The Best Speech I've Ever Heard

It is simply amazing how fast time goes in while I am in Orissa. ...maybe it's because every task takes so long. The projects in Kalahandi are progressing, amidst the circuses of the NGO, donor, local government, the communities, engineers, suppliers, and the biggest circus of all--my reactions. But I am working at transforming my reactions into responses. :-)

Purna Guma was commissioned in Nov. '08 and hasn't had any major issues, and hence has become a local celebrity in the Karlapat Sanctuary. It's funny how many more local government officials I know after the Purna Guma lights came on! Purna Guma is now focused on building a livelihoods center to utilize the electricity for income generation.

The youth from Purna Guma are helping to implement the next project in Karnivel village. Karnivel is a fantastic tribal community who give 200% to everything. The only thing looming on my shoulders is the schedule. We need to finish the Purna Guma community center and the Karnivel micro hydro within the next month, before the rains arrive.

It's been extremely hot...but I've gotten used to it. Drinking lots and lots of water is key. A big bowl of water rice for every meal is best!

....So what's made me decide to blog again???? The best speech I have ever heard....I can't help but want to tell everyone about it. Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KObN8s0M14g

It is in 3 parts, so be patient and download all 3 parts.

Hey 2009

Hey 2009

Give me the strength to stand for the things I believe in
And ask me to practice my philosophy.

Make me more patient and tolerant, so that I'll feel everybody is mine and there will be no quarrels and terror.

Help me in giving up my extras and live more and more simply.

Give me the friends - as I always got – who's hearts are tuned in harmony of the world.

Provide me the vision by which I'll always perceive good in whatever happening and will stand against all disasters than collapsing.

Help me understand, what I feel and think, so that there will be no crisis in relations.

And importantly,
Take me to the worst of natural and inhuman situations – which will be my real space – where I can practice all the good that I thought of. I need to give these examinations.

Hey 2009, I believe in equality, peace, justice and enrichment.
By the time you will pass away make this belief more strong,
Of me and my friends.

Good bye 2008

--Wishes from a phenominal soul, Vinayak (http://ekjajabor-vinayak.blogspot.com/)

Chronic Hunger

UN says 40 million more pushed into chronic hunger this year
The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said Tuesday (December 9) that higher food prices have increased the number of people across the globe affected by chronic hunger by 40 million this year, bringing the estimated total to 963 million people. About two-thirds of the world's undernourished live in Asia, with the worst affected countries in that region being India, China, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Pakistan, according to the FAO's State of Food Insecurity report. In addition, one in three people in sub-Saharan Africa remain chronically hungry, the Associated Press (AP) attributed the report as saying. The increase in the number of hungry is mostly attributable to the sharp rise in food prices earlier this year, the FAO said. Although the global prices of major cereals have fallen by more than 50 percent from their peaks earlier this year, they are still high compared to previous years, the AP attributed the agency as saying. Farmers have been unable to increase production to take advantage of the higher prices because they lack access to seeds, fertilizer, water and markets, according to the AP. "This sad reality should not be acceptable at the dawn of the 21st century," the AP quoted FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf as saying. "Not enough has been done to reduce hunger and not enough is being done to prevent more people (from) becoming hungry." The FAO reported that the growing number of chronically hungry casts further doubt on the world's ability to meet the Millennium Development Goal of halving global hunger by the year 2015, particularly as the global financial crisis is further reducing demand in industrialized countries, which threatens to affect exporters in developing countries. According to the report, export volumes are expected to grow by 4.9 percent in 2009, compared to a growth of 6.3 percent in 2007. The report noted that some countries, like Thailand and Vietnam, have made substantial progress toward the 2015 goal. But South and Central Asia are among the regions that have suffered significant setbacks in hunger reduction.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=6423774
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/MCOT-7M6GUA?OpenDocument
http://asia.news.yahoo.com/081209/afp/081209151825top.html

New Energy

I have been spending more time in Kalahandi than at the GV Head Office, despite the Head Office being more comfortable. This has been partly due to the level of work in the micro hydro projects and partly due to the tension that fills my heart/mind while at the office. Though, during my last visit to Head Office recently, I discovered that there is a certain new energy that is seemingly planting itself on campus. Some new staff have come this month with a brightness that I pray will only multiply.

GV does amazing work, but it has taken a toll on those that are involved. As we try to help more communities have access to water and sanitation and other sustainable infrastructure, our human resources are increasingly challenged with communication issues, salary woes, and lack of time to meet targets. I had begun to loose hope, seeing/hearing how at levels of human resources, people were more and more unhappy and stressed.

However, this wave of new energy via a few individuals is intriguing and is helping me to be introspective. These newbies are in a good position to be themselves and appreciate the organization. Over the years, I have become only a strong critic and far from myself. I keep seeking perfection in its operations...only much later to realize that I need to take care of my imperfection first. Still, I find it very difficult to focus on myself without being selfish. Since the post Palm and Apple days, my moments have been designed around being involved with efforts that I really believe in, first LEDeG, then Green Empowerment, now Gram Vikas and Practical Action. In this process, I have nearly always prioritized my family and my research secondary to the so-called causes. ...This has caused imbalance that of course I keep ignoring.

I know that my mis-prioritizing will catch up with me sooner or later. Though now instead of being totally hard on myself, I am just watching. Watching myself make decision after decision, without judging. Watching the naunces in my moods; what makes me smile, what makes my cry, how I relate to others. I am only hoping that the non-action intentions create some positive flow that can undo the angst I've built during the last few years; and take advantage of the priceless and simple gifts I've acquired during the same chaotic time, e.g. witnessing the simplest of human needs, Nature's transient care, and such sweet and tangible moments of the Divine's intervention.

Media for Social Change

Since realizing the potential of the youth involved in the micro hydro projects, I have been dreaming about them making their own videos on issues they hold important (and entertaining) and organizing their own showings using the electricity from the micro hydro systems. ....In fact each of the project sites has a fair number of concrete stairs near the powerhouse and open space for a large screen, transforming the space amidst the forest into an outdoor theatre. ....Yes, only dreams at this point.

However, the dream is one step closer having realized the existence of MAM (http://www.mammovies.com/):

MAM: ‘I AM’ is what it means in Sanskrit. To be able to go within through the medium of stories and use our talent for the needs of the world is why we have been created.In practical terms, our effort is to:
-Support and nurture independent filmmakers who use media, the arts and technology to inform, inspire and empower others to create positive action in the world.
-Create innovative events, which will inspire youth to use Media for social change.
-Create a platform for local charities and NGOs to make professional videos for very economical price.

GRID Alternatives

Cool group in CA doing work with renewable energy and communities: http://www.gridalternatives.org/

GRID Alternatives' mission is to empower communities in need by providing renewable energy and energy efficiency services, equipment and training. Since 2001, GRID Alternatives has been working to bring the power of solar electricity and energy efficiency to low-income homeowners, and to provide community members with training and hands-on experience with renewable energy technologies. We believe making energy choices that are good for the environment can go hand-in-hand with improving the lives of those living in low-income communities.

GRID Alternatives works collaboratively with communities and local organizations to identify specific needs and to develop renewable energy solutions that are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. Our vision of sustainable development centers on community involvement, and our focus and expertise lies in using renewable energy and energy efficiency to provide solutions to the challenges facing low-income individuals and families in the San Francisco Bay Area, Greater Los Angeles and beyond.

Dear Michelle

Dear Michelle,

I am an Indian-American, raised in Mississippi, having gone to university in California, and now working in rural India the last few years.

My experiences in India implementing community-based projects in rural areas have been difficult. With all the environmental injustice so blatantly practiced, along with all the other chaotic things happening in the world, I have found myself having little hope for the world and its inhabitants.

However, during the last few weeks, I have been gaining high spirits thanks to Senator Obama's book, Audacity of Hope. Being in a remote area isolated from media and Internet, I had not been following the race. However, having come across the book, a few weeks ago, has had a profound effect on my outlook for the world.

Great inspiration comes from Senator Obama's approach to opposition. Senator Obama has an amazing ability to look beyond his own beliefs and listen to what others are saying, in the interests of serving the marginalized. He is not afraid to engage with full respect and integrity. He seems far from the typical politician.

I can only imagine what the race has been for you and your family. I hope that your family continues to face the campaign with great heart and the best of human qualities.

For me the race gives much needed hope and inspiration. I am feeling more and more that the next best thing to world peace would be President Obama. Of course, the Presidency also has limitations...

At the same time, I am feeling helpless not being to help his campaign from so far away. ...And also very disappointed that the McCain campaign is making the worst of American thought manifest in negative, ill-conceived ads.

I hope my generation takes advantage of the opportunity to transform the ugly course the world is taking. Even if there are Americans who do not have the courage to vote for transformation, I thank the Universe for giving us Barack Obama.

Blessings to you and your family.