After both our daughters were married in 2010, my wife, Geetha and I travelled to many parts of India. We went to various places for sightseeing, meeting Holy men and women, visiting some of our relatives, observing silence, doing research on our charitable work and generally having a good time.
I am sixty two years old and left India to migrate to the USA in 1977. I am an NRI, whatever that means. In some quarters within India I am not qualified to talk about India. In some circles, I am considered objective. In the USA, I am looked upon as an immigrant, with all the baggage that goes with that term. Some good, and some not so good!
Our travels were between June 26th, 2011 and August 31st , 2011. This is one of my observations.
A healthy meal ?
My wife Geetha and I visited the Vani Niketan School in Netala, Uttarakhand. This school, which was facing a complete closure due to a variety of reasons, is now being heavily subsidized by the generous donations of NRI’s in the US. Thanks to Kanchi Kamakoti seva Foundation Inc, NY, K S Ramamurty (Ramu Uncle) and Poornima Athreya the school is going to survive.
When I saw what the kids brought for lunch ( actually I was planning to help myself with their food), I was moved. Disappointed. Angry at the parents and society in general. Mad as hell at the Government. Shame on all of us.
Some of the kids brought just boiled potato. With some seasoning, I suspect. No Roti, no Dal or rice. Nothing. Just boiled potatoes. Later, I was told that for the extremely poor, that is a whole meal. I guess when you are poor, that is all you can afford.
I have requested Ramu Uncle, who will be in Netala from end of October to the first week of November to implement a school lunch program. That is the least we can do to help the cause of education. A hungry child cannot learn, even if you provide the best environment and teachers.
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