A lone woman's campaign for man and animals alike!

I had ended one of my earlier posts, http://colorsofindia-nita.blogspot.com/2010/04/snippets-from-bandipur_19.html with a wish “I hope to meet her someday”! My wish came true last week, when thanks to Basavanna (my regular readers know him as our naturalist friend in Bandipur) I finally met Sunita Dhairyam, popularly known as Sunni. We drove through some rough village roads and non-existent ones over fields to reach her artistically designed house, (amidst scenic surroundings) welcomed by the concerted barks of eight dogs of all sizes and breeds—we later heard that they were all abandoned and found a loving home with her. The petite and attractive lady who greeted us warmly seemed so unassuming that though I had heard of her achievements from Basavanna, hearing the details from her strengthened my belief that our country is full of unsung heroes/heroines who make a difference, quietly, simply because of their passion and commitment to a cause/causes. A lone woman fighting all odds single handedly, Sunita has truly reached “where angels fear to tread”--I honestly cannot think of a second person who has been able to do what Sunni has. A humanitarian, wildlife lover, conservationist and immensely talented artist are just some of the terms that describe her, but what is even greater is her courage, determination and passion to fulfill her dreams. Many of us have a passion or urge to do something, but not the courage or grit to follow it through.

This is her story in brief.

She had a passion for the wild from childhood, and her immense artistic talent is God gifted, without any formal training. Her aunt is a wildlife photographer, while her grandmother was a wildlife artist. Sunita lived in Zambia as a child, returned to school in hometown Bangalore, then Shimla and college at Delhi. Back to Bangalore and a short stint at Kabini River Lodge (also a Jungle Lodges resort) before leaving for US. Ten interesting years there, as a freelance artist working on murals in diverse locations like the Stillwater theater in Minnesota, and the Bilibong sports bar in Bloomington, near Minneapolis. The latter being a center for the Hmong community (from S.E.Asia), there was a popular weekend farmers’ market, which allowed Sunita to display her creativity with items like hand painted wine glass sets!

In 1995, she returned to India, and in September, bought land in Mangala village, Bandipur, then one of the haunts of the infamous brigand Veerapan. Then began a long and ardous struggle to build on it and establish herself in a man’s world (and the journey continues!) due to her own determination and her mother’s encouragement. Thanks to the support of the forest department, she took up odd painting assignments while overseeing the building of a room to live in. For a whole year, there was no electricity or running water, but she did not give up, despite the hostility of some (even prominent) people around. She also took up the paintings in the Bandipur Safari Lodges cottages (under Jungle Lodges & Resorts)—actually, this was my first introduction to her! Since we stayed in the elephant cottage (see photo) painted by her, (with matching motifs on the linen and curtains) I asked Basavanna about the artist and was astounded by what he told me, and requested him to fix a meeting with her on my next visit.

The tiger, leopard and gaur cottages are equally impressive. Incidentally, the elephant took 3 months to be completed, difficult as it was to work intermittently, only when there were no guests. It was also an ardous task, considering the height and size of the wall---the outline of the elephant was done earlier, and the details filled in later, while the background was done free hand. A close up of the painting leaves one incredulous and speechless! Sunita spent 2 years completing the paintings for Jungle Lodges. (see http://colorsofindia-nita.blogspot.com/2010/08/amazing-creations-by-sunita-dhairyam.html

In 2006, she set up the Mariamma Charitable Trust with Shree Devi and Late Dr. A. R. Pai, who had earlier set up a free clinic with Sunita's help, under their Ammembal Medical Charities.

Her work now encompasses a number of areas, the main thrust being the improvement of the lives of the villagers around (from 15 “dung” villages, including 7 tribal hamlets), conservation and minimizing man-animal conflict, so common in areas close to forests like the Bandipur National park. The trust compensates villagers for any loss suffered from wild animals, to discourage them from harming the animals. She hopes to provide facilities and build a community that will live in harmony with and respect the rights of animals. Apart from providing medical aid to the villagers, Sunita seeks to empower and uplift youngsters by helping poor students to get an education. She tries to raise awareness of sustainable living for farmers, and hopes that more solar fences will prevent the human-elephant conflict that results in fatalities for both.

Twice a year, she undertakes immunization (at a huge cost) of rural dogs to serve a twofold purpose: birth control to stop village dogs increasing, and lessen the impact of their diseases on wildlife. The number of dogs attended to during the last drive was 93! She is helped in this venture by IPAN (Indian project for animals and nature), who have trained personnel like dog catchers.

Sunita has employed a local boy to help her in administration, and she has the unstinting support and admiration of the people around, which allows her to carry on successfully despite the lack of support and even hostility of vested parties in the area. A sad comment on our society!

Sunita decided to use her innate skills to design and sell products to finance her projects, and so Temple Tree Designs was born in 2006.
She conceives a product from start to finish, with the first sketches to the final product manufactured in Tirupur, near Coimbatore. (This indomitable lady has even spent 3 months in a factory learning the ropes!) Today she has a vast range of artistic products (with wildlife motifs)—t shirts, jackets, key chains, jackets, mugs, durees, table mat sets etc, and is now launching towels. These are available (along with items like photos and paintings by local artists) at the Souvenir shop near the Bandipur Forest Reception center. (see http://colorsofindia-nita.blogspot.com/2010/08/amazing-creations-by-sunita-dhairyam.html

Sunita works out of a pretty little “office” which bears the unmistakable stamp of her creativity and passion. As we sat sipping coffee in her pretty little veranda and listened to Sunita’s experiences (with one of her dogs happily nuzzling up to her!) I realized that whatever I say will fall far short of what she has achieved, single handedly, with incredible passion, grit and perseverance, choosing the path less taken in favor of a comfortable life anywhere else in the world. We can do our bit by not just admiring her, but giving support in whatever little way we can., for it is only people like her who champion the cause of the marginalized population and voiceless animals, both of which are integral to the fabric of our lives.

Look for details of Sunita’s work and other background information on the site
www.templetreedesigns.com

Truly a Heroine!

“We hurtled through the streets of Amman, our tyres screaming in protest as we tore around corners. I could smell the powerful scent of burning rubber in the air. It was terrifying, but not as terrifying as the thought of what those four men would do if they caught up with us.”

Does this sound like a best selling thriller? Well, a thriller it is, but far from fiction. This is an excerpt from “Heroine of the Desert” by Donya Al-Nahi, with Andrew Crofts. The subtitle states: The true story of a woman who risked everything to reunite kidnapped children with their mothers.

Rather than write a review (which is often subjective), I will quote excerpts from the blurbs, and leave you to decide if it’s worth reading.

Donya Al-Nahi, born in 1965 in Scotland, lived in England as a young child. “Having left home at 15, she fell in love with the Arab way of life, and converted to Islam while still in her teens. Having settled in London with her Iraqi husband and four small children, she became a crusader for the rights of women to be reunited with their stolen children.”

A few isolated quotes from the jacket cover:
“She is an angel of mercy to hundreds of British women who have had their children taken away from them by Middle Eastern fathers, who do not want their children exposed to a liberal, Western upbringing. ……….What started as a favor to a friend has turned into a life’s work for this determined and incredibly courageous woman. ………
She has ventured to countries where few would dare to attempt such acts of heroism. Her missions have taken her to some of the world’s more dangerous spots, including Iraq, Libya, Morocco, and Dubai……This is a brutally honest, emotional and fascinating read. As well as being a series of heart-stopping adventures, it also shows what can go wrong when people marry across the culture gap.”

Copyright © Donya Al-Nahi and Andrew Crofts.
Indian edition: Thomson Press, 2005

If you have read the original true story or seen the movie “Not without my daughter”, this book would remind you of it.

Changing the world......

As my blog title says, one man’s concern and compassion can change the world in unimaginable ways.

One such man was Blessed Edmund Rice, founder of two religious congregations: the Christian Brothers and the Presentation Brothers. Many of us are familiar with these congregations, or have been students of their institutions. The Christian Brothers’ schools in India include St.Columba’s (Delhi), St.John’s (Chandigarh), St.Joseph’s (Naini Tal and Kolkata), Regina Mundi (Goa) and St.Edmund’s (Shillong). The brothers have also started missions in remote areas like Chattisgarh and Jharkhand. (The first photograph is of a statue of Blessed Edmund Rice in front of St.Columba's).

Edmund Rice (1762—1844) was a wealthy Irish businessman. He lost his wife early, and was left to care for a disabled daughter. However, he did not let personal tragedies blind him to the conditions in Ireland, particularly of the Catholics.
Disturbed at seeing the lack of education and moved by compassion for the poor boys in Waterford, he began the work of educating them. In 1802, he laid the foundation of a congregation-—the Irish Christian Brothers, which today has evolved into a network that provides succor all over the world. Their missions include spreading of quality education (not just through formal schools, but also through non-formal institutions called “Life centers”) a commitment to justice and human rights, and more recently, eco-justice. The primary concern of the brothers is service to the poor, marginalized and needy.

Again, like the Founder, one man has made the difference, with his vision, compassion, courage and spirituality. The efforts made by the congregation in recent years to make the world a better place have been largely due to its charismatic leader/Superior General: Br.Philip Pinto (second photo). It is no wonder that he was re-elected last year for another term to head the congregation.
Click on http://www.edmundrice.org/
to get an idea of his vision, efforts and leadership qualities from a video clip titled: “Br.Philip Pinto—The Vision” and a recent podcast: "Have we walked on? -the full potential for growth – trust."
An address given by him in New York in 2002 can be read at http://www.erc.org.au/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=3

I hope the pages give you a glimpse of an extraordinary individual and his congregation. (In my first post, I had written about a Christian Brother, who has changed the fates of countless children in Belarus, the scene of the chemical tragedy.) I quoted Br.Pinto in my last post with reference to the Missionaries of Charity, but his words are equally applicable to him and the brothers:
"Isn't it wonderful that there are human beings who allow us a glimpse of the goodness of God"!

A `pilgrimage

There are popular lists of and documentaries on “100 places to see before you die”, famous pilgrimage sites, royal houses, etc. But I doubt if many/any of these lists include one address: 54 A, A.J.C Bose Road (Lower Circular Road, Calcutta/Kolkata. It is an address internationally known, yet many visitors (especially Indians!) overlook it in favor of “tourist” attractions. It is the “Motherhouse” of the Missionaries of Charity, where Blessed Mother Teresa lived (from February 1953) and where she is now buried---the center for her order which is spread over the world, wherever there is need of any kind.
Everyone knows of her incredible work, so I will not go into that, but recount my visit to the house, which is truly a pilgrimage spot.
A narrow lane leads to the simple door of the gray colored building. A plain wooden board announces:
54 A
Mother Teresa M.C.
IN (see photo above)
And indeed, she is there, in every room and every sister, who is carrying on her mission. The room housing her tomb sees a steady stream of visitors from every religion, class and nationality, all of who come to pray at her tomb, and know that their faith will be rewarded. The tomb is of simple white marble, with the words of Jesus inscribed: Love one another, as I have loved you. A sister lovingly “writes” a quotation every day on the tomb, with fresh marigolds. On my last visit there was “You are precious to Him.” Visitors write their petitions and leave them in a little box placed on the tomb, to be prayed over. They can also pick up the "miraculous medal" that Mother always distributed. There are benches lining the walls, where one can sit and pray, where the din of the Kolkata traffic seems to recede with the strange sense of peace that pervades the place. In one side of the room, there is a glass cased figure of Mother reaching out to a baby, a reminder of the number of orphans who have been given a new lease of life through her “Shishu Bhavans.” Mass is also held in this room.

Next door is an exhibition of photographs and articles belonging to Mother Teresa…a treasury of photographs from every stage of her life, personal items ( including her worn out bag, simple sandals, utensils, hand written records/accounts, etc.) –a glimpse of a life so simple and shorn of any comfort, that it almost impossible to imagine. And this is the legacy she has passed on to her sisters, who dress and live and work in the same spartan manner. There is also a reliquary: a precious drop of her blood. A small speaker in a corner is labeled with “Mother’s voice,” and on request, the sisters will play a recording of an interview given by her.

Opposite the two rooms, a small flight of stairs leads to the tiny room where mother lived and worked---a narrow wooden bed, a table and bench, another small table and stool are the only items of furniture. A statue of Mary, Our Lady, stands on one table. On the wall next to her bed hangs a crown of thorns, apparently woven by Mother herself. The tiny room is indeed a shrine, and a reflection of a life dedicated solely to God and the poor.

The Chapel on the first floor, where the sisters pray, is open to anyone. The first thing that strikes a visitor is a figure of Mother Teresa, bowed in prayer---so lifelike that it is difficult to imagine that it is just a statue, specially when there are sisters sitting around, motionless in prayer.

I have visited Motherhouse a few times, but it was finally on the last visit that I was blest in meeting for the first time Sister Nirmala, M.C, who succeeded Mother in 1997 as Superior General. It is only very recently that she has handed over the reins, despite being re-elected for a third term.
I was in Kolkata for two days, (one of the main purposes of my annual trip is to
visit Mother’s tomb), and on the first day, was very disappointed to hear that she was resting, and not meeting visitors. The next day, almost miraculously, Sr.Nirmala stood in front of me, thanks to Sr.Nicole, whom I shall talk about later. Petite and frail, with the years of untiring work taking a toll on her health, she radiates a mixture of saintliness, elegance, strength and power that is almost palpable, yet indefinable--it is difficult to describe the impact she makes. The Padma Vibhushan awarded to her this year may be a recognition of her great work and leadership, but even greater is the immense love, respect and gratitude that she commands from people around the world.

Sr. Nicole too is an exemplary and wonderful person, yet, like Sr.Nirmala, totally unassuming. Last year when I visited the Motherhouse, I asked to meet Sr.Nirmala, who was away. Instead, I met Sr.Nicole, who was officiating, and was struck by her compassion, thoughtfulness and patience. This was reinforced on this visit--despite a very busy schedule, she gave me a lot of her time to talk and pray with me.

I can indeed say I have been doubly blessed in not just visiting Blessed Mother’s tomb, but in being in the presence of such holy people. My feelings were very aptly summed up by the Superior General of the Christian Brothers when he heard of my experience: "Isn't it wonderful that there are human beings who allow us a glimpse of the goodness of God"!

The blessings of a visit to the Motherhouse have to be experienced to be believed!

A visit to the official website of the order is also rewarding:
http://www.motherteresa.org/

A celebration with a difference!

What do we usually do when we want to celebrate a special day----be it a birthday, anniversary, a promotion, any occasion……have a grand meal at a favorite restaurant, buy expensive gifts, present big bouquets? Make offerings to a temple/religious place on certain occasions like festivals, or to commemorate/celebrate events in the family?
All this is routine!!!
What about a different kind of celebration……by giving to the needy, rather than just to ourselves? What about actually helping someone, instead of feeling that it is enough to make these offerings? Why not celebrate in a way that is a thanksgiving for all the blessings in our lives, and at the same time, makes a difference to the less fortunate?
It is a common fact that some people are wary of making any donations, afraid of the money being misused, and “wasted.” Maybe, if one could actually see and even take part in the giving process, there would be more givers! However, it might be difficult to locate a genuine cause or avenue to help. I discovered one such place in Bangalore, thanks to a person who makes a huge difference in the lives of many: a priest called Father Trevor D’Souza.
To those of you who are familiar with Koramangla/Madiwala, it is easy to spot St. Anthony’s Church (opposite the petrol pump, near the Madiwala check post). The Friary is in the same compound, and in one corner, the Saint Anthony’s Seva Nilaya. (You might be horrified to see a mutilated statute of St. Anthony and others, under a tree, but that is another story: a story of mindless violence and ignorance). Seva Nilaya is the name of the “soup kitchen” established and run by the Franciscan Friars, (a religious order), along the lines of “St. Anthony’s bread.” For the uninitiated, St. Anthony is one of the saints of the Catholic Church, and a powerful miracle worker. Tradition says that those who pray to him and promise “bread for the poor” as thanksgiving for favors granted, normally experience the power of his blessings. (Many, like me, can vouch for that! And no, I’m not a Catholic!) In the Indian context, Seva Nilaya, or a place where service is rendered, translates this concept into a hot and nutritious lunch (also delicious, and unlimited quantity!) for any poor person who walks in between 12.30 and 2.00 pm on weekdays (Mondays to Fridays). Almost eighteen kilograms of vegetable “pulao” is cooked every day, for the 150+ hungry people. The food is served with care by a few friars, and volunteers, and no one goes away hungry. After the rice is finished, people are given slices of bread. A bakery donates ten loaves of bread every week.
To go back to what I said earlier, this is where you and I can contribute to make a difference---to the needy, and consequently, to our own lives. For the project runs entirely on donations: a day’s meal for 150 people costs Rs 1,000/- only, (US$20 approx) (less than what many of us would spend on a celebratory meal!). One can offer a meal for a birthday/wedding anniversary/any special occasion, in remembrance of someone/some event, as thanksgiving for blessings, or simply to share and brighten up a day for others - (add another Rs 500/- for a special lunch, complete with cake or “payasam”, if it’s for a birthday!) If the meal is offered for a particular individual, the name of the person is put up on a board (along with the name of the person sponsoring the meal). Before lunch is served, prayers are offered up by the whole group, on behalf of the donor, and for the person it’s being sponsored for, before a statue of St. Anthony (standing on the kitchen ledge!)
If one has contributed for the day, it’s an enriching experience to also help to serve the meal to the poor. Moreover, volunteers are welcome to help out whenever, and in whatever way they like. I could tell you more about it, but I hope you will see for yourself— be different, and make a difference!

(If anyone is interested, please contact Fr. Trevor D’Souza at: wecare@rediffmail.com or on his cell <9844030002>)

Achievement extraordinary!

“One man’s extraordinary journey to promote peace…..one school at a time”----this is the line from the cover of “Three cups of tea” by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. (Viking 2006 and Penguin books 2007). This is not a review, but I hope it will encourage you to read it.

Award-winning journalist David Oliver Relin has worked closely with Mortenson to write this inspiring true account of one man’s sheer determination and incredible accomplishments, set against the backdrop of the difficult and remote terrain of northern Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Greg Mortenson, a mountaineer, failed in an attempt to climb the K2 peak in the Karakoram mountains in 1993. Dehydrated and disoriented, he drifted away from his group into a desolate and poor village in northern Pakistan, where he was nursed back to health. One day, he noticed children using sticks to scratch their lessons in the dirt. The kindness of the inhabitants, as well as the poverty and lack of proper education in the village moved him to promise that he would build a school there. This promise was translated into not one, but 55 schools! all over the region (24,000 children will be educated this year!) It was Mortenson’s way of counteracting extremism by educating and thus empowering girls during the rise of the Taliban. His community and literacy programs are especially noteworthy because of the difficulties associated with a troubled region.

The title has an interesting history---according to a village chief in the Karakoram mountains, after the customary third cup of tea, a visitor becomes family!

The blurb on the outer jacket sums it up well: “His story is at once a riveting adventure and a testament to the power of the humanitarian spirit”. The style too is compelling and very “readable”.

The site www.threecupsoftea.com
poses an thought provoking question:
“Do you know anyone who would be willing to sell everything they own and live in their car just so they could save every dollar for someone else”?
Do look at the site for more information and links.

The story is truly inspirational, much like the efforts of Br.Liam O'Meary I had mentioned in the last post.

Making a difference

We may remember the Chernobyl gas plant tragedy years ago, but how many of us think of what the victims have gone through, or what has happened to them since?

The plight of the children touched the heart of one man: an Irish Christian brother---Br. Liam O’Meara, and he has since worked miracles in Belarus.
The latest in a series of measures has been the opening of a new Day care center in Cherven.

There are many others like Br.Liam, and volunteers who come from far and near, working on different projects to bring health, solace and cheer to the suffering.

This site gives a glimpse of how they are making a difference……
http://www.burrenchernobyl.ie/

Check it out!