Mundane Sunday

Here it does not matter if it's Sunday or Monday. Life goes on as usual. Only thing is that there's no school. The project's routine remains unchanged. Yes, people do catch up with washing etc. So there's nothing much to talk about on a Sunday unless Nilambar or Bansi bring back some news from the market. Today it was Nilambar's turn to go to the market. It seems that it's Nilambar who's doing all the marketing these days! Could it have something to do with the fact that the motorcycle is no longer being used?

Graham has decided to leave the project because he "needs to spread his wings". Sharad Dutta, the new volunteer, is expected tomorrow. He was supposed to call me today before boarding the train. But he hasn't. Perhaps he could not get through? I hope he's coming!!!!! In any case, we'll find out tomorrow. Bhola is going to Jasidih anyway to fetch him. Let's hope he shows up. Now that Graham is leaving earlier than expected, we certainly need him to teach. Or else, we'll have to change the routine once again.

I am anxiously waiting for the new web site to be designed. Some prospective volunteers have been writing in asking if the project still exists. And also, some of the information is rather dated. People do complain that they are not getting all the information they need. I agree with them. But I do hope they are getting some idea about the project from www.youtube.com/dakshinayan and by reading this blog. In fact, I am now wondering if I should update information here till such time as the new web site is ready.

So how about starting right away?

To begin with The CHEO Project is no longer based at Cheo Village. It is now based in Roldih, which is about 10 kms west of Cheo. There is still a school in Cheo which is run entirely by Ramnath Paharia and Chandrama Paharia. Dakshinayan pays their honorarium. Sets guidelines and finances the running of the Cheo Centre. But Ramnath and Chandrama run the project.

We no longer send volunteers to Cheo. Partly because there is a water problem at the project. Many volunteers have complained that it's a difficult place to be -- isolated and uncomfortable. And partly because both Ramnath and Chadrama are not very keen to take on the additional responsibility of looking after volunteers. Also, in order to make the place habitable for volunteers (not many coming these days anyway), one will have to maintain an establishment there. Running the school is ok. But having to stay there full time because of the volunteers is difficult for them. Volunteers who come to Roldih are taken to Cheo for a visit.

The few volunteers that visit us these days are based at Roldih, a new centre which was set up in 2005. School started here in 2006. And that is the main work here. Running the school. Volunteers are mostly engaged in teaching. And those willing participate in daily activities -- chores basically. But this is left entirely up to them. Since volunteers are not regular, the project has evolved a routine and visitors have to "fit in". It's ok with us if they wish to sit around and read books or engage in any other leisure activity.

The project (we call it Ashram) is more like a commune. There aren't many of us here. But for all of us this place is "home". Also, most of the people here are also new to the project. Bansi is the oldest member. He's been here for a little over two years. Suman has been here since September. And Nilambar has just joined the project.

I am the oldest person here both in terms of tenure and age. And though I spend most of my time on the project, my job as "fund raiser" also takes me away from the project for short periods of time. I haven't been home for years and I sometimes wonder if I do have a home other than this.

That's all for today. Tomorrow I'll talk about some of the "stupid rules" we have. They are there for a good reason. Some visitors resent it. But as we look at it. Visitors come for a short stay. The project is here to stay and these rules, however resentful, are there to protect both the project and the visitors. It's a project and not a tourist resort, even if some people think it is becaue of the laid back lifestyle! But more about these restrictive rules tomorrow.