India journal - Great Lakes Leadership Academy - Michigan State ...
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2011 GREAT LAKES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 2012<br />
In February 2012, the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>Lakes</strong><br />
<strong>Leadership</strong> <strong>Academy</strong> — <strong>Leadership</strong><br />
Advancement Program (LAP) Cohort<br />
III traveled 8,000 miles to spend two<br />
weeks of 95-degree weather in <strong>India</strong> to<br />
develop a global perspective on<br />
leadership for the common good. The<br />
twenty-seven participants also included<br />
GLLA Director Vicki Pontz, coaches<br />
LAP IN INDIA<br />
International Experience in <strong>India</strong><br />
Jerry Jennings and Brenda Allston-Mills,<br />
GLLA Board Member Ellen Kohler, and<br />
MSU CANR Study Abroad Programs<br />
Assistant Director Dan Dutkiewicz,<br />
who served as our guide. The<br />
memories created, the knowledge<br />
gained, and the relationships that<br />
developed between new friends will<br />
have a significant impact on members of<br />
“EACH OF US MUST BE THE<br />
CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN<br />
THE WORLD”<br />
the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>Lakes</strong> <strong>Leadership</strong> <strong>Academy</strong> as<br />
we grow into true leaders who are<br />
focused on the common good for<br />
<strong>Michigan</strong>, the United <strong>State</strong>s, and the<br />
world. This document was put together<br />
by the cohort and includes photos and<br />
descriptions of our shared experiences<br />
in <strong>India</strong>.<br />
MAHATMA GANDHI<br />
Cover photos by Michael McClellan<br />
SHANTI ASHRAM TNAU ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY<br />
1
Fourteen Days<br />
NEW DELHI AND AGRA<br />
CHENNAI<br />
CHIDAMBARAM<br />
COIMBATORE<br />
COCHIN<br />
We experienced <strong>India</strong> through<br />
interactions with residents,<br />
professors, students, and community<br />
leaders involved in agriculture,<br />
environment, natural resources,<br />
economic development, education<br />
and health care. Participants<br />
traveled to both urban and rural<br />
locations to engage in cultural,<br />
academic and civic activities, and<br />
learned how local practitioners in<br />
agricultural development to early<br />
childhood education work together<br />
across sectoral, religious and socio-<br />
economic differences.<br />
Photos by Michael McClellan and<br />
Christy Roman<br />
2<br />
Agra and the Taj Mahal.......................3<br />
Tree Planting.........................................5<br />
Madras Crocodile Bank.....................6<br />
Youth Water Conservation...............7<br />
Anamalai University............................8<br />
Visit with Self-Help Groups..............9<br />
Thillai Nadarajar Temple..................10<br />
Yoga Session at Pondicherry...........11<br />
Thiruvakkarai Tree Fossil Park.......12<br />
Uzhavar Sandhai, Market.................13<br />
TNAU e-Extension Centre............14<br />
Pollachi Field Visit..............................15<br />
Intro to Shanti Ashram....................16<br />
Bala Shanti Kendra Visit...................17<br />
Women-Led Enterprises.................18<br />
Food Security Program....................19<br />
Young <strong>India</strong>ns.....................................20<br />
ASHA Immunization Clinic.............21<br />
Panchayat Raj.....................................22<br />
Women Impacted by HIV................23<br />
Perur Temple......................................24<br />
Inter-Faith Prayer...............................25<br />
Shanti Ashram Gift Allocation........26<br />
KIDS....................................................27<br />
Screwpine Center.............................28<br />
Kerala Backwater Boat Tour...........29<br />
<strong>India</strong> Debrief/Final Check-Out......30
Agra and the Taj Mahal<br />
February 19, 2012<br />
“I believe that which separates action<br />
from inaction is not indifference. It is<br />
distance. May it fall away.” –James<br />
Maskalyk, Six Months in Sudan<br />
(modified)<br />
The quote above went through my<br />
mind several times as we traveled from<br />
New Delhi to Agra and the Taj Mahal.<br />
The drive for me was very intense. To<br />
see the volume of garbage with people,<br />
cows, dogs, goats, chickens and pigs<br />
living in it was a feeling I never want to<br />
forget.<br />
I am sharing these feelings because I<br />
believe the drive to Agra framed both<br />
my view of the Taj Mahal and my view<br />
of the entire trip. The Taj Mahal is a<br />
masterpiece and yet I could not help<br />
but have conflicting feelings about its<br />
beauty and the ingenuity it took to<br />
build it with what I saw on the drive.<br />
When we arrived at the Taj Mahal we<br />
waited in a short line because we had<br />
paid a premium price for our tickets,<br />
750 rupees ($14.00 dollars). While<br />
next to us was a long line of <strong>India</strong>ns<br />
waiting that had paid 25 rupees (.47<br />
cents) for their tickets. The cohort had<br />
a lot of discussion over the next few<br />
days of the trip about money, privilege<br />
and how it felt to move quickly into the<br />
Taj Mahal while the majority of <strong>India</strong>ns<br />
had to wait.<br />
Inside the Taj Mahal grounds a tour<br />
guide shared with the group about its<br />
architecture and history. The Taj Mahal<br />
was built by Shah Jahn, the Mogul<br />
Emperor in memory of his third wife<br />
Mumtaz Mahal who died after giving<br />
birth to their fourteenth child.<br />
According to historians building the<br />
mausoleum was the final request of his<br />
wife. The Taj Mahal was constructed<br />
between 1631 A.D and 1653 A.D on<br />
the Yamsua River of white marble. It is<br />
estimated that over 20,000 laborers<br />
constructed the mausoleum. The<br />
mausoleum is a part of a large complex<br />
of buildings and gardens.<br />
In 1658 Shah Jahn was removed from<br />
the throne by his son and was<br />
imprisoned as a result of the damage to<br />
the Mogul Empire because of his<br />
extravagant lifestyle. Shah Jahn lived the<br />
rest of his life imprisoned in the Agra<br />
Fort across the river from the Taj<br />
Mahal. When he died he was buried at<br />
the Taj Mahal next to Mumtaz Mahal.<br />
3<br />
The four towers, minarets, one on<br />
each side of the Taj Mahal, appear to be<br />
standing vertical, but they actually lean<br />
outwards. This engineering feature also<br />
provides protection to the Taj Mahal in<br />
the event of an earth quake because<br />
they are designed to fall away from the<br />
Taj Mahal protecting the structure.<br />
The inlay design used with precious<br />
gems is a European technique called<br />
pietra dura. The design uses the<br />
principal of self replicating geography.<br />
The interesting part of the pietra dura<br />
is that it is still being used in <strong>India</strong>n<br />
architecture and many of the artists are<br />
direct descendants of the original<br />
labors of the Taj Mahal.<br />
The guide also noted several optical<br />
illusions in the architecture. The Taj<br />
Mahal appeared to be moving further<br />
away from us or looked smaller in size.<br />
The Taj Mahal was built to appear as if it<br />
was floating. The Taj Mahal was built to<br />
face the south and so the white marble<br />
appears to be different colors<br />
depending on the time of day.<br />
I feel my description cannot compare<br />
with the incredible technology and<br />
design used in building the Taj Mahal.<br />
This was a once in a lifetime experience<br />
and I was very thankful for the<br />
opportunity.<br />
Christy Roman, photos by Michael<br />
McClellan
TAJ MAHAL<br />
4<br />
“THE TAJ MAHAL<br />
IMMORTALIZES ONE MAN’S<br />
LOVE FOR HIS WIFE AND THE<br />
SPLENDOR OF AN ERA.”<br />
– REZA POOTRAKUL
TREE PLANTING AT CYCLONE<br />
THANE IMPACTED COMMUNITY<br />
February 20, 2012<br />
In <strong>India</strong>, there is a tree for each individual in our group<br />
and each tree is labeled with our name. We had the<br />
great opportunity to plant these trees while traveling in<br />
Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. It was an amazing<br />
experience, and a memory that will be forever<br />
cherished. This is yet another way that <strong>India</strong> will<br />
forever be in our hearts.<br />
Andrea Boughton<br />
We planted the trees with survivors of<br />
Cyclone Thane, which ravaged their community in late<br />
December of 2011. Women gathered to tell us about<br />
their children and husbands, who had passed on as a<br />
result of Cyclone Thane. The community leader spoke<br />
about the lack of aide they’d received despite the<br />
severity of Cyclone Thane’s destruction, noting<br />
worldwide relief efforts for communities impacted by<br />
tsunamis and earthquakes less acutely destructive<br />
than Thane. Our time with this community was so<br />
short- too short to feel as though the women who<br />
came to talk about the cyclone, their lives before and<br />
after it, had been heard- too short to come to any<br />
resolve about how to help this community, which feels<br />
the impacts and losses afresh from Cyclone Thane<br />
today, halfway across the world. We were blessed<br />
with the opportunity to plant those trees as a tiny<br />
step in rebuilding the ecosystem destroyed by Thane<br />
and to share in the hope, resilience, and dedication of<br />
this community and its leadership.<br />
Robin Clark, photos by Sandra Yu and Robin<br />
5
The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust<br />
and Center for Herpetology<br />
February 20, 2012<br />
Established in 1976, the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Center for<br />
Herpetology focuses on promoting conservation of habitat and educating to<br />
lead towards sustainable conservation. Started by Romulus Whitaker, the<br />
Crocodile Bank has built a gene bank of three species of <strong>India</strong>n crocodiles for<br />
breeding, research, and veterinary work. They focus heavily on breeding<br />
endangered animals. The Croc Bank currently contains crocodiles, turtles,<br />
tortoises, snakes, and lizard species. Currently there are 2,003 crocodiles at<br />
the Croc Bank. The Croc Bank collaborates with the Forest Department to<br />
help reduce human crocodile conflict. When a villager spots a crocodile on<br />
their property, they will contact the Croc Bank or Forest Department, who<br />
will come and retrieve the animal. Due to their extensive emphasis on<br />
education, human crocodile conflicts have reduced as fewer villagers are likely<br />
to attempt to kill or harm crocodiles themselves. All villagers surrounding<br />
Chennai are in some way involved in the Crocodile Bank. The Crocodile Bank<br />
has also trained volunteers as the Irula snake catchers. These snake catchers<br />
used to collect and eat snakes and Romulus Whitaker trained them to capture<br />
snakes and collect their anti-venom. The volunteers are primarily international.<br />
MADRAS CROCODILE BANK TRUST CENTRE FOR<br />
HERPETOLOGY, MAMALLAPURAM, TAMIL NADU, INDIA<br />
COLIN JAMES STEVENSON, DIRECTOR<br />
Sonia Joseph Joshi, photos by Michael McClellan<br />
6
ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY CHIDAMBARAM YOUTH<br />
WATER PROGRAM<br />
WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM PLEDGE<br />
February 21, 2012 Photos by Michael McClellan<br />
1. I UNDERSTAND THE ILL EFFECTS OF WATER POLLUTION AND HENCE, I PLEDGE THAT HEREAFTER I<br />
WILL NOT TOLERATE THE FACTORS CAUSING WATER POLLUTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL<br />
DEGRADATION<br />
2. I WILL USE THE BASIC NEEDED QUANTITY OF WATER AND ALSO CREATE AWARENESS AMONG MY<br />
CLASSMATES ON THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER AND NEED FOR ITS CONSERVATION<br />
3. I SWEAR TO UNDERTAKE RAINWATER HARVESTING STRUCTURES IN MY HOUSE AND PERSUADE<br />
MY VILLAGE PEOPLE FOR PROPER CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF RAINWATER<br />
HARVESTING IN THE VILLAGE IN GENERAL AND IN THEIR HOUSES IN PARTICULAR<br />
4. I FURTHER PROMISE THAT I WILL USE WATER, JUDICIOUSLY BESIDES, TRY MY LEVEL BEST TO<br />
REDUCE THE EXHAUSTION AND COMPLETE AVOIDANCE OF PLASTICS. ALSO, I SHALL PLANT MORE<br />
TREES TO THE BEST POSSIBLE EXTENT WHICH WILL BE MY LITTLE PART IN REDUCING THE<br />
GLOBAL WARMING<br />
5. I USE AND RECOMMEND OTHERS TO USE JUDICIOUS WAYS SO THAT TO ENSURE AVAILABILITY<br />
OF WATER TO MY FUTURE GENERATIONS<br />
6. FINALLY, I STRONGLY TAKE AN OATH TO STRICTLY ADHERE TO THE WATER CONSERVATION<br />
MEASURES WHICH I COME TO KNOW THROUGH THIS WATER AWARENESS PROGRAM<br />
7
February 21, 2012<br />
Voices of <strong>Leadership</strong> and Academic Study<br />
We had an opportunity to talk with and listen to Dr. Sundar<br />
as he explained his approach to leadership within the<br />
Department of Agricultural Economics which is one of the<br />
49 departments at the Anamalai University.<br />
Dr. Sundar’s leadership focus is on providing high quality<br />
content-based education while ensuring that the<br />
department and thus the students are connected to<br />
external resources that provide real experiences for the<br />
practical learning of content. The department’s learning<br />
opportunities include traditional classes, e-learning,<br />
seminars, conferences, workshops, a focus on practical<br />
projects and research.<br />
Dr. Sundar is very practical in his mission. He framed the<br />
question the department struggles with: “What can the<br />
department do to help make sustainable agriculture in <strong>India</strong><br />
a reality?” He stressed to us that if the department, “could<br />
help farmers to increase their income from one rupee to<br />
three rupees” this would be highly significant.<br />
We also heard directly from undergraduate students sharing<br />
their research projects with us. Their topics were female<br />
at Anamalai Universty<br />
8<br />
infanticide, the realities of farmer suicides and the impact of<br />
urbanization on agriculture. Each of them clearly addressed<br />
the complexity of these issues in their setting. The<br />
presentations were informative and comprehensive.<br />
The female infanticide research project included a proposal<br />
for a research intervention for working with 6 schools (600<br />
students) through a 4-stage process to see if education can<br />
change student attitudes and beliefs related to the serious<br />
status quo thinking that sees girls as being considered<br />
useless and as an economic burden to the family.<br />
All three of the student research projects were obviously<br />
very serious topics in <strong>India</strong> and these students were<br />
exploring them with academic integrity.<br />
The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Anamalai<br />
University also spoke with us. His vision is for the<br />
university to produce graduating students of “very good<br />
quality and who are doing beneficial work for society.” His<br />
advice to all of the students at Anamalai is to, “know your<br />
goal and plan strategies with stakeholders to achieve the<br />
goal.”<br />
Jerry Jennings, photo by Michael McClellan<br />
“WHAT CAN THE<br />
DEPARTMENT DO TO HELP<br />
MAKE SUSTAINABLE<br />
AGRICULTURE IN INDIA A<br />
REALITY?” -DR. SUNDAR
VISIT WITH SELF-HELP GROUPS<br />
FEBRUARY 21, 2012<br />
B.S.P. FISH SEED FARM AND SWAMY NURSERY GARDEN<br />
A BUSINESS TO TEACH LOCAL PEOPLE NATURAL<br />
RESOURCE RELATED TRADE/SKILLS, INCLUDING:<br />
-BOWL AND PLATE MAKING FROM ARECA PALM<br />
LEAVES<br />
-INDOOR AND OUTDOOR AQUACULTURE FACILITIES<br />
THAT RAISE DECORATIVE FISH<br />
-GUPPIES, MOLLY'S, BLACK MOLLYS, SWORD TAILS<br />
-ORGANIZING SALES TO LOCAL BUYERS AND<br />
EXPORTERS<br />
-GARDENING OF COCONUTS AND ORNAMENTAL<br />
PLANTS<br />
-RAINWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM THAT STORES<br />
RAINWATER FROM THE MONSOON SEASON THAT IS<br />
LATER UTILIZED FOR AQUACULTURE AND THEN FOR<br />
HORTICULTURE IRRIGATION<br />
-MAT WEAVING<br />
JEFF KALA, PHOTOS BY KEVIN BESEY<br />
9
Thillai Natarajah Temple<br />
February 21, 2012<br />
The Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the town<br />
of Chidambaram, East-Central Tamil Nadu, South <strong>India</strong>.<br />
The temple is known as the foremost of all temples to<br />
Saivites and has influenced worship architecture,<br />
sculpture and performance art for over two millennium.<br />
The place where the temple is located is the center point<br />
of world's magnetic equator. The temple has nine<br />
gateways, and four of these have gateway towers each,<br />
seven storeys facing East, South , West and North they<br />
also signify the nine orifices in the human body. The<br />
legend of the temple begins with Shiva strolling in the<br />
forest known as the Thillai Vanam. In the Thillai forests<br />
resided a group of sages who believed in the supremacy<br />
of magic and that GOD can be controlled by rituals and<br />
magical words. Thousands of people come to pray and<br />
worship at this tempel from the region.<br />
10<br />
We observed the Natyanjali Dance Festival- dancers from<br />
across the country performed at the Temple to pay their<br />
respect to Lord Nataraja, who is also considered to be<br />
the lord of dance.<br />
Worship (Puja) is done 6 times in a day at the temple we<br />
were fortunate to experience the last puja of the day and<br />
is believed that the entire divine force of the universe<br />
retires into the deity, when he retires for the night.<br />
Amna Osman, text and photo
11<br />
Yoga Session at<br />
Pondicherry<br />
February 22, 2012<br />
Program participants had the<br />
opportunity to attend a yoga session<br />
led by a Guru while staying at the<br />
Hotel Ocean Spray. We woke early in<br />
the morning and gathered on the lawn<br />
outside, surrounded by palm trees and<br />
the risen sun. The Guru led us<br />
through a wide variety of poses that<br />
stretched our minds as well as our<br />
bodies.<br />
Robin Clark<br />
photos by Jerry Jennings<br />
“A CREATIVE PERSON IS A<br />
POSITIVE FORCE, A FORCE<br />
FOR PEACE” DR. M. ARAM
THIRUVAKKARAI TREE FOSSIL PARK<br />
12<br />
THIRUVAKKARAI, NEAR PONDICHERRY, IS THE<br />
ONLY VILLAGE IN INDIA BEARING PETRIFIED<br />
TREES. WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WALK THE<br />
PATHS WITH DRS. JAGAN AND SUNDAR, WHO<br />
TALKED ABOUT THE PETRIFIED TREES, LOCAL AND<br />
NATIONAL EFFORTS TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE<br />
THE PARK, AND THE SMALL TEMPLE ON THE<br />
GROUNDS.<br />
ROBIN CLARK, PHOTOS BY SONIA JOSEPH JOSHI
Uzhavar Sandhai, Banana Market, and Flower Market<br />
February 23, 2012<br />
Farmers Market<br />
Farmers Markets are being sponsored by<br />
government to facilitate the small farmers to<br />
sell their fruits and vegetables directly to the<br />
consumers. There are more than 200<br />
markets formed in urban and semi urban<br />
areas. This helps the producers and the<br />
consumers. 98% of the products are being<br />
sold retail and about 22% sold to whole sale<br />
buyers. A large variety of products are sold<br />
depending on the season.<br />
Banana Market<br />
This is the only auction type market. It was<br />
only banana’s being sold here. Commission<br />
agents are organizing auction similar to<br />
whole sale markets.<br />
Flower Market<br />
All types of commercial flowers are being<br />
sold in the flower market. Prices are being<br />
fixed by merchant/ traders based on the<br />
arrivals/ demand/ festivals. This changed 6<br />
years ago from a buyer-set price type<br />
market. 10% of commission is being<br />
collected by producers.<br />
Abbey Dorr, text and photos<br />
13
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University e-Extension Centre<br />
February 23, 2012<br />
Dr. E. Vadivel, Project Officer e-<br />
Extension & Precision Farming,<br />
talked with the group about the<br />
farming in <strong>India</strong> and the<br />
development of farmer<br />
associations. With the help of TNAU<br />
and MSU, farmers have been able to<br />
improve the quality of their<br />
product, learn about marketing<br />
techniques, and target the<br />
international markets. The net<br />
income for farmers has increased<br />
due to increased knowledge and by<br />
partnering with others that are<br />
selling like products. A larger group<br />
has a larger voice in developing<br />
policies, finding markets, and getting<br />
better prices.<br />
One example of TNAU helping the<br />
farmers is by training banana<br />
farmers about growing and<br />
preparing their commodity for<br />
market. The farmers are making use<br />
of technology and education. The<br />
quality of the bananas has improved<br />
in uniformity and bugs/diseases have<br />
lessened due to using a different<br />
technique for bagging the bananas.<br />
Dr. E. Vadivel explained the other<br />
farmer associations and how they<br />
have helped the farmers. We learned<br />
about the Flower Producers<br />
“EXAMPLE IS LEADERSHIP.”<br />
ALBERT SCHWEITZER<br />
Association, Ayakudi Guava<br />
Growers Association, Betel<br />
Growers Association, and the<br />
Pollachi Pandal Vegetable Growers<br />
Assocation.<br />
For each of these associations, the<br />
doctor discussed how many farmers<br />
are involved and how the prices are<br />
set (many are set “fixed” by the<br />
association). For the Flower<br />
Producers Association, farmers do<br />
not receive a commission and they<br />
harvest multiple times in one day,<br />
making 7-8 trips a day from the<br />
farm to the market.<br />
Precision farming was another topic<br />
of discussion while we were at the<br />
e-Extension Centre. The Centre<br />
implemented this project to train<br />
farmers and empower them to be<br />
more technical and economical.<br />
Water, fertilizer, and pesticides are<br />
measured, and with the help of<br />
TNAU, farmers are using a location<br />
specific, field specific and crop<br />
specific approach.<br />
The one problem that the Centre is<br />
running into is dispersing the<br />
training. Men attend the training, but<br />
then they do not return to the<br />
fields. Women never attend the<br />
training.<br />
Andrea Boughton<br />
Photos by Sandra Yu<br />
14
POLLACHI FIELD VISIT: WOMEN<br />
ROSEMARY GROWERS<br />
ASSOCIATION<br />
15<br />
FEBRUARY 23, 2012<br />
AT THE TOP OF A MOUNTAIN, WE<br />
VISITED WITH THE WOMEN'S<br />
ROSEMARY GROWER'S ASSOCATION. A<br />
GROUP OF LADIES BEGAN THE<br />
ASSOCIATION AND FOUND A WAY TO<br />
IMPROVE THEIR STATE OF LIFE. THEY<br />
HAVE AN ESSENTIAL OIL EXTRACTION<br />
FACILITY RIGHT ON THEIR SIGHT<br />
THAT WAS ESTABLISHED IN MARCH<br />
OF 2006. THE GLLA GROUP HAD THE<br />
OPPORTUNITY TO BRIEFLY MEET<br />
WITH THE LADIES AND LEARN ABOUT<br />
THEIR ASSOCIATION. IT WAS NICE TO<br />
EXPLORE THE AREA AS THE GROUP<br />
WALKED OUT TO WHERE THE<br />
ROSEMARY IS PROCESSED.<br />
ANDREA BOUGHTON,<br />
PHOTOS BY ANDREA BOUGHTON AND<br />
ROBIN CLARK
Introduction to Shanti Ashram<br />
February 24, 2012<br />
A beautiful 40 minute drive from our hotel - mountains in the distance to arrive<br />
at Shanti Ashram. From the moment we arrived you can feel the respect, trust<br />
and deep relationship that has been forged with Dan for years and Vicki in her<br />
recent visit. I write rough notes as we continue our rich full days. At Shanti<br />
Ashram we arrive and gather for a beautiful interfaith prayer - glorious voices<br />
rising together intermingled with individual voices sharing Gandhian ideas and<br />
diverse interfaith prayer and thoughts. Shanti Ashram staff provided a warm,<br />
open, fully informative introduction, orientation and welcome to our group. I<br />
have a sense our time here will be very rewarding and impactful.<br />
We then moved to the big hall (as there is a power shortage in Tamil Nadu and<br />
the big hall has a source of uninterrupted power) for a more in depth<br />
understanding of how Shanti Ashram came to be. We were introduced to the<br />
Gandhian concept of sarvodaya; of lifting the whole of human society to the<br />
highest level of existence. Gandhi coined this term from the Sanskrit roots sarva<br />
(all) and udaya (uplift) - "The uplift of all." Dr. Aram, a leading member of the<br />
peace movement (I'll have to learn more as I write this, I cannot capture all that<br />
this man has done and meant for so many people), founded Shanti Ashram and<br />
his wife and daughter play pivotal roles. His daughter, Dr. Kezevino, serves in the<br />
role of director. Clearly the staff have deep respect for each other, their<br />
capabilities and their work. The idea of evolutionary leadership plays a key role in<br />
the work and vision of Shanti Ashram - as leaders we evolve (thank you GLLA)<br />
and that at the same time the community continues to benefit.<br />
Lisa Brush, photos by Andrea Boughton<br />
16
BALA SHANTI KENDRA VISIT<br />
FEBRUARY 24, 2012<br />
The Bala Shanti program was started 15 years ago. It<br />
reaches hundreds of rural children. As a result of<br />
the program, the school enrollment rate of Perur<br />
Block as well as childhood development indicators are<br />
higher than the national average. We visited two<br />
schools -- one that was only a week old and one that<br />
had been established for five years. The schools<br />
follow a Montessori framework and work with<br />
children ages 3 to 5 years old. At the age of five, the<br />
children are eligible to attend public schools.<br />
In addition to standard educational opportunities, the<br />
schools serve as a locus for other programs that reach<br />
the entire family and village, such as childhood<br />
immunization; nutrition education and supplementation;<br />
and personal savings education (supported with<br />
individual savings banks). We learned that it costs<br />
Shanti Ashram $5000 to start a new school and $1000<br />
to continue operating the school each year. Shanti<br />
Ashram works with local contacts and interested parents<br />
to identify opportunities for the establishment of new<br />
schools.<br />
ELLEN KOHLER, PHOTOS BY JEFF SANDBORN<br />
17
WOMEN-LED ENTERPRISES<br />
Rural Women of Perur Impacting Climate Change<br />
February 24, 2012<br />
Shanti Ashram is using Women’s Self Help Groups to act as<br />
a catalyst for the adoption of eco-friendly technologies at the<br />
village level. This project promoted the use of locally available<br />
low-cost technologies like smokeless chulha’s, solar cookers<br />
and solar lanterns. The Women’s Self Help Group members<br />
were trained in the construction and installation of<br />
smokeless chulhas, solar lanterns and solar cookers. This<br />
initiative links poverty reduction and health to environmental<br />
issues for a reduced carbon emission.<br />
18<br />
The conventional method of cooking requires about 8 kgs of<br />
firewood to cook food for a family of five. The introduction<br />
of smokeless chulhas reduces firewood consumption by<br />
almost half. This saves about $27 (USD) per month, per<br />
family. Similarly the use of solar lanterns and solar cookers<br />
will reduce the use of kerosene in the households saving<br />
about $10 (USD) per month per family.<br />
Christy Roman, photos by Michael McClellan
Food Security Program, Shanti Ashram<br />
February 25, 2012<br />
Food Security and its Dimensions, presented by Dr. SR<br />
Subramanian.<br />
Food security exists when all people at all times have<br />
physical and economical access to efficient food to meet<br />
their dietary needs and food preference for an active healthy<br />
life.<br />
The key factors of food security are food production, access<br />
to food and proper absorption of food. <strong>India</strong> has the second<br />
largest population in the world with 30 Million people living<br />
in hunger. Approximately 46% of <strong>India</strong>n children are<br />
undernourished.<br />
The Public Distribution Centers were initiated by the British<br />
government in 1939. The Food Corporation was established<br />
in 1965 as a result of the food act of 1964. One of the<br />
objectives of this program is to provide public distribution of<br />
food at an affordable price.<br />
The challenges of the current public distribution system are<br />
that 58% of the subsidized food grains do not reach families<br />
below the poverty level. In addition 43% of the people<br />
below the poverty line do not have Public Distribution cards<br />
and cannot afford to pay for the food offered through the<br />
Food Distribution System. Women have to pay for subsidized<br />
commodities up front each month, which presents a financial<br />
obstacle for running the distribution centers. Most women<br />
have to take out private loans at 60%<br />
interest at the beginning of each<br />
month to pay for the their food.<br />
Dr. Aram shared that the solution to<br />
a macro problem must come from<br />
the micro level. As a result Shanti<br />
Ashram and <strong>Michigan</strong> <strong>State</strong><br />
University partnered to use the<br />
structure of the Women’s Self Help<br />
Groups to address this problem.<br />
Shanti Ashram currently supports 40<br />
19<br />
women-led public food distribution centers. The food items<br />
are sold at the original government subsidized price.<br />
However, the financial benefit the government provides to its<br />
own shops is replaced by a loan for working capital.<br />
Replacing the high interest loans with loans from Shanti<br />
Ashram made their enterprises more viable and prevents<br />
them from paying exorbitant interest to local money lenders.<br />
Many statistics were used during this presentation, but it was<br />
noted that <strong>India</strong> currently has no formal system to track<br />
people, like social security numbers. So statistics vary. There<br />
are other variables, such as population calculations because<br />
many babies are born in homes and not in hospitals. The<br />
<strong>India</strong>n government is currently trying to develop a method<br />
to track the population.<br />
Christy Roman, photo by Michael McClellan<br />
“THE SOLUTION TO A MACRO PROBLEM<br />
MUST COME FROM THE MICRO LEVEL”<br />
DR. M. ARAM
Discussions with Young <strong>India</strong>ns: how can we use these<br />
relationships to further the common good?<br />
February 26, 2012<br />
The days continue to fly by each one<br />
12-15 hour days full of tremendously<br />
rich presentations, interactions and<br />
amazing places. At last I’ve caught<br />
up in my writing and get back to<br />
today. We headed off to meet with<br />
business people of <strong>India</strong> – a<br />
wonderful, breezy, open-air setting<br />
on a porch with stimulating<br />
conversation and delicious food. I<br />
spoke with the head of the business<br />
school, a woman in that position for<br />
the last five years; a retired energy<br />
“NO BUSINESS CAN NOT BE<br />
TOUCHED BY WORLDWIDE<br />
EVENTS”<br />
global CFO – talking about America,<br />
our place in the world and our<br />
future. I also talked with several<br />
entrepreneurs – IT, web platforms,<br />
vehicle weight and tracking<br />
automation – and professor of<br />
agronomy among others. We then<br />
headed out for an engaging session at<br />
the Confederation of <strong>India</strong>n<br />
Industries with the Young <strong>India</strong>ns<br />
(yionline.org) followed by one with<br />
business people 10 – 20 years their<br />
senior. YI folks an incredibly<br />
thoughtful group talking about how<br />
to bring the entire country along and<br />
how to have wealth accumulation<br />
happen in a socially responsible<br />
context. Other thoughts I capture<br />
briefly as I listen and take notes: “It’s<br />
not a responsibility, it’s an<br />
opportunity – it’s not about a single<br />
business, an industry, a business<br />
owner, it’s about the nation.” “While<br />
we may be living in comfort and with<br />
certain privileges we know that there<br />
is another <strong>India</strong>n in need.” And then<br />
some of the lessons learned from the<br />
entrepreneurs who now have<br />
significant experience: “Manage your<br />
dreams. Balance your dream with the<br />
resources you can mobilize.” “When<br />
do you professionalize – don’t seek<br />
or get comfortable with a comfort<br />
zone.” “You can’t do it all yourself. Be<br />
flexible.” “No business can NOT be<br />
touched by worldwide events.”<br />
“Finding the right talent – senior,<br />
middle and fresh is key. Employ the<br />
unemployable.” “In your first ten<br />
years you are growing your base.”<br />
“How knowledgeable you are gives<br />
you an edge.” “Financing from banks–<br />
problem is that being based on track<br />
record or collateral is not ideal. It’s<br />
typically been a problem and that<br />
system is starting to change.” “Vision<br />
and targets might be very personal.<br />
You need to set it up in a way that<br />
will be exciting for everyone you<br />
want to bring along. That vision must<br />
be exciting and authentic.”<br />
Lisa Brush<br />
Photos by Michael McClellan<br />
20
ASHA MMR IMMUNIZATION CLINIC<br />
FEBRUARY 27, 2012<br />
AS PART OF SHANTI ASHRAM’S COMMUNITY HEALTH<br />
PROGRAM, ASHA HAS PIONEERED A SUCCESSFUL<br />
IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM BY SEEING THE SERVICE<br />
VILLAGE AS THE UNIT AND ESTABLISHING A<br />
COLLABORATIVE FRAMEWORK OF HEALTH CARE<br />
PROVIDERS, PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS,<br />
COMMUNITY LEADERS, AND CHILDREN THEMSELVES AS<br />
STAKEHOLDERS. ASHA AIMS TO IMPROVE THE<br />
IMMUNIZATION STATUS OF EACH SERVICE VILLAGE<br />
TO 100%, WHERE EVERY CHILD IS IMMUNIZED<br />
ADEQUATELY FOR THEIR AGE. ASHA IS A GLOBAL<br />
COLLABORATIVE, WITH PARTNERS AT THE MASONIC<br />
MEDICAL CENTRE FOR CHILDREN, MICHIGAN STATE<br />
UNIVERSITY, GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTHCARE<br />
CENTRES, AND THE SCHOOL OF NURSING IN<br />
COIMBATORE. THE GROUP ATTENDED A MMR<br />
IMMUNIZATION CLINIC AT A COIMBATORE HIGH<br />
SCHOOL AND HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK<br />
WITH SHANTI ASHRAM STAFF, HEALTH CARE<br />
WORKERS, COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP INCLUDING<br />
TEACHING STAFF, AND THE CHILDREN<br />
PARTICIPATING IN THE IMMUNIZATION CLINIC.<br />
21<br />
ROBIN CLARK, PHOTOS BY ANDREA BOUGHTON
Panchayat Raj and its Special Institutions<br />
February 27, 2012<br />
Presenter: Thiru S. Panneerselvam<br />
Presently has trained 2,500 elected representatives<br />
and is now facilitating the Child Friendly Panchayat<br />
Initiative, supported by UNICEF.<br />
What is the Panchayat Raj?<br />
System of Self Governance<br />
“Panch” means five; denotes a body of persons whom<br />
the people reposed their confidence for a “just”<br />
settlement of inter-village disputes.<br />
The Panchayat Raj in Tamil Nadu goes back 2-3,000<br />
years.<br />
The Traditional Structure<br />
Elected by the people<br />
1941 collapse after British Control<br />
1947 freedom from the British<br />
1958 Revival of Panchayat<br />
1992 Panchayat as a National subject with additional<br />
powers<br />
1992 73rd Amendment<br />
Panchayat as the Institution of Self Governance<br />
3 tier system<br />
Gram-Sabha (Village Parliament)<br />
Direct Election Consensus Vote<br />
Impacts<br />
Improved infrastructure improvements – Roads,<br />
water, street lights, community hall<br />
Improvement in sanitation<br />
Emerging leaders and new leadership<br />
Women as a larger part of leadership<br />
“MANAGEMENT IS DOING THINGS RIGHT;<br />
LEADERSHIP IS DOING THE RIGHT THINGS”<br />
PETER DRUCKER<br />
Dave Carpenter, photos by Andrea Boughton<br />
22
MOTHERS AND GRANDMOTHERS<br />
LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS<br />
February 27, 2012<br />
Late in the afternoon the LAP III cohort engaged<br />
in a dialogue with women and children living with<br />
HIV/AIDS. Learning about life with HIV/AIDS<br />
through firsthand accounts served to provide a<br />
greater understanding of the diseases and its<br />
impact. For those living with the disease family and<br />
social links stood out as being the most important<br />
supplement to treatment. Having a family network<br />
that accepts, understands, and is able to help<br />
throughout treatment enriches the lives of the<br />
affected women and children. Chris Sadler<br />
We returned to Shanti Ashram (from a village on the edge of the Western Ghat<br />
Mountains to visit a women's self-help group - truly inspiring! and the head of a<br />
village panchayat) to a place teeming with people. As it was a Saturday as well<br />
as a time for the monthly HIV support group gathering, there were young folks<br />
and women of all ages about. We all enjoyed lunch and staccato conversations -<br />
the easy ones we could all understand: What's your name? Your ages? Brothers<br />
and sisters? Beyond that the communication relies on smiles and gestures. We<br />
then had an informative presentation on Panchayats to ground us in a more<br />
formal understanding of their structure. From there we moved downstairs to an<br />
incredibly open, frank, honest and moving interaction with the HIV support group<br />
- mothers (most infected), children (many infected) and grandmothers (most not<br />
infected, but are the caretakers as their children have died of HIV/AIDS and<br />
they are left to care for their grandchildren): a deeply feeling and humanly<br />
inspiring interaction. The session together (GLLA and the support group) was set<br />
up as a place for conversation. It started with them sharing their stories - of<br />
grandmothers scared about what will happen to their grandchildren; of the<br />
women shunned for their disease; of losing their husbands to the disease and not<br />
knowing of what they died until they and their children were diagnosed. The<br />
space was such that some of the children shared things about their being scared<br />
to share with their classmates when or why they felt ill, to Shanti Ashram folks<br />
saying that some of these women haven't shared the depth of these stories<br />
before. We all expressed our deep acceptance, love and admiration of their<br />
courage in not only dealing with the virus, but in sharing with us, as well as in<br />
seeking support through the group. There are so many affirmations for me that<br />
we as a people need each other. We won't be able to tackle the pressing issues<br />
we face as a society unless we embrace the side of ourselves that we all have<br />
for compassion, connection and cooperation.<br />
Lisa Brush, photos by Sandra Yu, Michael McClellan, Jeff Sandborn<br />
23
Perur Temple<br />
February 27, 2012<br />
This afternoon / early eve we had a very special tour of a nearby<br />
temple by a priest who also works on HIV/AIDS awareness. Shanti<br />
Ashram has an intimate relationship with the temple. As a result we<br />
were allowed into two of the inner sanctum santorums and given<br />
the special blessing with ash and sandalwood. A thousand year old<br />
temple, the sacredness radiates from the walls. (A note to remember<br />
the white circle painting on the ceiling with the spirit who follows<br />
you no matter from which angle you view it. Very amazing.)<br />
Lisa Brush, photos by Andrea Boughton<br />
24
FEBRUARY 28, 2012<br />
INTER-FAITH PRAYER<br />
SHANTI ASHRAM<br />
WE GATHERED WITH THE STAFF OF SHANTI ASHRAM AND SAT IN A LARGE CIRCLE ON MATS,<br />
WHICH ARE ROLLED OUT EACH DAY FOR INTERFAITH PRAYER. WE CLOSED OUR EYES, BOWED<br />
OUR HEADS, OR OTHERWISE OPENED OUR MINDS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PRAYER. THIS WASN’T<br />
A SINGLE PRAYER, BUT AN EBB AND FLOW OF PRAYER FROM DIFFERENT FAITHS AND DIFFERENT<br />
VOICES IN THE ROOM, EACH WITH AMPLE SPACE AND TIME TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMON<br />
PURPOSE OF PURSUING AND ACKNOWLEDGING PEACE. THE PRAYERS INCLUDED SONGS, THE<br />
MOST BEAUTIFUL AND MOVING OF WHICH WAS SHARED BY DR. S. R. SUBRAMANIAN. QUOTES<br />
FROM MAHATMA GANDHI AND BIBLE PASSAGES WERE READ. FOLKS WITHIN THE GLLA CREW<br />
CONTRIBUTED SOME OF THOSE READINGS AND SONGS, WHICH WERE SUNG BY INDIAN AND<br />
AMERICAN VOICES ALIKE. AT THE END OF THE PRAYERS, WE SHARED SILENCE. THE TIME AND<br />
SPACE THAT THE STAFF AT SHANTI ASHRAM CREATE DAILY FOR INTERFAITH PRAYER IS AN<br />
INSPIRATION AND SERVES AS A PROFOUND REMINDER OF THE POSSIBILITIES AND DUTIES<br />
SHARED BY HUMAN-BEINGS.<br />
DAVE CARPENTER AND ROBIN CLARK, PHOTOS BY SANDRA YU<br />
“I SUPPOSE LEADERSHIP AT ONE<br />
TIME MEANT MUSCLES; BUT TODAY<br />
IT MEANS GETTING ALONG WITH<br />
PEOPLE” MAHATMA GANDHI<br />
25
Shanti Ashram Gift Allocation<br />
February 28, 2012<br />
It seemed unreal that it was already "decision time" as we sat<br />
in the upstairs room with our group and the representatives<br />
from Shanti, with the fans moving the warm <strong>India</strong> air, these<br />
representatives who had became friends and will forever be<br />
part of our lives and memories just days before we had never<br />
met seemed surreal. Sipping our water, this scarce water, and<br />
the amazing tea and cookies we realize how lucky we really<br />
are in the world and how wasteful our lives are. It is hard to<br />
fathom that it is snowing at this moment in <strong>Michigan</strong> and that<br />
soon we will be returning to our normal routines, yet be<br />
forever changed by this country, these people.... The slap in the<br />
face of reality and home has already started.<br />
Two years ago our GLLA group may have debated at length<br />
just where we should put our support, today it seemed we all<br />
realized that any decision would make such a profound impact<br />
here, we all knew it was far greater a decision than each<br />
person individually, my how we have grown.<br />
We all sensed the emotion of the moment...not just in the<br />
decision, but the reality of the trip. As Luke opened his mouth<br />
to speak, in a way only Luke can, the room is captivated. He<br />
states that, " We don't have a leader in the group, we are all<br />
leaders in training.... But today I will represent the group...."<br />
He goes on and eloquently tells the group how much our time<br />
with them has made an impression, knowing that there aren't<br />
words for the change we are all feeling in ourselves. As we go<br />
through the options he makes a statement to the room that is<br />
powerful..."Is there something that is on your hearts that we<br />
did not discuss yet today..." a beautiful way to ensure all<br />
options are on the table. GLLA LAP III participants agreed to<br />
target the funds we had raised to the developing Gandhi<br />
<strong>Leadership</strong> Institute.<br />
We again realize any vote can help and move into something<br />
none of us want to do... Say goodbye. We move to a circle on<br />
the stage area and all express one by one our gratitude and<br />
appreciation for our experience... Shanti...a place that will<br />
remain in our hearts forever!<br />
Stacy Welling, photos by Andrea Boughton<br />
26
Kottapuram Integrated Development Society (KIDS)<br />
February 29, 2012<br />
On February 29 the cohort of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>Lakes</strong> <strong>Leadership</strong><br />
<strong>Academy</strong> had the honor and privilege to take part in<br />
"EVOKE 2012" a Decennial Celebration and International<br />
Seminar. The seminar was held at the Off Campus Centre of<br />
MG University on the KIDS Campus in Kottaporum. The<br />
seminar topic was "Entrepreneurial Business Management: A<br />
Global Perspective"<br />
Introductions from Dr. C. D. Sebastian, Principal, JDV, Fr Joby<br />
Kallarakkal, Manager JDV, Father Johnson Panketh. Executive<br />
Director and Jerry Jennings, GLLA challenged the full hall of<br />
academia to look and move forward toward the next<br />
decade as to what the world and <strong>India</strong> may and could be.<br />
GLLA speakers spoke about their personals victories and<br />
challenges as entrepreneurs in the United <strong>State</strong>s. Jeff Kala<br />
and Luke Meerman spoke directly to growing and marketing<br />
agricultural businesses. Dave Carpenter covered the<br />
importance of the relationships between Greenstone Farm<br />
Credit and <strong>Michigan</strong> producers, which Luke acknowledged<br />
and the audience supported. Ritchie Harrison talked about<br />
the economic challenges currently present in the City of<br />
Detroit, but also talked of hope and the future of Detroit as<br />
well as some well placed comparisons with our journey<br />
to <strong>India</strong>. Lisa Brush gained the audience attention when<br />
she used her non-profit experiences to emphasize the<br />
importance of being flexible, courageous and having vision as<br />
a business owner. Jerry did a very nice job of summarizing<br />
each of the GLLA speakers.<br />
The closing ceremonies had some similarities in length and<br />
pageantry to those of the Olympics, as we all were treated<br />
as celebrities and felt very honored to be part of this event.<br />
Jeff Haarer, photos by Andrea Boughton<br />
ENTREPRENEURIAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE<br />
27
SCREWPINE CENTER<br />
THE FIBER RESOURCE CENTER STARTED<br />
IN 1987 TO ASSIST IN THE DEVELOPMENT<br />
AND SOCIAL WELFARE OF POOR AND<br />
NEEDY IRRESPECTIVE OF CASTE.<br />
PROGRAMS INCLUDED WATERSHED<br />
MANAGEMENT, RAIN WATER RETENTION<br />
AND BACKWASHING OF WELLS WHERE<br />
THE WATER TABLE WAS HIGH. OTHER<br />
PROGRAMS INCLUDED MEDICAL CAMPS,<br />
ORGANIC FARMING AND PRESERVATION<br />
OF TRADITIONAL CRAFT MAKING<br />
THROUGH THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF<br />
ARTISANS TO PRODUCE AND SELL<br />
CRAFTS AND PASSING ON CRAFT SKILLS.<br />
THE ADVANTAGES OF FIBER PRODUCTS<br />
INCLUDE THE POTENTIALS OF HIGH<br />
EMPLOYMENT, LOW CAPITAL<br />
INVESTMENT, LESS PLASTIC, NO<br />
FERTILIZER, AND LIMITED WATER USE.<br />
DR. SUNDAR GAVE US SOME HISTORY ON<br />
THE KERALLA REGION INCLUDING HOW<br />
THE MONSOON WINDS BROUGHT SHIPS<br />
INTO KOCHIN PORT FOR SPICES AND THE<br />
HISTORY OF RELIGIONS AND THEIR<br />
COLLABORATION IN THE REGION. WE<br />
HAD A TOUR OF THE FACILITY WITH AN<br />
OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE PURCHASES AT<br />
THE GIFT SHOP.<br />
JEFF HAARER<br />
PHOTOS BY ANDREA BOUGHTON<br />
28
29<br />
Kerala Backwater<br />
Boat Tour<br />
February 29, 2012<br />
On the south-western shore of <strong>India</strong> lies<br />
Kerala and its palm-lined backwaters. The<br />
cohort boarded a boat in the afternoon<br />
and toured the backwaters with Dr. Sunny.<br />
The tour provided a welcome respite,<br />
with time to sit and watch silently, listening<br />
to the water and Dr. Sunny share their<br />
wisdom of the magical place. The tour<br />
was educational, as we traveled in the<br />
same waters as folks had for millennia in<br />
search of fish and spice, past historic<br />
encampments, modern fishing industry<br />
fleets, and small water-side<br />
neighborhoods.<br />
We saw first-hand the Muziris port in the<br />
Bay of Bengal, to which the famed<br />
monsoon winds have carried boats to<br />
<strong>India</strong> on quests for spices, as well as the<br />
shoreline along which traders have<br />
gathered for business for thousands of<br />
years. We saw crews aboard their ships<br />
either readying for or returning from<br />
fishing trips in the Arabian Sea. Smaller<br />
fishing vessels were guided by sole<br />
fishermen or pairs setting nets or diving<br />
to the bottom of the water to gather sand<br />
and muck for inland construction. As the<br />
sun lowered, we prepared for our return<br />
to land and our last night in <strong>India</strong>.<br />
Robin Clark, photos by Abbey Dorr
INDIA DEBRIEF / FINAL CHECK-OUT<br />
MARCH 1, 2012<br />
THE COHORT MET AT 9 AM IN THE RECEPTION AREA<br />
OF CHERAI BEACH RESORT. VICKI PREPPED US TO<br />
THINK ABOUT A MEMORABLE LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAY<br />
FROM OUR TRIP AS WE WALKED ACROSS THE SUN<br />
CRACKED ROAD AND OVER THE ROCKY STEPS TO THE<br />
ENCHANTING CHERAI BEACH ON THE ARABIAN SEA.<br />
DUE TO SOUNDS OF NATURE WE GATHERED INTO A<br />
CLOSE CIRCLE WITH THE VAST MAJORITY ALLOWING<br />
THE WAVES TO ROLL ACROSS OUR METATARSALS. THE<br />
CIRCLE HAD A LIFE OF ITS OWN AS IT ANTICIPATED<br />
THE DISTANCE OF EACH WAVE TO PROTECT THE SHOES<br />
OF THOSE THAT DECIDED TO RETAIN THEM. AFTER<br />
EACH COHORT PROVIDED A STATEMENT TO THE FIRST<br />
RESPONSE, WE SELECTED A PARTNER TO WALK AND<br />
TALK WITH FOR TEN MINUTES SO THAT WE COULD<br />
EXPAND ON OUR LEADERSHIP AND CULTURAL<br />
EXPERIENCES THAT WE GAINED ON OUR INDIA<br />
JOURNEY. WE WALKED SOUTH ALONG THE BEACH.<br />
30<br />
AFTER RETURNING FROM OUR WALK, WE ONCE<br />
AGAIN GATHERED IN OUR CIRCLE AND WERE ASKED<br />
FOR A SHORT STATEMENT OF OUR DREAM ABOUT<br />
HOW A BETTER WORLD COULD LOOK FROM WHAT<br />
WE EXPERIENCED. AND THEN IN CLOSING WE WERE<br />
ASKED TO GIVE A SHORT STATEMENT ON WHAT WE<br />
WILL DO TO MAKE THE DREAM LIVE ON. UPON THE<br />
DISMISSAL OF THE CIRCLE, VICKI LED A FEW<br />
BRAVE AND SWEATY SOULS FOR A SPLASH INTO<br />
THE ARABIAN SEA. WHICH IS A STORY BOOK<br />
ENDING FOR OUR GREAT JOURNEY TO INDIA.<br />
JEFF HAARER, PHOTOS BY SANDRA YU<br />
A