End of a Quarter

This morning I set up a blog for volunteers called "Volunteer's Dakshinayan". It's available at http://www.dakshinayan-volunteer.blogspot.com/. Here ex-volunteers can upload entries about their experience with Dakshinayan, opinions, criticisms, suggestions etc. They could also upload pictures they have taken while they were here. All they need to do is write to me for the login name and password. I've already told a few recent volunteers about this blog. I hope they will upload something soon. If there are others who wish to write, please let me know.

As usual Bansi, Nilambar and Sharad have gone for the village visit. They have gone to Lakhan Murmu's house. Even after two weeks one of them still drags his feet about it. I really wonder why? Does he have any problems with tribal people? I wish he would tell me what the problem is. I've asked and was told he's enjoying it. Yet, it's apparent to everyone that his heart is just not in it. Anyway, the visits continue.

Suman is of course taking care of things in his quiet way. I've noticed that he not only cooks and cleans. But from time to time he goes to see what the well-diggers are up to. He's the only one who does not seem to need "rest time" in the afternoon. I've never heard him complain. And I've never had to tick him off.

The well-diggers are here today. Not the ones who were doing the digging but the one who took the job. It seems he is plastering the well wall. Not digging. I guess the actual diggers will come tomorrow. Or at least I hope so. This guy could not tell me why the others did not come to work. Anyway, I gave him a piece of my mind and told him I wouldn't give him a paisa till the whole job is finished. The sooner he finishes digging and plastering the well, the sooner he will get his money. I also told him I am now seriously considering whether to entrust him with the task of digging the second well.

Actually, I've exhausted all the money I had. Tak and Dani had left some. Simz had sent some. Sharad gave me some. His sister, Shivani, had sent some money and it's all gone. Most of it went towards paying last month's food bills and unpaid salaries and some of it went on the well. Whatever I had left went towards paying this month's salaries. Sharad has given me some more money. That should see us through. But I doubt if I'll have enough left over to start the second well. I'll probably have to wait till funds are raised. I know Dani and Tak are busy raising some. Renee too has written to say she's contributing. So I guess it will get done eventually. Right now I'm anxious to have at least one well in place before the monsoons.

The weather here is strange. It rained early in the morning. There was a storm in the afternoon yesterday. And right now it's blowing hard. These are not hot winds associated with summer. It's pleasantly cool. Early this morning I was shivering from the cold.

Bhola has gone to Godda on some personal work. But he remembered that the project needs soap to give the children tomorrow for being regular in school throughout the month. Strange that people who are teaching in school did not remember this. When I asked why a list hadn't been drawn up, I was told: We don't know if you'd like to give soap this month! Why didn't they simply ask me?! It's so damn frustrating. It's very obvious that Sharad and Bhola are being looked upon as "enemies". Both of them insist on going for village visits. Both of them are willing to work! In fact, Bhola was here early in the morning with a friend trying to fix the broken tube-well near our toilets. They couldn't fix it because the problem lies elsewhere. We will need a professional to fix it. Someone from Godda perhaps? Or maybe we will NOT fix it. It's not too much effort to carry two buckets of water from the main hand-pump to the bathrooms.

Bhola, Sharad and I were discussing the possibility of buying a small generator and electric pump to draw water from the well. If we do, we won't have enough money to make the second well. But watering the plants will become easier. Storing water in an overhead tank could give us "running water". Let's see. The debate is on. We will probably discuss it again when we all meet this evening after dinner.

It's the end of the month and the financial year. Also one quarter of the year is over. It's time to take stock of what has been done so far and what needs to be done over the next few months. We need to set targets for the next quarter. I also have the difficult task of informing everyone that Bhola is henceforth the new "co-ordinator" of the project. He deserves to be. He's probably done more for this project in a few months than everyone else over a whole year. Besides, he is dependable, enthusiastic, uses his brains and takes initiative. That's the kind of person we need here. He's local and he cares. Honestly, I wouldn't mind handing over this project to him and walk away. I know he will keep it going, whereas everyone else would probably walk away from the responsibility.

Messed-Up Monday

This evening, when the team got back from their village visit, I wrote a long, long blog. But when I tried to upload it, the whole thing disappeared. What a pity. It was a passionately written piece about corruption in the medical profession. And it drained me out. I don't wish to rewrite it all over again and even if I did rewrite, it won't read quite the same. The emotion will be missing. Hence, I'll just stick to facts and events in this entry -- my second attempt.

When the team reached Danga Roldih Tola, they found out that Santlal's father had died yesterday at around 10 am. All the men had gone to bury him. Only the women were left in the village to mourn. So they came away without meeting anyone. There was no point in imposing on them in their grief.

Santlal's father had been ill for quite a while. Apparently he had fallen ill the day he came to get his son admitted t o school. And never recovered since then. We first heard about his illness when the team visited Santlal's home about two weeks ago. His father, though able to talk, was very, very weak. Last week too, the team had dropped in to enquire about his health. They felt he perhaps would not survive. They were right.

No one knows what was wrong with him. He had gone to Godda for treatment and the doctors there had adviced him to come back for tests. Of course, he did not go back. Perhaps because it was to far to go. Or maybe he could not afford the treatment. We don't know. He told the team that his pain was unbearable and he did not wish to go that far for treatment.

There are no real doctors here. Most of the people who practise medicine are "quacks" with no medical background. They are quite effective for minor illnesses. But when there's something seriously wrong, then they can't do much. And it appears there was something seriously wrong with Santlal's dad.

We will visit the family after a few days. Since Santlal is the only son, perhaps he will now be expected to stay home. We will have to convince his mother not to stop his studies. He's a bright kid and we think that now more than ever, he needs to get an education.

It was at this point that I started my tirade about corrupt doctors etc. But it all got wiped out. And now I am too tired to go into that again. But my heart is heavy. And I am sure everyone who went for village visit today are feeling a bit low. I'm glad they "feel". The visits are paying off. They are getting to the villagers are individuals. People. Not just a human mass called Santhal. Nilambar and Bhola seem very involved. Sharad, is deeply touched.

The well-diggers did not show up today. I was half-expecting them not to come. They were paid on Saturday and I suppose till that money is finished, they are not going to come to work. How does one "uplift" these people or help them to move forward? Conventional wisdom suggests that they should be eager to finish this well and move on to other work. They know we want another well. Shouldn't they try and finish within the shortest time so that they can take up more work and earn more money? But that's not how things work here. As long as there's even a little bit of money left they wouldn't work. It's only when their resources are completely exhausted that they start looking for work.

Well, that's all from me tonight. I'm sleepy and tired. Perhaps tomorrow's blog will be less insipid!

No Well, No Visit

It's Sunday today. So the well-diggers did not come. And there's no village visit this evening. Bhola and Sharad have gone to Agiya Mor market. They took the project bike. There's a bicycle that Bansi or Nilambar could use to go to the market too if they want. But no one seems to want to cycle all the way in this heat.

It's hot today. It's usually hot during the day. But the nights are pleasant and the early mornings are still quite cold. I stopped using the quilt, but I do shiver! However, at that time, one does not feel like getting up to cover oneself.

Sharad, Nilambar and Bhola went to Cheo today. They drove up to Tetaria village. Parked the bike there and walked up to Cheo on the fair-weather motorable road. Even then, they found it very tiring! I told them they made the trip in relative comfort. Most volunteers walk all the way to Cheo from Roldih and come back the same way. All three were quite impressed by the fact that Dakshinayan has a presence in such a remote place. And they find it amazing that I did actually live and work in Cheo for so many years. And actually, when I look back I realize that the amount of work I've done in Cheo was a lot more than I've done in Paharpur and Roldih combined. I'm now old and tired.

When I was in Cheo I was young and "driven". I walked to every village in the hills. Entered every home. Opened schools (which the villagers built) in 10 village and trained as many teacher-activists who would hold classes at night. Initially I had to go with them to these villages because they were afraid of ghosts. So I'd take the team and go from village to village dropping them off and coming back alone through the dense vegetation (all gone now) terrified of being attacked by a bear or bitten by a snake. When I look back, I can't believe I did all this.

I can't believe that I had to hitch-hike from Godda to Sunder Pahari. Then either walk or borrow a bicycle and get to Chandna. There I'd buy food (rice, dal and pototoes) and trek up to Cheo. I can't believe that in order to keep the team on their collective toes, I'd often go away in the morning and climb back up the hill at noon during summer months. They wouldn't expect me to be back before sundown because of the heat! The expression of shock and awe on their faces was worth the climb!

In the beginning they'd all goof-off the minute I was gone. But after a few of these "surprise returns" they didn't dare goof-off! I was nicknamed "khepa-Siddu"-- mad Siddu (a local hero and legend). Then grudgingly the nickname changed to "bedo-mala" -- the "big man". At 5' 10" I used to tower over everyone in the region where the average height was 5 feet nothing! And the area was so isolated that no outsider used to dare go there.

I don't go to Cheo any more. Partly because of what happened in Paharpur. And mostly because I can't bear to see the changes. All but a few of the gigantic jackfruit and mango trees have gone. The hills are bare and in and around Cheo the few remaining trees will live as long as I do. They "belong" to me. The day I die, they die too. No one dares touch the simul, kathal and mahua trees that surround the project. I "bought" them years ago. I can't even remember when and for how much! They dare not touch them because they still remember I tied up half a dozen woodcutters from the plains to the trees they can come to chop down! I don't have the courage nor the energy to do that any more. But they don't know that!

There weren't many children at Cheo school today. Ramnath told the team that most had gone to Church. The remaining few were busy fetching water from Telo to clean the project. Ramnath and Chandrama were busy sand-papering the doors and windows and preparing to paint them. The paint is still lying in Roldih. The group forgot to take it. I guess Chandrama or Ramnath will have to come down for it. Bhola estimates that they will require more than the 4 litres that we have brought. I guess we will get more if they need it.

While Sharad and company were gone. Bansi and I set up one of the solar panels on the school roof. I also re-arranged my room. It's quite hot indoors. But it's nice and pleasant outside. There's a nice breeze blowing and it's cool. In a few days this breeze will become hot and dry. I'm praying it will last a few days longer.

I did not get too many responses to yesterday's blog. But I have finally decided that the project will remain vegetarian. Those who wish to eat meat are most welcome to go wherever they like and eat it. We won't cook it on the project. It's the best solution.

The team has gone visiting. If I'm not mistaken it's Danga Roldih Tola. Suman is here. The well-diggers are here. They started late today and so are not finished as yet. They, of course, claim that the earth has become hard. It doesn't appear so. The earth they are digging out is still damp. But we haven't hit the water table as yet. Today, the well is 16 feet deep. Everyone seems to think we will get water at 20 feet. And since they are not going to work tomorrow. I guess, we will not see water till Tuesday. I really don't care how deep they have to dig. I'm fervently praying that we don't hit a layer of rock. That would mean disaster. All the toil and expenses will come to naught! Let's think positive. Let's think positive.

This morning I had an idea. How about starting a blog for volunteers? Say something along the lines of Dakshinayan Diary. But this will be called Volunteers Dakshinayan. Why Volunteers Dakshinayan and not Dakshinayan Volunteers? Partly to trick the search engines. Anyone doing a search for volunteers may be pointed to the blog and subsequently (because it will have links) to the Dakshinayan website and the blog.

This blog has been very helpful. When I get an enquiry from someone, I simply ask them to visit the blog and the youtube sites. Youtube shows them what the project looks like and what the volunteers do. The blog tells them what happens on a day-to-day basis.

Now coming back to the Volunteer Dakshinayan blog: The idea is to allow ex-volunteers to write about their experience with Dakshinayan and also upload their own pictures. Of course, the blog will be password protected. So any time someone wishes to upload a post, I'll give it to them. That may prove to be a bit of drawback though. What do you think? Please let me know. I'll wait to gather your opinions before I set up the blog.

There is something else I wish to have you opinion about: There's a debate going on at the project regarding whether we should start eating meat. Different people here have different opinions. Here is what people on the project have to say:

Bansi: We should remain vegetarian on the ashram because it is an ashram -- a holy place. Also, because if we eat meat, it will lower the "prestige" of the people living here.

Nilambar: I don't need meat every day. But I eat meat and I miss it. There is no decent place nearby where I can go and eat meat.

Suman: (Smiles and mumbles) It's ok.

Bhola: I eat meat or fish every day. But I feel bad that you don't get any. If you don't wish to cook it, I'll bring it from home.

Siddharth: I'd love to have meat once a week. And perhaps a drink to go with it!

Sharad: I'm here for a month. I'm ok. But I don't see why when everyone around here eats meat and drinks, you (Siddharth) should give up on everything. You've done enough for the community. You should do something for yourself too!

Bansi, who seems to have the strongest opinion against eating meat, does manage to eat eggs twice a week and meat once in a while when he goes home. Suman goes to visit his wife and eats meat. Bhola, of course, eats meat and fish every day practically. He's a Bengali and it's part of the daily diet. Nilambar does not wish to go elsewhere and have it. He feels it is hypocritical. So do I.

What do you think?

Well, Well, Well....

It was a routine morning. Breakfast. School. Lunch. The well diggers came on time and were busy digging all morning. By lunch time they had finished digging and were pouring in the concrete for the well wall. Still no water. But the diggers are confident that we will definitely strike water at 20 feet. The well, today is 14 feet deep. They'll work tomorrow. But not on Sunday. So from the looks of it, we can't expect any water in the well till next Tuesday or Wednesday -- all fools day!

I fell asleep after lunch. When I woke up the cup of tea and the plate of cauliflower pakoras on my table had turned cold. Suman must have left them there at 3:30 pm. I wasn't aware of anyone having entered my room. I was dead to the world. When I came out of my room after munching on a few cold pakoras, Sharad was walking towards his room. The team had just returned from the village visit.

They had gone to Rai Tola (Haripur) today to Hemanti's house. Her father was not it. And her mother was too shy to talk to them. Apparently she kept her head and face covered all the while they were there. She, however, claims that her daughter studies till 10 pm every day! And apparenlty her father teaches her!! Jagdish, her father, who used to supply us milk, is drunk whenever I've seen him. Wonder what he teaches her till that late at night. He can hardly sign his name. Anyway. At least he's taking some interest in his daughter's studies.

Nilambar is slowly taking a very active interest in the project. He was painting the main gate after he got back this evening. A few of his ex-students -- mostly from Burhikura -- came to chat with him. Sharad and I couldn't help but evesdrop. They kids were talking about how much they had to bribe the government teachers to mark their papers! These are middle school kids. And they are already talking about bribing teachers to get pass marks! And I wonder what kind of people become teachers here. I think such teachers should be lined up and shot. They are causing more damage to this country than all the terrorists put together!

In the evening, Bhola, Sharad and I chatted a bit. Mostly about solar panels, the prospect of electricity coming to Roldih, etc. After dinner Bhola went home. Bansi and Nilambar have retired to their rooms. Sharad too. And I'm writing this blog and wondering if I'll get any sleep tonight.

No Village Visit

Sharad and Bansi are watering the plants. Nilambar is painting the small gate. Suman is busy cooking dinner and I am, of course, writing this blog entry. No village visit today. It's market day in Chandna and the chances are that most villagers have gone to market. So we decided that there'd be no village visits on Thursdays (Chandna Market) and Sundays (Agiya Mor Market). There's so much to do on the project. Some of it gets neglected because of village visits. Fortunately, plant-watering continues unabated. I think that after initial resistance and reluctance, people are falling into a routine.

Bhola was here this morning. The motorbike has been repaired. He submitted accounts and took off for Chandna. He'll probably drop in this evening with vegetables and meat for Bruni.

The well-diggers are here. The hole is now 12 feet deep. The soil is damp. The diggers feel that we should get water at 16 feet. Even if we do, I'll insist they dig a little deeper. I want the well to be at least 24 feet. The problem is that if we do hit the water table, digging is going to be more and more difficult. The water will have to be pumped out so that digging can continue. I'll have to make a mental note to ask Bhola to arrange for a pump. But I suspect he's already thought of it and doesn't need a reminder.

Yesterday Bhola brought the photocopies of the drawings that Yvonne sent. Today the teachers asked the kids to colour them using the crayons and colour pencils that they got recently. I've taken pictures of a few "good ones". We are trying to figure out a way to hang them up in the classrooms. I've also taken a picture of parked bicycles. I'll put it up here.

Yesterday the team had gone to Gadda Parom to Shanti's house. Unfortunately, her neighbour had died. So everyone was in mourning Santhal style -- the entire village was drunk. Shanti's uncle insisted on talking to Sharad in English! He kept repeating "One bottle please". Everyone thought it was funny. Sharad and the team beat a hasty retreat. In fact Sharad is quite amazed that in every village that he has visited, he has found groups of villagers simply hanging around and in various states of inebriation.

"How can they be drunk this early," he asks. What do I say? Because they want to be? Because they have nothing better to do? "Why aren't they doing something? There's so much land lying fallow!" Once again, what can I say? They don't want to do anything! They've harvested enough rice to last them for most of the year. They DON'T WANT MORE.

That's why I'm working with and for the next generation -- I try to explain. Hopefully, the education they receive here will change their attitude. Education and exposure will help them strive to improve their lives. Sharad feels frustrated. He's been here a short while. Imagine how I feel. Sometimes I do wonder if I've wasted my time here. Perhaps I could have achieved something elsewhere. Maybe even seen some results of all the effort and money that has gone into development activities. I guess I'll never know.

Ah Well!

Work on the well continues. It's today 10 feet deep. The soil is damp. It's quite possible we may be able to hit the water table in another 10 feet. I'm excited. And also a bit apprehensive. We haven't hit any rocks as yet. Small rocks are ok. A big rock would mean a lot of hassle and expenses. We'll probably have to either abandon the work and start elsewhere. Or perhaps use dynamite to blast the rock and remove it in small pieces. I've got my fingers crossed and also praying to Baba fervently. The well-diggers are optimistic. They say that most of the rocks in this area are near the surface -- at a depth of 6 to 10 feet. Since we haven't encountered any so far the chances are that we may not find any till we reach the water table.



The soil was red upto 6 feet. Now it's yellow. Soft and damp. The diggers are finding it easy to dig. But difficult to remove it. It's hard to move around in a confined space of 4 feet diametre. I don't know how they manage it. I'd feel very claustrophobic.



There was no storm last evening. But the weather was pleasant after sun down. Late at night I had to snuggle under the quilt. It was cold. Early in the morning it was 22 degrees. Of course right now it's quite hot indoors. Outside in the shade, it's bearable. Dry heat. Not uncomfortable.



Nilambar, Bansi and Sharad have gone on village visit. It's Wednesday. So they have gone to Danga (Gadda Parom). It's a long walk. But when I think of the children who used to walk all the way from Gadda Parom to Paharpur every day! I don't think it's a very long walk from Roldih. Quite a few kids from that village come to school every day. Some now have bicycles. Most walk.



And talking about bicycles -- they are now parked in a neat row against the partition wall that separates the volunteers' building from the rest of the project. The first couple of days the cycles were leaning against the wall because most of them did not have stands! Now they all have stands. That's nice. These kids learn faster than their teachers!



And talking of teachers -- Sharad asked the kids how their exams went. They all said it was very easy. And apparently the examining teacher told them that it did not matter what they wrote. They would all be passed anyway! Sharad was obviously shocked. He then asked them how often they go to the government school? They replied that they only go on two occasions -- once to get admitted and then to appear for their final exams. But I know that they also go there to pick up their "stipend". Most of the children enrolled in government schools get a monthly stipend. This is disbursed once every three to four months. Of course, the teacher who disburses it gets to keep a percentage. Sharad could not believe his ears! Neither could I when they said they don't like going to that school because the teachers drink in class! I must check this out. I've seen some of the teachers staggering about drunk. But drinking in class? Sounds unbelievable. But truth, as they say....



Bhola went to Godda to get the motorbike repaired. It isn't going to cost as much as I feared. But it's still quite a packet. The silencer needs to be replaced. The front mud-guard and battery too. Also, the handle, which must have been damaged in an "unreported accident" also has too be replaced. Fortunately, the engine does not require any major repairs. It's fine. Servicing and oil change to have it purring happily. I'll be happy to have a working machine on the project for emergencies. But I've decided that I will not allow anyone without a license to ride it. I could get into serious trouble if I allow an unlicensed person to ride it and have an accident. Besides, I don't see why if a person can be enterprising enough to get himself a passport (not easy) he can't get himself a driving license. What I find amusing is that suddenly no one wants to go to the market any more! They now have to be "pushed" whereas once upon a time they wanted to visit just about every market in the vicinity!



Thank God there's Bhola willing to do all the running around. Someone tried to tell me Bhola is trying to "cheat" me. I retorted that it still makes economic sense to allow him to "cheat" than to pay and feed people not willing to do the work they are being paid for! You guessed right: Bhola is no longer popular on the project even though he got them their jobs!



It's good to have Sharad on the project. He understands many things about the place. He empathizes with my frustrations. He realizes that motivating people to work is project in itself. Working for the community is the next step. He is himself trying to use his own experience as a manager to motivate people. He seems to be succeeding to a certain extent. I'm glad he has a very "hands on" approach. Others have no choice but to follow.

Surrogate School

Sharad, Bhola, Nilambar and Bansi have gone to Jobdi Tola for village visit. I forgot to ask who they plan to visit today. I'm glad, however, that I noticed no reluctance today. Maybe people are getting used to the idea of going on visits. Or maybe Sharad, in his quiet way, has inspired them.



The well-diggers were here today. They earth is getting softer and so they were able to finish their work by 1:30 even though they started a little later than usual. They are, however, not plastering the walls as they go along. That is the norm. It eliminates the need to put up scaffolding to do the plaster work later. Actually, the guy who took the job turned out to be a contractor. And we haven't seen him since the first day. But he does keep calling up Bhola and asking him for "advance". We've asked the labourers to send him tomorrow so that we can get this payment business sorted out. We make weekly payment. And he seems to expect us to make daily payments. That was not the deal!



The handpump near the toilets has broken down. Almost all the parts have been replaced. But it still isn't working well. Maybe the whole pump needs to be replaced! An expensive proposition. But I guess it has to be done, if that's necessary.



Today we distributed all the "goodies" that Yvonne had sent us and also some of the stuff that Franca had left behind -- pads, pencils, pens, crayons, colouring pens, markers etc. Yvonne had lovingly packed them and labeled them. But more kids have joined the school since she was here. So we have to pool everything together and re-distribute them so that everyone could get an equal share. At Assembly I told the children that though Yvonne had earmarked packets specifically for them, I was re-distributing them so that all the kids would get an equal share. They all nodded their heads wisely in agreement. Sorry Yvonne. I hope you don't mind. And Franca, thank you for the pencils and colour pencils you left behind. They were distributed too.



When class started today I discovered that ALL the Burhikura children were appearing for their Final Exams. It turns out that they are all enrolled in the government school in Burhikura as well. So I said they could go home during recess (10:30). But they would be marked absent for part of the day. It seems they have exams all week. That's ok with me. The Santhal kids, however, are attending school as usual. Unfortunately, in class 4 (which is my class) there's only one guy, Raiman, who is not appearing for this exam. He's being forced to go home because he's all alone. Hence, I've decided to mark him present.



I'm a little bit upset that neither the parents nor the children told me in advance about the situation. And apparently while we were in Dumka, the children had left early. The teachers present did not even bother to inform me!



Bruni lost a pup today. It was very weak from the very beginning. And when we woke this morning we discovered that it had died. She's now left with three pups -- two girls who look exactly like her and one black pup that's a boy. She doesn't seem particularly upset. But I am. Noir, Norman, Nora and now this pup. How many deaths do I have to witness? Wish there was a way I could get rid of all the animals from this project without being cruel.



The new solar panel is working fine. It's definitely charging the battery. Perhaps not as rapidly as I'd expect. But I'm able to use the laptop without any problems.



It's a hot day here. Wonder if there'll be another storm to cool things down. The breeze is building up to a gale. That's what happens every time it gets hot here. Last night was very pleasant. I slept well. Perhaps because I was tired after the Dumka trip. Or maybe because it was nice and cool. Let's see what tonight is like....

New Solar Plate

Sharad, Bhola and I had gone to Dumka this morning to buy a solar panel and we just got back. We had planned earlier and so both Sharad and I had given the children work to do so as we wouldn't be teaching. We just got back and set up the panel and sorted out accounts. So I really have no idea how school went.

But I do know that Nilambar has not been able to prepare a list of children he would like to visit during the village visit programme. I had explained to him how it needs to be done and all he had to do today was ask the children which village they came from. But for some odd reason known only to him, he didn't do this. So three days gone and still the list is not ready even though I'd very clearly explained how easy it is!

And then when I asked Bansi which village they were planning to visit today, he replied that there would be no village visit. I asked why? And the reply was, we did not know when you'd come back from Dumka! If it isn't the dumbest of excuses for not doing work, I don't know what is! He calls the United States to chat with volunteers and yet he can't call me in Dumka to find out when I'm coming back! Besides, what's the connection? I don't go for village visits. They do and it's part of their job. They aren't doing me any favours nor the project nor the community! How does it matter if I come back or not? Does this mean that if I go away for a week or two (as I will in April) everything will come to a stand-still? What nonsense is this?

Sharad is shocked! As it is he feels that people in this region seem to lack initiative and then on top of this it was obvious he didn't know how to deal with a daft excuse like we didn't know when you are coming back and so we didn't go to visit the village.

I know some people this is a very "negative" blog. But this is the reality of the situation here. People, even educated ones, need to be "flogged" verbally to get them to do the job that they are paid to do!

Thank God the well-diggers came to work today. Sharad and I can't understand why they couldn't have worked yesterday. But they worked today and the well is now already 6 feet deep. Another 24 feet to go! If they work regularly then it should be done in a couple of weeks. It gets harder as they go deeper.

Dumka was hot and dusty. But I'm glad I went. I was given to understand the panel would cost a lot more than what it actually cost! Besides, I also managed to garner some technical details from the shopkeeper. Also, it was a good outing for Sharad and me. The drive was through beautiful countryside. We even managed to have a nice meal in a restaurant.

Nothing much happened yesterday after I wrote the blog. Bansi, Nilambar and Sharad have now gone to visit a village. Let's see what they have to say about it. Since Bhola was with us all morning, he's gone home to attend to personal business. Suman is going about his work quietly and efficiently.

Saturday afternoon Sharad and Bhola reorganized the stuff that Yvonne sent for the children. We will distribute them tomorrow among ALL the kids. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to take the sketches for photocopying today. I'll get them done tomorrow or day after when Bhola goes to Godda. The kids can colour them to their heart's content. Something to look forward to!

A Relaxed Day

This morning Sharad, Nilambar and Bhola were to go to Cheo. But the weather was cloudy and it seemed that it would pour. I called Ramnath and asked him how the weather was in Cheo and he said that it wouldn't be wise to visit today as it may start pouring any minute. But it didn't. The trip, however, was cancelled.

In a way it was good the trip was cancelled. Bansi had been wanting to go for a haircut for a while. So he went off to Devdand. Bhola and Nilambar got busy repairing the handpump near the toilet. And I got busy replying to pending mail.

Soon Sachin and his friend, Sunil dropped in for a visit. Sachin supplies us with provisions from Godda. He likes the Ashram and never misses and opportunity to visit the place. On Sundays his shop is closed and so he likes to come here to get away from the crowd. He and his friend stayed for lunch and we chatted abour politics, Rajasthan, Rajasthani food, Sachin's marriage proposals, politics and plantations. Time just flew by!

Sharad decided to read and I saw him sitting on his veranda reading. Then after lunch I suppose he decided to take a nap. There's nothing much to do anyway. Bansi has gone home. Bhola and Nilambar have gone to Agiya Mor market. No village visit today.

We've decided not to have village visits on Sundays and Thursdays. These are days on which most people like to go to market. So now they will be visiting 5 villages in a week. And since there are only 5 villages to visit for a start, every village will get visited once a week. Of course, they will go visit a new home each time. Once they've covered all the villages from where the kids come, maybe they will have gathered enough experience to venture further and cover villages from where we have no students.

Everyone, except one person, seems enthusiastic. Nilambar is writing a daily report. He's also worked out a weekly routine. Bhola goes whenever he has time to come and Sharad, of course, is very keen to visit as many villages and houses as he can. Since he speaks Hindi, he is able to interact with some of the villagers.

The well-diggers did not come today. They called to say that since it's market day, no one wants to work. Why? I wonder. The market starts in the late afternoon. They could start early and finish early and still go to market. At least they'll have earned a day's wages! But people don't think that way here. It's quite frunstrating really. They complain about lack of this and lack of that, but aren't willing to do something to improve things. Sharad is shocked by the general apathy towards self-improvement and development. Like me, he thinks, the generation that is now getting an education, may think differently.

Till noon it seemed as if it would rain. But it hasn't rained. The sun has come out and it is quite humid at the moment. Wonder if there will be a sudden storm today too. Yesterday, around this time there was a huge dust storm followed by rain. Fortunately, the well diggers had finished their work. And people had returned from their village visit. It suddenly became so cold that Sharad chose to stay in the kitchen near the fire all evening! Right now it's hard to believe that it could have become that cold!

A lot of the cashew flowers got blown off in the storm last evening. So we may not get as many cashew apples as we had hoped for. The tiny mangoes are still clinging on to the branches. We may get to eat a few mangoes this summer. I'm waiting for the mango season to start. The unripe mangoes cooked with dal taste yummy to suck on! It also makes the dal tasty. Today, for a change, we had sambar and rice for lunch. The guests loved it. Wish Suman had added a wee bit more tamrind water and also roasted a few more papads.

Sachin has promised to bring some "dal bati" (a Rajasthani speciality) next time he comes. So naturally, I'm waiting for his next visit.

Afternoon Blog

I've decided to write the blog in the afternoon. At night the mosquitoes are a menace and so are the many flying insects that seem to love the laptop screen. No such problems during the day. The heat is, however, quite enervating.

There's a new team of well-diggers. Bigger in size than the ones who came yesterday. But they all seem related. The soil is rocky and hard, so I guess they decided they needed tougher guys to do the job. They've been working since 8:30 this morning and have only managed to dig two feet. Right now they are pouring the concrete into the next section. Bhola is supervising the work. He came in time for lunch and will probably be here till nightfall. I'm so glad he's here. No one else seems to be really interested in what's going on.

In fact, Bhola had to call up the "teachers" and remind them that needed to pour water on the concrete. And this afternoon I had to tell people that someone needs to keep track of how much material is being used. In a while I'll have to sit with them to "help" them draw up a list of villages and children so that the village visits are done in a more methodical manner. Or else, they'll end up visiting the same house over and over again like it used to happen earlier!

I noticed that there are flowers on the cashew trees. Maybe we will get to eat some cashew nuts this season. And there are lots of tiny mangoes on the mango trees too! If they don't fall off in the strong breeze and storms expected during the following months, we may get to eat a few mangoes from "our" garden. But the jamun trees are not growing as fast as I'd like them too! Hope I get to eat some fruits before I have to leave this place.

Back on Track

19th March 2009: Bansi, Nilambar and Sharad have gone for village visit. Yes, it’s started in earnest. Thanks partly to Bhola’s efforts and also on Sharad’s insistence. The feedback is good even though these are early days. Nilambar seems happy for a chance to be out of the project. Sharad is ecstatic about being able to visit the people. But guess who is looking unhappy? It seems he does a “twenty questions” whenever he visits a family!

Sharad is here. He’s taken to the project like a fish does to water! He was 15 when he left India and even though he’s quite American in some ways, he’s still an Indian at heart. He seems to like it here and is already involved in all aspects of the project’s functioning – cooking, cleaning, watering the plants, planning, projecting, questioning, flying kites with children, teaching, showing them how computers work, showing them what a Blackberry is. He’s also giving me tips on how to run a business! It’s great to have him here. I also have someone to talk to. We seem to share the same taste in music, books, and attitude towards spirituality. And though he’s half my age, I feel I have made a new friend. This gentle giant (6 feet 6inches) is very, very sensitive.

Things are looking good at the project at the moment. School is doing fine. Plants are getting watered. Village visits are taking place. The materials needed for well-building have arrived and I met the man who will make the well. He and his partner will start work tomorrow. Great – everything’s working like a clock. The only thing that’s not working is the net connection! There’s been no net connection since day before yesterday. I hope it gets fixed soon. I’ve tons of emails to send. Some very urgent.

The weather is getting warmer day by day. The nights are still cool. And sometimes when there are scattered showers, like last night, it gets cold! One minute you take off your clothes because it’s warm and the next moment you are putting them back on because it’s cold. God, grant us cool weather for a while longer.

Well, that’s all for the moment. I’ve decided to write the blog. I’ll upload it whenever connectivity is restored.

20.03.09: I finally got net connectivity this evening. Wow... am I happy? Net access via mobile phone was restored this morning. But not via the usb modem that I have. In any case, I went online to check mail and for that 49 rupees was deducted from my account! I'm glad that I can now connect via the usb modem and get on the "unlimited access" plan.

Things a good on the project. School went off well. Sharad tried to teach the children how to use building blocks to make aeroplanes... they couldn't on their own. He also tried to get them to do puzzles. He also taught them. The kids love him though they don't know what to make of this man who is almost as tall as the palm trees!

Bhola came. The well-diggers came. Work on the well has started. It's a new system of digging wells. The first dig a hole. Place a flexible cylinder. Pour concrete between on the outer edge and let it dry overnight. The next day they dig further. Remove the flexi-drum from the layer that is set and pour concrete into the next layer. In other words, they build top to down. And it works. Only thing is, they can only do a 2 feet layer every day. So assuming it's a 30 feet deep well, it will take 15 days. But in two weeks one will get a finished well. Better than the traditional method where you first dig the hole and then build bottom up. I find this method fascinating. So does Sharad. We were both wondering what will hold up the upper layers while they dig under them. But it makes sense. The concrete is poured between the outer layer of the drum and the earth. The earth surface is unever. So once the concrete is set, the concrete ring can't move down. Smart.

Bhola, Sharad, Bansi and Nilambar went on a village visit. Yesterday they had gone to Dama. Today they went to Haripur Rai Tola. Good. I hope they keep this up even after Sharad is gone. Sharad eggs them on! But I guess Bhola will also motivate Bansi and Nilambar to continue the visits. Nilambar is very keen. So hopefully it will continue.

When the net was not working, I was thinking of soooooo many things to write on the blog. But now that it's working, I can't think of half the things I had thought about. Well, the weather is strange. Hot one moment and cool the next. There's a strong breeze blowing. And it's cool. I hope I good night's rest. I am difficulties falling asleep these days.

Tired Tonight

I'm really tired tonight and so will keep this brief.

A couple of things happened to day: Graham left for Kolkata. Sharad arrived on the project.

I didn't get a chance to rest today and so I'm feeling tired and somewhat weak.

Hopefully, I'll write more tomorrow.

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.

Village Visit Started

Two dozes of "juri taap" and I'm feeling better. So much so I forgot to take my medicine this evening before dinner. Now I will have to swallow the bitter concoction before I got to bed. I'm not feeling energetic but at least I'm not feeling "ill" or feverish. But I'm certainly coming in for a cold now. I was waiting for it. As I mentioned, the days are hot and the nights quite cold. We still need a quilt to stay warm at night.

Bhola came around lunch time. He managed to complete most of the tasks he had set out to do. He also brought some vegetables and grapes. I miss fruit and so I was quite grateful that he took the initiative to bring some. He also brought some beans and carrots. So dinner was grand. Suman is not here, however. He went home (his in-laws place). He'll probably be back in the morning tomorrow.

School went off well. But I lay down every time there was a break or I had a free period. But after lunch I was feeling fine and so spent some time doing accounts and telling Bhola about the project's past. He's keen to know everything.

This evening, however, I was pleasantly taken aback when he managed to convince Bansi and Nilambar to go on a village visit. Apparently, Nilambar used to do this in the school he worked in earlier. And had been wanting to visit the villages and the homes of the children. But he was told "Guruji does not like us to visit people"! So when Bhola asked him to go on the village tour, he was more than happy. In fact, he had drawn up a list of kids whom he wanted to visit in their homes. Someone else of course wanted to start visiting from Monday. But I guess had to go along because both Nilambar and Bhola seemed very keen.

They visited Roldih, Gandi tola and Danga. That's a good start. I hope this will continue. Bhola assured me that it would. Bansi, however, felt that it would be good if we had a motorcycle. To which Bhola pointed out that there was a motorcycle on the project, so why wasn't the visits taking place? Also, who is there a need for a motorcycle to go to the villages? If the children can walk to school every day, why can't the teachers walk to the village? Hmmmmmm.... Someone obviously does not want to work!

But I'm happy that the village visit programme has been re-started. And happier still to know that work on the well will probably start tomorrow. But of course here one can't be sure of anything till it really happens! So I've got my fingers crossed.

Hills on Fire

The hills are on fire. In every direction that I look, I see necklaces of fire climbing slowly up the hill sides. It’s and incredible and awe-inspiring sight. I can’t describe it in words. I’ve tried to take pictures but somehow I can’t capture the beauty and the grandeur. Not even with a timed shot. I have this desperate wish to share this with someone, anyone....

It’s really nice on the project these days. The weather is good. Not too hot and the nights are pleasantly cold. And it’s beautiful all round. One sees vivid splashes of orange – the palas (flame of the forest) in bloom. And at night the sight of the hills on fire. Actually, they are burning the under-brush.

It’s windy in the mornings. But incredibly at night the air is still. Perhaps that’s why they set fire to the undergrowth at night. Nature does find ways of looking beautiful.

It’s been a routine day otherwise. School was ok. I had a headache since the moment I woke up and it didn’t help when kids in class could not pronounce words like “jet”, or insisted on pronouncing contact as “constance”! Ah, it was one of those days when I found myself yelling and screaming and tearing out my hair.

Bhola came in the morning to take Bansi to the bank. Then he went to Godda to do “things” for us – motorcycle insurance, paying Sachin for supplies, placing food supply order for next month, make a deal with the well-diggers, buy odds and ends. Others on the project seem very happy that they no longer need to take responsibility for anything! As long as they get their breakfast, lunch and dinner, they don’t seem bothered about what’s going on at the project. I wonder if they realize that the project is slowly and steadily being handed over to Bhola? Do they realize they are making themselves redundant?

Well, my headache turned out to be fever. So I slept all afternoon. I’m feeling a bit better after having some herbal medicines. Hopefully, I’ve managed to nip the bud of the problem – most probably malaria.

Let’s see how I feel tomorrow morning.

Holi Hangover

Most of the kids had a great time yesterday playing with colours. They said so in class and their coloured faces and hands bore testimony to the fact. Some of the older kids like Kartik must have stayed up late at night. Because he kept falling asleep in class! The other looked tired too.

Some of the kids brought us Holi sweets which we had for tea this evening. We also had some bananas from our very own tree! They were huge. Sweet. But not very. And not very tasty. Probably because they didn't ripen on the tree. The strong winds had knocked down a bunch and we let them ripen on their own.

Today was Chandna market day. When Bansi heard he would have to go to market on the bicycle instead of the motorbike, he was quite happy to let Bhola do the shopping! The bike needs repairs. And no one has bothered to repair it. So I am not letting anyone ride it any more. Besides, no one on the project has a license except me. Should there be an accident, I could get into a lot of trouble for allowing someone without a license to ride it. So till Bansi or Nilambar or Suman get a license they won't be allowed to ride the bike. In an emergency I could either call up Bhola or send for a taxi. And in any case, I could ride the bike too. It's mine, by the way.

All else is fine on the project. Graham teaches, does yoga and keeps pretty much to himself. He's the strong silent type! So the project is a quiet place at the moment.

There's a beutiful moon out there. I'll sit on the veranda and smoke a cigarette. Then call it a day.

Happy Holi

It was the festival of colours today. But we did not celebrate it on the project. Earlier we would invite the children to come and play with colours on the campus. But later we felt that it was not fair to call them to school on what is actually a "family festival". So like other years, this year too, we declared a holiday. I suppose the kids had a great time in their respective villages. The non-tribal kids at least. The tribal people don't celebrate holi and even if they do, they splash water on each other rather than colour like the non-tribals. We did hear the beating of drums in Burhikura. Roldih and the other Santhal villages were quiet as usual.

On the project Bhola brought some sweets and a packet of colour. I put some colour on Baba's feet. That was Holi for me. We ate the sweets and later Bhola, Bansi, Nilambar and Suman made puris and subzi for lunch. It was great. I overate. And then slept all afternoon. I hope I will be able to sleep tonight!

It's been a quiet day otherwise. No one came except Ramprasad and Ramnath. Ramprasad was here in the morning discussing something with Bansi. I don't know what it was all about. Ramnath came to see me because he needs paint for Cheo. Bhola was here and so he promised to arrange for all that.

Acutally, I'm becoming quite dependent on Bhola. He is the kind of person I would like to have on the project. He is aware of what's going on at the project. Takes an active interest in everything and also seems to have the project's well-being in mind. I often find him giving suggestions to Suman, Bansi and Nilamber. I wonder if they resent it. Except for Suman, who really seems to be working all day long, the others seem only interested in doing "routine" work -- get up in the morning, have breakfast, get ready for school, teach, eat, rest, water the plants, eat and go to sleep. No enthusiasm, no interst and definitely no initiative!

Anway, I'm glad I have Bhola to help out. It's a pity that he can't spend more time than he already does on the project. But he seems to be doing everything -- organizing construction, supplying materials, shopping, giving ideas and suggestions.... Who knows, I am now wondering if Baba wants me to hand over the project to him when it's time for me to go? He's local... what better than a local person with his heart in the right place?

New Net Connection

It's such a relief to be able to go online and not worry about how much it will cost! Bhola managed to get me a "plug and use" modem from Airtel and even though the initial expenses are high, the monthly cost is a fixed Rs 500. That's great. I realized I was spending over 1000 rupees just checking mail under the old system.

Usually, I type the blog offline and then "cut and paste". Even that was expensive. An average or Rs 20 per blog. That itself worked out to Rs 600 per month!

It's been an usual day otherwise. Last night it started drizzling! And the temperature plunged to 22 degrees Celsius. The day was overcast and cool. Tomorrow is Holi. I hope it warms up otherwise it is not going to be fun sprinkling colours and then having a bath to clean up!

On the project we are not celebrating the festival. Partly because it is a predominantly Hindu festival and we don't wish to be "branded". And partly because it is messy and I think the kids are better off playing with their family and friends.

School went off well. The children were in a holiday mood, but disciplined as usual and paid attention in class. But I could see there was a lot of suppressed excitement. Did I detect some disappointment when I said we would not be celebrating it in school?

Anyway, that's all for today... The hills are on fire. They are burning the underbrush. The palas trees are still flame orange with flowers. And it's not too hot. Hope it remains cool for a few more days.

Back in Roldih

Back on the project. It feels good. Fresh air. Lots of open space. Trees. Flowers. Birds. And of course, it feels good to be back home. Though in Kolkata too I was very much at home in Mitali’s house. But those who have been to the project know what I mean when I say it’s good to be back “home”. Even Mitali says that when she comes here. This place really does feel like “home” to everyone who has been here.

According to the new routine, I am teaching only Class IV. It was good to be able to teach and I am sure the kids were happy that they have a teacher. The other classes are doing fine too. Graham is teaching and is in the groove of things.

But I get the impression nothing moves when I am away. That’s not nice. It would seem that no one wants to take any initiative to get things done and certainly don’t wish to take any decision. What will happen if I have to go away for a long time or even permanently? The only person I seem to be able to depend on is Bhola.

He came to fetch me from Poreya Haat on Sunday morning when I arrived. Bansi could not come because the motorbike is not ok. I guess he is waiting for me to get it repaired! Yet on Sunday evening the bike seemed to work fine when he had to go to the local market 10kms away!
Everything seems normal. Today I talked to some people about digging the well. But their charges are exorbitant. Bhola is looking for alternatives.

It also seems that I may have an alternative to the present net connection. It will be a little expensive initially, but will work out cheaper in the long run. Let’s see. I’ll know tomorrow. The present arrangement with Airtel is working out too costly.

From Kolkata

I'm still in Kolkata. I should have left yesterday or today. But some papers that I need to sign are not ready as yet. So I guess I have to wait. Also, I have not been feeling well. Tonight I'll go to a doctor to see find out if he can tell me what's wrong with me.

I called the project. All is well. Classes are going fine. But Nilambar will be going home from 6th till the 9th. But I suspect that since 11th is Holi, he will definitely not be back till the 13th or maybe even the 15th. Hmmmm.... it seems he's getting married soon. So I have a feeling that he won't last long on the project.

Otherwise everything else is fine. Today I got some cheques from Manas Das. It's some relief. I hope more contributions are on their way. We haven't been able to generate much funds so far.