The team at Babuni's home. Bhola talks to the mother and grandmother while Babuni looks on and Khagen takes notes....

Poor Richard, he was all set to go to Dama for a village visit. But then today Bhola is busy with some religious ceremony concerning his new-born daughter and hasn't been around all day. Khagen offered to go but I said no because the village visit is not just a jaunt to a village. There's a purpose behind these visits and Bhola, who has been with this programme from the start, should be there. If there's no visit on one day, it's not going to be a disaster. But yes, Richard did miss the opportunity to visit Dama this day. But I'm sure Bhola will be going there at least once before Richard leaves -- probably end of July. That reminds me, I've got to book his train ticket. Yes! I can do it online now that I have a printer. Or technically I should be able to do it. 

It's been a relatively cool day. There's been a cloud cover almost all day. Though there was a bit of sunshine for which I am grateful. The battery got charged a bit. That's going to be a major concern over the next few months -- keeping the batteries charged during monsoon. But we are all grateful for the relative cool weather though honestly, there's still be no monsoon rain as such. The farmers are looking very concerned. Any more delay in the monsoon's arrival would mean famine in this region at least. Planting has been delayed by over 3 weeks already.

Suman and Richard giving bio-fertilizer to the plants and trees...

School goes fine. The zombies in Class 3 are showing signs of being human. They are reacting to things! A few of them do actually laugh when I crack a joke. I'm quite happy with the progress that most are making. There's still hope for them. I don't know what's going on in Classes 1 and 2. I remember Class 2 being a bright bunch. I hope they remain that way when they get to me. Richard is doing a good job of keeping them stimulated for the time being. 

Khagen digging around a surviving Gulmohar. Preparing the ground for putting cow-dung manure...

The delivery of the fertilizer is complete. Today Richard, Khagen and Suman (and to a small extent me) put fertilizer in all the remaining plants and trees. The school kids had done most of the work during "shram daan". If it rains now, the trees and plants will have enough nourishment. They all look happy at the moment even though they haven't received any water from heaven. I guess they are glad that they are not getting roasted in the sun!

Once it rains, we'll have to go to the nursery and get some more trees to plant. A few more gulmohars would brighten up the place and also provide shade. A few fruit trees. Some timber. Someday, this place will look beautiful when all the trees mature. Will I get to see it?

The sky has been overcast since last night. But there was no rain till this afternoon. I wouldn't call it rain. A drizzle which barely wet the surface of the earth. Had there been sun, it would have evaporated immediately. And even now, an hour after the event, there's no moisture anywhere!

It's cool though. And everyone's wearing a t-shirt. No more bare bodies to be seen. Amazing how a cloud cover and a few drops of rain can change the weather. I'm looking forward to doing my yoga. It's nice and cool and so I won't be sweating much.

The day's been routine actually. Everything is quite relaxed. Suman and Khagen do whatever needs to be done around the place. Not much really besides cooking and cleaning. The kids are watering the plants, putting fertilizer and cleaning up the place during "shram daan". 

Richard, Bhola and Khagen have just stepped out for their village visit. I've asked Richard to bring back some pictures. Let's see what sort of job he does. I'll add a few family photos to the archive that I am working on. 

It did not rain last night despite all the thunder and lightning. I slept on the veranda for a while and then moved back outside under the sky because it was too hot. It was hot under the stars too! I must have drifted off to sleep at about 2 a.m! 

The day was hot. And at times very, very humid. This is something I'm unable to understand. I can understand the humidity levels going up if there are clouds in the vicinity. But there were times when we'd have very clear skies but the humidity level would shoot up. 

A while ago it finally rained! But I am wondering if I can call it rain. It lasted less than 5 minutes and we could count the drops! It did not wet the earth at all. But strangely, it is cooler by a few degrees at least. Thank God, the sun is about to set. Or else the humidity would surely kill us.

Bhola and Richard have gone to Agiya Mor to buy vegetables. Khagen went home early in the morning and has not returned as yet. He promised to be back by 5:00 pm. I suppose, give or take a few minutes, he should be back. Life is quite peaceful on the project and I love it this way.

It was comparatively cool last night and this morning till about noon. Then it became horribly hot all over again! We were hoping for some rain, but now it doesn't seem likely. Not even a remote possibility -- there are absolutely no clouds in the sky. Last night and this morning there were a few. But right now, the sky is a dirty blue from the dust haze in the air.

Richard, Khagen and Bhola giving fertilizer to the plants and trees. We're all waiting for rain to plant new trees.

The school week has ended. The children got their shampoo. The new routine is working fine. It's nice to have Richard here. He's very quiet. But involved. He spends most of his time with Khagen or Suman or Bhola and participates in all the project activities. He spends time near me. But as usual, I'm not very communicative. But he doesn't seem to mind that. 

I admire Richard for being able to deal with this heat and still find energy to do things here. He loves teaching and spending time with the chidren -- both during school and also in the evenings when they come to play. Right now he's off to visit some village with Bhola and Khagen. He just finished playing with the kids. 

Things are going well on the project at the moment and efficiency seems to have increased. No one's lazing around. Khagen is really very good with the kids. He's a kid himself! Suman seems to be cooking tastier meals. Probably because Khagen is there in the kitchen to help him. Bhola comes when needed and does all that needs to be done. I'm at peace. 

Richard playing with the kids -- a local version of "musical chair". He won!

Bhola, Khagen and Richard have gone to visit some village. Suman is busy cooking. I'm writing the blog and will then go for my yoga practise! Yes, I'm doing yoga quite seriously these days because I want to be ready for two crazy creatures from Oz who plan to visit in January. I promised them that I'd teach them yoga. Also, I need to do it to keep my sanity in this insane world! Crazy heat and even crazier people all round!

Just got a call from Rahul. He's amazed that no one wants to take up the offer of going to Delhi to receive free trainning in the use the computers for income generation! But that's the reality of life here. Bhola and I are doing whatever we can to inform people that this possibility exists. But it seems no one is interested. I've talked to the supervisor of the company that is supposed to set up CSCs in Jharkhand. He said that most people agreed to become Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) because they were getting the solar panels. They computers are still lying unpacked. And they did invest 15,000. But that's a deposit they know they'll get back. Anyway, we'll see if the programme does take off. If not, we will continue in our small way to spread computer awareness through out school kids. 

To keep my mind off the heat, these days I'm creating an archive for the village visit reports. Bhola is helping me with this work when he's here. I am encouraging him to spend more and more time at home and come here only when we need him. 

Well, that's all from me for now. I'm off to do my yoga. 

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It's too hot.... My brains have been fried.... Can't think, let alone type.

Trust an Englishman to bring rain with himself. Richard stepped onto the project and it started raining! It didn't last long and there certainly wasn't enough of it. But we saw rain after ages. And we got some respite from the oppressive heat. The temperature yesterday was 46 degrees Celsius. I'm sure today it was about 48C in the sun. It was 42C in the shade before it rained.

It hasn't helped much. It has become extremely humid. I am praying that it means that we will probably get more rain. I'm taking my chances and sleeping outside. It's impossible to sleep indoors. Richard is sleeping on the verandah. I think he'll die if he sleeps indoors. It's just too hot and I am concerned about him. Locals, who are used to the heat, are finding it impossible to deal with it. How can we expect someone from cold and wet England to adjust to this impossible heat?

I'm glad he's here and just in time too. Now that we don't have Nilambar, he can fill in for him. Hopefully by the time he leaves (mid-July probably) we'll have someone else to fill in for him. And if no one comes, I can always ask Class 4 to come in the evening to study. I've already talked to them about this possibility and they have quite readily agreed to it.

It's been a relaxed day. Sunday. Suman went about his work quietly. I fiddled around with the computer. Downloaded Yahoo Messenger so that I could set up a video chat with someone to show the kids how it works. Skype isn't working well for some odd reason that I can't fathom. Yahoo is working, but the connection here is so bad that it is not possible to carry on a meaningful conversation with anyone. At least I'll be able to show the kids how it's done.

Bhola had gone to fetch Richard and so was away all day. His wife should deliver either tonight or within a couple of days. I'm glad he's staying at home to be close to his wife. Khagen -- who arrived in the afternoon -- and Suman are managing things quite well. I hope they'll be able to learn some English from Richard in exchange of teaching him Hindi.

It's suddenly cooler.... is rain on its way?

They have all gone. Bhola, Bansi, Nilambar and even Khagen. He sprang a surprise on me. Said he had to go home for the evening and would be back by morning. And then just as he was leaving he said he would be back by nightfall tomorrow. I told him that he should be back by noon tomorrow or not a all. Richard is arriving tomorrow and the volunteer's room needs to be made ready for him.

Bansi will be back Monday morning to teach. His village is not too far and he will easily be able to cycle back and forth. It may be a slight problem initially, but I am sure he will get used to it. It's not so hot early in the morning anyway.

Nilambar, of course, has gone for good. The parting was cordial and I am sure he will be back to visit if he finds the time. He's got a good job, a new wife and better opportunites. He said he could earn a lot by giving private tuitions and also look after his farm. It is also important that he stays close to his new wife. This is probably the toughest time for her. A new environment and it certainly helps to have your huband around when you are dealing with your in-laws. Or at least I hope so! I'm not expert on marriage as it is.

I'm just feeling a bit bad that I could not say goodbye to Nilambar properly. Just as he was leaving, Harish came to see me. I had asked him to come and meet me because I am a little concerned about Parvati. She used to be a cheerful girl but of late I notice that she is totally distracted in class. In fact, I catch her looking out most of the time. She loses attention even while reading. Not only does she not do her homework, she also does not do her class work! I leave the classroom to check up on Class 4 and she closes her books and stares out at the sky!

So I asked her father, Harish to talk to her gently and find out what exactly is bothering the child. I hope he will be able to communicate with her and encourage her to be more attentive in class. I asked him if there was a problem at home. He said yes. But since he did not elaborate I did not pry. Whatever it is, is certainly affecting the child badly.

I've also told Bhola (for the Nth time) that he shouldn't be staying on the project unless there is work to be done. His father is also ageing and instead of hanging around here he should be helping out his father in the shop. Besides, his wife is expecting! Shouldn't he be near her? The doctor had given June 14th as the due date. That did not materialize and so it could be any day now and I very strongly feel that he should be by her side. He misundertood my intentions, however. He thinks I am "banishing" him. But the truth is I genuinely want him to spend time at home and not waste it on the project when he's not needed. He's very helpful and resourceful and enterprising. And I am afraid that living in these peaceful and protected environment would make him lazy. He was already displaying signs of intertia. I only hope he will take it in the right spirit and that all of them will some day understand and appreciate that the steps I have taken is not only good for the project, but also for them.

It has been yet another hot, hot day. Last night was very hot and humid too. I had thought that perhaps it might rain. But no such luck. I spent the night under the sky, tossing and turning on a matress wet with my own sweat. The day was once again like a furnace. I spoke to people in Delhi and Mumbai and it seems to be the same story everywhere. Is this what global warming all about? Or is this the Aila effect? Whatever it is, there is one thing on everyone's mind --RAIN!

Nothing much to talk about today. Another routine day so far. School. And then nothing. It's too hot to even breathe! Have you tried breathing near a blast furnace? Try it. And you will know what I'm talking about.

I wonder where the kids find the energy from in this temperature. They are here and out in the field doing PT with Khagen. I asked him not to keep them out in the sun. But he thinks that after 4:00 it's cool enough. The children would be terribly disappointed if I asked them to stay indoors. But I suppose they were all (including Khagen) born here and are perhaps well adjusted to the temperature unlike "outsiders" (dikkus) like me!

I'll never get used to the heat. No matter where I live. It's the worst time of the year for me. I quite literally lose my cool during summer months. I've often toyed with the idea of dividing my time between the mountains and the plains like the British did when they were here. Nothing's stopping me really. But I know the guilt would kill me!

Now that we have enough solar power, I was also toying with the idea of buying a fan. Once again, the moment I thought about it, I started feeling guilty. I'm a lot better off than the villagers. And how could I possibly live among them and have mod cons while they don't? This debate rages within me every year. It also explains why there's light in the kitchen all evening (Suman needs it) and no light in my room except when there's a pressing need for it. I prefer to use the flashlight instead.

Hmmmm... I do live better than most. I eat well. I get three square meals. Sleep on a relatively soft bed. Have warm clothes for winter... and I'm surrounded by people who have nothing! Anyway...

If you are the praying kind, please pray for some rain for us.

Oh yes, the most eventful thing that has happened today is that we have managed to get two bullock cart loads of cow dung for the project today. Eight more loads are expected over the next couple of days. The trees need fertilizer.

I wish I knew how to take photographs that would capture the mood of the moment. The pictures I took soon after we distributed the toys that Jayotsana sent the kids did not capture the excited amazement of the children. Most had never possessed a doll in their little lives and some of the battery operated toys had even the teachers drooling!

I think Khagen was very happy to have the kids come over in the evening. Instead of playing carrom, as they usually do, they were all in the classrooms playing with the toys. There are stuffed dolls of all shapes and sizes. A few wind-up cars and battery operated cars, motorcycles and dolls. Stuff that these children would never have seen or even heard of.

It was nice to see 87 happy and excited faces. There were a few sqabbles too! But I put an end to it by explaining that the toys were for the whole school and everyone could play with them. The toys would remain in the classrooms and whenever they were free they could help themselves to them. The girls in classes 3 and 4 wanted the same pink doll. Things got a bit sticky till I said I would take away the doll if they sqabbled over it. Interestingly no one stepped out of their classrooms even during break!

And just as well. It has probably been the hottest day of the year! Clear skies. Lots of sunshine and hot winds. No respite even under the shade of the giant banyan. Even now, after sundown, it is nearly 40C. When will we get some rain?

The sky had been overcast since afternoon yesterday and when I went to bed under it, I had thought I'd probably have to rush indoors in the middle of the night. But it did not rain. And when I woke up this morning there was no trace of any clouds! It's getting unbearable. Tempers are running high. If it doesn't rain soon, we are all going to go crazy.

Ah! Some cool breeze at last. Even if it rains in the vicinity, I'll be happy. At least the breeze will be cooler.

The temperature was 38C at 7:00 a.m! And the mercury kept climbing as the day progressed. By noon it was unbearably hot. The heat was so oppressive that it was impossible to do anything. Even reading was an effort. Indoors it was like a sauna. Outdoors the heat was searing.

I had an early morning visitor and by the time he left, it was too late for me to teach. Just as well, because I really didn't have the energy to do anything. I had been up almost all night shuttling between the toilet and my bed. The stomach cramps had returned with a vengeance.

I did spend a little time just before lunch setting up the new printer. It works! So I've printed out a picture of the children working on their computers and pasted it on the black board in class 4. I am looking forward to seeing their faces when the come to school tomorrow morning.

It's been a quiet day. People aren't stepping out of their houses. So there's no human noise. Even the animals are quiet. I fell asleep soon after lunch and woke up to an overcast sky. It means nothing. I am hoping it will rain. But I don't smell any dampness in the air and the wind is still hot an dry. The temperature is a couple of degrees lower. But the humidity has remained unchanged. It would be great if it rained.

I'm back on the project. I arrived this morning just as school was ending. That's because my bus was late leaving Kolkata and hence late getting to Godda. The journey went off ok. The driver was new and so drove rather slowly. Also, we had a flat just as we were leaving Dumka.

I didn't get any stomach cramps while on the bus. For this I was very grateful. But the medicine I took did put me to sleep and so for the the first time, I did actually sleep most of the time!

Nothing much has happened on the project while I was away. Still no well-diggers. And Bhola has not been able to find people interested in going to Delhi for the Intel Learn Trainning Programme. I suppose he was stuck here on the project while I was away and so could not do much else.

Everyone took leave while I was away. Nilambar went to Pahargama (also his home) for a job interview. He got the job and will be leaving the project by the end of this month. He'll be getting 1640 per month. No food. No accommodation. That's an eye-opener. Apparently that's the salary of private school teachers in and around Godda. In comparision, we do pay very well indeed! And they get free accommodation and food. No compromise there!

Bansi too went home for a day. So did Suman. And Bhola too had to attend to his wife who is due to have a baby. The baby was expected on the 14th. But no signs of him/her wanting to make an entry into this world as yet! Khagen was the only one who did not go on leave while I was away. I wonder what has been happening in school. I guess I will know tomorrow.

The box of toys that Jayotsana sent has finally reached the project. I opened it this afternoon and I know the kids are going to be thrilled with them. I played with a few racing cars when there was no one around. I also brought the printer that I bought for the project. I'll set it up tomorrow. Today, I set up the new Solar Charge Controller for a second set of batteries. Our power needs are adequately taken care of for the moment. I don't know if we'll need more panels when the Intel laptops arrive. In fact, there was a meeting today and I guess I know soon when we can have them here on the project. Since the laptops won't have Hard Disks and OS, it will take a while before Rahul is able fix them and then actually ship them across to me.

Unfortunately, I could not bring the shirt material that Mrs Jayati Goswami donated for the children. In any case I am planning to distribute them towards the end of the year. So they can be picked up later. I'm sure I'll be making a few trips to Kolkata before the year is out.

But right now I am staying put on the Ashram. It's sooooooo hot here these days. Today it was almost 40C in the shade! I dread to think what it might have been in the sun. I didn't bother to find out. It was an effort to move. Besides I was tired after the journey.

I thought my stomach was cured. But it doesn't seem like it. As I write this, I'm getting stomach cramps all over again. I guess I'll have to sign off now.

I'm still in Kolkata. I was scheduled to leave yesterday. But since Saturday night I've been getting severe cramps in my stomach. It must be some bug that I picked up. And even though I was feeling somewhat better by evening, I didn't want to risk a long bus journey in this condition. I'm feeling much better right now and if all goes well, I'll leave for the project this evening.

It rained last evening in Kolkata. It would have been ideal to leave because I would have had a nice and cool journey back to Jharkhand. I am hoping that it won't go back to being hot and humid today. I'm glad Kolkata has some respite. I've heard it's quite hot on the project at the moment despite a few stray showers.

I've been in touch with Bhola over the phone at least twice a day. All is well. Class 4 children have been mostly busy with their laptops. The other classes have been doing ok. When I am away, usually it's classes 3 and 4 that suffer the most. Attendance has been good.

Bansi is well again. Suman took this opportunity to go "home" for a couple of days. His wife is now no longer staying with her father near Devdand. Suman has taken her to a live at a relative's home near Godda. Nilambar has gone to Pathargama, near his village, to give a job interview. If he get's the job, he may not be back. Or else, he will come back for the rest of the month.

Bhola and Khagen are on the project. But Bhola has also had to rush home every now and then. His wife is expecting and the due date was yesterday, the 14th. But so far his wife is showing no signs of having a baby!

I picked up the shirt material from Mrs Goswami on Friday. I told her I may not distribute this to the children till the end of the year, when they seek re-admission. However, when I go back this time, I'm going to take back a carton full of toys that Jayotsana (Rahul) Bedi has sent for the children. I will also be taking back a printer that I bought for the project.

I suffered yet another bout of cramps while writing this blog. I hope they will disappear and I'll be able to travel tonight. In any case, the next entry will be from Roldih.

This post comes to you from Kolkata. I arrived here yesterday very early in the morning -- 2:30 a.m in fact! That wasn't part of the plan. The plan was to leave the project at 8:00 p.m and arrive in Kolkata at 4:30 so that Rahul to catch the early morning flight to Bangalore. But everyone on the project felt that we should cross the border into West Bengal by 10:00 p.m.

You see, the stretch of road from Dumka in Jharkhand to Siuri in W. Bengal is forested and lonely. There have been some highway holdups in the recent past and so unless one is travelling in a bus (which travels in a convoy and has police escort), this stretch could be unsafe. We decided not to take a risk and leave early. We had planned to stop at some nice restaurant and spend some time having a good dinner and rest.

Unfortunately, once we crossed the border, our driver was in a tearing hurry to get Kolkata! That's probably because he was feeling sleepy and at one point I noticed that Rahul was observing him very carefully and even suggested to him to pull over and get some rest. But the young fellow was hell-bent of racing to Kolkata!

That's how we reached the airport at 2:30 a.m. Rahul decided to go in and I woke up poor Mitali in the middle of night to inform her that I was coming over! I reached her place at 3:30 a.m. It should have taken me only 15 minutes to get there. But the driver was first reluctant to take me there (Take a local taxi, he said) and then when I managed to persuade him to drop me, he couldn't find his way!

Anyway, I'm here now. It's nice to be here and enjoy Raj and Mitali's hospitality. But it is very hard dealing with a very, very hot and humid city that is dealing with 6 hours of continuous power-cuts! There was no electricity from 10:00 a.m till 1:00 p.m and then again from 2:00 p.m till 7:00 p.m! It was sheer torture. Well, I'm not used to electricity. I don't have a fan on the project. But then we get a lot of natural breeze and believe me, it can be quite pleasant under the banyan tree, unless very hot winds are blowing in the afternoon. Somehow, the heat, though uncomfortable, is still bearable. Here, in Kolkata, it is not!

I'm glad I am leaving this weekend to get back to the project. I'll carry back the carton of toys that Jayotsana, Rahul's wife, sent for the project. I will also take back shirting material that Mrs Jayati Goswami, has donated for the children of the project. She lost her husband recently and instead of spending money on religious ceremonies and rituals, decided to use the money more positively by buying something for the project. I'll probably go across this evening and collect the material from her. But I intend to distribute the shirt pieces at the end of the year and only to those children who seek admission for next year. I am sure the Santhal children would like this because their parents are somewhat reluctant to spend money on uniforms.

Well, the ball has already started rolling as far as computer literacy is concerned. We will probably get the 10 laptops that Sonia Shirvastava promised us, by the end of this month. They will not have any Hard Disks, so Rahul will have to find the funds to have them re-furbished. I've already written to Sharad to ask if he would like to contribute. And any of you wish to contribute, you would be most welcome to.

All is well on the project, or at least it was till I left. Bansi is ill. But was recovering. Nilambar, is suddenly more active around the project. Khagen's evening PT class is growing day by day! I counted 30 kids on the evening that we left. He was putting them through a drill and they seemed to love it! Of course, he plays with them too. They line up outside the gate from 3:00 pm to get in at 4:00. Telling them not to come out in the sun seems to have no effect. They love to be in school and I suspect that if they are allowed, they'd like to spend all day in school!

That's all from me for now. I'll keep you posted if there are any new developments while I'm here. Or else, the next post will be from Roldih.

The net connection has been very, very slow for the past two days. I've not been able to upload a blog entry. I wonder if what I am writing will be uploaded. I have a few pictures I would like to upload too, but with the kind of connection I have at the moment, that will be impossible.


Rahul and Sonia look on as Raiman and Prahlad work on their Class Mate PC. They were both impressed by the confidence of the kids in handling their CMPC. They were typing out their homework on it -- their diary.


Sonia and Rahul are here on the project. Now before you too excited, let me tell you that it's not the Gandhis that I am refering to. My guests are Rahul Bedi and Sonia Shrivastav from Intel. They were touring Intel-aided projects in Jharkhand and Bihar and so decided to pay us a visit -- especially because they have supported us to run the computer literacy programme in school.

It's nice to have them here. Rahul has been closely involved with Dakshinayan as a trustee and Sonia has considerable experience of grassroots projects. It's great talking to them and discuss future plans for the project -- especially regarding spreading computer literacy in this region.

The children's faces lit up when they were introduced to the wonders of the internet by Rahul.


They've gone out for a walk right now. They both arrived on Friday afternoon from Saharsa, in Bihar. They already visited Cheo and the surrounding villages. Unfortunately Sonia has to leave tomorrow for Delhi. Rahul and I will leave for Kolkata on Tuesday evening. Rahul flies to Bangalore on early Wednesday and I'll be back on the project by next Sunday after spending a few days in Kolkata.


The weather has been hot and humid, but we've also had some rains. Everything else is as usual.

The solar panel was not charging. I suspected that it was the wire. So Bhola went all the way to Godda to fetch some good wire and was gone all day. And since he was not here, nothing much happened on the project. The well-diggers still haven't shown their faces. Bhola did manage to catch one of them and they promised to come "tomorrow" -- which is today. I guess their "tommorow" never comes!

Today is market day in Chandna. Bhola has gone to the market. And I have been very busy re-wiring the solar panel and assesories.

School on both days was a usual except that attendance was very poor in my class yesterday. Kartik is down with chicken pox and Radha and Prahlad had taken leave to attend a wedding.

Nilambar came back last evening. Today I gave him his honorarium minus the days he's taken off. It's probably the first time in Dakshinayan history that I've "docked" anyone's salary. But considering the fact that he's been absent so often in the few months that he has been here, I thought it was necessary. I also told him that he should perhaps look for a job closer to home if he needs to go home so often. What upset me most is that even though he did not come back on the appointed day, he did not bother to call me up and say he was going to be delayed.

Contrast that with Suman. Whenever he goes home, it's usually after lunch. But before he leaves, he ensures that dinner is cooked too. And comes back early in the morning to cook breakfast. This time when he went home he was late. But he did call me at 5 am to inform me that he would be back on the project by 7:30. And he was back by 7:00 -- once again, in time to make breakfast. He was late because he had cycled all the way back from Godda, where he had gone to drop his wife at a relative's place.

Rahul and a colleague from Intel arrive on the project tomorrow. He's in Bihar and has been in touch over the phone. There was a 8 hour delay on a 4 hour train journey! So now he's taking a car up to Bhagalpur and we will fetch them from there. He'll be here over the weekend and I will most likely go to Kolkata with him.

The weather is lousy. Hot and humid. Though night before last, all off a sudden we had a squall close to midnight followed by heavy rains. I had to rush indoors with my bamboo and string cot. The nights are pleasant here anyway. But though we are getting periodic rain, we could do with some more of it. The wind is picking up again. It's cool. It must have rained nearby. Is it coming our way?

It's been hot and sunny all day. And humid. Right now it seems unbearable indoors. But I know the evening is going to be pleasant. So I'm managing to survive. Everything is quiet. Suman has gone to meet his wife. Bhola and Khagen have gone to gone to Devdand. Bansi is probably in his room -- I haven't seen him since lunch. And Nilambar is not back. The dogs are sleeping. They don't have energy to run around. The trees are drooping. Everything is waiting for the sun to go down. There is a breeze once in a while and it helps to dry up the perspiration.

Yesterday was a routine day. Bhola had gone to Godda after filling in at school for Nilambar. He came back in the evening. In the meanwhile, the others went about their usual business. Khagen and Bansi put some sand on the wet patches on the path in front of the classrooms.


I don't think this photo does justice to the beauty of this sunrise. When the sun rose this morning I was looking forward to a nice, cool and perhaps cloudy day. But as the day progressed, it became obvious that there would be definitely be no rain today. It got hotter and hotter as the sun climbed higher and higher. And humid, to boot. For once my batteries are charging. But I'm feeling discharged!


No village visit. But Fanka from Roldih came to see me about borrowing some money to buy tin sheets. I told him I couldn't lend him money. But if it was roofing sheets he needed, then he should call a meeting of the villagers and we would work out a way. He said he needed the sheets right away and hence wanted to borrow the money. I asked him to come back later and meanwhile I would arrange for some shopkeeper in Devdand to give him credit for a few days. I also told him there's work to be done around the project and if he could come and work I would pay him. He didn't come back. It's obvious he was trying his luck.


Today too, it was school as usual except that I suddenly noticed that Kartik had spots all over his body. I asked him what it was. He said nothing. The others informed me that he has chicken pox! In fact, everyone on the project except me knew that he had chiken pox. And because they saw that I was not bothered about it, they too kept quiet! Of course, I sent him home immediately. He was reluctant to go and so I had to gently explain to him that he needs rest and that being out in the heat and the sun would make things worse for him. Also, I explained he had to behave responsibly. There are many other children in school without proper vaccination. They could get chicken pox too. It would not be fair on them. I hope it's not too late. He and his classmates sit rather close in computer class -- literally rubbing shoulders. I am praying that my lack of observation is not going to lead to an epidemic in school!


I've been checking the attendance registers. And I am shocked! It seems the teachers have not been keeping proper attendance! Kids who have been coming to school regularly have been marked absent. And those who have been absent have been marked present! Now I'm wondering how classes are being conducted. I'm usually too busy shuttling between classes 3 and 4 to pay much attention to what's going on in Nursery, 1 and 2. I despair.


Will someone send me some rain please? I desperately need to cool off. Perhaps a bath will be a good substitute. Even though I've had a wash in the morning, I feel so sticky and dirty right now that it seems I haven't had a wash for over a week!