The crime and stigma!

She was trafficked as a child. Taken away from home, she was exploited sexually, mentally, emotionally and psychologically. Years have gone by and today she is a local recruiter/trafficker who travels back and forth to her village, luring and promising people of a better life like her own. With expensive jewellery and clothes, she is perceived as the icon of success in the village despite the fact that an unfortunate world is hidden behind her external dignity. How can any parents in a poor village deny their children the opportunity for a better life promised by such a convincing recruiter? Desperate people, struggle to resist the temptation of allowing themselves to fall in the trap of human trafficking. There are thousands all around the world who agonize over whether to give in themselves in hopes of evading what they perceive as a dead-end road in their lives or for the purpose of generating much needed income that would help their families survive.

Trafficked victims are as young as 10 years old, often illiterate or school dropouts and come from very poor families. Many are also victims of abuse early in their lives. Victims face major problems being reintegrated into their home communities when they are freed from the situation into which they were trafficked. They have often been treated by law authorities as criminals, either for prostitution or illegal migration, and, therefore social stigma and personal emotional scars make the recovery even more difficult. Assisting victims to resettle and start a new life is a huge challenge for organizations and concerned governmental agencies. The most difficult aspect of rehabilitation and reintegration of victims/survivors are the deep-rooted feeling of stigma associated with having been trafficked, which most often is an obstacle to providing the psychosocial and public health support needed to reintegrate the survivors. In fact, in my experience, in many cases, initial efforts to develop self-help support groups and provide specialized mental health and psychosocial support is met with fear and suspicion. They find it difficult to repose their trust in anyone, live in the constant panic of being exploited again and don’t find it easy to talk about their experiences. In addition to these psychological and social considerations, the victims face the practical financial challenge of providing for life's essentials.

A lot of organizations have been trying to empower the survivors as facilitators and further helping them become the change agents. Various techniques like group and one-to-one counseling (focusing on overcoming fear, shame, denial, guilt, and self-blame), training in life skills, positive thinking, trust building, self discipline and leadership, have proved to empower women significantly and is helping reach out to a far wider network of survivors. With empowerment, survivors are found to be increasingly confident, open and trusting of each other.

What is most needed is to help the survivors organize, participate and speak for the decisions that affect them. Without the input of survivor voices, their priorities of need will continue to be decided by others. And this would always leave us behind 'true empowerment'!

People in Crisis

Broken dreams, struggle for existence, loss of many a lives, no present and no hope of a future - the worsening humanitarian crisis around the world make me wonder if there ever will be a chance of heaven on earth as we read in books and pray for; or these suffering millions are doomed to an eternity of a life in hell on earth?

Year 2008 saw nature in its most devastating form when cyclone Nargis hit the country of Burma a few months back. This was followed by the high power, 7.9 magnitude earthquake – the largest to hit China in 3 decades. Both calamities left millions dead and homeless. The international community responded with much vigor since there was an urgent need for post disaster assistance and aid in both the countries. To worsen the situation, Burmese government blocked humanitarian access of most international groups to all suffering areas of the country and the death toll kept rising higher. Public health experts have predicted a likely epidemic of water-borne disease, such as cholera and E.coli, due to a lack of clean drinking water. Suffering with years of malnutrition and severe poverty throughout the country, fatality rates could reach up to 20 percent as a result of these diseases. Also, a large-scale child measles outbreak is likely to be the result of the congregation of large groups of people in the aftermath of the cyclone. Malaria and dengue fever outbreaks are also expected due to the large numbers of now homeless people living in close proximity to open water, says Chris Beyrer, MD, of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. With almost non- existent healthcare infrastructure, the hard-hit Burmese can have only little hope of receiving any degree of healthcare. A WHO report in year 2000 revealed that Burma is second to only Sierra Leone in having the lowest level of government investment in health infrastructure in the world. Whatever little international aid that has been allowed inside the country, much of it has been seized and filched by the ruling junta, according to UN reports. Additionally, the Burmese government did not even issue visas to humanitarian aid workers as a priority, making it even more and more difficult for rescue groups to assist the suffering families/individuals.

While the trauma of Burmese cyclone was still fresh in our minds, a high magnitude earthquake hit China. The aid workers in China with government and international support are still struggling to rehabilitate and provide for the quake hit families. The aftershocks, flooding, and landslides continue to frighten people and pose risks to relief operations. Groups are trying to provide critical shelter materials and other assistance to survivors, including tents, quilts, tarpaulins, and rice, but they are working under challenging conditions. China is one of the countries suffering from the most severe natural hazards all over the world. Although some great progress have been gained in natural hazard mitigation, the natural disasters bring on big economic loss, in average, natural disasters lead to a direct economic loss of considerable percentage of total GDP and death of thousands every year. China faces a serious situation in reducing natural hazard though now most cities in China are reported to be improving on information measures for disaster protection and reduction.

I have just finished doing a report on Sudan and cannot help but write a few lines about a devastated country that continues to face famine and extreme forms of human rights violation. There are thousands dying and millions are at risk of starvation. In fact, organizations like Human Rights Watch have reported that the continuing famine was caused and is being perpetuated by human rights abuses resulting from the civil war. The famine in 1998 was a catastrophe and even the international community failed to respond since the Sudanese government, militias and opposition forces looted supplies from the starving or blocked relief deliveries. The civil war continues and so also the gross violation of human rights.

I can continue to write about these people in crisis in every country around the world. And nothing of what I write would be an eye opener. It’s happening, it is being reported and is also talked about. There are groups/individuals from around the world giving out a helping hand – being there and helping recover these affected lives. And that’s tough! This is the spirit of giving and this truly is humanity in its most obvious form. Could anything else be more inspirational?

'English' India

When Lord Macaulay made English language compulsory for the clergy in India way back in 1835, his intention was to break the Indian affinity for local languages and create a working class for them who can communicate in their language for their work. Little did he know that more than a century later English as a language would take over as the commercial language, binding a culturally diverse and multilingual country together. 

With globalization taking over and open market economy mechanisms, arose a dire need of professionals with expertise along with proficiency in a language that rules the market - well the key word was ‘English’.

While on one hand, a huge number of private schools with their medium of instruction in English are flourishing in urban areas and upcoming cities; on the other hand, the public/government run schools are struggling to even operate appropriately, let alone provide education in English. Of course, most private schools with their high fee structure are also out of reach for a majority of Indian families. This inequality in education leaves a large size of young population educated in government and small town schools feel that a kind of advantage is being given to some people who might be just as good as them in the job but definitely have an edge because of their knowledge in English. Only a few government services like the Indian and State Administrative Services and the Defence services selections are not based on the applicant’s medium of education in English. 

Improving the quality of public education in the country is the biggest challenge in front of planners in India today. There is a huge paucity of good teachers and public schools everywhere need comprehensive improvements in their service delivery. The parameters for assessing standards in English are quite clear — a Class V pass out should have reasonable knowledge of arithmetic to be able to do simple divisions and subtractions and he should also be able to write 50-100 words correctly on a given topic. It has been found that very few students from public schools are able to write grammatically correct ten lines in English on a given topic.

To the villagers, these public English medium schools are really schools for the rich people. In villages 90% of the people, or even more, have only heard of such institutions, since they are almost non-existent in the villages. But they are very anxious that their children should get justice and equal opportunity in regard to education and employment. They do not understand why their children should be labeled as ‘unintelligent’ only because they do not know good English and why the English- knowing persons should monopolize all fat-salaried jobs.

If we really want equality of opportunity for every child in India, the Common School system is a must. As a State responsibility, it requires massive investment in improving the quality of services in the public schools. A successful common school system can ensure that every child gets equal quality education and therefore equal opportunities to grow and make a future. We need awareness campaigns and workshops to improve reading and writing knowledge of English among students everywhere. It is also important to realize that knowledge of English, as a language has to be developed since it is the connecting language today, opening up better opportunities around the world.

Every child deserves equality in education and opportunity without any discrimination on any grounds. The state has a crucial role to play as an instrument of social justice and to do away with discrimination of any sort, especially in the context of children who represent the nation's human capital.

Childhood in the battlefields

Abducted, intimidated, beaten, raped, abused and compelled to kill others under threat of their own death – this is the world of child soldiers who serve both rebel groups and government forces in over 30 armed conflicts worldwide. UNICEF and Amnesty International estimate that 250, 000 to 300,000 children (and may be more); between 15 to 18 years old are forced to become direct participants in bloody wars. Living a life of obscurity, these child soldiers grow up being physically, mentally and emotionally scarred for life.

Instead of attending school like many of us, these children are on the front lines of combat to serve as human mine detectors; their school bags have been replaced with suicide bombs and their little hands carry AK-47s and M-16s instead of notebooks. The only sport of their life is to kill!

Premier organizations like Human Rights Watch (HRW), Amnesty International, UNICEF, International Rescue Committee, Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, Save the Children, World Vision and many others have testimonies documented of child soldiers from all parts of the world. The children are abducted from what is left of their homes and forced into a life of war and sexual slavery. Deprived of education, these child soldiers are raised in a world of war and violence knowing only how to use the gun. The children are repeatedly threatened that they would be killed if they ever try to run away. These brutal and dehumanizing tactics used to control the children, make the child’s rehabilitation and reintegration into their own home communities much more difficult, if ever rescued.

There is no dearth of information on the hard realities of life of child soldiers around the world. The Maoist forces in Nepal have been steadily recruiting children despite pressure from Nepali and international human rights groups. Just last year in April, the Chhattisgarh State Police in India arrested two girls, aged 14 and 15 years respectively; who were wearing school uniforms and were armed with old 303 bore rifles. Human Rights groups have also reported on child soldiers being recruited in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, Sikkim, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Stories from other parts of the world are no different. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is reported to have recruited thousands of child soldiers in Sri Lanka, using intimidation and threats to pressure Tamil families to provide their sons and daughters for military service. HRW in their report ‘Protect the People’ talks of Government-sponsored paramilitary forces known as “Guardians of the Peace” who have committed many killings, rapes, and other crimes over the last four years in Burundi. Burundian officials recruited many children aged 15 and even younger for service in the Guardians and in urban patrols.

Recently, while working on Free the Slaves Freedom awards 2008, I came across a nomination of an activist group from Uganda called the Friends of Orphans (FRO), which works to support the former child soldiers and abductees from the Northern Ugandan conflict. The war in this region is between the rebel Lord Resistance Army (LRA) and the Government of Uganda. They mostly use children and militiamen to fight the war. I was inspired to know about Ricky Anywar Richard, a former child soldier, who laid the foundation of the organization along with others who had been in similar slavery situations. The Lord’s Resistance Army abducted him at the age of 14 along with his brother. His powerless family members were burned to death while he watched and heard them cry for help. The children were tightly guarded, trained as fighters and he saw abductees being killed brutally if they ever tried running away. He stayed in the bush for about 2 and half years until he took a chance and managed to escape successfully. Living in extremities of struggle, he managed to study and conceived the idea to start an organization while working on his university degree in 1999. Ricky uses his child soldier experiences as motivation to contribute to the empowerment, rehabilitation and reintegration of former child soldiers, abductees, child mothers and orphans. FRO is administered by former child soldiers, orphans and abductees from Pader District, all of who were and continue to be affected by the war in Northern Uganda. It also operates a vocational training centre that provides self-employment oriented vocational training, entrepreneurship and sustainable income generation skills.

Human Rights groups working on the issue are finding ways to reunite and resettle the children with their families and communities, and provide for their psychosocial care and recovery. UNICEF has stressed on girls - especially orphans or unaccompanied girls - being especially vulnerable because they are often sexually exploited, raped or otherwise abused, and forced to be 'wives' by other combatants.

The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict in February 2002 is regarded as a particular landmark in that it specifically prohibits the use of child soldiers. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child contained specific provisions for the protection of children less than 15 years from recruitment into armies. The Optional Protocol - now signed by 115 countries and ratified by 63 - has strengthened the Convention in several ways and raised the ceiling from 15 to 18 years. Human Rights Groups have been urging the UN to "name and shame" offenders in all conflicts on a yearly basis, in order to keep the spotlight on the international agenda and encourage punitive action against those who continue to abuse children in this way.

The hard facts of modern-day slavery hit our face in many ways…child soldiers is one such category. They are recruited from the most vulnerable communities, can be easily manipulated, are cheap to keep, require no maintenance – in other words they are easily ‘disposable’, when not of any use!

(Photo courtesy: International Rescue Committee)

Political past and the official rise of Maoism in Nepal

April 10, 2008 stands as a historic day for Nepal and international political observers worldwide. After a decade long civil war, Nepalese polled in the much awaited elections, foreseen as crucial to Nepal’s imperative peace and democratic future. As of today (Tuesday, April 15, 2008 – 11:05 a.m.), the Maoists are stated to have bagged 102 of the total declared 180 seats. Amidst this anxiety, anticipation and celebrations, present life continues to be an inexhaustible struggle for most people in the Himalayan nation.

The stunning beauty of landscape sits in stark contrast to the actuality of life in this country. Nepal, one of the world’s poorest countries, is still trying hard to recuperate from the civil war, which shook the nation and made it a hotbed for the communist insurgency that pitted Maoist guerrillas against the Nepalese army. Caught in the middle of a never-ending war, emerged thousands of victims’ of fighting and increasing number of missing civilians; terrorized, abducted and killed by forces on either side. In this backdrop of a tattered economy, deeply traumatized Nepalese population awaits a democratic future for Nepal with a hope for a better life someday.

Impeding the development of any progressive, democratic and modernization forces in the country, the institution of monarchy has been seen as one of the prime reasons for the plight of the Nepalese people. Enjoying absolute power, the King has been able to call and dismiss Parliament at will leaving strong marks of feudalistic relations and exploitation of the poor and marginalized.

Nepal suffered from the same economic stagnation that Britain created across the Indian subcontinent during the period of imperial rule. Talking about the historic past of Nepal with India, one can blame India for bullying Nepal after attaining independence in 1947 and pressurizing the feudal Ranas and Congress party to share power, depriving people of free elections. First elections in Nepal were held in 1949 under the rule of King Mahendra, but in 1960 this brief period of democracy was brought to an unexpected end with parties banned and the government overthrown by a royal decree. The royal appointees occupied all the local and national government posts. The new constitution ‘supposedly’ guaranteed democratic rights and elections were held again in 1991. Corruption, patronage and frequent changes of government led to disappointment among the people and ‘people’s war’ began in 1996 when the demands made by the Communist Party Of Nepal (Maoist) stressing on pro-poor policies were rejected by the government.

In June 2001, the scandalous news of King Birendra and eight other members of the Royal Family being shot dead in the Royal Palace hit the headlines around the world. The ‘official’ story was that they were killed by Birendra's brother, Dipendra, who then shot himself. Well, rumors never died that the killing was arranged by the successor, Gyanendra and his actions too never proved the contrary. In 2002, Gyanendra dismissed Prime Minister Deuba and took power.

The unstable political situation in Nepal has had sweeping consequences that affect the economy, the tourist industry and daily life of a majority of Nepalese. The just happened elections are being seen as a sign of relief by the bulk of the population while a few others still strongly want the monarchy to continue. The final and official results are yet to be announced but the Maoists celebrations have already taken to the streets.

Let us wait and watch if the new rule in Himalayan nation would keep up its commitment to democracy!

Be a leader - make a difference!

All of us have our role models, people whom we admire and people who influence us with their actions, ideals and achievements. When such individuals inspire us, we consciously and subconsciously absorb the qualities we respect.

A right opportunity at the right time provides the base for developing leadership attributes. When we take up a new job or task, we "believably" anticipate what can and can't be achieved. As we set in, we explore avenues to excel and hence are encouraged to match that desire with increased commitment. As a leader, one is expected to be outstanding and perform beyond their perceived limitations. Interestingly, far from the limelight of busy world, there are many individuals, who in their own small way are making a big difference in many lives. These are the leaders acknowledged probably only in their own small communities/ in their own families but they are the real leaders.

Throughout my student life and also in my career so far, I have been blessed with the opportunity of being in the presence of some exceptional people, who according to me are also successful leaders. The group includes some of my teachers, my friends, my professors, my work supervisors, my colleagues and people I was serving. These are the people who have inspired me in both big and small ways to do the right thing the right way. But I saw the real leader in me rising to prominence when I started to work with victims of exploitation. Once taken out of a situation of abuse, they looked at me with faith and admiration – as someone who gave them a new life…they stared at me with hopeful eyes. And that has been the real test of me as a leader. As their leader I always feared being unsuccessful at fulfilling their hopes, in protecting them when they needed protection, in guiding them in the right direction, in bringing them happiness and love; and in being a friend!

Being one of the fortunate ones, I also got access to resources and opportunities and am happy that I could make good use of it all. With my work experience so far, I have learnt to use analytical skills and my judgmental instincts appropriately to take a positive decision. Seeing myself lead, I had to learn to take decisions as being creative.

Atlas Corps took off as a ground breaking initiative which defined mid career development professionals like me as one of the growing leaders from my part of the world and provided me with an opportunity to connect to the global world to work on global problems. Being with an organization like Free the Slaves gave me an opportunity to view slavery around the world and understand international efforts in combating the same. Most importantly it has encouraged me to act as a leader and contribute with my existing knowledge. Just last week, I got the wonderful opportunity to do a presentation for the master’s students from SIT Graduate Institute (founded over 40 years ago as a training center for early Peace Corps volunteers, the Institute prepares students from more than 30 countries to become informed and effective leaders, professionals, and global citizens.) Talking about slavery as a critical issue, I spoke about FTS strategies and the role of NGO’s, governments, corporates and individuals in tacking the crime with the aim of transferring academic learning into real-world practice in the service of social change. Standing there and addressing a big class where I probably looked the youngest was jittery but a great experience.

The experience that I take back from here would certainly assist me both professionally and personally as I take my work, vision and mission forward. I have learnt about the quintessential qualities of being consistent at work; promote effective communication; encourage and support co- workers; encourage responsibility and most importantly to facilitate leadership by personal example.

Peter Drucker - Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things!

Beauty and the Beast!

White and pink, setting an impression of candy floss and dispersing the sweet scent of spring in the breeze – I am still wondering at the beauty of cherry blossomed trees!

It's the sunny days I enjoy the most in spring...the sun shines bright spreading warmth and the gentle wind blows with silent grace. Thousands of Cherry blossoms, running in a line all around the Tidal basin is one of the most picturesque sights I have come across till date. It is nature in one of its most perfect forms.

Walking around the Tidal Basin for hours, I smiled looking at the unmatched beauty and calmness of cherry blossoms – which are here to stay only for a few days and people would have to wait for an entire year to see them, when they blossom again next spring. (hmmm…I wouldn't be in DC to enjoy this beauty next year).

I am also in the midst of one of the most exciting and most expensive political year for United States. While Bush is busy pushing for interesting changes in the NATO alliance; back home, Obama and Hillary are trying hard to be the Democratic favorite of the nation. Bush’ regime, for all right reasons, has been the most talked about in U.S., and around the world. In year 2003, US led the invasion of Iraq, calling Saddam Hussein’s actions as an immediate and intolerable threat to world peace. Five years and still on – the Iraq war has left thousands dead on both sides and a significant percentage of Iraqis who lost their homes continue to live life as refugees. Criticism continues in U.S. for spending millions of dollars in fighting the war, for death of many American military men and for the economic recession that country is going through at the moment.

An interesting highlight has been President Bush’ declaration of a zero-tolerance policy regarding human trafficking, and ironic human rights violation that continued in Iraq in the form of contract sponsored trafficking. Some private businesses, under contract to the Defense Department, were found engaging in human trafficking. It was revealed that those trapped and trafficked met a grim fate: on their way to the US bases, they were kidnapped and later executed by Iraqi insurgents. These men had paid the equivalent of a year's salary to "job brokers" working on a sub-contract from KBR (Kellogg, Brown & Root) so they could be taken. Most of them thought that they would be given work in Jordan but once in Jordan their identification documents were confiscated and they were told that they would be sent to Iraq since there were no jobs available in Jordan. These men had no choice but to stay. Free the Slaves in response to the contractor-sponsored trafficking in Iraq launched the 'WarSlavery' campaign in 2006. The issue was raised to move public action to insist on accountability regarding usage of American tax money, which was being paid to these contractors for businesses in Iraq. It was demanded that such contracts be terminated, victims be freed and compensation and assistance be issued for rebuilding their lives.

With this and more, Bush’ administration now has reached it’s probable last phase. Whosoever comes to power after him perhaps already knows that the legacy would not be so much of a pleasure to take over!

In this political world, there are no ‘friends’ for life. What continues to thrive is worldwide love-hate relationship where every nation is living in constant fear of the other. Even premier international bodies like the UN condemn but fail to act in some most critical situations.

Life continues in Iraq, in midst of a shattered economy. People continue to live with a hope for a better future for Iraq and a better life for their kids. Whatever happens…whenever peace may arrive, the scars may fade but the pain will remain forever. This pain of war is immeasurable!

Past and the present!

Colonialism and imperialism often refer to political or geographical domains. As I understand these terms (courtesy – my school and college text books) – both can be described in relation to actions and attitudes. Action in relation to forceful extension of a nation's authority by territorial conquest establishing economic and political domination of other nations; and attitude in forcing and maintaining superiority, subordination and dominion over foreign population. The phrase "empire for empire's sake," was (and is still being) used as the most common excuse for aggressive competition for overseas territories for resources, money, power, political and military motive, narcissistic affiliations; and so on. Of course how can I miss out on Rudyard Kipling’s urge of “White Man's burden" here, of ‘civilizing’ the ‘other’ world regardless of whether these others wanted this form of civilization or not.

Let me talk about the cotton industry of India here – cotton being of immense historical significance to India as a colony and to Britain, as the imperialist rule. India's cotton-processing sector primarily declined during the establishment of colonial rule in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This was largely due to the East India Company's de-industrialization of India, which forced the closing of cotton processing and manufacturing workshops in India, to ensure that Indian markets supplied only raw materials and were obliged to purchase manufactured textiles from Britain. The most interesting economic fact about imperialist rule is that the ruler gets to drive the market and has the monopoly on business decisions! The raw material picked by Indian labor at extremely low wages was bought and shipped to Lancashire to turn it into cloth. The English worker had the advantage of better wages and the steel companies of England made huge profits from building the factories and machines. Interestingly, the finished product was sent back to India with high shipping rates and the cloth was finally sold back to the kings and landlords of India who had the money to buy this expensive exported cloth, which actually had home labour involved.

The rise of a global economy has brought about interesting changes the world over. I am amazed to see how China has over the past few years integrated itself into the global economy and enmeshed itself in the most technologically complex international supply chains. Its attraction as a production site, even for multinational companies continues to grow, and China boasts of huge trade surplus with the rest of the world. China shares interesting economic relations with other countries like America today, which is a huge market for Chinese products. It is no surprise that biggies like Apple and others have their production sites in China. Amusingly if a person in China wants to buy an Apple iBook today - he/she ends up ordering the product in US, which is actually produced in China, then shipped to US; and from US again shipped back and sold for delivery to the consumer in China.

The difference when seen in comparison to the British – Indian ‘cotton’ model is that this back and forth gets huge profits for both Chinese and American businesses; and of course this is not Imperialism but a technically sophisticated phase of global economy!

……………………

We celebrated Holi past weekend – had no colors but Gargi had ideas! Turmeric powder and wheat flour made great colors (now that’s some experiment and works great for your skin!) We also had a special Bengali lunch for some Indian/Bangladeshi friends and everything worked out great!

Why 'Atlas'?

The first year of Atlas Service Corps has been a rocking year - both for fellows and the organization itself! Setting a new trend, for the first time; non-profit leaders and mid-career professionals from developing countries got an opportunity to volunteer at some of the best-known non-profits here in the U.S. What a great exchange of ideas, experiences and expertise! Winning the America's Giving Challenge right in the first year of its existence was like cherry on the cake. Kudos to all who have been a part of this growing initiative!

Being a part of a fellowship program like Atlas Service Corps signifies an achievement for any professional in the social and development sector around the world. For mid career professionals like me, it gives tremendous professional boost and is a sign of recognition of the ‘good’ work one has done so far. Largely it helps in building up a global pool of human rights professionals from around the world. Having finished over 6 months of my fellowship with Free the Slaves as an Atlas fellow, I can definitely say that it has helped me establish mentor relationship with the management of my organization and I have found a place of support and learning, which is helping me sharpen my skills and at the same time encouraging me to contribute with my existing knowledge and experience on issues.

This fellowship has helped me build a network of colleagues/like-minded professionals in my field, and in advancing my ideas and views on issues. I truly believe that this experience would help me garner support and professional recognition as well as help me advance my ideas and plans once I am back in my country.

If you want to be a part of an innovative program like Atlas Service Corps, ask yourself a few questions just like I did: Are you passionate about working for the greater good and global community, do you see yourself as a global citizen? do you want to bring about a change that you want to see?, do you want to build global partnerships?...and many more!

If you have it you and you think you would make a good Atlas fellow, please visit http://www.atlascorps.org/apply.html

Time’s running out – Apply now!

(Final application deadline is mid-April.)

Spring arrives...

As cold abates and frost is retreating…spring is on it's way & winter seems to be fleeting! The sun is shining bright…days are getting longer and nights are now less cold. Thanks to the daylight savings – we are now enjoying evening shadows laced with gold. (hmmm...that was good rhyming!)

Spring seems like the beginning of new life and rebirth - the trees are beginning to have green leaves and bluebells, daisies, sweet pies are finally budding! As grass has started to grow – it'll soon be lush green; the birds seem so joyful and are delightfully chirping. The wind whispering and swirling presents the sweet melody of spring! And here I am welcoming spring with open arms…embracing it tight…this is the time when the world wakes up to everything so bright and beautiful – it is life full of colour!

Just realized how we fellows have successfully finished over 6 months of our fellowship and are now all geared up for the second half. This truly has been a lifetime experience! In life things are constantly changing and growing, and as humans we are constantly learning.

Last week, I attended a special session organized by the Justice Department in an effort to understand the steps being taken by non-profit community and private attorneys to find out best options and seek justice for the trafficking victims in United States. To me this topic was of particular interest since I have personally assisted trafficking victims in the prosecution process and also experimented with innovative concepts like mock trails for the trafficked victims, which help prepare the victims for the challenging court ordeals. To be honest – for a victim to file a case against the perpetrator/exploiter is not very easy. They are so traumatized having undergone years of abuse that they fear taking any action against the abusers. Post rescue psychological issues that victims have to deal with make it more difficult for them to handle pressure. I personally have witnessed many cases where some victims manage to escape from exploitative situations but find it extremely difficult to concentrate on anything, sleep well; even eat properly and in such a situation testifying against their exploiter is not an easy task. It needs tremendous will power and counselling for a long time and justice seems like a far away dream.

I heard some wonderful speakers like Robert J. Moossy Jr. - Director, Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, Civil Rights Division, Criminal Section - U.S. DOJ; Martina E. Vandenberg – Attorney, Jenner & Block LLP and Rena E. Cutlip – Mason – Director of Legal Services, Tahirih Justice Center who shared their expertise and views on the issue. Mr. Moossy called the past 7 years, staring from year 2000 as the years of entirely new prosecution efforts in relation to cases of human trafficking. He also claimed that never before NGOs were seen working so closely with State prosecution in United States. He also spoke about the increase in number of open investigations and a three-fold increase since establishing the Trafficking in Persons and Worker Exploitation Task Force toll-free complaint line in February 2000. He stressed on the need to build capacity of NGOs and law enforcement together to work in tandem and help the victims to testify in the court. "If the victims don't testify, the perpetrators get easy acquittal."

Ms. Vandenberg emphasized that since the amendment of TVPA in year 2003, civil law suits have existed but there are still shockingly low number of cases coming for lawsuit of trafficking victims. As a lawyer she also stressed on trafficking cases being very tricky & not easy to handle. In many cases, it has been seen that there is familial relationship between the trafficker and the trafficked. Also, unfortunately she pointed out lack of communication between NGOs & attorneys. She spoke about the mandatory restitution orders. Even though, the orders exist, till date only 7% restitution orders have been enforced in the United States. "The reality is that the victims may never see their money." She quoted an amount of $25 billion lying under uncollected restitution orders.

Ms. Mason spoke about Tahirih Justice Center as an organization providing free legal representation to immigrant women & girls fleeing gender based violence. Tahirih's legal representation primarily encompasses 4 areas of Immigration law – gender based asylum, provisions under the Violence Against Women's Act (VAWA petitions); and provisions under the Victims of Violence and Trafficking Protection Act (U Visa, T Visa). Following this, Tahirih also offers family law assistance and social and medical referrals to the victims.

This truly was an enlightening session on the prosecution process for trafficking victims in United States. I couldn't get my mind off the prosecution dilemmas the victims face in India or any other part of the globe. I wish and hope that everyone gets to enjoy the spring of justice in their lives and we thrive in a world where there is no hatred, no discrimination, no injustice and no exploitation.

Exploring the world of CNN...

Last weekend I took a journey into the heart of the world's news leader at Inside CNN Atlanta. Yes, I was thrilled to be a part of the behind-the-scenes tour, which shows exactly what it takes to deliver the news available to over 2 billion people worldwide. My CNN Inside tour worked out to be my backstage pass to the most trusted name in news.

CNN (Cable News Network) is among the world's leaders in online news and information delivery. Apart of the world headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, CNN has its bureaus worldwide and relies heavily on it’s global team of almost 4,000 news professionals.

Do you know who is the man behind this initiative? He's R.E. "Ted" Turner - the founder of Turner Broadcasting System Inc. He began his career as an account executive with Turner Advertising Co. and entered the television business in 1970 when he acquired Atlanta independent UHF station Channel 17. In 1976, Turner bought Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves and launched TBS Superstation, originating the "Superstation" concept. The following year, Turner Broadcasting System Inc. acquired the National Basketball Association's Atlanta Hawks, and in 1980, Turner launched CNN, the world's first live, 24-hour global news network. In just 2 decades from it’s launch, the company built a portfolio of unrivaled cable television news and entertainment brands and businesses, including CNN Headline News, CNN International, TNT, Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies. In the mid-1990s, Castle Rock Entertainment and New Line Cinema became Turner Broadcasting properties. In October 1996, the company merged with Time Warner Inc. In January 2001, Time Warner Inc. merged with America Online to create AOL Time Warner. In October 2003, the company changed its name back to Time Warner Inc. Today, Turner Broadcasting remains a basic cable revenue and industry leader, operating many of the most powerful and well-established brands in news, entertainment and animation.

As it would be of interest to my development sector professionals, Ted Turner has also made his mark as one of the nation's most influential philanthropists. He is Chairman of the Turner Foundation Inc., founded in 1990, which provides support for clean water and toxics reduction; clean air through improved energy efficiency and renewables; wildlife habitat protection; and the development of equitable practices and policies designed to reduce population growth rates. Since 1991, the Turner Foundation has provided grants to hundreds of organizations committed to those goals.

In September 1997, Turner announced a pledge of up to $1 billion to the United Nations Foundation (UNF). The organization supports the goals and objectives of the United Nations to promote a more peaceful, prosperous and just world.

There is so much more that I learnt about Ted Turner that I can go and on and on but hey let me tell you all about some more about the Inside CNN tour. The tours starts with you stepping on to the world’s largest free standing escalator above which is placed a 50 foot globe, from where one can see 25 years of CNN footage on interactive kiosks. From here one enters the replica of a CNN control room and then enters the black box studio, which gives an up close look at the technology used at CNN everyday while delivering news and weather report. This was real fun when once could sit like a news anchor and get a photograph clicked. I too got one! Then we see the newsroom section in action from a glass corridor – which shows how news flows from their sources to viewers. I also learnt about CNN Headline News, CNN International, CNN. Com & CNN en Espanol - which is turning out to be a huge success in terms of its viewer ship. At the finale of the tour – you see videos of CNN anchors sharing their lifetime experiences and how it feels to be on the frontlines of slavery.

The CNN Center also houses a major hotel (an Omni Hotels franchise) and a large atrium food court frequented by local business employees, tourists and event goers.

I also went to see the Chattanooga Mountains Rock Park. The name Chattanooga, in fact, is the Creek Indian word for Lookout Mountain. It was such a great trip and the best thing was that I could spend time with my childhood friend Nivedita after almost 6 long years. She cooked some yummy vegetarian stuff for me and packed some for me while I was coming back.

I had a great time!

Technology tainted with slavery

Imagine a day in your life without your cell phone, your computer, your laptop or even your favorite DVD player. I cannot! It's a cruel yet true irony that in efforts to make high tech information age products more environmental friendly, we have actually boosted incentives for violence and worst forms of exploitation. Everyone's (almost) aware of the human rights abuses in gold and diamond mines in Africa but when it comes to our cool looking cell phones, handy lap tops, DVD players or video games – we don't get the message. Why? - Haven't they become such an indispensable part of our life?

The disturbing issue here is that of coltan mining in Congo. Coltan, or columbite-tantalite, is a highly radioactive ore valued for its ability to convert to the transition metal tantalum. Companies use tantalum to make a variety of electronic devices, including laptops, DVD players and cell phones along with others.

The civil war in Congo has resulted in the loss of thousands of people's lives and turned the country's coltan mines into a deadly battlefield. The huge demand for coltan shows the picture of business & exploitation of the world's most thoroughly ruined country by the global high-tech economies. Experts say that even though coltan mining has disastrous social and environmental consequences, people in the Congo have calculated that the only thing worse than mining coltan would be not mining it. People there don't see any alternative for themselves against slavery and exploitation.

Congo's first national elections since 1965 have taken place, but true peace and democracy remain vague goals. The population continues to be caught in a deadly vortex fueled by weapons transfers, infrastructure breakdown, ineffective leadership, and insecurity.

There are groups advocating for the issue around the world and forcing the high tech companies to investigate their supply chain. There are also other groups advocating for boycotting these slave made goods. But boycotting cell phones and laptops is not as easy as boycotting slave made clothes or chocolate. Even I cannot think of throwing away my cell phone or laptop but I sure want to do something about this. The issue here is bigger. There are groups encouraging recycling of cell phones. With word spreading, the market for recycling cells may increase, and begin to affect the new phone market. We as technology users need to push the companies that make our cell phones, computer chips and other devices to make sure that the coltan in these products is not stained with the blood of innocent Congolese people.

In this so-called 'free' world, the situation in Congo is about slavery and exploitation of the Congolese, with the prospects of massive wealth only for the rich, powerful and the exploiters. Coltan is the lifeblood of modern day communications – and to fight it is a challenge – are we ready?

Walking through my mind, I am amazed to find, memories of each passing season, which we remember for some reason. Having experienced the fall and winter, we are just a couple of weeks away from experiencing the beautiful spring in DC!

During fall, the leaves were of so many different shades and one could just stare at them in awe for hours, and now is the cold continuing with showers of snow once in a while. Winter will soon end, spring will be here and it would just be the right time to enjoy every minute of the bright, beautiful sun.

Just like the seasons, our moods go up and down and small little things can bring a smile on a dull gloomy day. This Valentine’s was my first after marriage and I was quite upset about not being with my husband. Back home in the evening from office – I saw a packet delivered for me. I opened it and found my ‘smile’ for the day! It was a cute little stuff toy - a dog with a flower in hand and a box of chocolates with a little note sent by my husband. I couldn’t have been happier.

On work front, I had the privilege to represent Free the Slaves in the Shareholders Resolutions and Social Advocacy meeting organized by DC BAR Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Section and Corporation, Finance an Securities Law Section and hear some really interesting speakers on the subject.

Shareholder resolutions have become a potent and effective, but controversial tool for public interest organizations to advance environmental, social and human rights issues through the use of corporate governance process and attendant media attention. Some recent campaigns have addressed climate change, animal testing, recycling and human rights.

I learnt about the Social Investments’ firms, which specialize exclusively in socially responsible investing. The firms manage funds for individual and institutional investors who wish to integrate social and environmental standards into their investment decisions and analyze corporate holdings against social and environmental criteria’s. I also got to know about filing proxies and how shareholders could vote their proxies to support the program goals. For example, they can vote for resolutions urging companies to become environmentally responsible or to end certain exploitative practices.

Paul Shapiro from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) spoke about the advocacy efforts for humane treatment of animals in agribusinesses. He referred to the egg industry as a huge problem, wherein the hens are confined in some most outrageous conditions. He spoke about HSUS advocating strongly for ‘cage free’ eggs and in this context have been educating shareholders about the important role they can play. He spoke about shareholders resolution and citing a few examples said that while on one hand Wall- Mart is challenging their resolution and not being receptive, Safeway (one of the leading grocery chains) after a couple of meetings have finally introduced new policies representing important progress on basic animal welfare issues and is sure to positively affect many thousands of animals. He said that Safeway's move also sends a strong message to the agribusiness industry that it must rapidly move away from the worst factory farming abuses, such as intensive confinement systems and the conventional poultry slaughter method. Safeway has establish a purchasing preference for cage-free eggs, which is intended to favor producers who are converting away from battery-cage confinement systems. He also mentioned that Safeway has decided to give purchasing preference to poultry slaughterers that use Controlled Atmosphere Stunning, which causes significantly less suffering than the conventional poultry slaughter method.

During the weekend, I met Gargi’s friends Dolly & Nazmul, a very fun – loving couple and we stayed over at their place on Saturday night. Dolly made some excellent food and I was amazed with her pickle making skills...absolutely delicious!

As seasons come and go…memories are locked in our minds…and we remember the gone seasons for a reason!

Cold & Cloudy!

Today is another winter day. The sky is cloudy and the sun would not look down on the people.
The clouds play tricky…they slowly ascend blocking the rays of the sun… leaving emptiness all around. I don’t want to go another day with clouds in my way…please let the sun shine through!

Lately, wierd thoughts about ‘life’ have been hitting my mind. I keep telling myself philosphical stuff like - we all travel on this long road called life, which is kind of bumpy and sometimes tiring, and the end is a secret hidden by a blanket of fog. But no matter what - one has to go on and on... (Is it the weather or may be I am just missing my husband too much!)

Anyway, on another note - few weeks’ back, I went for an event organized by the Global Health Council on ‘Trafficking of Children & Adolescents as a Public Health Issue’. The meeting focused on the fact that sex trafficking of children & adolescents is a worldwide problem with enormous health consequences including HIV and STDs, reproductive health issues, gastro-intestinal diseases and bodily injuries. These health challenges impact both individuals and wider community, yet there is little involvement of the public health community either in terms of data collection or service delivery.

The speakers for the event were distinguished people like Gary Cohen, who’s the Board Director of Perrigo Company, the US Fund for UNICEF, the Academic Alliance Foundation and a member of the private sector delegation to the Global Fund. He serves as an advocate, speaker and expert panelist in forums involving child health & HIV/AIDS. Other speakers for the day were Azra Kacapor Nurkic, who’s the Director for Children and Youth Programs at World Learning Headquarters in Washington DC, Jay Silverman, who’s a public health researcher-his work focuses on the improvement of practice in the prevention of violence against adolescent and adult women in the US and internationally and Brian Willis, Health Advisor for ECPAT USA, who also served in the Peace Corps in Paraguay.

Last weekend, Gargi and me got the opportunity to visit the ‘Kali Maa’ (Hindu Goddess) temple in Washington DC with an Indian couple. It was a sight to see so many Indians together and all women dressed up in ‘sarees’! After offering prayers, we had ‘prasad’ (food) at the temple and then got back home after a nice long drive.

The 'price' of a bride!

In the prosperous districts of Haryana and Punjab in India, where son preference has resulted in a twisted sex ratio, human trafficking shows a different trend. The girls/young women from economically weaker backgrounds in Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal are being bought in groups for ‘forced marriages’. The legal status of such weddings, of course, remains questionable.

The girls/women blame their destiny and see no better a life for themselves. For an exchange of a small amount of money – a girl is married and brought to an alien land as the ‘bahu’ (daughter – in – law). They are forced to speak Haryanvi & Punjabi (local languages) even if they don’t understand a word of it; they are forced to become wheat eaters while they have grown up eating rice all their lives. This is the part of the country where livestock costs more than women.

In a bid to buy girls for marriage, families make frequent trips from all over Haryana & parts of Punjab to hunt for girls in Bengal, Orissa, Jharkhand and even Maharashtra. The cultural impact of these forced marriages is already developing. The women’s movements are kept under complete surveillance and they aren’t allowed to visit their home. I remember hearing a testimony of one such ‘bride’ who said, “At least, we have food to eat here”. Because the girls don’t understand the language, they are just supposed to say ‘yes’ to whatever the men demand.

Direct fallout of low female population and more ‘single’ males has been a rise in sexual violence against women. Even though the sex ratio is alarming in terms of falling number of girls, having a ‘boy’ is still the first choice and the villagers resort to sex determination tests illegally - If the doctor writes in red it’s a girl, if blue, it’s a boy.

Even more interestingly, local politicians in this region have been promising brides in return for votes!
……….

Gargi offered me to join her for an all-vegetarian potluck party organized by her colleague and friend Leah last Saturday. This truly was an amazing party for me. For the first time in DC I saw a huge table laid up with mouth watering vegetarian dishes – ‘ALL VEG’. It was fun!

'Atlas' realizing dreams!

In our busy lives, there are bundles of struggle and sometimes failure that pop up for a sudden surprise. Your good friends come around and tell you “Don't be afraid…just be prepared…you know you can win over it!” They are there to tell you to never end your dreams…however tough it may seem because when you believe and you strive hard…you know you can WIN!

Falling, stumbling, collapsing, enduring suffering…one uses every strength from within, trying to play cautiously in the desperate game of life!

Slavery came to an end years back. But...did it really? Did you notice the domestic help in your neighbour’s house (and may be your own house) being beaten black and brown? Did you notice the young girl wearing loud make up and enticing clothes…did you notice the sexual advancement she made towards you with her eyes…did you also notice a series of cuts in her arm…and did you notice the man standing in one corner keeping a close eye on all her movements? Did you notice the little boy in the local restaurant, running around serving food, doing utensils and being badly beaten by the manager if something spills? Believe me…there are worst of such cases happening all around us.

Even today the wind is howling with cries of anguish, if one could hear…fields are being run red with the blood of bondage and commerce is thriving upon buying and selling of humans. Millions of families are suffering…divided, broken and displaced. This time it is not only the aristocracy…the kings…but everyone…just someone like you and me! This is the era of ‘modern slavery’!

Humans captured like animals for ill gotten ideals is the best business today. They are beaten, flogged, raped or worse…and ripped of all that they have.

Ever sat beside a victim of slavery to understand the pain they have suffered…you could hear their hopes silently muttered…dreams to be back with their family and live free as a bird then. Don’t we all have a responsibility…to give them their own freedom…Freedom at any cost!

I always wondered what success meant…Is success about money, name or fame? Or about winning life’s' survival game? I think I have got my simple answer to that. I’ll consider myself successful if I could help even one victim leave behind the past that has soaked within…help them forget the pain that burns through their skin…help them rebuild their lives…and if only I could manage to get a smile on their delicate faces.

Ever questioned…what future do we perceive for generations to come?
What would life be like in the next century?
Don’t we all want a world that’s ‘truly free’…for everyone?

Atlas Service Corps is helping me realize my dream of moving towards a slave free world. As an Atlas fellow, I have got the opportunity to work with Free the Slaves, a non – profit dedicated to end slavery around the world. Atlas Corps is in a contest to win $50,000 simply by getting the most number of people to donate $10 online before tomorrow, Thursday, January 31st at 3 PM EST. With 832 donors we are in fourth place. The top four will all win $50,000. Fifth gets nothing!

This contest ends in less than 40 hours. This is a sincere request, if you want to donate, then please do it now. Please go to www.atlascorps.org and donate $10. We need your support!

'Taare Zameen Par' - Every Child is Special!

Last week we experienced the snow fall in DC! Snowflakes soared down softly and swiftly – it was heaven gushing and splashing whiteness. The beautiful snow covered everything - so white, so pure, sparkling like glitter and shining so bright! It was magical white, a magical blur, something extraordinary and one of God’s most wonderful creations. As the snow began to melt, I realized I can never forget the beauty it possesses – the beauty that makes it such a wonder.

And when the nose gets red, hands get icy and feet get frosty, it’s time for something nice – yes, for a cup of warm tea/coffee!

‘Every Child is Special’, that’s the tag line of Aamir Khan’s directorial debut film ‘Taare Zameen Par’, which released a few weeks back. To me, it is one of the most unforgettable films that I have seen so far. I so agree with one of the reviews that I read about the movie “It is not a movie for children but more like a movie about children”. All in all, the target audience for the movie is ‘everyone’ - parents, brother, sister, teacher, all grown-ups - everyone would in some or the other way identify with the movie. The story revolves around an eight-year-old boy - Ishaan Awasthi who suffers from undiagnosed dyslexia and lives in his own dreamy world. Ishaan gets in trouble at school every now and then and his parents decide to send him away to a boarding school where he can be properly disciplined. (Ishaan’s stay at the boarding school took me back to my boarding school days). In his new school, Ishaan is discouraged to find that he's still a misfit and now he doesn't even have his parents with him. Later, Aamir Khan who plays the character of an art teacher - Ran Shankar Nikumbh understands that Ishaan suffers from dyslexia and decides to support him to realize his full potential and nurtures his talent. Darsheel Safary has done a brilliant job in playing the character of Ishaan Awasthy.

It is not uncommon in a country like India where children experience the discredit of being self-ambitions and consider it their duty to fulfill their parents’ ambition while living their own life. ‘Taare Zameen Par’ is a genuine effort to demystify such thinking and encourages the idea that every child is special and has special talents within him/her. Grown – ups need to understand that, support them and cultivate that talent in their upbringing.

The movie has scenes which leave one deeply moved and moist-eyed. The movie has received an enthusiastic response and it truly deserves it. A must watch f you still haven't - GO NOW!

America's Giving Challenge!

Take the CHALLENGE and learn how simple technology can be a force for good and giving. Oh yes! I am talking about the America’s Giving Challenge. It encourages everyone and anyone with access to Internet, punch of passion and commitment, and belief in new and innovative ideas to take the challenge!

Parade and the Case Foundation, leaders in the area of online fundraising for nonprofits, are proud to partner with Network for Good and Global Giving to process donations made through America’s Giving Challenge. The Challenge reinforces the fact that good can be achieved when great people, great ideas, and great opportunities come together. The Challenge is at its near last and most interesting phase right now…with non-profits struggling to be on the top slot.

The Challenge has also come to prove what marketing and social networking can do for nonprofits. The idea is that through the use of charity badges, the eight nonprofit winners who manage to attract the largest number of unique donors will win $50,000 for their cause. This really is amazing! I surely see the need for e – philanthropy in India, which is so not known or may be put into use. The best thing about the challenge is that it has the potential to make "all donors feel equal in the eyes of philanthropy." Anyone can support a cause that he/she may be passionate about for as little as $10 and feel like an empowered donor!

I am sure most of us read the quote in the Washington Post article from GlobalGiving's Dennis Whittle: "It used to be that if you wanted to give and have an impact, people thought you had to be Bill Gates or Oprah Winfrey. But because of the way the technology works, you can be an 'ordinary Oprah.' If you've got $10 or $100 or $1,000, you can come and find a school in Africa to support, and you can get updates from the field to get responses to your support." The Challenge has such a feel good factor and I can’t wait to see the final results.

I have also reached almost the last pages of David Bornstein’s How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas. The book profiles some twenty social entrepreneurs and their organizations; and provides insight into what makes a social entrepreneur special. It also inspires you to be one! The book has highlighted individuals across the globe; who took charge of social problems and could find innovative, even unique, solutions.

On work front…am damn busy with the FTS Freedom Awards 2008. Almost buried under the pile of nominations – reviewing, researching, analyzing and questioning…whoops! This surely is enriching my knowledge on organizations doing some exemplary work around the globe. There is just so much to learn.

On Sunday, I dressed up in my traditional dress for Shakranti (festival) prayers and Gargi gave me a surprise with a lovely home baked cake. This was to celebrate my belated birthday and my more than a month old marriage. I was so touched…thank you Gargi!

On a serious note, these challenges and awards are very popular right now, but I am interested to see what happens when the fanfare has died and the prizes have all been awarded.

And here’s an appeal – I am an Atlas Fellow and my sponsor organization Atlas Corps is moving strongly towards expanding its program. It is a great concept where non-profit professionals from developing countries are chosen to come and volunteer (learn & contribute) at some of the most prestigious non-profits in the United States. It is an organization that has been successful entirely because of public support. Atlas Corps is trying hard to maintain itself in the top slot in the America’s giving Challenge. A contribution of as little as $ 10 can make a difference - so please go to www.atlascorps.org and consider making a $10 online donation today!

Christmas, New Year's and the Cold!

As I step off the warm, heated house every morning, the freezing wind hits my face, working it's way down to my entire body. I wrap my jacket tighter around myself as I walk through the cold air, forcing each step to the bus stop and then to the metro station. Like ice cubes making their way up and down my spine, I keep shivering. From metro station, the warmth of my office building still a couple of steps ahead of me seems farther away from me...actually more than ever before! Cursing the weather, I continue with my daily routine.

Back from India, I could see the Christmas preparations all around DC. On Christmas eve, I along with Gargi and Yunus went to the National Mall to see the Christmas celebrations. Everything around the National Mall was lighted up beautifully and there were small Christmas trees all around the National Christmas tree, representing all the American States. Flashing lights, shining and gleaming as we made our way back to our house, I stared at all the wonders of Christmas and did hope that Santa's got a secret stocking for me.

Next day was Christmas, that day of the year when everyones smiling, everyones happy and it's great to feel the warmth & love in the air. Christmas cheer was everywhere and it was fun! As the evening came, dark and inviting, we went to bed with our heads pounding at all fun we had, celebrating Christmas in US this year (2007).

Then came the much awaited end of year 2007 and beginning of year 2008. Yes, it was time to celebrate the end of those 365 days that passed with a blink. Another year gone by. On the night of 31st, me and Gargi went to see the New Year's celebrations at Baltimore Harbour. As the clock struck 12 and they began with the countdown - 10, 9,8,7,6...i thanked God for the past, for giving me the present, and most of all for allowing me to make a future and live life each day. With this, I opened my arms, welcoming new year and embracing the future.

With the coming of new year I realize, I am a little older but also a lot wiser. Wisdom surely has been added from the experiences of my previous year. Bitter, sweet or sour...whatever the taste of life may have been, I am grateful to life's education...it is life that inspires me to live each day and it has also taught me to smile at my own imperfections.

Let us with our smiles...sweeten this mundane world, drown all bitterness and add a little happiness to our lives!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! :)