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?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, March 9, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Back to Kolkata
I’m feeling better, but still not 100%. Must be the change of weather. It’s hot in the morning and cold at nights. And it’s during the night that I feel “ill”. Wish I knew what was wrong. Anyway, I have to travel again tomorrow. I need to be in Kolkata to sign some documents. So I’m off tomorrow, Saturday and will get some rest on Sunday so that I can run around on Monday. I hope to catch the bus back on the 4th. So I should be back on the project on 5th, which is a Thursday.
I am reluctant to leave so soon after getting back here. I was looking forward to settling down to a routine life. I wanted to start Yoga in earnest. And I certainly wanted to be here to give away the weekly and monthly prizes. Also, new timings and new routine will be coming into effect from Monday, 2nd March and I would have liked to be here. But I HAVE to go.
Today was a routine sort of day. Graham started teaching. He’s enjoying it. Thanks to him we did not feel Nilambar’s absence. And I like the way Graham is quietly fitting into the project routine. It’s also nice to have someone to talk to occasionally.
Nilambar was back in the evening by 4. And Suman went home soon after. As usual, Suman should be back by sun-up tomorrow. Wonder if he’ll be back in time to give me my first cup of tea. Perhaps it will be Bansi who will do the honours.
All else is normal. I’ve been a bit preoccupied to get a net connection through Reliance GSM as Airtel is proving to be rather expensive. Their charges are 30p/50kb. So there’s no way of knowing if they are taking users for a ride. This afternoon I downloaded a simple mail and I was online for hardly 3 minutes. They charged me 24 Rupees for it! I’m convinced they are taking us rural folks for a ride.
Well, so I guess there will be no blog entries till I get back. But perhaps while I’m in Kolkata, I will take advantage of the net connection there to send out a newsletter.
I am reluctant to leave so soon after getting back here. I was looking forward to settling down to a routine life. I wanted to start Yoga in earnest. And I certainly wanted to be here to give away the weekly and monthly prizes. Also, new timings and new routine will be coming into effect from Monday, 2nd March and I would have liked to be here. But I HAVE to go.
Today was a routine sort of day. Graham started teaching. He’s enjoying it. Thanks to him we did not feel Nilambar’s absence. And I like the way Graham is quietly fitting into the project routine. It’s also nice to have someone to talk to occasionally.
Nilambar was back in the evening by 4. And Suman went home soon after. As usual, Suman should be back by sun-up tomorrow. Wonder if he’ll be back in time to give me my first cup of tea. Perhaps it will be Bansi who will do the honours.
All else is normal. I’ve been a bit preoccupied to get a net connection through Reliance GSM as Airtel is proving to be rather expensive. Their charges are 30p/50kb. So there’s no way of knowing if they are taking users for a ride. This afternoon I downloaded a simple mail and I was online for hardly 3 minutes. They charged me 24 Rupees for it! I’m convinced they are taking us rural folks for a ride.
Well, so I guess there will be no blog entries till I get back. But perhaps while I’m in Kolkata, I will take advantage of the net connection there to send out a newsletter.
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