Hellos and goodbyes

Tis the season of change.. something I like..for the most part.

The Christmas celebration was fantastic. 900 kids plus more people. So many wonderful performances and just an atmosphere of joy and fun on the 25th. Putting up the decorations was a lot of fun too! Later, we went out to eat as it was one of my friend's last day here. Saying goodbye is always so hard. I felt lonely as both my housemates/friends left within 24 hrs of each other! The day after Christmas I went to the community center at the slum again. This time, there were only 20 to 30 people max. The kids did not have school so they were playing around. Next thing I knew, I was amongst them playing tag/thappo, teaching them ring around the rosie, etc. Mann those kids would not let me go...one would want to play with my hair while another pulls one hand to go swing in a circle while another wants to play in the sand. The kids are full of energy and those piggy back rides sure gave me a good weight lifting workout! I got a well rounded work out now that I look back at it! Their laughter and love just vanished every bit of loneliness I had felt earlier. I felt like a little kid again with them! Children-so much to learn from them.

Anyway, today was good too. It was busy like every other day, but the volunteer meeting this AM was cherry on top. What a perfect way to start the day! I love hearing everyone's thoughts and experiences. Circles full of smiles and inspiration!

Yesterday was nice! The really convineint thing about India is that there are fruit vendors almost everywhere throughout the day. I was fasting so I had not had lunch. Walking 5-6 km without lunch and proper breakfast  can be tasking, so I got myself some baby size pomegranate, bor (no clue what it is called in English), and lemonade. Oh so good-the taste of freshness! Yesterday was full was BP screenings and gynec counseling. It was wonderful. Just my type of thing-education and screenings! Prevention prevention prevention- best medicine.

What I love about this place is all the new people I get to meet. It seems like everyday we have new volunteers or visitors. All of them are such a pleasure to get to know. Everyone adds to the tapestry of service. So many ideas, skills, cultures, backgrounds, and kind giving hearts in one arena. That is Gandhi ashram. I feel truly blessed to be here. To think what else I could be doing with my nursing career at this point in time-this is the best answer. I don't get paid in money, but I get more than what money can every buy. Everyone loves what they do here. Whether I am teaching arts and crafts to little kids or talking to adolescent girls on their health or performing for Christmas celebration or meetings with women to yoga and meditation...it is all so appealing to me. I feel truly happy in what I am doing. Everyday feels like Holi. My days are very colorful. :)

Keep smiling and dream big-dreams do come true when you truly put your heart and soul into them. You need faith in yourself. The world may say go one direction, but you need to follow your heart. Only way to make the unlikely a reality.

Ao ne ramva re garbe ghoomva re

Aao ne ramva re garbe ghoomvva re... (come play, and come dance to garba)

First, it was garba on the rooftop under the stars at Seva Cafe, but that was couple of weeks ago. Today, it was garba at Gandhi Ashram with all the kids and adults. We had children from blind school come to perform some songs for Saturday Special. I sat there truly mesmerized by their voices-so pure. It is one thing for me to see the world with my eyes, but to feel the connection through their voices was something else. I might be able to see this computer screen in front of me, but God gifted these kids more than what eyes could see or detect. Their voices are soulful and simply beautiful. The messages that are conveyed cannot be seen-only felt. It was a marvelous event. After their performances, some of the teachers and volunteers performed. After that, we all got a pleasant surprise- GARBA! my love.. At first, I just watched the kids do garba. There is a certain pleasure and joy in seeing the kids so happy and dancing, but at the same time, the inner dancer in me could not resist the garba music. I eventually joined the circle and thoroughly enjoyed garba at Manav Sadhna Gandhi Ashram. It is something I will always cherish-the memories I have been blessed with here.

Last night was wonderful at Seva Cafe. One of the volunteers was going away, so we had a group dinner there. It was south Indian food-was really good. The food is always delicious-the love that goes into preparing and serving it adds tons of flavors not found in any grocery store. Words fall short to describe the beauty of Seva Cafe. I got another pleasant surprise there-few days ago, I had been introduced to two gynecologists there through one of the volunteer coordinators here. Yesterday, he called me aside and to my surprise, the gynecologist was having dinner at the cafe again! This time, he brought all these women's health and dental health screening, education material with him!!!! in Gujarati!! I was ecstatic! just what I was looking for! Hopefully, we will be able to conduct sessions in the communities here. I am very excited. It is like God gives you just what you need when you are searching for it-in most unexpected ways!
We are also trying to set up medical camps-I am looking forward to it. On the side, we are working on a dance for Christmas celebration! So much going on, yet I am having a blast! This is what I always wanted-and here I am living my dream. The communities are just so welcoming. Being a nurse is just my medium-but I get to connect to so many diverse individuals here and learn so much! be it organic farming, yoga, teaching, dancing, health care here, just everything in name of love.

I am where I am because I believe in all possibilities. -Whoopi Goldberg

Oh Ahemdabad

What can I say about today. It was a long day indeed, but one full of surprises and twists. It is basically like any day in India! I do have to say that I miss my hometown (well City really) of Baroda. Ahemdabad is too large of a city for my taste. It just does not feel as homely outside here as it does in Baroda, but this does not apply to Gandhi Ashram. Our house full of volunteers feels like a home. Everyone here feels like we are part of a big family. I have so many bhais (brothers) and bens (sisters). One of the things I love the most-the all religion prayer we do in the AM. There is no greater God than love and humanity. I pray to Allah, Jesus, Krishna, Guru Nanak, etc. All are one. Hum sab ek hai. I have yet to learn the words for every prayer as some are new pronunciations for me, but I pray from my heart. That is what matters. We are having a Christmas celebration here for the community. The kids are doing skits and dances on life of Jesus, meaning of Christmas, etc. It is good to celebrate all holidays-or at least share the joy and unity. I am looking forward to Christmas day. This is probably the most I have ever celebrated Christmas, and that too, I am in India. Truly wonderful!

Today was interesting though- so in India, rarely do you get proper directions or instructions. So I was supposed to get on a specific bus back to the stop I would be catching a rikshaw from. Instead the bus left without me. The guy that was supposed to come get me when the bus was about to leave ignored the instructions given to him from his head. I was told to then get on another and stop at a railway track to get on the original bus I should have been on. I finally got on that bus, but no room to sit. I stood by the door-the open door-on a bus through Indian traffic! No one scooted over on their seats-which is unusual because the other days, the people scooted over to make room for me. Anyway today the lady behind me just shoved her way through pushing my hand aside that was trying to hold onto handle bars on the moving bus while standing! There was not any courtesy felt on this bus for quite some time. I was glad to be off. Then, came the other half. None of the rikshaw walas were willing to take me to Gandhi Ashram. One finally agreed to take me to a nearby intersection 1 km away from ashram. He drove the rikshaw like it was a toy car-probably one of the roughest-and I have been in plenty of rough rikshaw rides here. Anyway, I just walked from there. I was trying to get around town from one city to another in 20 Rs, but luckily I made it! In India, walking 1-5 km is a wiser choice than taking rikshaw at times. ....but never walk alone at night or in shady areas. Know your surroundings.

Now, moving onto the good experiences: I had fun doing a presentation on dental health at one of the street schools. On my way back out of the slum some of the little kids from class recognized me and started saying how they would brush their teeth twice a day. It was sweet. Lovely kids!

Another cute incident- a little preschooler was trying to climb onto the swing at the community center. It was too high for him to reach! When I walked up to him and asked if he wanted to get on the swing, he just gave this cutest innocent sky smile nodding yes. It was simply adorable. Then after he sat on it, he just did not want to get off, but by this time the other kids got out of class. They came to swing, and the preschooler finally got off. He was the sweetest little kid!

I really like this insert from a book:
"It is a truth that in our darkest times we are willing to go the deepest. When life is good, we live superficially; we are not very reflective but when the seas get rough, we step out of ourselves and ponder why things have unfolded as they have. This leads to remarkable learning and growth...and life is all about growth and stepping into who we are meant to be."
That really applies to many of my days here-especially all the events that unfolded this week.

Stay positive and smile a lot :)

Gandhi Ashram

The world of peace and tranquility-where the view is priceless and experience timeless. One place-Gandhi Ashram. Living here is a blessing. Playing with the kids, or going on health camp with community members, or enjoying a night out in the city with other volunteers, it is all such a wonderful experience. Busy on my feet, but the joy I feel is priceless. I think this experience will really stick with me fore ever. My definition of success  be happy in what your are doing, and love much and give all.  Manav Sadhna has thaught me so many values. Very rarely have I seen the way Manav Sadhna practices here. Every thing is need based and that I love. All the work is done with such purity and grace. There is no scheme of earning money slyly, but instead, they give of themselves in any way they can. I love the programs they run and I find myself divided up into new and old projects. I love the volunteer meetings-such inspiring stories. One guy rode his bike from Greece to India! Such an inspiration. The kids loved hearing his story, and so did the other visitors at the ashram. I love the house I am staying at. It is an original from Gadhiji's time. Living on the premises he once lived on is one of the biggest blessings, and I love and value this experience so much! The olden style cottage like home-the place filled with mosquitos, yet I love every single moment here. From washing clothes in 7am rush trying to doing sun salutation to the sun rise in front of Sabarmati riverfront! From 5 km walks through narrow alleys of the slums to the free flowing environment at the community centers. From lunch with everyone by the riverfront to meeting people from all walks of life from across the globe. From the lovely Seva Cafe dining to washing dishes and forming bonds.

http://www.sevacafe.org/ahmedabad.html
http://www.manavsadhna.org/node.aspx?nodeId=4&siteID=1

It is a blessing to be able to connect to so many people in the name of love and humanity.

All challenges lead to growth. This is the meaning of life- find your niche and immerse yourself.

Love all, serve all. -love this place.

Yoga+ music+ dance+food = total MaSti!

What do you call a day that was supposed at go according to the books, but nothing goes as planned. Everything somehow turns out much better than I could have even imagined though. I guess that is the outcome of going with the flow, yet not deviating from your duty. Things will work out the way they are supposed to. Just enjoy the ride.

After I finished work at the office, I left the hospital to go to the library. There, I met with fellow volunteer and we headed for the garden to soak up the heat in the Sun. We could not resist the wonderful calling from the canteen for some Chai! Our century old tradition has sucked me into the whirlpool of chai BID. The canteen was divided into two stories-upstairs aka the junk food/all the good continental food department, and downstairs aka the typical Gujarati thali (dish) meals and chai and traditional snack dept. I enjoyed both sides of it. We had tea downstairs, and then, we went upstairs where I had pani puri. There, we ran into some colleagues, and the topic of dance came up. Next thing we know, I am trying to teach garba (Gujarati folk dance) and Kathak (Indian classical dance), our Punjabi colleague is trying to teach Bhangra (Punjab folk dance) and my friend was trying to teach me Hip Hop. It is some of the most fun I had in yrs! What a multi-cultural experience in India. I always find myself in the midst of radical ideas or indulging in non typical hobbies.  Our Assamese friend came to join us for tea earlier, and he tried to teach me Assamese. I would love to go visit Punjab and Assam..Bengal to Kashmir. So many places to go-so little time. Anyway, later, half the people left, and it was just my friend and I. She had borrowed our Assamese friend's laptop, so we just browsed for music on there. We came across all these American songs as well as Hindi songs. Another dance session-this time we lit a candle (or own version of disco ball) and danced the night away. I felt so liberated. I hadn't danced like that since I was in USA. Actually, not even then. I felt like I was dancing after ages. It is hard to find privacy in India to just breakaway and dance. just dance-the mantra of happiness. The candle melted away just as we finished dancing and decided to  head for dinner. I stayed back at the hostel since it was getting late, and taking a chagda/rikshaw from the town to the city that late would be a shady ride. Although, I roam around the city at night with no issues, going from a village to city is a different story.

It all worked out great though! I had the time of my life dancing, and in the morning, we did yoga. Then, headed for morning chai and library. It was my friend's birthday, so I eventually went back to the city and walked to the tailor's shop to pick up my dress, and met up with my friend later! No luck in finding a dry cleaner to get my dresses dry cleaned in time before we leave, but its okay, I will probably be washing clothes by hand anyway. If the colors come out, they come out, just have to separate them from other clothes. Some of my clothes have colors rubbed off on them anyway. I'm not really picky.
I am excited to embrace the simple life. Exploring a new city-well not so new-but different for sure. Living with simplicity-I am going to try to do yoga everyday. I got this excellent book on yoga from Shri Aurobindo Asharam in Baroda. Besides that, whatever I remember from the couple yoga classes I attended at the university. Someday, I will be more flexible-yoga is a practice, a way of thinking, preserverence, challenges, and growth.

I had also gone to Shri Aurobindo asharam-where we meditated for what seemed like a timeless experience. It must have been 2 hrs or so, but being there was like being at home. The universal home. No tension, sorrow, or negativity could have even come close. Ironic how it is located in the middle of the city, yet peace echoes on every inch of the asharam.

Goodbye wi-fi until later! much later! I am trying to avoid technology during my stay with Gandhi Asharam-it defeats the purpose if I take my laptop.

Path to Yog

Yog, or commonly known as yoga, is a spiritual journey within. The external world is a mere conception of our inner being. So, recently, I had the pleasure of embarking on my old time love of rediscovering yoga for myself. I learned that the library on campus here has tons of books on yoga, alternative therapy, public health, community medicine, etc. Since I am not a student here, I could not check them out, BUT sunny side up - as it is India- I sat in the library in did my own abhyas (studying) of yoga. There was this brilliantly written book on Yoga called Yoga and Rehabilitation. It taught  me so much more than I ever knew about yoga. Yoga is a spiritual practice, mind-body-soul connection, but often the yoga displayed in public is very superficial in its manifestation. At such times, it is up to the student of yoga, or life long learning, to find their own meaning and connection. After all, that connection cannot be taught; it can only be felt. The day, very well spent at the library, did teach me many other things about yoga though such as meaning behind OM, what different types of yoga represent and symbolize. I really enjoyed that book, and besides the chicken soup series books I am fond of, this book really caught my attention. To add cherry to the cake or shall I say Palak to the Paneer, I got to participate in the newly started yoga class on campus. A fellow volunteer had invited me to join, and I could not pass a offer to experience yoga class. I got to practice in the evening the theory that I had taught myself in the library all day thanks to that wonderful book. All the sore muscles and pain right now is only making me want to do yoga again. Hopefully, during my brief time left here, I will get to attend more classes. It felt so liberating. I was challenging myself, my body, my mental concentration, balance, and stamina. The poses, mudras and asanas are only aimed towards the physique or physical body until one understands and employs the meanings and benefits that arise from them. Yoga is a journey-eternal journey that does not start or stop at the doors of a classroom or gym, but rather, it is started when you have realized it.
That is just my interpretation.
After the yoga class, I headed back. The chagda ride home again, felt so liberating. The wind in my face, at cliche as it sounds, the cool breeze of winter in Gujarat was more than welcome after the hour long session. The environment so serene and peaceful, my mind totally relaxed-I loved it! One of my favorite things about the yoga class was the meditation-Dhyan. Now, that I knew and fully understood the meaning of OM, I thoroughly enjoyed our session.
Someone once said, we are all spiritual beings having a physical experience.

Today, we went around the city-from the open markets in the city to Crosswords bookstore, to lunch. It was great. I love showing the city to others-the city I am so passionate about. It truly felt amazing at the bookstore. So many books ( I wanted to read every single Chicken Soup series books)-so little time. Nonetheless, no problemo! I will go back for more later, but for now, I am letting life be a book I am trying to read and interpret. It is amazing that despite not being a student here, I am like a student. I am learning for fun, for life. I got to attend lectures on psychiatry, do my own abhyas at the library on topics that interest me, eat at the cafeteria (that shaas and tea was amazing!), participate in yoga class. I feel like I have been able to explore a side of me that was hidden in every day "on your feet" lifestyle on today's life. I got to slow down here and literally smell the flowers and the dust alike! For some reason, I found fragrance even in yoga class with no AC or fan. I really hope to visit places like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun though! I don't know when or how-I just know I will.

Next month, I will try to remain free from internet. If I am going to living by Gandhiji's principals, I need to be able to embrace the simple life. My life thus far made me attached to technology, but it is a bond I do not need to peace. I  will replace that with writing and reading, with yoga and so forth.. I will try. Failure is not falling down; it is staying down.

Remember, your greatest strengths grow from your weaknesses.

My once shy and reserved nature is my new explore life attitude in which some hidden talkative version of me has stretched myself to be outgoing. Life is but a series of experiments as Gandhiji said in his autobiography, it is what you make it.

So many THANKSSSS..

Happy Thanksgiving in USA! Actually, it is a feeling of gratefulness that I have even in India. The essence behind the holiday is universal!

Some of the things I am thankful for-
list for me to reflect on..

-being in India right now
-being in my old house
-being able to see family and friends here
-being able to meet strangers and form bonds with them and learn about different people and their lives
-beautiful feeling of being in my home city
-talking to my parents on phone everyday-thank goodness for calling cards and ISD for mobiles
-yummy food
-good health
-and the constant desire to change myself for the better to grow-I think I have life lessons to thank for that! good and bad experiences have shaped me to be the person that I am, and I try to find a lesson to grow in everything I experience.
  Also have wonderful characters from history and their stories as well as encounters with random individuals to thank-as I find a meaningful message in every encounter. can't help it. I'm too philosophical and analytical- anyway, it keeps my mind occupied!

I am going to travel the world. THIS is my dream I know I will follow my heart's path. May be not travel to all places in near future, but the fact I can come to India, I know I can go to other places EVENTUALLY. It is a matter of my faith in myself and God. I wish to visit new places and meet new people. Learn about different cultures. I will.

The world is my classroom. The universe is my textbook, and everyone and every experience is my teacher.
Life is but a journey of perceptions

Going Down Memory Lane- Literally

Walking down the road everyday, the same road I used to walk with my mom at the age of 5 and 6. The very same path from our neighborhood to my grandma's neighborhood. As I was talking to my mom on the phone while walking home today, I was reminded of how as a little kid, I used to easily was 2 km to my grandparents' home. My grandparents are no more, but I revisited their neighbors today. It was nice seeing them all again! The front porch seemed so barren at my grandparents' old house. Someone else lives there, but I wish we had never sold that home. I wish that front porch was still as lively as it was 5 yrs ago when we all used to sit and chat at night while the kids played in the neighborhood, while we peeled vegetables, while I drew scenery, and while I got to know the society. That house holds so many memories, yet now, it belongs to someone else. It is not the same anymore, and I have not even stepped a foot inside it.

Anyway, it is all a matter of perspective. Yesterday, I went to eat pani puri at a lahri, and I did not get sick! I used to eat there all the time when I lived in India. My family and I used to stop by at those lahris all the time when we lived here. I am accustomed to the life here. Walking among the chaotic disorganized traffic, crossing those roads with no cross walks and only screaming honks, and the smells and trash. I just tie a oodhni (veil) around my face as needed. I am used to it though. I love it-it is all the essence of being in India. Catching a chagda with 10-12 people stuffed in it. Today's ride back home was brilliant-the chagda driver was playing old Hindi songs! I love it when the chagda driver plays music-especially Hindi songs-old hindi songs! It was memorable! but then my stop came and I got off!

I am not even that hungry as family friends in the society fed me snacks. Anyway, I don't like eating this late. It is 9pm, but most people here eat this late! Talk about acidity! I like walking-I walk whenever I can. In USA right now, it is probably too cold to walk outside. I can walk here for kilometers at a time and not get tired in the sun. Life is all about adjusting. Make the best of every situation.

East meets West

From washing dishes in the sink, to washing dishes in big pans on the floor in the backyard.
From washing clothes in a washer, to scrubbing clothes with brush on the ground in the backyard.
From drying clothes in a dryer, to hanging them on clothes line in the backyard.
From vacuuming the carpet, to mopping the floors with a cloth and sweeping with a broom.
From shower head, to bucket and cup.

-the reward-back pain, but women have been doing these household chores for centuries, and it is interesting to experience such dynamics of life here vs. life in the western world. Although, carrying 50 pound laundry basket up and down 4 flights of stairs is no less. Either way, you got to do what you got to do. Embrace the way of life where ever you may live in the world, but never forget your individuality.

One thing has not changed- my love for chocolate.
Yesterday, I headed on my long awaited Diwali break adventure.
From the farm, to the city.
Spend new year on the farm, and the weekend in the city.
 I headed to Central Square and had Papa Johns. I missed cheese. From there, headed to the box office window and got 2 tickets for Jab Tak Hai Jaan- the last movie produced by the legend, Yash Chopra. Words fail to describe how good it was-it was typical Yash Chopra fillm, but as all of his films are, it was a master-piece. ..and of course, Shahrukh khan on big screen-its been ages-yet speechless.
  After that, we headed to The Chocolate Room. Yes, there is a restaurant dedicated to chocolate. I can't even find that in the USA! well in India-I found my dream place, and had a bean burrito and hot choco! It was delicious!

bean burrito

"Chocolate is good for you"

Hot choco

The chocolate room

Chocolatey heaven

After delicious encounter with the Chocolate room, came across baraf na gola (ice-cicle like, only better). It is made of mineral water, so I could not resist. After 5 years, I indulged in one while walking to the intersection to catch a rikshaw!

Lets see what my plans are for tonight...  

"Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself". -Lucille Ball

"It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day-to-day basis". -Margaret Bonnano 

My goals in life is to give of myself in any way possible, and be happy. I think they are congruent.

New Year on the Farm

What a great Hindu New Year. A new year is a reminder that we can start a new path in life at any time we choose- be it Hindu new year, calendar new year, Chinese New Year-any religion or culture. I like to think of every day as a new beginning, so new year is a reminder of where I have come in life and where I am going. I analyze that everyday anyway.

Crops, fireworks, food, and 30 some people. What was a great gathering at a large farmland in a nearby town. We took tour of the farm, and it was beautiful. Nice to see greenery after being in city for so long. We ate fresh fruit-jamfad- (the freshest you can get) right off the farm! The food was great too! Farm food cooked in a different like of oven all together-delicious! simple yet full-filling! I enjoyed it.

My adventures in India so far- more yet to come- I am not stopping here.

Urban congested alleys full of goats, buffaloes, children playing, neighbors chit-chattering
Small villages- the typical village like scene- simplicity defined
Larger towns
4 story high roof tops
cruising on motorcycles through the serene, peaceful, yet bumpy roads through the farm lands to villages
Overcrowded rikshaw/chagda rides with 6-12 people stuffed in one vehicle
Getting lost, find my way, and creating new mental map memories
Shopping in the City revisiting those places I had gone to with my grandmother :)
Eating on farmland
Eating at food carts (be careful)
Drawing Rangoli on front porch
Random walks in town and city

Rangoli - hand drawn artwork done during Diwali and Hindu New Year

Monkey eating leaves in backyard- two monkeys knocked down the neighbor's motorcycle!

Farm land on Hindu New Year

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls. The most massive characters are seared with scars”
—     Kahlil Gibran

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
—     Maya Angelou

“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.”
—     The Dalai Lama 

I'm addicted to quotes. There are some lessons that only life can teach, but there are quotes re-affirm those lessons, and meanings-those are up to us to interpret.

Happy (early) Diwali and Saal Mubarakh! :)

Diwali-the time of the year when fireworks go off in the distance, when taramandars spark away in the hands of children, when rangoli decors the front porches of homes, when family unites under one roof, when sweets fill tables and plates, and when lights are up on all buildings. It is the time for celebration and happiness. It is a time for rejoicing in good over evil. No one is perfect, but we are all God's master pieces. We need to polish our characters, and overcome our negativities. The battle is not external, nowadays, it is internal. When money holds more value than people, when objects seem more appealing than people, and when jealously, anger, fear overshadows giving, love, equanimity, and bravery. We need to work on instilling positive qualities in us-not aim to be perfect, but to polish the good qualities we already have and aim for personal growth at every angle in life.

My bhabhi and my Rangoli

Dear God:

I am not perfect
I am not made of Gold or Silver
But I promise you
I will always try
to keep my thoughts golden
and my dreams silver

Those meanings of our Vedic sanskruti have been faded under that of rituals in fear rather than symbolism behind rituals that are meant to enlighten. Of course, this is just an observation I have been making my whole life. I don't mean to offend anyone as people's faith cannot be judged, but I can shed light on the course of history and transformation of Vedic sanskruti to current day Hinduism through my own observations. In the end, everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. Being raised in both USA and India shaped my thoughts. Similarly, others' thoughts have been shaped by their upbringing. No one is right or wrong, but certain things in society are interesting to observe. As I observe, this is how I feel.

In the USA, I have a bible. Some people came from a church to our home once and gave it to us. I have kept it ever since. I have tried reading and understanding it. We keep it next to our Hindu posters and idols. I respect and value all religions equally. It makes me no less of a Hindu, in fact, it makes me feel more human to want to learn about other religions and cultures, but someone told me that I am not Hindu because of keeping Bible. How is that. Hindu is not an all or nothing deal. It is a spiritual path. I understand the vedic philosophy-in fact, Hindu is a term given much later. Originally, it was Vedic sanskruti.culture.   The posters have images that people worship, but how many people actually know the meaning or try to seek the meaning behind the 4 arms, the rose the goddess is sitting on, the objects in her hand, and the meaning of our holidays. Fireworks and lights are all superficial and materialistic-why do we light a divo (mini candle) why do we do aarti, do chandlo (bindi)? Thanks to Swadhyay, I know all of that. Thanks to that I rediscovered what Vedic sanskruti really consists of. It does not judge other religions, it does not demand blind faith, it only aims to show how to lead a spiritual life. It does not tell women not to pray or fast during menses. It does not tell one to make idols of Gold and Silver. That is just the present interpretation of our ancient culture. Respect others beliefs, but that statement I got today really made me introspect me. The answer, what Gandhiji once said. I know it and believe it. I don't need outside reinforcement.
http://www.johnlund.com/Cafepress/ImagesCp/ganesha-Symbols.jpg
How many people know what Ganesh ji represents. We have idols and huge celebrations with 20ft idols, but why is there a trunk, large ears, etc.?

Time for a new post!

1. Diwali is days away, and the city is packed with traffic. Trying to come from one end of the city to the other was something! I have had fun commuting though. What many might find uncomfortable, I find fun and all part of the greater essence of India. I take sharing rikshaws which are basically rikshaws that stuff as many people as possible. It is packed beyond imagination unless one has actually been in it. It is much cheaper than private rikshaws. You just tag one down with your hand. If there are people already sitting inside and they are heading in same direction as you, then you hop on. Don't be alarmed by the space-there is not going to be any. You make space. Of course, it is not as comfortable as private rikshaw, cars, or luxury vehicles. This is India meri jaan. I have ridden in cars here, bikes (motorcycles), scooters, scootys, buses, and took a plane to get to India! I will sit in a train sooner or later no doubt!
    I was determined to get papad no lot. I love it, and it is one of my all time favorite snacks. Apparently, there is only 1 place in all of Baroda that has it. I'm sure there are other shops that sell it, but no one knows of them. Therefore, what did I do? I took rikshaw to Madvi, the main city shopping area, where the dry fruit shop is and I got 5 packs of papad no lot!! I had gone to the shop with my grandma in 2005. I still remembered the location, just had to walk around to find it for a while!
    Then I changed rikshaws 4 times and reached this side of the city! I am so relieved to be home. I was tired of the mid afternoon sun, but I keep going. I am not here to be pampered and treated like a queen. Suck it up-life's tough, get a helmet (Boy Meets World reference)-even better, become your own helmet! stones will be thrown in your path, you'll trip, you'll fall, you'll sweat in the sun, freeze in the cold, and get cramps from being shoved in over crowded vehicles on bumpy roads, but life will not slow down for you. You speed up for it.
    I wanted to keep health sessions in the villages on women's health. At first, it seemed so impossible to gather women in the afternoon time since all the women are out in the farms. That does not mean it cannot be done. It just means we go to each home and recruit women on our own. I got together with the social worker and the community health worker in the village and we invited the women. I think we had a good overall session. We kept it at the balmandir anganwadi (village preschool). The little kids all sat there with their and listened, so I tried to incorporate child health topics and nutrition with the overall topics. You can't just address the women, you need to address the whole family.2 hour Rikshaw ride to and from the villages! Oh the lovely experiences of India!
    The day before yesterday, we went to the villages on a motorcycle. 1.5 hour motorcycle ride to the villages-The wind on my face barely allowed me to keep my eyes open, but I managed to view the beautiful farms of cotton, etc. Village life is so serene and tranquil compared to the city! Also, the hospitality in the village is very sweet. Hard to find in the city, but some people are very caring in the city too. I've had the pleasure to be around wonderful neighbors.

The anganwadi (preschool) building in the village where we kept the health sessions

The village community health worker and I. She is truly amazing!

     My plans for Diwali are still pending. I do not know exactly where I will go all of these days. The first time in my life after 15 yrs I have Diwali off. I want to go meet some family and friends- I'll see.
     During my little shopping trip this morning, I got little bubble pens for my nieces and nephews and some of the neighborhood kids in my grandma's neighborhood. I hope they like it.
     The strange this I find about India- the people that are getting paid to do their job don't do their job properly. The people that are not getting paid do their and others' work without pay and without slacking. How is it that the schools that have so much discipline here result in workers at workplaces having very poor work ethic? **Vodafone customer service is not good-some of the reps don't do their job properly, they take your money, their services don't work, then they waste your time, services still don't work, waste more time, don't give clear answers, are arrogant, and services still don't work, waste your money** -they laugh in your face when you request a bill and then cut your connection without notice and make you go to their office out of your way to get new sim card..anyway-forget it. (I am not going to let this get in my way though. It is Diwali and I am not going to bother much about the internet service for now. I won't have access, but its okay-I will be sure to argue and be extra assertive and aggressive if needed with those vodafone people after Diwali and the holidays are over-They have wasted enough of my prepaid money-this was not cheap.) Instead of going to Vodafone office tomorrow to argue, I am going to go see my cousin, aunt, niece and nephew, and all. That matters to me more.
     Nonetheless-There are plenty of nice people in this world. Very few customer service people are courteous in India, but some are very very kind and helpful. Also, local people can be very homely or family like even if you meet them for the first time. I have striken up conversations in the rikshaw, villages, slums, randomly on the street, neighborhoods..Random people I meet for first time, or after long time, or see everyday- I just like talking. I have become very talkative here.
     My bhabhi's parents who invited me to spend Diwali with them despite them meeting me for the first time this year, and they got me a dress to wear for Diwali-its my bhabhi's old dress, but new for me. Diwali is all about love-sharing and giving. I did not want to accept the dress, but because they gave it with love, I will happily wear it. I find it beautiful anyway-it is very traditional. The aunty and uncle were telling me about all these other NGOs that work and govt. organizations too. Family and family friends are offering to show me different NGOs, schools, hospitals here-but I just need more time! Strangers here are like family. My time is booked and very busy right now with the 4 NGOs I have commited to, and it is basically full time- 9 to 5. I will still love to visit all places as much as I can!
    I also went to the Tibetan market here in Vadodara yesterday night. It is an annual exibition/open market that bring vendors from Tibet to sell sweaters, scarfs, etc. I got a sweater for my dad, and a scarf for my mom and I to share :) We had stopped there on our way back home from Surya restaurant/hotel. We had typical Gujarati thali for dinner, but it was good. I love Punjabi food though, but still, there was something about that restaurant that made me feel nostalgic. The terrence outside seemed so familiar... I came home and I called my dad and told him. He said we had gone there earlier when we lived in India. No wonder it seemed so familiar to me. I can kind of recall some photogenic memories of that place from childhood. It has been so long though!

Gujarati thaali (plate) talk about full plate!

The Tibetan market

At the Tibetan market

Happy Diwali in advance and light the candles of your own heart. See the world light up around you. Just be careful with the fireworks...

ek dum first class

Kem cho (how are you in Gujarati) ?!

oo ek dum mast mazaa ma chu (I am absolutely fine!)

I feel like doing a mini lesson in Gujarati of common sayings just for fun:

 su chale che (what's up?/what's going on?)

 barrabar (alright)

theek che (its ok/its alright)

saaru (okay/good)

saras (good/fine)

Saal Mubarakh (Happy New Year)

fari madi chu (will meet again)

tamari tabiyat kevi che (how is your health?)

-That is it for now- until next time, remember, never stop learning...

     So, now for my weekend update! Saturday evening was wonderful. I went to my grandma's old society once again, and this time around, I met almost everyone in the society! I went to 5 of the homes to see our family friends. I was very happy to see them all, and they were very delighted to be able to talk to my parents on the phone. I called my mammi pappa from my mobile, and the conversations lasted a hefty amount of time! My mom got to talk to her childhood friends and neighbors who are just like family! It was great! I found out one of their sons is getting married in January, so I have a wedding to attend while I am in India. I am very excited to be going! I will get to go to a wedding in India after ages, and this time, I actually know the person getting married, and the whole society (in Gujarat, people call a neighborhood a society) will be there, so I am excited. Each family's home I went to-they fed me food, so I was so stuffed at the end of the night! I got so drowsy!! Just then though, one of the neighbors made me cold coffee! It did not help as much as I was very sleepy in half hour again! I saw the little girls I used to play with when I had visited India in the past. They were the most adorable little 2-3 yr olds back then. Now, they are older, but still, very very sweet. Them and their older sister still remembered me, so I was surprised! I went to see my grandma's best friend (also those girls' grandma). They now have a younger brother too, well he was a baby last time I saw him! The older girl and I used to sneak out and go drink coconut juice because no one would let me go alone, so I would take her! God bless them-their family is so simplistic and I am inspired by their joint family living in that one house. That grandma who I call ba (grandma) is so sweet. I saw my grandma in her. My grandma and her were like sisters. She was sleeping at my grandma's home the night my grandma passed away. My grandma had a strange aura or feeling, so she asked her friend to stay over that night so my grandma is not alone. Her friend noticed something was not right with my grandma and got help that night, and next thing- the whole society is looking after my grandma taking her to the hospital. She passed away later. Her memory remains in everyone who I talk to about her. 

      Now, I go everywhere alone in the City! People trust me enough now to go as they know I am familiar with the roads and all. I went to the city shopping area (Madvi) Ghadiaripaur (the area famous for bangles and accessories), and it also has a Amba mata nu mandir. I went there to get bangdis (bangles). I ended up getting more stuff like cook books in Gujarati for my mom. Anyway, from there, I went to see my grandma's cousin brother, and his family (also my family!). It was nice, and we had a nice time. Then I was going to go in a rikshaw to station, and bus to my other cousin's house, but my uncle was like he'll drop me off as they were heading in that direction. I gave them the directions, and they were so surprised that I knew how to get there. They were like you have been here a little over a month, and you have memorized all the roads and directions. I am still learning, but some of the areas I am more familiar than others. After all, taking rikshaws everywhere is bound to teach you new paths. 

     I finally went to my cousin's house that I had stayed with last month. We all took naps. They were cleaning their house for Diwali, so they were tired. Anyway, after that, we went to see my other uncle's family who had come from Australia. We just all happened to be in town, so we got to see each other! My cousin's (2nd cousin's) little girl can walk!! She is only 9 months! Such a cutie! After that, we went to Race Course circle and had Chinese bhel (mix of Chinese noodles, rice, and Manchurian!) and Italian Cheese pizza at the lahri. There were bunch of road side carts lined up, and a crowd full of people enjoying their Sunday evenings out! It was delicious food! I didn't get the pani puri as the water is unhygienic, but the other foods were cooked thoroughly with a lot of heat. I haven't got sick yet from eating that food. Some places are more hygienic then others, but then again, I am in India, I am going to live my life fully! I know which places are okay to eat at which I should avoid. It is all about knowing the area and community. 

Dhiraj Hospital- feels like a hospital in the tropics-well it is. It provides many services for subsidized costs. It is a private hospital, yet it is operated by a trust, so the services are much more affordable and reasonable for many people included tons of villagers.

Canteen at Sumandeep Vidyapeeth-has my type of food! 

    Today, I met with the research director at the university here at the hospital/university in India. We will be planning out the activities more. There are many possibilities. I am looking forward to it. I had also gone to meet the principal again of the Nursing school here. This time, I finally got a tour. He was very generous in telling me about the school and all, and I was very impressed. One of the instructors (who seemed like my age!) showed me around and explained things about the college. Again, I was very impressed. They were very kind to me, and I think that is what I will remember the most. 

   Then, I got veg maggie (Indian noodles) at the canteen! I love those noodles! For 20 Rs (approximately less than 50 cents), I think it is a good deal! 

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1odcNKyfZJU

How I feel. Live freely. I am having a blast-time of my life here! :) sometimes, I feel like extending my stay, so I can get more and more involved. There are so many possibilities, and I am so thankful to have studied Nursing. It has given me the scope to be here and do all of this. I am even more thankful to have stayed connected to my Indian culture and heritage, so I can come here and speak the language, fit in, understand the culture, and live here like a local! It was always my dream and goal to come back to India, and now I get to live the life here! Walking couple km to get rikshaws, walking in the city, going to the villages, seeing family and friends, celebrating the holidays. I moved to the USA when I was 7 yrs old, yet I remember so much, and I am creating many new memories too! :) I plan to track down one of my childhood best friends-lets see how that goes! I haven't seen or heard from her in 15 yrs! but in India, you ask around, and one person is bound to know another person that knows the person you are looking for. The land of familiarity. 

Old places-new memories, new places-new discoveries

    Welcome to a town on the outskirts of the cultural center of Gujarat (according to me!)- Baroda! A tranquil place with green grass in a peaceful surrounding known as Waghodia. This place is known as Sumandeep Vidyapeeth. and it houses Dhiraj Hospital. The place is one of many private hospitals, but something unique stands out about Dhiraj. Be it the philosophy, the location, or the campus. A temple (Jain temple) greets you as you enter the premises, and to the left is the hospital. The campus is fairly large, but of course no campus is large as OSU! The campus encompasses Medical institute and Research center, College of Dentistry, College of Nursing, Dhiraj hospital, canteens, library, dormitories, temple, and few shops, and several other schools. It is really impressive far as the services provided. I have taken many snapshots, but my Dongle speed is not fast enough for me to upload pics at this time.

     I highly recommend visiting it if ever in the area. Of course you can't really be in the area by chance as it is outside the city, but the path there is very straight forward. Plenty of chagdas (big rikshaws that carry 10-12 passengers), buses, cars, etc. go there. I take chagda-the desi style! Why go in closed doors when I can experience open air (along with the crowd and barely any sitting space-being flexible is a must). Plus, it is only 10 rupees versus private rikshaw that costs a lot. The most people you stuff in a rikshaw, the cheaper it will cost you to travel in India-learn to adjust, and save money, because trust me, the commuting costs do add up!!

     Anyway, back to the hospital- first day at the Psych ward: we met the program director, Psychiatrist, and the social worker. We learned more about the NGO, observed a data collection session, and read over the study files and surveys followed by dropping off all the patients to their respective villages, which was a 2.5 hour bus ride in totality! I enjoyed it though, as I really wanted to see the villages. Second day-well not much to do as the meeting with head of the department got rescheduled for tomorrow, so I explored my way into the college of Nursing here. I was very intrigued to learn more about the way Nursing school is in India, and how nursing practice is. I have seen plenty of hospitals, and mostly outpatient clinics, but to see a fairly new hospital and college that incorporates evidence based practice into the curriculum was something different here. I read the boards, and stood outside the principal's office. He signaled me to come in. I introduced myself, and requested if we could talk. I had a good meeting with him, and I hope to learn even more about the college and Nursing in India when I go next time. I am trying to schedule a day where they can show me around, but it all depends on the schedule with the NGO. If we have patients coming in from the villages, or if we are going to the field, then I would not be able to go visit the college of Nursing, or else, if we are just in the Psychiatry OPD, then depending on my work, I can stop by.

    Some of my experiences within the hospital-
1. my visit to the Dermatology OPD- one of the first things that caught my attention when I first walked into Dhiraj was the organization of chairs for the patients, visitors, family, staff. I was impressed. The floors were clean and there was even an information desk. I was also very impressed with the signs promoting proper way to cover mouth and nose to prevent viral infection (common cold) etc. There was a board in particular that came across my viewing field-and I viewed it for quite some time. In fact, I noted down all the details. It was for the Department of Dermatology. Laser treatments, etc. were so much cheaper than other places in India, and definitely cheaper than USA prices. I decided to call the number today as I had some spare time. They said to just walk in! I went to the OPD and the clerk say go right in after the next patient. I went in and asked if there was any consultation fee- the answer translated: "this is free of cost, and we give good services" I was really surprised as most places have consultation fees-especially in USA where it can cost fortunes to see specialists. I so the dermatologist for free, and got my skin checked out. I got the prescription-the only thing is, these is no education on the meds here. I had to ask questions such as when do I apply the cream, how much will it cost, etc. Nonetheless, the fact that they provide free to very subsidized services to many of the people from surrounding villages is commendable. On the other hand, some services' costs may still be like a fortune for many people.

2. Now for the points of improvement- there are barely any bathrooms. The bathrooms on campus (public facilities that is) are limited, very limited, and it is hard to find running water, let alone soap, in the sinks. I haven't seen all the wards yet, but the areas I have seen need more hand hygiene. The health care professionals are very professional in their behavior and consultation, and I respect that. They are also very knowledgeable. In fact, some wound conference is being held at the hospital. The hospital has many such excellent attributes.

     After serving at NGO run clinic in an urban slum for a month, I get to experience rural villages and a very renowned hospital in the rural area. There is a lot of focus on research here with the NGO. The work that has been done is incredible as I discovered while reading the reports. The files are very thorough, and their phases are very well planned and executed. I will talk more about them later.

     Speaking of which, I shall go spend time with the family I am staying with! God bless them to welcome me to stay with them. We are not related by any means-the only relation-that of humanity, and that they bought the house we used to own when we lived in India. ...yet they invited me to stay here, the same plot my house was once on. Such relations can only be found in India- after so many years, old relations get new meanings. New relations become lifelong threads.  Being in the old place of the streets I grew up on, walking down the same roads, and discovering something new every day about my surroundings and myself. I learned that I can be very flexible and adjust easily. I face the situation rather than run away from it. I saw that major change in myself from before. I speak up and assert myself when needed rather than shy away from it. It is good as life is about growth, and one must challenge themselves, and push themselves to adjust, try new things, let go of what life would be in USA, and experience India the Indian style while in India.

That's it for now- stay flexible, and stay fresh.

Day well spent

     Two days to go until I move to the other side of town! Well, today was very productive-busy day- meeting to preparation to squeezing lunch in to a wonderful session with some women to clinic to temple to Bombay sandwich to 2.5 km walk home! I loved every bit of today!

     I packed my paperwork and computer. Out the door-hush hush hush- meeting, finalized sessions. printed sessions, arranged with health workers time, place, and agenda. Out the door- rush home for quick lunch in 15 min- pack camera, sessions, stethoscope, BP cuff, water bottle, notebook, and out the door! walked thinking I won't find a rikshaw, but I got lucky and got to the community in 30 Rs-usually, it takes 45! anyway, health workers and I met up, chatted, recruited women, and started session> we had a good turnout. I did not really expect big groups. I wanted a medium group size to facilitate discussion and have the women feel comfortable enough to open up. Everyone can have a chance to talk and give their input that way. The health workers were a great addition, as they have done countless community health sessions on women's health before with similar populations. I learned from them as much as they learned from me. We collaborated to do 1.5 hour session on Breast and Cervical cancer. The women seemed very interested in what we had to share, and they themselves were very open to giving their feedback. It is nice when there is discussion created amongst the women, as it is very important for them to own their health! Self breast exam was a foreign concept, but in a land where many cannot and have not been exposed to mammography, self-breast exam is a simple method to empower women to take health and detection into their own hands. They were very enthusiastic about learning, and the talk on nutrition went very well too. Many women had great knowledge and they seemed happy to talk amongst other women about their lives, health, food, and family! Then we tried to fit in cervical cancer- if we had more time, we could've extended the session for a longer discussion, but we covered the main points. Cervical cancer awareness and detection should be on the forefront in India since it is the number one reason for cancer mortality in women in India, but there is so little attention given to it. I wanted to fit it in somehow, and the women had sat a little longer for us to generate a brief discussion on it, but an informational one at that. Overall, for the time and vicinity, it was a productive session. One of the most important point of the session is for the women the understand themselves what is going on. No information, demonstration, or empowerment is valuable if they cannot understand it, value it, use it, and apply it themselves. We are going to conduct another one tomorrow in a different part of the slum with a new group of women. It is open to all women. Our goal is to spread the word on awareness-a few women will share it with her family and friends and so forth. I am trying to get copies of sessions in Gujarati to leave with the health workers for future reference. It is good that this community has few health workers-one of which I have formed a great relationship with! Along with the clinic, the health workers serve as excellent resources and sources of support for many women. The health worker who I will refer to as  behn (meaning sister) accompanies many women for all sorts of health issues or anything pregnancy/delivery related. She is a great inspiration, and I have had the gift of getting to know her in the past several weeks. We had a great photo session today with the health workers. I didn't get a group photo of the women who attended the session though as the session was pretty packed, and the women are very busy. I didn't want to take up more of their time, but tomorrow, I will try to get some photos in with their permission. I still have to take photos of the clinic. I took few snap shots of the children, the neighbors, etc.

     Then, the clinic lasted an hour late as patients kept coming. We left at 830 after wrapping up. The dr. let me keep the Swami Vivekanand book as a gift- I was touched! What better present than that- well nothing tops the experience I have gained here! I am truly thankful that such people exist here. Everything is much more meaningful with a spiritual connection. That I formed with the community. Few laughs, many smiles, and plenty of warm of conversations. I enjoyed my time thoroughly here! Today, after the session was over and the women had left, the two health workers and I sat at  behn's house where the session was. Behn made tea for us despite me denying it! She insisted, so I tried a little! When someone makes it with love, you don't deny it- rule of India. Then the health workers were anxious to learn how to use the BP cuff and measure BP. They had equipment in the office, but never really got to use it. A fun teaching session followed by a brief final photo session, and I headed to the clinic down the street. So many people with Chikungunya and Malaria- I got two mosquito bites there, and I was praying I don't get Chikungunya! I need non painful functioning joints!! Malaria-I am taking prophylaxis for so I don't worry much about it.

    When one after another family member is getting Malaria or Chikungunya in the same house or neighborhood, the precautions need to be amplified even more. If they have mosquito nets at home, encourage them to use it. Some people have mosquito nets, and some don't. Some have it and still don't use it, so I try to understand why they don't use it, and what they think about it, and then explain how important it is to prevent malaria, Chikungunya, Dengue-out of the three, the first two are most common. Apparently the govt. provides mosquito nets for free to the community, but some people still don't have it..  Govt. may provide mosquito nets, but it should also follow up on their usage, damage, or replacement needs. There are many gaps. Govt. has wonderful TB program per WHO guidelines that has great treatment and follow up, but some people refuse to utilize it due to stigma and people thinking if the govt. provides something for free, then it is not good quality or service. Same goes for the Iron/Folic acid that is provided to women. Many people prefer to get it privately. Very interesting. Anyway, so much more to do and promote. Even more to learn and understand. Only then we are able to truly connect effectively with the community and individuals.

     After clinic, I went to the temple near where I am staying (about 2.5km) since it was Sharad poonam ( full moon). I made it just in time before temple closed, and then I went to Bombay sandwich lahri (cart) in front of temple! Yumm!! I have Bombay sandwich almost every week here! My cousins were out anyway, so it was just my left for dinner. I decided to eat out on my own too! Got me some lemonade next door, and cadbury dairymilk. I ate half of it while walking home. I decided to burn some calories instead of catching a rikshaw. Afterall, I was consuming so many calories!! I enjoyed my walk home under the full moon. There were some garbas playing nearby as it was Sharad poonam! Sharad poonam ni ratrie, chandini ke neeche bhali baatdi...
I felt like joining them in garba- only if I did not have my two heavy bags with me!
I kept walking home and stopped by a Amul shop and got lassi.

Posters on kakko-Gujarati alphabet, and body parts in Gujarati diagrams- Its a good educations distraction for children when they came to clinic. They are the cutest kids-they get so amused by the weight scale! Some come every day to show me their tuition class lessons, and call me madam even though I am not really a teacher! haha-but they are precious! One little girl wanted to be a medical professional when she was older, so I had her listen to her sister's lung sounds and heart beat for fun! What is the point of knowledge if you can't share and empower it with the next generation-or with anyone really!

Good day good day- catch some sleep and make tomorrow another productive day!

All in all, today was sweeter than chocolate! even that dairy milk I had!

"Kindness, I've discovered, is everything in life" -Isaac Bashevis Singer

Out on a limb

London dekha, Paris dekha, aur dekha Japan, Micheal dekha, Elvis Dekha, sab dekha meri jaan...)
(I have seen London, Paris, and even Japan, Micheal, Elvis, I have seen everything...)
Sare jag mein kahi nahi hai dusra Hindustaan
(In the whole universe, there is not another Hindustaan aka India)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVIW-AhSCDs

    Today, I went out on a limb (when do I not?!). Anyway, I had gone shopping in the afternoon with my cousin to get a Dongle and we went to a toy shop next door. I had my eyes on this photo frame that I really liked. In fact, I had been looking for something to gift some special people who I have been staying with this month since I could not attend their wedding 4 years ago! I always regret not being able to be with family and friends during weddings in India. I have missed out on most of my cousins' weddings but one! and I have a ton of cousins! Anyway, tonight, I went back to that same toy shop that had the frame, but I first, I walked to catch a rikshaw. No rikshaw would stop! I know it was late, but not even that late! Finally, one rikshaw wala stopped, and I went to D-Mart (a mini wal mart). It is very U.S.A.- like and modern. It has shopping carts, everything A to Z. I didn't find any good presents there though, so I just browsed and left. That D-Mart was like a mall seriously! It had a movie theater, coffee shop, elevators, and escalators! I really liked some of the T-shirts and kurtas -they were 150 to 250 Rs a piece- which is a good deal, but I was only out to get the present-that's it. I did not want to fall for the trap of materialism no matter how much I liked those other things. They were merely objects, and plus, I have enough clothes! I then decided to catch a rikshaw and head on over to the toy shop which was not too far. I did not even argue with the rikshaw wala even though I knew he was charging me more. It was late, and I wanted to get to the shop before it closed. I got there fingers crossed that it would be open! It was to my pleasant surprise, so I went in to had the frame gift wrapped.

     I still have many more people to gift, but I always will have a hole in my heart where I could not be there for the weddings of my loved ones. The least I can do is come spend time with them while I am in India! Every one is like booking my holidays with them! My uncle already insisted I go to his house for Uttarayan-they live in a nearby town with 3 story home with a roof top balcony/terrance (aka agasi in Gujarati). I went to that uncle's house yesterday evening! He picked me up after office, and we cruised on his scooter to their home in a nearby town.  The grandma next door saw me and recognized me as my dad's daughter, and my grandpa's granddaughter. I was in awe. My dad and grandpa used to go visit this uncle (my dad's dad's sister's son), so this grandma next door knew them well. It was nice talking to her. Another uncle who went to school/college with my dad was there, and I showed them the pictures of my parents from my camera. It feels nice connecting people through technology. Despite being seas apart, I can at least show pictures, and engage them in conversations or video chatting with each other!

During Uttarayan, people fly kites on agasi (roof top). I will get to celebrate it after 15 years! Diwali-I have like 5 places to go to see family and friends!  I will try to visit everyone, but there is only one Diwali day and one Bestu Varas (Hindu New Year).

    Nonetheless, no money can buy the precious moments I have been able to live with my family here. Being able to turn on my skype  and call over my family has allowed me to connect my parents in USA with their brothers, bhabhis (brothers' wives), nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, and grand-nieces. It has meant the world to me to see my parents so happy to see them all. Thank goodness for Skype. It connects people -except the microphone  on my laptop is nonfunctional. Therefore, I pass around my mobile (cell phone) while having Skype open concurrently!

As I am watching a Navaratri special on TV with common TV stars, here are some stars from my galaxy-the songs I have really liked over the years, and make me nostalgic in moments!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K2RKBQ0phs

Morni baga ma bole aandhi raat mein (the peacock speaks in the dark night)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=094eFKs8Sh4

Eventually, as in next 2 days, I need to pack. I have so much to organize! It will be something, although I will be sad to leave my cousin and bhabhi here, I will get to live in the house and neighborhood I lived in during my childhood during Novemeber! New and old people, new and old memories, and of course, new experiences! zaraa haste, zara jhoomte, Yeh hai India, meri jaan! (a little smiling, a little roaming, this is India, my love!)

"This world is just a gymnasium in which we play; our life is an eternal holiday."-Swami Vivekanand

Family Reunion mucho

     Oh what fun is to meet family after ages! Just as fun to see them after being apart for few weeks! I finally met my cousin, jijaji (sister's husband), my nieces after 5 yrs! Can you believe it? I was so shocked when my foi (dad's sister) called me and told me they are in town at my other cousin's place!! I was on my way out for something else when I came across the phone call, and then quickly shifted plans to meet up with my family. I couldn't possibly pass the chance to go see them-so I hopped in the rikshaw and didn't care about the meter charge as long as I got to see them. I was there for barely 10-15 minutes since I had another place to go, but those 15 minutes felt so good. I felt like I was in heaven in India. Being with family is like no other feeling. There were my 6 nieces and nephews ranging from 2 weeks to 14 years! Haha-the 1 yr old kept pulling my hair when I carried him. I think he remembers me as the one whose hair is left out enough for him to pull! Anyway, I had a wonderful time. I wanted to sit and talk with them some more, but this was so last minute planned, and I had to act spontaneously in order to see them! My other cousin brothers, their wives and children were still missing, but my family is pretty large from my dad's side. I plan to see them again on Diwali next month! There are some family members and family friends I still have not seen since I have been here despite being so close to them! I try to see some this weekend, and more the next weekend. I need like a month just to visit family! I need to go shopping for usb Dongle, or else I won't have internet access starting next week! I am done with my over usage of my cousin's wi-fi here as I will be moving on to my other destination for November!

   Second half of the day was spent at the clinic. Days are getting short as I will not be here much longer. I will miss the clinic and all the people associated with it-the neighbors in the basti, the patients we see, the families I encounter, the children playing outside, the knowledge I've gained, the experiences I've had, the cases I've seen, and the love I've received. I know how much it means to want something so bad, and to be able to live it. I got to live it this month. What I imagined came true. I am very fortunate indeed to be able to have had this opportunity. Just like what a fellow human being who came to the clinic today told me in Hindi-translated version: "You are very lucky to be here, not many people come. You can at least speak Hindi and you got the opportunity to come serve here." At that time, I felt like my entire trip so far had been wrapped up in a present with a big bow on top in the name of this gentleman's words. I told him in Hindi-translated version "My Hindi is not that great, but I try to speak what I can. Being born in Vadodara and having lived in Gujarat kept me connected to my language, and I am indeed, very lucky and fortunate to be able to come back here" I just felt so happy- I felt like this gentleman and I formed an instant connection with that brief conversation after I took his history. The connections I have formed with the community members here are priceless. I absolutely love talking to them, be it about health, the atmosphere, holidays, their families, their lives, my life, or just life in general. They are human beings before patients. I like to see them as human beings, and many of them, I saw as family. There is something that connects us all-whether someone is Muslim, or Hindu, or Christian, or whichever faith, I wish Eid Mubarakh, say Merry Christmas, and say Happy Diwali. I feel equal joy.

Tests for detecting Dengue (wonder what the sensitivity and specificity is for NS1 detection, generally, I have seen IgG and IgM labs be used here)- Anyway, there is so much to learn-there was an article on a person who was coinfected with Chikungunya and Dengue. They are both transmitted by same species of mosquitos-A. aegypti. Very interesting. The person recovered just fine, but  had to go through having Dengue Hemorrhagic fever, and then just when that was improving from the treatment, had started getting symptoms of Chikungunya! Gosh these mosquitos- I better put on another layer of Odomos!

Tests for detecting Dengue (wonder what the sensitivity and specificity is for NS1 detection, generally, I have seen IgG and IgM labs be used here)- Anyway, there is so much to learn-there was an article on a person who was coinfected with Chikungunya and Dengue. They are both transmitted by same species of mosquitos-A. aegypti. Very interesting. The person recovered just fine, but  had to go through having Dengue Hemorrhagic fever, and then just when that was improving from the treatment, had started getting symptoms of Chikungunya! Gosh these mosquitos- I better put on another layer of Odomos!

    At the clinic, the dr. gave me this journal of Indian Medical Association. This month's edition is on Breast Cancer. Of course, it caught my attention immediately, so in between patient visits, I read bits and pieces of some of the articles. What they have written about Breast cancer is so true- in USA, the progress that has been made with early detection where it is still in-situ or ductal carcinoma that is still confined within the breast or particular area is astonishing compared to India, where mammography is such a foreign concept. Would my mother's breast cancer have even been detected in stage 1 had we still lived in India? India has a long way to come, be it Breast cancer or Cervical Cancer screenings. Keeping only a selective number of mammogram machines in few radiologist offices or private hospitals may be benificial for some women, but what about the majority of the population that cannot go to those places or afford it, let alone have heard of it. Then, once they are symptomatic, it is stage 3 or 4!

      I wish all this knowledge and resources that are within the walls of private institutes get distributed to the general public across all income levels in society. On the other hand, there are some great public and private hospitals. There is a public cancer hospital in Ahmadabad that is excellent for cancer treatment and provides affordable care to those who need it, but it is too far for many people who need that care. They even provide passes to get to the hospital through public transportation, but what about those who cannot travel alone in their current state. Most people's families work all day. They have to work morning to night to get money for the day! The private hospital in a nearby town of Baroda is a renowned cancer research and treatment institute. I visited there in 2007. There is a brilliant orphange nearby that just does a wonderful job at raising the girls and young women! The Cancer institute is state of the art, but only those in upper middle class or upper class can afford it as it is private. That is one of the few rare places that has a CT scan!

I want to finish this book by Swami Vivekanand 

The dr. lend me this book to read, but I might just purchase my own copy eventually before returning to USA. There are several books I want to get by the great authors and spiritual leaders of India. I highly recommend Gandhiji's autobiography!

"My ideal, indeed, can be put into a few words, and that is: to preach unto mankind their divinity, and how to make it manifest in every movement of life." -Swami Vivekanand

Good times

I decided to write a new post as mi familia is fixing the electricity here. That means, no wi-fi, no fan… Oh heat-but I can take it. Some sweating here and there-no big deal. Although walking outside with a little bit of wind feels much better. So far, I have seen two movies- Student of the Year, and English Vinglish, back to back. I hadn’t been to the movie theater in so long that it felt nice. I was in food heaven with popcorn, masala corn (baked corn with masala), puff (pastry), and water. Of course, I need water. Then, I had ice cream at the café at INOX. Comparatively to USA prices, my trip to INOX for two movies (100 Rs for first show, and 150 Rs for second show, 80 Rs large popcorn, 50 Rs masala corn, 30 Rs water, and 127 Rs ice cream, 40Rs Puff) total of 250 Rs for tickets for 2 movies= US $5, and 327 Rs for all the food I consumed = US $ 6.50. Grand total for all theater costs came to about $11.50. In USA, one iMax movie would cost that much-and that is the ticket alone! All these costs are still pricy according to Indian Rupees still! I recommend English Vinglish- it does a really good job of showing the sentiments and dynamics of living or visiting a foreign land where one does not know the language or culture. I found it to be excellent as I have lived through similar sentiments as a child when I first moved to USA. My circumstances were much different of course, but some of the feelings are very similar. Now, I am more than accustomed to both, US and Indian culture. It is like I can mix in well with either or-kind of through a culture of my own. I think that is the beauty of being a first generation immigrant. I am lucky enough to have held onto my native tongue of Gujarati, and learn Hindi growing up despite not speaking in it at home. It allows me to live here in India and communicate with others. I can keep the rikshaw drivers from ripping me off. One day, on my way home, the rikshaw driver told me 40 Rs for point A to point B, and then another 80 Rs for point B to home. I was like no way-I know it does not cost that much. I even watched the meter, and memorized the costs according to the meter. He lied to me and said the meter was not working. I know it was working as I saw the numbers change per distance! Don’t try to outsmart me. I switched rickshaws at the railway station where I got in another rikshaw. Total came to 80 Rs, which is still pretty costly, but not the 100 Rs that first rikshaw driver was trying to convince me of. I just prefer walking the 1.5 km home from nearest intersection rather than paying extra. Plus, I can stay fit and burn calories-ward of Diabetes and other issues by being active.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP9GGUWJNEs I like this song from English Vinglish

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqxF6MT4sZo I love this song too!! 

On another note, today is Dassera-the day my grandpa passed away. I remember him in peace and know he is looking after my family where ever he is. It is also my dad's birthday according to teethi. In Indian/Hindu calendar, people have two birthdays-calendar birthday and teethi birthday depending on the holiday/moon or religious position according to vedic sanskruti/astronomy and philosophy.  Kind of complicated, but really cool. 

"Free your mind, and don't be afraid to chase after your dreams and desires. The least you can do is try. The rest is the rest, but you must control your happiness as no one can help you as much as you can help yourself."