The transformation has begun. Leaves are beginning to change colors – one can see the vibrant yellow, red and orange leaves fluttering freely with the wind in the sky and laid all over like a carpet. Here’s summer in one its last days, marking its good bye! The trees are coaxed to drop their leaves and sharp cold winds have started blowing. Slowly the October days will thrust into winter nights and soon DC will see the Christmas lights. What fun to experience the beauty of changing seasons!

On work front, the week was as exciting as it has been so far. This week I along with Gargi Saha participated in the 12th International Business Forum, organized by the World Bank. The theme for this year was ‘Business engagement for governance’. On the first day I took part in the Youth video consultation which focused on climate change and its impact on businesses. The focus of discussion was on current attempts to curb climate change, which are based on two types of activities: mitigation (reducing current greenhouse gas levels); and adaptation (adjusting livelihood systems to cope with environmental changes resulting from elevated greenhouse levels). The challenges for industrial units and businesses in tackling this issue and scaling up successful public-private partnerships for doing so were discussed.

The second day was even more interesting, wherein I took part in the youth video consultation focusing on Businesses and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The discussion focused on the transformation in both the understanding and expectation of business’ contribution to the MDGs. Most importantly, it was largely felt and recognized that the largest contribution that businesses can have – far greater than charitable philanthropy – is by running successful and responsible businesses: creating jobs, economic opportunities, tax revenues and goods and services.

Another exciting opportunity for me was to be a part of the U.S. Helsinki Commission Hearing. Free the Slaves along with ILO (International Labour Organization) and OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) were invited to speak and request the Commission to consider Combating Trafficking for Forced Labour Purposes in the OSCE region. FTS President Kevin Bales spoke about the inconsistent approach to trafficking for forced labour across the OSCE region. He also highlighted that while some countries strive to implement policies that address forced labour (for ex: Italy, Poland, Czech Republic), other governments within the OSCE do not consider it a significant problem.

The work week was followed by a splendid weekend. Saturday started with a delicious South Indian brunch, followed by a fun filled apple picking activity organized by Vanessa (Chairperson of DC friends of Atlas Corps). We hired two cars and drove down to the outskirts of DC. The drive to the Homestead farm was beautiful - crossing by the meadows, the huge mansions, fields…WOW! As I got off the car, I could feel the mixture of wind and sun – the weather was so pleasant. The farm was crowded…families, kids, old and young…all excited about apple picking – looked like quite an American day out! We took our baskets and headed towards the ‘Apple Alley’. I felt I had landed into an abundance of beauty and taste – apples all over – spread like a carpet beneath the apple tree. Green or red – small or big – we all filled in our baskets with a whole lot of apples of our choice. We took lots and lots of pictures. We also chose pumpkins for the Halloween party!

On our way back, we were a little lost but managed to give the rented car back on time (Just 10 minutes late I guess). We had an amazing and a really beautiful Saturday…thanks Vanessa for organizing everything.

I slept till late on Sunday. Got up and did the vacuum around the house. Sergio and Yunus did kitchen cleaning and Gargi prepared the lunch. I also managed to hurt myself – a big clock fell right on my head and also scratched my hand. Later, I had a late bath, listened to some music and took a walk around our neighborhood with Gargi.

Another week gets over…and a new begins. And with every new day…there is rising another me! :)