Roldih still Rocks

For those who are wondering Baba Gyan Mandir still exists, let me say that it not only exists, it rocks. I was there briefly on 21st February. My friend Vijay and I arrived in the afternoon and left soon after assembly the following day. Vijay, who is on a Shodh Yatra (read his blog at http://vijaymahajan.wordpress.com) wanted to visit the projecct -- he had heard a lot about it,  supported it, but had  never found the time to visit it.

These days I too don't find the time to visit the project. So I felt this would be a good opportunity to go and see how Bansi was managing the show. I must admit I am satisfied. But I do find him spending too much time in the kitchen. Was it because there were two additional mouths to feed? Shanku is there, but it was obvious that he would not do any work unless prodded to do so.

Anyway, it was also obvious that school was doing  ok. Attendance at the assembly was quite good. Vijay did not get to see the school in progress, but I hope he was impressed by the discipline of the children. He did enjoy the peace and quiet of the project and also managed to get some rest from his busy and sometimes grueling travel schedule. I should know. I was with him in Sundarbans and have just come back from Garhwal.

Bansi has started visiting the villages again. That is good.  He is also sticking to a routine. Which is excellent. But his inter-personal skills hasn't developed much. But I know he is not entirely to blame. But there's something that is bothering me now -- A few days ago, while I was in Garhwal, he called to say he wanted a salary raise! I was quite surprised because after literally begging me to take him back on the project and agreeing to work for no money and appearing grateful for the honorarium I offered him, this was quite a turn-around! And that too within a couple of months of joining the project! I do wish to pay him more money as he is now so crucial to the project and is working so well. But to be told he wants a raise immediately was rather disconcerting.

I asked him why this sudden change and he said that his old employer in Punjab was offering him more money. This gentleman was paying him 800 rupees while he was there for working practically 20 hours a day! So I told Bansi if money was his main motivation in life, he was free to leave. This shut him up. I told  him I'd like to discuss this with him face to face. I don't know when that is going to be. But whatever hopes I had of leaving the project to him eventually, have dissipated. I realize that when  I pull out, the project will  have to die. No one seems to want the project for what it is and what it stands for. When I meet him, I'll talk to him. But God knows when that will happen.

In a couple of days I will be in Patna helping to conduct yet another training programme. I will not be free till the 16th. Meanwhile, Tomoyo, Lea and her assistant are going to the project. Thankfully, Mitali has agreed to escort them and settle them in. Tomoyo is coming as a volunteer while Lea will be using the project as a base for conducting research work in the area. She has a letter from the Chief Minister, no less! I am hoping I will get some time to be there with them on the project after my Bihar programme.

Bhola is well. It seems that the medicines he's taking are helping to cure the tumor in his head. He needs regular checkups. Meanwhile, he got into some trouble with a "bad charater" from his village is having to spend a considerable time running from police station to lawyers. I hope his problems get sorted out soon. He seems to be having a run of bad luck.

Since I was not on the project, Bansi conducted the final exams. Mitali will give out the results when she's there. Fresh admissions won't take place till I visit. So I will have to find time to do that soon. After Patna perhaps.

Right now I'm wondering if I should move back to Delhi. I feel terribly homesick whenever I go there. Also, the climate in the east is not suiting me. The moment I arrive in Kolkata, I fall ill. I remember being very "sickly" while I lived here as a young person. So perhaps it is time for me to move back. I think I'll find more opportunities to work if I live there. I'm 50% decided at the moment. There are a few things in the pipeline and once they either come through or fall through, I'll  know for sure.

Meanwhile, I'm doing whatever I can to  keep the project alive -- even if it means giving away whatever I earn from my training programmes.