Dear Friends:
Soon I will embark upon a new adventure. I will be doing field work for ten weeks in Shantiniketan, India, a small town north of Calcutta in West Bengal. I will most likely be interning at Amar Kutir, which means "my cottage." Created in 1923, this society for rural development was originally utilized by freedom fighters who were taught artisan skills, such as block printing and hand loom weaving. Today, Amar Kutir is a cooperative offering marketing assistance, training and exhibitions to promote rural handicrafts as a way to enhance economic opportunities. My duties will be determined after I arrive, but may be related to assessing the needs of the self-help groups in the surrounding villages. Or they may not be. Anything goes.
When I arrive in Calcutta, I will meet up with a fellow student (Tabby) and my supervisor (PK), who is a social worker in India. We will visit agencies there, so I could end up someplace unexpected. Then, we will travel to Shantiniketan, which means "peaceful abode." I am sure it will be a welcome respite from Calcutta, should I survive. In Shantiniketan, I will have the opportunity to visit more agencies before making a decision on where to land.
I have a long journey before I even set foot in India. First, a day long layover in London (yay!) and then three days in Kathmandu, Nepal, and three in Bhutan, a small magical kingdom that many people have not heard about except that it is the happiest place on earth. No, not Disneyworld! I will relate my experiences along the way, dear readers, so stay tuned.
This is my second trip to India so I have a concept of what to expect initially (mind numbing chaos, confrontation with all my deepest fears, and exquisite beauty). However, I have never been to this particular region. I will also be more than a tourist, which will give me a deeper appreciation and knowledge of the culture and people.
No matter what, I know I cannot predict the course of my journey, and it will lead me to places I never imagined. I hope to have a positive influence on all that I encounter, even at those times when I am confronting the most extreme unfamiliarities and most challenging predicaments.
One last plea, my friends. I am not implementing a formal fund raising campaign; however, gifts are welcome. As I am unemployed and paying for this trip at my own expense, if you have a hankering to contribute in any way, I would be most grateful, as would those who I am going to serve. I casually mentioned the possibility of donations to a few generous friends who were receptive and eager to help (thank you thank you thank you!) with cash and in-kind gifts, so I am making the opportunity public. If you have an idea or resource that will enlighten or amuse me, please send an e-mail to me.
Thank you for your many ways of supporting me, and I especially welcome readers and comments.
On the path,
Samarah
OM SHANTI
