD37yHdcFKHKcSOZawqFLzOyseplM_bkYsFErvUaUJvM9EiUnJus4-E0JBcPTUXMH0-m2pQyetRZYqhi6JTlMoIGU-rw9fhL0DFN0bWmqT-AWnh9GCxpD/s1600/10580240_10154447129895154_1002900372280001094_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2_rr-n2Pz4JCVjO0DnDvJPywD37yHdcFKHKcSOZawqFLzOyseplM_bkYsFErvUaUJvM9EiUnJus4-E0JBcPTUXMH0-m2pQyetRZYqhi6JTlMoIGU-rw9fhL0DFN0bWmqT-AWnh9GCxpD/s1600/10580240_10154447129895154_1002900372280001094_n.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Photo Courtesy: Natalie Owens</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Follow Natalie and her trails at </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nat0wens/1/1408353094/tpod.html</div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-63329031119899903832014-08-20T15:21:00.000+05:302014-09-09T14:03:21.612+05:30Volunteer Say: Nothing goes to waste by Natalie Owens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">Nothing goes to waste is a phrase said quite a lot around the grounds of SEDS and as we have explored some of the surrounding areas it is not hard to see why. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">The electricity at SEDS is powered by the grid in the area, however, it doesn't seem to kick-in until around midday with the farm being so remote. Therefore, on workdays (Monday-Saturday) electricity is powered by a generator. It is not unusual to go without power on a Sunday until the evening and it being our only day off provides a nice break from relying on electricity and we have taken to enjoying a book, crocheting or simply meditating/relaxing down by the pond.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">The surrounding local communities have limited electricity too. It is something we take for granted in Australia, a couple of times we have mentioned to our friends here that our major cities leave their lights on in empty office buildings all night long as it makes the city look pretty at night….and have watched their jaws drop in shock that the Australian government allows this.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">We have explored some of the local communities and I have been touched by the resilience of some of the families that live in tents in the middle of the desert, with no water pump or electricity for kilometers. The children still attend school despite their circumstances and learn to 'study by candlelight’ something that we have never experienced in Australia. The local government and SEDS have provided bore wells to be able to supply water to these areas. SEDS also has approval to fit 5000 bio-gas containers in the communities. We saw how large ditches were being dug to fit the large domes that create methane from a mixture of cow manure and water….this provides natural gas straight to the homes to fuel stove cookers. We were invited into one of the homes and drank coffee fueled by shit (so to speak). It was awesome!!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">At SEDS our water is provided by a small tank that runs out on a daily basis as this area does not get much rain. It doesn’t take long for the many hands on deck to fill it up again. I have forgotten what a shower feels like for here we bath ourselves with a bucket. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">It saves so much water and there is</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">nothing like pouring a small bucket of cold/warmish water over your head in the morning.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">The same bucket is used to hand wash our clothes. Claire and I have not quite worked out how we can live without toilet paper yet, however we have taken to burning our paper as a ritual to the distant drumming sounds from the nearby villages.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">The farm has had some difficulty in maintaining a fruit and vegetable patch on the premises as large monkeys roam the rooftops searching for food, so food is purchased from the nearby markets or farms. Every little food scrap is kept to make compost or to feed the many animals who live at SEDS including 3 cows and 8 dogs…and so the cow manure is used for bio-gas that provides our meals. Everything is interconnected and nothing goes to waste.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">SEDS fundamental aim is to empower the local communities to achieve sustainable livelihoods. SEDS provides a holistic approach to natural resource management that is based on the efficient use of limited land and water. Imagine the possibilities of what we could do in Australia if we applied this concept to every household and business!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtIgI-VB77YTpKtgsmFv6FoUGIqo9F5Ornsjn2m_Dtrd6Ogp5ltq5Gs69luhXmFeTz_TXgYXh2BotI69FRDWQbHYClsiiNIUdgB8HbwlkUkrQDcmJyH0urP88q8qvGTjBsneO-KncgZCl/s1600/156024_10154447133230154_495065479420892179_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtIgI-VB77YTpKtgsmFv6FoUGIqo9F5Ornsjn2m_Dtrd6Ogp5ltq5Gs69luhXmFeTz_TXgYXh2BotI69FRDWQbHYClsiiNIUdgB8HbwlkUkrQDcmJyH0urP88q8qvGTjBsneO-KncgZCl/s1600/156024_10154447133230154_495065479420892179_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO15EXDK_l3ve_rNYEDsSbJCfZfKYfjW4Cp2NK7QMV0DBrNbow3KBBbrGpN6sejxBj7XHENSdbrHypfNX3O-mTqBRv-v5xkH_yBlDWGu1qwV6SHif8_xIJ1XogLWAkw3WcVwApSmkKEIq/s1600/10268426_10154447133050154_6375539874620970425_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO15EXDK_l3ve_rNYEDsSbJCfZfKYfjW4Cp2NK7QMV0DBrNbow3KBBbrGpN6sejxBj7XHENSdbrHypfNX3O-mTqBRv-v5xkH_yBlDWGu1qwV6SHif8_xIJ1XogLWAkw3WcVwApSmkKEIq/s1600/10268426_10154447133050154_6375539874620970425_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRxCq8sweuOSqQ0PbKgQu3fAq3Hy2utnblyFrQrGmkpOmfh1VOsptg4ybZxnlRGmX9IqSdaM8JBc_27JT0ujEQabUbAfPvOQl3gBY3bq6dcyzrwChnxJwa6W2aDgVgkuxLp_4p94WH0cL/s1600/10505315_10154447133045154_7498297500860622687_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRxCq8sweuOSqQ0PbKgQu3fAq3Hy2utnblyFrQrGmkpOmfh1VOsptg4ybZxnlRGmX9IqSdaM8JBc_27JT0ujEQabUbAfPvOQl3gBY3bq6dcyzrwChnxJwa6W2aDgVgkuxLp_4p94WH0cL/s1600/10505315_10154447133045154_7498297500860622687_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgok6obseSGLG5-U6QIzYV0r1Pl3wTnTN9pUXGPC30Nqqi0f76gl0kGrbEam5c9mAfIFsGpwk_URbCWCxJL54QENiQWIHi6h_jYhXjl9tZDAtdE0ESwM9RUdqvVSxOiT71kGl48QqxHrLHR/s1600/10565180_10154447132860154_7133029071551258012_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgok6obseSGLG5-U6QIzYV0r1Pl3wTnTN9pUXGPC30Nqqi0f76gl0kGrbEam5c9mAfIFsGpwk_URbCWCxJL54QENiQWIHi6h_jYhXjl9tZDAtdE0ESwM9RUdqvVSxOiT71kGl48QqxHrLHR/s1600/10565180_10154447132860154_7133029071551258012_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo Courtesy: Natalie Owens</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Follow Natalie and her trails at</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nat0wens/1/1407678905/tpod.html</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-66013106917371052742014-08-20T14:56:00.001+05:302014-08-20T15:22:30.117+05:30Jasper Daniel: A lonely road<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">‘One who’s poised on the edge of a cliff is wise to define progress as a step backwards’. I spotted this wise saying on a signboard while holidaying in the hills of Mussoorie and Landour a few months ago. Its</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> meaning hit me tenfold when I stood at the edge of a cliff and looked around. The wise, old mountains kept a silent watch over the trucks winding their way up and down. The floating mist was serenading the flirtatious green of the trees. Birds and monkeys were living the high-life like a bunch of billionaires, singing and swaying with no care in the world. Of course progress, as we know it, would be a blunder in this God ordained perfection. But unfortunately, progress has already begun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br />Every day hundreds of trees are being sacrificed on the altars of progress in our country. Officials at the top, planning these development projects, fail to consider the impact of their myopic approach on the eco-system and the future. They are also blind to the years of hard work, planning and labour of those who planted these trees. One such project is threatening the future of hundreds of trees planted by SEDS twenty years ago.<br /><br />The Madakasira main road that connects Penukonda town to the SEDS farm and central office is a lonely one. All you have for company is rows of trees, performing a welcome dance to the whistling melody of the winds as you drive through. Pongamia, Neem, Bougainvillea and a host of other trees line this 20 kilometer stretch. They provide natural protection against pests for the farms on the sides of the road, and bring great relief from the scorching heat on summer days. Thanks to the new road widening project, these trees are on the verge of getting destroyed.<br /><br />We all love tree-lined roads. But most of us are not aware of what it takes and how much they cost. The cost of a tree sapling today is Rs. 75. It take over 5000 saplings to cover a ten kilometer stretch. The cost of labour is Rs.100 per sapling. Add watering and maintenance and the rough estimate comes to around 35 Lakh Rupees. Driving down a tree-lined, shaded road is a pleasant and enjoyable experience. But pleasant and enjoyable experiences don’t come cheap.<br /><br />It’s absolutely important for all of us to understand that it takes a lot and costs a lot to grow trees. Even with all the money pumped in, there is no guarantee for the trees to grow as desired. Natural conditions play a huge role. Drought can stunt growth. Cattle can graze away the saplings. The next time you see a tree on the side of the road or take shelter under one, say a silent thank you to those who made this miracle happen.<br /><br />The trees of Madakasira are under threat. Twenty years of hard work is going down the drain right in front of our eyes. It is a tragedy. But we at SEDS believe that this is not the end. It’s a tragedy only if we give up. Only if we stop doing our duty.<br /><br />Development and progress are inevitable. It is up to us to find a way to balance development and conservation. It is up to us to keep planting more trees. And for that we need your help. Can you help in some way? Can you donate the cost of one sapling (Rs.75)? Or the cost of labour per sapling (Rs. 100)? Can you share your ideas and suggestions? Can you spare some time to join us in the plantation drive? Can you spread the word about this project? It’s a lonely road that leads to change. We need you to walk this road with us, to create a change, to put back the trees on the lonely Madakasira road again.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSbZoRsE8_blvruw7r5RUSPhbBzGgS7Edv6MO92s73P1xdTIUtyWS7yNw_3ocAcZ4JBdNYtfE0ziXl-ODSLb0kvROrigqR8sHqg30SgFiMaAhKqesdyDfaWJ43F3mA8-vE319tz_8qUEl/s1600/1609973_931493046877553_6542003839789991476_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSbZoRsE8_blvruw7r5RUSPhbBzGgS7Edv6MO92s73P1xdTIUtyWS7yNw_3ocAcZ4JBdNYtfE0ziXl-ODSLb0kvROrigqR8sHqg30SgFiMaAhKqesdyDfaWJ43F3mA8-vE319tz_8qUEl/s1600/1609973_931493046877553_6542003839789991476_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCfXVQnYhRAb5ph2ENJcKiNmslQVc49Jd0n2tlaogpstHtPj-N-39x7Cf0GUsSHj_AcRaup9U0MmBo_5aaDqzHmwo_0-FdtSbLiUE2wu-0_SZzyNUaCiKvquCi8_d1z8_1qgOXpJ8LfJh/s1600/10575138_931493043544220_3167795920278562879_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCfXVQnYhRAb5ph2ENJcKiNmslQVc49Jd0n2tlaogpstHtPj-N-39x7Cf0GUsSHj_AcRaup9U0MmBo_5aaDqzHmwo_0-FdtSbLiUE2wu-0_SZzyNUaCiKvquCi8_d1z8_1qgOXpJ8LfJh/s1600/10575138_931493043544220_3167795920278562879_o.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUazV6id6kpImYqr7Os14nS4YNFUfiO_3oNteIYwc7m2ydouXuJyemmFN3mBwB5laGlyjQL2qTZWeH2_TauHKdITfXkbV4wVYPBcVlSbzcopCkz4EbF7Le8z7UBKB6um17l9JrfjOId-i/s1600/10606415_931492860210905_8630675549640998938_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUazV6id6kpImYqr7Os14nS4YNFUfiO_3oNteIYwc7m2ydouXuJyemmFN3mBwB5laGlyjQL2qTZWeH2_TauHKdITfXkbV4wVYPBcVlSbzcopCkz4EbF7Le8z7UBKB6um17l9JrfjOId-i/s1600/10606415_931492860210905_8630675549640998938_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmokAyHOqmhi2HMr65URW1wENXYS7lc0sEZmtPaaqnmiT-9XGm0mVpJSrZIXDfMtwDD06C2K91VJqs1-rV1eEiv3MNRB_0WuM_Niyrjgy7FYO55mAfqQtzUpgq7qx_ntNh840AovP86wCW/s1600/10628068_931492490210942_5287785748429872328_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmokAyHOqmhi2HMr65URW1wENXYS7lc0sEZmtPaaqnmiT-9XGm0mVpJSrZIXDfMtwDD06C2K91VJqs1-rV1eEiv3MNRB_0WuM_Niyrjgy7FYO55mAfqQtzUpgq7qx_ntNh840AovP86wCW/s1600/10628068_931492490210942_5287785748429872328_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo Courtesy: Jasper Daniel and Disha Kathuria</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-76996555657865990922014-08-20T14:40:00.001+05:302014-08-20T14:40:18.340+05:30SEDS: Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Project<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-before: always;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Zen temple located in
northwest Kyoto, Japan is known for a rock garden of fifteen boulders, placed
so that, when looking at the garden from any angle, only fourteen of the
boulders are visible at one time. According to the locals, only the truly
enlightened are able to view the fifteenth boulder. Thousands of kilometers
westwards, amidst the baking boulders of Anantapur, fifteen SEDS staff members
watch a group of masons put the finishing touches on an igloo made of bricks.
An enlightened effort was required to see a possible connection that would
benefit all those involved.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 1997, the Kyoto
Protocol was drafted to help reduce the effect of greenhouse emissions. The
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), defined in Article 12 of the Protocol,
allows a country with an emission-reduction commitment under the Protocol to
implement an emission-reduction project in developing countries. SEDS is the
link between such international treaties and local development on the ground
through its Biogas CDM Project. The project activity is to set up 5000 biogas
plants (digesters) of 2m<sup>3</sup> capacity each for single households in the
5 divisions of Anantapur District in which SEDS operates, and in this way
replace Non-Renewable Biomass with biogas for cooking and hot water heating.
SEDS links carbon credits traded in the Euro zone to non-polluting cooking fuel
for villages, benefiting all those involved in the project.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A truly creditable
venture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">[The article originally
written by Amit Manikoth, for SEDS's 30 years celebration. This is simply a
reproduction.]</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-89675759100903385422014-08-20T12:50:00.002+05:302014-08-20T12:50:45.585+05:30SEDS: It's only right to stand up for your rights<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-before: always;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1984. A young Rajen
Joshua crouched behind a tree, lying in wait for the landlords who beat him up
the previous week.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rajen had come to the
wilderness that was the Anantapur of the 70s as a part of the Young India
initiative. He had been encouraging the villagers to stand up to the local
landlords and claim what was rightfully theirs from the land that they worked
on. This didn't go down well with the local landlords who had the authority in
the region for decades.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The story of SEDS is
often the story of opposition. Opposition to outsiders, to a different way of
development, to a different way of thinking. Over the years, Rajen and Manil
have had to deal with hostile farmers, corrupt bureaucrats, an apathetic officialdom,
false police cases, thieving employees, naxal threats, and even short spells in
jail. SEDS is certainly the only NGO that has even run on the proceeds from
motorbike rallying, thanks to Rajen's race wins during times of fund shortages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The success and
development that you see around you came about not only with hard work, but
with several hard knocks. Looking at the results, we must not forget that the
journey has been far from easy and far from complete. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rajen never got to
confront the people he was waiting for on that evening in '84. Someone had
warned them to avoid that route and a few days later, the village brokered a
compromise. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">[The article originally
written by Amit Manikoth, for SEDS's 30 years celebration. This is simply a
reproduction.]</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-76722699651753985952014-08-20T12:49:00.000+05:302014-08-20T12:49:10.822+05:30SEDS: High yields of Low Carbon Farming<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-before: always;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Decreased tilling +
decreased fertilizer = increased crop.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If that sounds a bit
counter-intuitive, then you should hear about Low Carbon Farming (LCF). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most modern agricultural
practices are caught up in the ever-increasing cycle of chemical fertilizers. A
farmer who uses a certain amount of chemicals on his fields, finds that the
quantity required increases with each year, to ensure the same yield. LCF
promotes sustainable forms of agriculture using practices like reduced tilling,
minimal or no usage of chemical fertilizers, planting multiple crops for
biodiversity, and anaerobic composting. Two main sources of carbon related to
agriculture are the use of chemical fertilizers and tilling the soil which
releases trapped carbon. LCF practices preserve the carbon content of the soil
that would otherwise be depleted by the more traditional methods of modern
farming. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SEDS and 4 other NGOs
make up the 'Fair Climate Network-LCF' group that aims to implement sustainable
agricultural practices over 8,000 hectares of land. In a historic first, this
1-year pilot project also aims to quantify and translate the amount of carbon
reduced or preserved into Verified Emission Reductions (VERs) that can then be
traded on the Carbon Credit market. Out of its target of 819 farmers, SEDS has
already reached out to 620 farmers through farmer field schools. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With a lot riding on the
success and lessons learnt from this pilot project, this sustainable venture
looks set to yield results next year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">[The article originally
written by Amit Manikoth, for SEDS's 30 years celebration. This is simply a
reproduction.]</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-13367355511365407082014-08-20T12:47:00.001+05:302014-08-20T12:47:57.001+05:30SEDS: Communities shape societies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Going by definitions,
there are more than 94 for the word 'community'. Communities can range from a
few mud huts on a single patch of ground to a trans-continental virtual
Internet group. A community can refer to a centuries-old business partnership,
or to the temporary kinship felt by fans at a football match. What is common
though, is the sense of belonging.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The sense of belonging is
what's integral to the SEDS definition of a community. And the community
development program itself is the umbrella under which all SEDS activities are
organized. The basic unit of the community-based organizations (CBOs) is the
women's self-help group (SHG). SHGs generally consist of ten to fifteen members
who organize savings and loan activities. SHGs also spread awareness of various
social issues. One or two women of each SHG are nominated to represent their
group at a village organization (VO) that handles village issues. VO leaders
then become a part of a mandal samakya which deals with things at a mandal
(akin to a county) level. Finally, there are mandal facilitation centres (MFCs)
that take up legal and government programs, with lobbying and advocacy issues
at the Divisional level.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SEDS is involved in each
stage of the community organization, delivering facilities and training a
village staff of about 400 people, including volunteers, health workers, and
teachers. From the mid-1980's when SEDS started Sanghams in the villages, the
main effort has been to make the community organizations efficient, sustainable
and, in the long term, independent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">[The article originally
written by Amit Manikoth, for SEDS's 30 years celebration. This is simply a
reproduction.]</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-51750641122780387312014-08-20T12:45:00.002+05:302014-08-20T12:45:53.007+05:30SEDS: Walking the path, Roger Griffiths lit.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roger Griffiths had a
passion for cars. He maintained his antique cars beautifully and participated
in an annual drive along the coast of Australia. As his battle with Parkinson's
disease weakened him, he asked a friend to drive one of his cars so that he
could still participate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roger worked through
Rotary and many other social development groups in his local community of
Frankston. As an Honorary Director with Action Aid Australia, Roger was also
connected with SEDS, visiting the SEDS campus twice, in 2003 and in 2005.
Action Aid still sponsors several children at the SEDS school. His skills at
driving local development activities ranged from organizing plays for fund
raising, to visiting underprivileged children. With the money collected in his
memory, SEDS launched the Roger Griffiths Driving School in 2009. The driving
school aims to teach unemployed village boys how to drive a vehicle, expanding
their employment opportunities in the transport sector. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A 10th grade certificate
is the minimum requirement to join the school. The students attend daily
practical and theory classes, learn basic vehicle maintenance and simple
repairs. They learn traffic rules in addition to learning about parts of a
motor vehicle. After 45 days, they are eligible to take a driving test at
Hindupur, an hour's journey away from Penukonda. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mr. Griffiths passed away
in 2008. His name and legacy live on here at SEDS.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">[The article originally
written by Amit Manikoth, for SEDS's 30 years celebration. This is simply a
reproduction.]</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-79784085786005272112014-08-20T12:43:00.003+05:302014-08-20T12:43:31.246+05:30SEDS: Technology for rural transformation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-before: always;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does SEDS have in
common with a 25-billion dollar petroleum giant, the largest Indian private
insurance company, a pharmaceutical multi-national, and the third biggest steel
company in the country?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are all winners of
the<span lang="HI"> </span>Silver EDGE award at Interop, a renowned information
technology conference and exhibition held at several global locations every
year. Past awards have been given to the likes of Hindustan Petroleum,
ICICI-Prudential, Allergan, and Jindal Steel. <span lang="HI"></span>SEDS is the
first NGO, and Manil is the first woman to win this award which recognizes
enterprises that use IT effectively to drive growth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SEDS collaborated with
Wolf Frameworks to put a Census Information Management System in place. The
system that took just 120 hours to implement, maintains details of thousands of
people from the 250 villages that SEDS helps. Using this system, SEDS can track
and effectively direct development effort in each of these villages. The
technology used also makes it easier for supporting organizations all over the
World to contribute to the various development projects in Anantapur.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While Silver EDGE winners
usually harness the power of IT to drive their capital inflow, SEDS uses it to
nurture a far more valuable resource, human capital. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">[The article originally
written by Amit Manikoth, for SEDS's 30 years celebration. This is simply a
reproduction.]</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-17717984545555068202014-08-20T12:42:00.001+05:302014-08-20T12:42:14.128+05:30SEDS: Trees are the source of life, the beacon for future.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baba Fakhruddin
Suharwardy was the king of an Iranian province, before renouncing his kingdom
and becoming a Sufi saint. After several years spent serving his spiritual
guru, he sought a place to settle in. According to an old tale, his guru </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">gave him a dry twig and directed him to travel till he found a
place where the twig would bloom into a big plant. Baba Fakhruddin travelled
far and one day, he planted the twig and slept under a tree, only to awake and
see that it had become a beautiful plant. That place was Penukonda.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like the dry twig of the
legend, the once dry hills of Penukonda have been transformed into a sea of
green through the re-forestation efforts of SEDS. Planting and helping plant
over 2 million Tamarind, Neem, Pongamia, and Jatropha trees, SEDS has
effectively converted barren land into a veritable forest. Supporting the
planting activity, SEDS's watershed management techniques ensure that the water
stores remain even during seasons of drought. SEDS pioneered the restoration of
old tanks and traditional water bodies such as farm ponds, as well as creating
new watersheds in the area. Villagers who once cut down trees indiscriminately
have realized the importance of the green cover and have become the best
guardians of Penukonda's trees. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baba Fakhruddin's
mausoleum still stands in Penukonda today, among all the trees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">[The article originally
written by Amit Manikoth, for SEDS's 30 years celebration. This is simply a
reproduction.]</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-39730898752086112192014-08-20T12:40:00.003+05:302014-08-20T12:40:44.603+05:30SEDS: Localise to stabilise <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It used to take the
villagers of <span lang="HI"></span>K.Maruvapalli more than half a day to obtain
basic provisions. Dependent as they were on the nearest town, Hindupur, they
needed to spend money on transport just to get there. Hindupur itself was not
the most fortunate of places. With scarce groundwater, prices of essential
commodities are usually higher, especially for villagers without any other
options.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The SEDS village
organization realized that a local solution was required. They started setting
up their own shops to make basic provisions easily accessible to the villagers
and thus, ensure food security for the rural community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SEDS helped the village
organizations manage the shops. The women were given training in accounts,
book-keeping and how to forecast and plan for purchases in advance. Not only
did the villagers savings on transportation costs, but the advantage of buying
wholesale actually gave them access to goods at a lower cost than before. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The local village shop
model fits into the sustainability principles of localization of economy.
Today, there are three shops running in the area, with plans for several more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">[The article originally
written by Amit Manikoth, for SEDS's 30 years celebration. This is simply a
reproduction.]</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-47562373397410458672014-08-20T12:38:00.001+05:302014-08-20T12:38:09.769+05:30SEDS: Sustainable engagement for sustainable living<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take a walk to the play
area in front of the SEDS office, and you may catch <span lang="HI"></span>the
dogs Zizu and Bacchi at their favourite game. The two boxers love playing with
the see-saw and the enthusiasm with which they pull and push the seats has to
be seen to be believed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Balancing the demands of
a rapidly growing society against the need to sustain our natural resources is
no easy task. On one side, the mounting demands of an urban-industrial
lifestyle always threaten push resources right down to depletion. SEDS is
tipping the balance towards sustainability and conservation. Watershed
management and tank de-silting replenish the water. Sustainable agriculture and
vermiculture preserve the soil. Reforestation and clean development cleanse the
air.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By training and involving
the people of the villages in the areas around Penukonda, SEDS ensures that
development is participative and continuous. SEDS brings the expertise and
implementation strategies to essential areas and to programs that are on par
with conservation at the highest levels the World over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All aimed at maintaining
the delicate balance of sustainable development. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">[The article originally
written by Amit Manikoth, for SEDS's 30 years celebration. This is simply a
reproduction.]</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-44962365723124561412014-08-20T12:35:00.001+05:302014-08-20T12:35:36.797+05:30SEDS: Hostel the homeless<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"In the first place
men should have a fear of the gods above, who regard the loneliness of the
orphans." - Plato</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Asha (name changed) was a
bright girl who used to attend the SEDS school on a sponsorship program. All of
a sudden she stopped attending classes. When she returned after a couple of
weeks, she was four months pregnant. At the age of 12. Another disappearance
followed, and this time Manil sent the reluctant SEDS staff out to search for
her. When she returned again, there was no sign of her pregnancy. Patient
inquiries revealed that she had been 'sold' to a group of men by her own
mother, who had also arranged for the abortion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arun and Deepa were found
living alone in an empty house. Their parents had died a few months previously.
Arun used to dance on the streets, Deepa would try and do odd jobs to make
money. When they were found, their hair was lice-infested and living on rice
that Deepa would cook at night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are just a couple
of the stories from the SEDS hostel. Started with the aim of providing shelter
to children who needed shelter, the hostel has met with mixed success. Even
though it is SEDS that cares for and tries to help, the ultimate authority over
the child's future always remains in the hands of the child's relatives, sadly
often the very people who look to exploit the children rescued by SEDS.
Sponsorship for the hostel has been sporadic. One bright instance came in the
form of Belgian funding for a dedicated block of rooms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But much can be, and
remains to be done.</span><b><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Rufscript; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Rufscript; mso-fareast-font-family: Rufscript;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Rufscript;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">[The article
originally written by Amit Manikoth, for SEDS's 30 years celebration. This is simply a
reproduction.]</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-15178382403941372792014-08-20T12:29:00.001+05:302014-08-20T12:29:11.449+05:30SEDS: Lending a helping hand in healthcare<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rajen Joshua's compound
fracture, in a way, formed the basis of the SEDS Healthcare program. After
that, it was a dog who needed stitches after getting into a fight. And then a
child who had a bad fall. Soon, the need for healthcare infrastructure was felt
and the healthcare program began to develop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lot of the initial
training was provided thanks to Dr.Ashley D'Cruz of the <span lang="HI"></span>St.
Johns Medical College, Bangalore. Village Health Workers (VHWs) were taught basic
healthcare and now form the backbone of the program.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lack of basic
facilities and superstitions used to plague village births. Female infanticide
was an issue and even breech deliveries or the occurrence of twin births were
considered unlucky, leading to the death of several babies. An important start
was to train village midwives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SEDS organizes health and
awareness camps, implements and monitors government campaigns, and operates
mobile clinics. With the basic infrastructure already in place, the focus is
now on capacity building. The aim is to supplement government healthcare
initiatives, till a time when villages can develop and support their own
healthcare programs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[The article originally written by Amit, for SEDS's 30 years celebration. This is simply a reproduction.]</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-5856872392782794832014-08-12T13:32:00.000+05:302014-08-20T15:24:49.539+05:30Jasper Daniel: Help us get young Madhan a laptop.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">(Before you proceed with reading the post, we'd like to tell you that Madhan's laptop has been sponsored. Thanks to some of our generous donors.)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Hello friends, we are raising funds for Madhan, A SEDS sponsored student. He's just completed his 2nd year Mechanical Engineering and will be starting the 3rd year in a month. The laptop he needs costs something around Rs.35,000. It would be great if you could help buy this laptop for Madhan. Kindly send us a message on FB if you're willing to contribute and we'll share the bank details with you.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlAoQyNKxVnWN_f3NRn9M7kHSBFpiaE3DgGXCG1QPwGiLGJMZQKbAo9xHLxtq6SkyYF5Ji-0QYDWO_aU2JZpmDCpkNu4u9MNmlLkBPEkaeZ_w20N_42UEsVjLyD67LR-MmrHU80Efo_II/s1600/10402012_919800558046802_3699175035289465225_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlAoQyNKxVnWN_f3NRn9M7kHSBFpiaE3DgGXCG1QPwGiLGJMZQKbAo9xHLxtq6SkyYF5Ji-0QYDWO_aU2JZpmDCpkNu4u9MNmlLkBPEkaeZ_w20N_42UEsVjLyD67LR-MmrHU80Efo_II/s1600/10402012_919800558046802_3699175035289465225_n.jpg" height="320" width="313" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Pe1cg42xqD7CGatukAcMizSFgV-zWUuuLsUMRVWjDp7NfsJnoQ-RV8wQFgXnCDBj81Fb5Y4L245J4tFwGwgv8Ia9jFoGQ6nnBNIFr_u3FBk33PmkCDCFphaOA226oRd-CUOEqRDUr0Z4/s1600/10553307_919798968046961_5769119287126154549_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Pe1cg42xqD7CGatukAcMizSFgV-zWUuuLsUMRVWjDp7NfsJnoQ-RV8wQFgXnCDBj81Fb5Y4L245J4tFwGwgv8Ia9jFoGQ6nnBNIFr_u3FBk33PmkCDCFphaOA226oRd-CUOEqRDUr0Z4/s1600/10553307_919798968046961_5769119287126154549_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1531450432038309829.post-91905164306381901252014-08-12T13:30:00.000+05:302014-08-20T15:00:27.899+05:30Disha Kathuria: SEDS from the eye of a volunteer (Volunteers @ work)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">It's been almost 3 weeks since we introduced you to our two volunteers from Australia. Natalie and Claire are not new to social work. Back in Australia they have been extending their love and care as social workers for a while now. The proof of it is evident when one watches them teach the little ones of Anand Vidyalayam, SEDS school. It warmed the proverbial cockles of my heart, when I watched them in action. Here's a glimpse.</strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></strong>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnEAVr9ihzHXCR8HBabqpnCHi1tG4J6hNRW-eeoLRyyIZ023uBoLFg95Wqso-cmcwB9t_r3Flkd3OZsa9a_5I55ze8tWQHd1blPhSfVzQIxL0iQt-1kz1TkjuMrGl9GPl0-cCJZRg7OPV/s1600/10590565_927373323956192_1870758265212518799_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnEAVr9ihzHXCR8HBabqpnCHi1tG4J6hNRW-eeoLRyyIZ023uBoLFg95Wqso-cmcwB9t_r3Flkd3OZsa9a_5I55ze8tWQHd1blPhSfVzQIxL0iQt-1kz1TkjuMrGl9GPl0-cCJZRg7OPV/s1600/10590565_927373323956192_1870758265212518799_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
The kids were learning to sing - itsy bitsy spider, a nursery rhyme. The teachers handed over sheets to the students who traced the rhyme before proceeding to sing it along with them.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixqixapUiKfMhtRGgyFYCBYB7Irx8vtOWc-9cNk219ne5tzqIjmS78MdczqEV3OTwPuQ7rYvkn6Ov8DoQWN7lDqwlh26qMcM1Xxlpa58r9b6iFkgc5yoUNgvP7jspowM1byj1p4GaPZak/s1600/10577063_927374017289456_2225690570254888877_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixqixapUiKfMhtRGgyFYCBYB7Irx8vtOWc-9cNk219ne5tzqIjmS78MdczqEV3OTwPuQ7rYvkn6Ov8DoQWN7lDqwlh26qMcM1Xxlpa58r9b6iFkgc5yoUNgvP7jspowM1byj1p4GaPZak/s1600/10577063_927374017289456_2225690570254888877_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
It was refreshing to see teachers who do not make the blackboard their home. Claire and Natalie made it a point to be among their students. Walking, talking, smiling, clapping if not always mutually uderstanding, the teachers and the students sure seemed making that moment their own.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-D98xjsKbLNQ5NKu2H0KegQQrp0gVa_u5Tzexwfvoi4UBSDTLN9Qqg7Pvcjr2GAR08QV50Dz0U8b0_XVWf9djrC63o38W9f7LmNbPLaCFnwlRrYa73BOvj-s3jKRicuody82bHB_X8xa/s1600/10428691_927375837289274_6482552314173541530_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-D98xjsKbLNQ5NKu2H0KegQQrp0gVa_u5Tzexwfvoi4UBSDTLN9Qqg7Pvcjr2GAR08QV50Dz0U8b0_XVWf9djrC63o38W9f7LmNbPLaCFnwlRrYa73BOvj-s3jKRicuody82bHB_X8xa/s1600/10428691_927375837289274_6482552314173541530_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">'Goodmorning Missy', hollered this little one who couldn't afford to miss getting clicked.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2w8Vs7IZFmWUxGvsFYjreAzvG64gdIG26kMlZTRaheZ6rDpH9jeG63T-10OyXEGHUibPClKF9yjF7qyFOV8BZOvXn2uCeQ2DSAOvYOWVkuo9JCCytc7neTdLEpExYrY3eDG0PzWweQawl/s1600/10427285_927376837289174_5464721025889355022_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2w8Vs7IZFmWUxGvsFYjreAzvG64gdIG26kMlZTRaheZ6rDpH9jeG63T-10OyXEGHUibPClKF9yjF7qyFOV8BZOvXn2uCeQ2DSAOvYOWVkuo9JCCytc7neTdLEpExYrY3eDG0PzWweQawl/s1600/10427285_927376837289174_5464721025889355022_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Natalie looked over one half of the kids, while Claire took over the other. Here Natalie is helping the students work on their pronunciation. The children listened and learnt in earnest. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kyPbYRubROGtQxIzasQs-l2F5uDDUwzr9TqBxgs4T1CMrsPBgqmZdNzoVn8xV1MoRslKZB2u2aORJ0096o2ZKHkYJ0gz7e6sS3B4l9wXGMR9uYXkz-xG4mxVBwFkKKpKEQae8KjC3aje/s1600/1551484_927379643955560_382590561690368956_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kyPbYRubROGtQxIzasQs-l2F5uDDUwzr9TqBxgs4T1CMrsPBgqmZdNzoVn8xV1MoRslKZB2u2aORJ0096o2ZKHkYJ0gz7e6sS3B4l9wXGMR9uYXkz-xG4mxVBwFkKKpKEQae8KjC3aje/s1600/1551484_927379643955560_382590561690368956_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Claire making sure her students get it right, now and forever. Indeed a day when learning brought down walls and tresspassed borders. A prototype of the world as it's meant to be. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnqg3U10yq_Kp-tA9QMj-Xl3HKkvggHVgednBVrAPyCF3VKJWg5E6lgNQYNqYyK_gWEqYmgKYkEOiwK1T43jOrKl_vEhVt1OovtiHPzCIOSxn5CstOr4Jy56slEcy9i5ACnubC3H1jCKZ/s1600/10377261_927464613947063_2926489411011751802_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnqg3U10yq_Kp-tA9QMj-Xl3HKkvggHVgednBVrAPyCF3VKJWg5E6lgNQYNqYyK_gWEqYmgKYkEOiwK1T43jOrKl_vEhVt1OovtiHPzCIOSxn5CstOr4Jy56slEcy9i5ACnubC3H1jCKZ/s1600/10377261_927464613947063_2926489411011751802_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Photo Courtesy: Disha Kathuria</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17814316006030871221noreply@blogger.com