Categories
Social

Experiments and Explorations: A Workshop on Theatre

Experiments and Explorations” was a 5 day theatre workshop at Shikshantar with one guiding theme: “The audience”. We explored different means of audience participation, and discussed the many ways in which the theatre can interact with its public. The workshop consisted of exercises, games and creation techniques- looking at the links between theatre with the visual arts, music, dance and street performances. The objective was not only to explore the art form of the theatre, but to try and understand how it might be able to play a part in social and political commentary.

The workshop resulted in a small performance on the street outside Shikshantar. Working with the theme of “Nature”, the participants reflected on the changes that are taking place in our environment – the causes, the effects and the possible solutions.

Theatre Workshop (1)Theatre Workshop (2)

Theatre Workshop (3)Theatre Workshop (4)

By UdaipurBlog Guest Author – Nandita Dinesh

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

About the Author

Nandita DineshNandita Dinesh is from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu and has an M.A. in Performance Studies from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. A recipient of the Watson Fellowship, Nandita pursued a project entitled “All the world is a stage: Using theatre to address conflict”; and as such, traveled to Guatemala, Northern Ireland and Rwanda understanding the role that theatre played during/ after the conflict in question. She has coordinated community theatre related efforts in India, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Northern Ireland, the United States, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico.

Categories
Social

Cycle Yatra: A trip to our roots of Culture and Nature

THE SWAPATHGAMI CYCLE YATRA LEFT UDAIPUR ON JAN 9, 2011. They will return on the 13th. There were 17 yatris from Rajasthan, MP, Maharashtra, Delhi, Mysore, Gujarat, UP. Many were students of Swaraj University. Several yatris dressed up as animals such as polar bear, penguin, tiger, elephant, etc to raise attention to the global warming and climate change issues. The yatra was organized by Shikshantar.

Cycle Yatra

For those who are new to the cycle yatra idea, it is a weeklong cycle trip into rural Rajasthan. What sets this trip apart from a general cycle trip is that we do not carry any money, electronic gadgets, food or first aid medicines with us. We stop at villages along the route and find work to earn our board and lodge.

While each participant’s learning and experience from such a trip is unique, the general thinking behind such a trip is –

  • We go manual for transportation and basically burn off some calories that we have so lovingly accumulated despite being cholesterol conscious.
  • We go slow (rather than breeze thru in fast cars) and so get a better chance at appreciating nature and rural life.
  • We interact with the local people (rather than just buy stuff off them with money power) in the course of creatively managing our board and lodge.
  • We get a peek into village life and in the process learn skills that we have lost by virtue of being part of the ‘developed’ society. We can also share some skills that we have.
  • We develop an appreciation for local knowledge and skills and the ability to thrive in what nature has provided.
  • We develop some trust in the ability of nature to take care of us and in the goodness of human beings rather than having to constantly struggle for one’s existence as if it is one long battle against nature and other human beings.
  • We get some time to reflect on our own lives
  • We loosen a little the tight stranglehold that money has over our minds and learn that alternative ways to live might exist.

And let us not forget that most important is to enjoy nature, creating music, dance, theatre, games and have a fun filled adventure! This is a real chance to re-connect to the gift culture.

Check out the film from the first yatra to get an idea of the adventure…

We will cycle about 100 km from Udaipur to Jaisamand. The whole region is culturally very rich and still has some jungles left.

What you need to bring along (and remember that everything you bring along has to be carried by you on your bike)-


  1. Personal clothing.
  2. Some bedding (sleeping bag, blanket etc)
  3. Water bottle (if you have a non-plastic one)
  4. Bikes can be rented at nearest town

More Photos From the Cycle Yatra-

Cycle Yatra_More_photos

Cycle Yatra_More_photos

By Guest Author- Manish Jain

Categories
Events

National Youth Festival: The Countdown Begins

nyf 2011 logo

The count down begins for the week long grand youth festival happening first time in the city of Lakes. With just three days left the spectacular event will witness vibrant colors of Rajasthan with cultural events, folk dances and other colorful events bringing in light the theme of the event for 2011 which is ‘Sabse Pehle Bharat ‘ .

sabse pehle bharat

The Jointly organized event by Government of India and Government of Rajasthan will witness the participation of 5000 participants across 35 states and union territories from India. And for the first time National Youth Festival will witness the gracious presence of delegates from SAARC and ASEAN. The neighboring nations of Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have also confirmed their participation in the fest.

Udaipur and Udaipies are all set to be the host of this national event and feel delightful and gracious about the ceremonial youth fest. With all the warm welcomes (Padhaaro mhare des) and mewadi “shaan and satkaar” the event will prove to be a grand success in the history of Udaipur.

The city shines like diamond to welcome its guests and give them a taste of splendid mewadi culture,and eye pleasing landscapes of the lakes, which filled and overflowed recently  The administration is all well set at its place to leave no space for any misconduct during the week long fest. Roads are being made into even the most untouched areas. Road dividers, tourist places are being painted. Almost every possible renovation work is being conducted.

renovation work udaipur

The week long fest will be inaugurated by His Excellency Dr Hamid Ansari, the Vice president of India. On 12 january 2011, His Excellency Shri Shivraj Patil, Governor of Rajasthan will be the guest of honor at the inaugural ceremony of NYF 2011.

To make it even bigger the event will Witness:

  1. Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi performing at inaugural day ceremony on January 12 night at B.N College venue.
  2. Sudhesh Bhosle and his troop to perform on the evening of January 13 at M.B. Stadium Udaipur.
  3. Rock Show on January 14 evening at M.B. Stadium which will see live band performances by Misty Rhythms, Soul mate – The Blue Band from Shillong, Parikrima Rock Band and many more.
  4. “Yuva Kriti “ the handcraft exhibition featuring the beautiful products of young artisians from all across India to be held at Seren Shiplgram  in Udaipur from January 12 to 16 as part of NYF 2011.
  5. Mouth Watering Delicacies: forty stalls serving the delicious food from all regions of India to be held at Shilpgram from January 12 to 16.
  6. The closing day ceremony will see adventurous stunts by Indian Army men performing “Daredevil show“ ,  Indian Airforce men “Skydiving” and to end with a musical Military Band performance by Indian Army.

For a detailed schedule scheme click here

A Woooowing week waiting for every one out there ……. DO NOT MISS IT….

– By Ronak Chauhan

Categories
Social

Sadhna NGO – Empowering Rural Women

Sadhna a unit of Seva mandir was started in 1988 under income augmentation project with women groups in rural, tribal and urban slums belts of Udaipur resign, and enduring through various stages of non-viability, functional effectiveness and finally impressive growth both in terms of production and sales, it has today grown into a self sufficient and independent organization.. This program started with a small group of 15 women who were trained in the skill of appliqué (embroidery), Sadhna’s total artisan membership has increased to 639. The challenge, therefore, was to find kind of something that could be mass based and yet provide adequate returns. So they have chosen Appliqué and Tanka Embroidery, with the idea of building the basic stitching traditions. Major fact to chose it was something women could do while staying at home, and time being. The journey, in the starting years was very difficult but in spite of it, they continue doing this program, and after that this program managed to overcome with problems and turn into a self sustaining unit. Sadhna was registered as a Mutual Benefit Trust on December, 2004 and the year 2005-2006 was the first full year of working. All the artisans are also member owners of Sadhna. Sadhna’s main aim lies in being able to create cluster of artisans, to enable more and more women attain socio-economic empowerment. Sadhna has made a lot of headway on social dimension, and has certainly learnt a lot about the challenges of strengthening & empowering women, using a commercial enterprise as a medium.

Design is the most vital part of any producer group’s identity and success. In its approach to design, Sadhna has attempted to blend innovation with continuity. Sadhna has been developing new designs from last two decades which helped in brand building and creating an identity for Sadhna products. Under this activity, Sadhna do organize design development workshop every year. Designers from different parts of country take part in this workshop and trained to artisans. This year design intervention and product development was carried out across all the categories i.e. Home Furnishing, Garments, Accessories, and Thread Jewelry. The focus was on developing more complex design. Sadhna’s product can be found at Feb India which is India’s largest private platform for products that are made from traditional techniques, skills and hand-based processes, not only in Feb India but at so many larger groups Sadhna’s artisans product can be seen. Sadhna has partnership with Olsen group, Germany. Sadhna is getting its identity in European markets too. TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation on India Ltd.) sponsored workshop with Sadhna, Focus of this workshop was on improving skill levels and design development especially for tribal women.

Sadhna’s work area in Udaipur and nearer is Khanjipeer, Kharol Colony,Delwara, Madar, Sheeshwi, Ratekhet & Manoharpura

The most encouraging aspects, of course, are the changes in women’s lives, their growing involvement and influence in their local communities. There are stories a plenty of women now being able to help their families move out of vulnerability, investing in their children’s education, and gaining the respect of their husband and relatives they also play an active role in decision making bodies of Sadhna, through their representation in management committee and Board of Trustees.. Women are also breaking caste and religious boundaries, and building string horizontal solidarities. One of the earliest locations, Delwara, the women are now leading the efforts towards improving their neighborhoods (sanitation, water, solid waste management, etc.) as also becoming active and articulate participants in panchayat processes. Sadhna has exceeded most expectations, and they credit wholly to women‘s energy & commitment, and hard work and dedication of each and every staff member. All women connected with this program got encouragement and inspiration through the chief executive Ms. Leela Vijayvergia to make these dream reality. Many women members are also part of community level activities, such as setting up local self governance systems for the betterment of their area and villages. These women hold important positions at such forums and the community attributes this holistic empowerment to their learning and confidence building within Sadhna.

Sadhna is looking for strengthen its export market. This year Sadhna did well in the international sales. During the coming year, Sadhna will work on establishing more contacts with overseas buyers, as also developing product ranges which will appeal to foreign markets.their main effort will be to maintain a professional attitude toward the orders especially in terms of quality & time.

On social perspective Sadhna has increased its work areas, increased numbers of artisan too. Sadhna has put its great effort for women welfare, through which women got inspired and connected with it, and self dependency developed in them.

UdaipurBlog Support Such NGO . We Hope You Too 🙂

C/o Seva Mandir , Old Fatehpura

Udaipur 313004(Rajasthan)

0294-2454655

City Outlet

Jagdish Chowk Road,

Kasaron ki oul,Udaipur.

Ph. 0294-2417454

Also Visit their WebSiteSadhna.Org

An Article By Monika Jain 🙂

Few Work Of Women From Sadhna :-


Categories
Festivals

Tulsi Vivah – A Start to Marriage Season

tulsi pooja

OM Tulsayei Vidmahe
Vishnu Priyayei Dhimahi
Tanno Vrinda Prachodayat.

The celebration of Tulsi Vivah festival takes place on a grand scale in India every year.Tulsi Puja is dedicated to Tulsi, the sacred plant. Tulsi Vivah is the other name for celebration of Tulsi Pooja.

Tulsi vivah is conducted on the next day after Kartiki Akadashi.As a part of festivity celebration, tulsivrindavan is adorned like a bride. Along with tulsi the plants of amla sugarcane and tamarind are planted.Special feast is prepared consisting of delicious vegetarian dishes.A full meal consisting of puri rice sweet potato kheer moongachi gathi red pumpkin vegetable is offered to Tulsi Vrindavan in the afternoon time.The ceremony of wedding takes place during evening.Several dishes made from poha are served to Lord Vishnu. Prasad is then distributed amongst all.This ceremonial day marks the beginning of the auspicious marriage season for Hindus.

Tulsi Vivah—: Tulsi vivah is a grand festivity that has a lot of significance for Hindus.There is an interesting legend behind the celebration of Tulsi vivah festival.Tulsi is considered to be an incarnation of Maha Lakshmi who was born as Vrinda in her previous birth.Tulsi was married to a demon king Jalandhar.She offered prayers to Lord Vishnu to protect her husband from being harmed by any God.Several Gods approached Lord Vishnu and requested him to take the form of Jalandhar and live with Tulasi without letting her know about the truth. To know the complete story read on. Lord Vishnu agreed to the request and did as told by other Gods.After the death of Vrindas husband when truth was known to her she cursed Lord Vishnu and converted him into a stone i.e.Shaligram and after that she collapsed.From her body came out a tulsi plant.It is due to this reason that Vishnu puja is regarded incomplete without the presence of Tulsi leaves.Since then every year Tulsi is married to Lord Vishnu and the event is known as Tulasi Shaligram Vivah.It is said that the person who performs the custom of giving away Tulsi to Lord Vishnu considering her to be his own daughter is considered to earn the credit of performing kanyadan. Tulsi vivah is conducted on the next day after Kartiki Akadashi.As a part of festivity celebration, tulsivrindavan is adorned like a bride. Along with tulsi the plants of amla sugarcane and tamarind are planted.Special feast is prepared consisting of delicious vegetarian dishes.A full meal consisting of puri rice sweet potato kheer moongachi gathi red pumpkin vegetable is offered to Tulsi Vrindavan in the afternoon time.The ceremony of wedding takes place during evening.Several dishes made from poha are served to Lord Vishnu. Prasad is then distributed amongst all.This ceremonial day marks the beginning of the auspicious marriage season for Hindus.

Tulsi Pooja
In Udaipur Tulsi Vivah is celebrated at Jagdish Temple. On this day early in the morning  Mangle Aarti is performed then devotees performed the Panchamrit Snan – (bathing of the Lord with 5 auspicious liquids). They are – Milk, Curd ,Ghee, Sugar and Honey,after that god is being dressed in Orange color cloth  and decorated as a bride.Vivah ceremony took place late in the evening according to custom.large numbers of devotees gathered over there. During Vivah ceremony, women did performed songs about Tulsi Vivah and song for Tulsi and god as well.this year this celebration was most remembering celebration as the day was full of rain so things were totally different this year and devotees enjoyed the festival and from now onwards marriage season is on …………….!!!!!!!

A Post By Monika Jain

Categories
Festivals

EID – UL – ZUHA

Eid Ul Zuha

EID-UL-ZUHA also called EID-UL-AZHA  in arabic and BAKRA-EID  in indian subcontinent , because of  tradition of sacrificing a goat or ” bakra” in urdu.

The word eid is derived  from the arabic word  ” iwa ”  means  festival  and ”  zuha ”  comes from ”  uzhaiya ”  which translates to sacrifice . On this day , muslims sacrifice a goat or bakra to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim , who willingly agreed to kill his son at the behest of god .

This festival coincides with Haj pilgrimage in Mecca . Prayers are offered in the mosque and sacrificed meat is then distributed after the eid prayers . Special delicacies are prepared  and served among family and friends . This famous festival is celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety in India . Muslim people generally wear fresh new traditional dress that is white kurta pajama on this day . Usually people wear white dresses on this day because white is the symbol of peace .

The path which leads to god is of  love , peace and devotion . There is a small story which forms the basis of celebrating this festival .

The festival of bakra-eid is a commemoration of  Hazrat Ibrahim ‘s great test of obedience of allah , who ordered him to sacrifice the person dearest to him . Ibrahim then decided to sacrifice his son Ismail , at Meena near Mecca .  As the great religious leader was on the point of applying the sword to the throat of  his dear son Ismail , it was revealed to him that the exercise was merely a test of  his faith in allah and that he could sacrifice a goat instead.  Since from then bakra-eid is celebrated on the tenth day of  Zil Hijja that is the month of  the lunar  Islamic  calendar .

By  – SHEEBA PARVEEN

Categories
Festivals Udaipur Speaks

Happy Navaratri

SARVAMANGALAMANGALYE

SHIVE SARVATHASAADHIKE,

SHARANYE TRIYAMBAKE GAURI

NARAAYANI NAMOSTUTE

Durga Mata

The nine-day festival of Navratri, , in Hindu religion devoted to the nine manifestations of Goddess Ma Durga. According to the Hindu calendar, Navratri begins from the first day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin which usually coincides with the end of the rainy season. The most important Navratri in a year is the Sharadiya Navratra which begins on the first day of the bright half of Ashvin or Ashwayuja (September-October) as per traditional Hindu calendar.

The nine days have great religious significance as Goddess Durga, the divine mother, had destroyed the evil force in the form of the demon Mahisashura during this period.

Durga, in Sanskrit means “She who is incomprehensible or difficult to reach.” Goddess Durga is a form of Sakti worshiped for her gracious as well as terrifying aspect. Mother of the Universe, she represents the infinite power of the universe and is a symbol of a female dynamism. The manifestation of Goddess Durga is said to emerge from her formless essence and the two are inseparable.

She is also called by many other names, such as Parvati, Ambika, and Kali. In the form of Parvati, She is known as the divine spouse of Lord Shiva and is the mother of her two sons, Ganesha and Karttikeya, and daughter Jyoti. Destroyer of demons, she is worshiped during an annual festival called Durga puja, especially popular among Bengalis.

Her Appearance

There are endless aspects of Durga described in the Puranas and Agamas and the iconography is consequently very varied. She is usually pictured as having ten arms holding Sword, Conch, Discus, Rosary, Bell, Wine cup, Shielf, Bow, Arrow, and Spear. She is most often shown riding a lion from which comes her august name, Simhavahini, “She who stands astride the king of beasts”. She is gorgeously dressed in royal red cloth and has several ornaments decorating her personage. Her hair is dressed up in a crown (karandamukuta) which then flows out in long luxuriant tresses that are darkly luminous and soothing to the eye. The various tools reflect the eminent supremacy that helps in controlling the universe and obey her will.

Wielding Energy

Goddess Durga exists eternally, always abiding in her own sweet nature and inhabits the hearts and minds of her ecstatic devotees. As Shakti power, she shapes, nurtures, and dissolves names and forms, while as subtle spiritual energy called Kundalini, She lights the lotuses fo the seven centres of awareness in the sacred human body. Goddess Durga killed the powerful demon Mahish and all his great commanders. When demonic forces create imbalance all god unite becoming one divine force called Shakti or Durga.

First day (October 8th 2010)

The first day is devoted to the Maa Durga is called Shailputri, the daughter of the Himalayas. She is a form of Shakti, the companion of Lord Shiva.

Second Day (October 9th 2010)

The second day is dedicated to the Maa Durga is known as ‘Brahmacharini’. The name is derivative of the word ‘Brahma’, which means ‘Tapa’ or penace. She is also a form of Mata Shakti.

Third Day (October 10th 2010)

The third day is dedicated to the goddess Chandraghanta, the symbolic representation of beauty and bravery.

Fourth Day (October 11th 2010)

The fourth day is dedicated to the goddess Kushmandas, the creator of the entire Universe.

Fifth Day (October 12th 2010)

The fifth day is dedicated to the Goddess Skand Mata, the mother of the chief warrior of the Gods army the Skanda

Sixth Day (October 13th 2010)

Durga Puja begins in Bengal – Saraswati Puja Avaha The sixth day is dedicated to the goddess Katyayani with three eyes and four hands.

Seventh Day (October 14th 2010)

The seventh day is dedicated to the Goddess ‘Kalratri’, meant to make the devotees fearless.

Eighth Day (October 15th 2010)

The eight day is dedicated to the Mata Rani or ‘Maha Gauri’, represents calmness and exhibits wisdom.

Ninth Day (October 16th 2010)

The ninth day is dedicated to Durga also referred as Siddhidatri. It is believed that she has all the eight siddhis and is worshipped by all the Rishis and Yogis.

Durga Festival at Udaipur:-

On the occasion of Navratri to worship goddess and celebrate festival in the form of Dandiya, there are so many places which are being set for Dandiya Ras. Most of the goddess temple like Ambamata, Neemachmata, Aavrimata, and Kalikamata has setup for Dandiya by the followers and so many other groups and mandals are there who do manage Pandal (Particular area which covered with Tents).On the ninth day of Durga Puja Havana (puja) is being done by the learn people who do follow all the rules and custom during this nine days festival.

Ya Devi Sarva Bhutesu Maa rupena samsthita

Ya Devi Sarva Bhutesu Shakti rupena samsthita

Ya Devi Sarva Bhutesu Buddhi rupena samsthita

Ya Devi Sarva Bhutesu Laxmi rupena samsthita

Namestasyai Namestasyai Namestasyai Namo Namah

Devi Ma

A Post By Monika Jain

Categories
Udaipur Speaks

Child Trafficking – Modern Day Slavery

Child Trafficking

 

Children Fuel BT Cotton Boom: Only Just 1 Rs. per Hour

BUMPER CROP Sought for their nimble hands and low height, Rajasthani children help pollinate fields of genetically modified cotton in Gujarat.

With social-security schemes faltering, even a state vigil can’t stop the night run of traffickers

Nearly 40,000 acres of land is under contract farming of BT cottonseeds in these areas where laborers and children are grossly underpaid and kept in sub-human conditions during the peak season of July, August and September.
Child labor is rampant in border districts of south Rajasthan and north Gujarat where they are engaged under contract farming of BT cotton seeds but governments of the two states are doing little to curb it, representatives of labor outfits like Dakshin Rajasthan Mazdoor Union, Adivasi Centre for Labor Research and Action (CLRA) and Adivasi Sarvangin Vikas Sangh have alleged.

Demanding immediate raids in the fields to free these children and action against seed companies that employ them, they said nearly two lakh children are working in these fields. This has led to an increase in dropout rates in schools in the area, said Sudhir Katiyar of CLRA during a media briefing recently.

According to Katiyar, migrant laborers work with their children in 19 villages of Diyodar taluka, 18 villages of Kankrej taluka and 15 villages of Deesa taluka in Banaskantha district. He said in parts of south Rajasthan, especially in Udaipur, Dungarpur and Banswara districts, minor girls are subjected to sexual harassment in the fields and even police complaints have been filed.

Nearly 40,000 acres of land is under contract farming of Bt cottonseeds in these areas where laborers and children are grossly underpaid and kept in sub-human conditions during the peak season of July, August and September. Once the season is over, they return empty-handed to their villages, said Mannalal Masters of Social Service Trust, Udaipur. Masar said children working on the field often suffered serious illness due to exposure to toxic chemic also that lead to death in many cases.

Trafficiking

 

 

 

In Udaipur & Dungarpur: In this land of rolling hills, made lush by the monsoon traffic ceases after dusk. So, I it is unusual to hear jeeps running through the night on the winding roads of tribal south Rajasthan.

Though the day, are out in force, trying to stop what they can only slow the mass trafficking of children across the border into Gujarat from the Rajasthan districts that border it: Udaipur, dungarpur, banswara and sirohi .

Dungarpur Collector purna Chandra kishan acknowledged that some 30,000 children, some as young as seven, were sent across the border last year.

Udaipur Collector Anand kumar said the count for Udaipur was 25000.  So, the jeeps continue their short runs at night, 8to 20 km into Gujarat. If the pressure is too intense, the contractors, called “mates” locally, walk the children across the border. Then jeeps came there to pick up those children.

Recently in July near about 450 children has been rescued on the borders, were going to Gujarat for the same cause usually children from Jhadol, kherwara and nearer area has been trapped in all this. But now issue is that after rescue of those children where are they at present? Are they safe? Or they have gone again for the same work? What initiative had been taken by system?

Some social organization situated in Udaipur and nearer areas started work over child trafficking and child migration as well .There are 43 organizations are working for it in they are doing work over it from last 3-4 months .They have Named it as Bal Suraksha Network (BSN).They do visit those villages from which children are being sent.BSN network did made posters, pamphlets and banners and trying to make people aware  that they shouldn’t sent there children to these industries and  to contractors which spoils their kids in each n every aspect of life.

baal surakhsha - Poster publish by BSN network

Poster publish by BSN network

Once the cotton field of Gujarat’s prosperous Sabarkantha or Banaskantha districts, interviews with child workers reveal, the children are packed into sheds, where they sleep on a mat, must rise at 4am, endure 12-to-14 hour  days and little relief from illness.

Last year according to official figures, five children dead. The unofficial toll is in then tens.

Laloo ramji, who “guesses” he is 13 or 14. Is a child worker who will not be going back this year? Perhaps, he never will His hands are getting to big.

A wiry boy with an ear-stud and willing smile, ramji recalled staying with “40 to 50 other children in a small cramped room”.

Their work was in the sprawling fields planted with Bt (bacillus thuringiensis ) cotton , name after a soil bacterium whose gene has been inserted in to the cotton plant to produce a toxin that resists the bollworm, reduces insecticide use – and so transforms the cotton economy.

Ramji explained how he plucked the stamen, or the male part of the cotton flower. “We place in it the sunlight, so it opened,” said ramji. “After it (the flower) opened, we took the pollen and rubbed it on the female part (pistil) of the flower we worked till about 1 pm when we were given a two – hour break for lunch. Then we works till 7 pm.”

Gujarat produces about half of India’s cotton, adroitly using its Bt version this cotton to boost yield and lower costs. The state’s fields had a record harvest in 2009, and the anticipation of another boom fuels the trafficking of children.

The BT cotton plant is smaller than normal cotton, and that drives the demand for child workers. It helps that they have small, nimble fingers for the delicate work of pollination.

Since agricultural labor is not a hazardous occupation, the labor laws say children under 14 can work, but only for six hour a day with an hour’s rest in between. In addition, there must be weekly holidays and medical benefits.

Work hours in the cotton fields’ stretch up to 14 hours, and children exposed to insecticides report a variety of health hazards. These include dizziness, headaches, nausea, weakness, Skin infection, and respiratory problems, as a 2000 study by the Gujarat Agriculture labor Union revealed.

“Critical to reducing child labor is effective implementation and access to the already available social protection schemes.” Said Samuel Mawunganidze chief of UNICEF in Rajasthan. “This will unsure that the parents have access to income and essential services, which will reduce pressure to send children to the BT cotton fields.”

When that will happen is uncertain.!!!!!!

A Post Contribution by Sanjeev Vaseeta and Monika Jain

Categories
Featured News Reviews Udaipur Speaks

Animal Aid Unlimited

A Visit:

Its 10 a.m. in the morning, Sun is getting brighter, Birds are chirping, some dogs are barking. We are at the gate of Animal Aid Unlimited at Badi. A young fair lady welcomes us in with a smile. Her name is Claire Abrams she introduces herself as co-founder of this Organization. She lets us in , and we see a lady feeding milk from a bottle to a puppy who is crippled. A wounded dog is lying besides that who is been looked after by a man in his mid 20’s. This man is healing his wounds by applying ointment on them. There are other dogs, which are playing around. There is a lot of activity going around, sounds of barking Dogs, mooing Cows, braying Donkeys and a lot more.

Animal Aid Unlimited

Claire took us further inside to A kennel where all the ill dogs stay. We could see a team of 4 men holding a dog with a badly wounded neck, they gave him medicines and vaccines to heal and recover. On asking “What had happened to this dog” she told the dog seems to be a victim of cruelty by men. Sum one tied a knot around his neck as a result he lost his outer skin cover, cruel but true. She said that it will take time to heal but he will be fine in some period of time.

Dog kenneldogs kennel

We saw another puppy that was shivering with pain in his kennel. The probable reason for that could have been that sum body drove on him. She told that he showed no signs of healing and he is gong to die soon. We felt bad and helpless for the poor fellow; (Felt a grudge why people do that? Why can’t people drive slowly and carefully?) Every Animal brought in there had a heart-filling story of its own. The speechless animals spoke through their innocent eyes as if trying to say something. (Who can believe that there is no soul in those luminous eyes?) Words were not enough to describe the situation there one could only feel it.

CowsDonkeys

We further went to other sheds of cows, donkeys, pigs they too had the similar stories of cruelty, brutality and inhumanness of mankind that couldn’t be described. For a moment it made us feel shameful, being a human felt like rather animals are better off then humans because what they want is just love nothing else. Looking at all those animals our world came to a standstill. But two small joyful pigs Bronze and Silver brought a ray of hope and smile on our faces, as they play around us unknown of the entire cruel world besides them.

About Animal Aid:

Animal

Coming to India way back in 1993 by a US couple named (James and Erika Abrams) who came on a trip to the country and to Udaipur and fell in love with it. They founded Animal Aid Unlimited, an animal care center which provides help and shelter to stray and homeless animals (dogs, donkeys, cows, cats, pigs, birds) is now a Big Hospital cum Animal Care Center at Badi in front of T.B. hospital with around 250 animals receiving treatment and care per day on an average.

The Animal Aid Unlimited organization is one such special organization in the country run by a US family to look after those street animals that have no home and no one to care for them. Animal Aid is full of rescued street animals (cows, dogs, donkeys, cat , pigs) and there are some heart throbbing stories of cruelty, brutality and neglect by humans upon them in our very own Udaipur city.

A ring on their helpline number (24*7) and they come in to action

Animal Aid Unlimited though a name uncommon to some, is very common and famous amongst Animal Lovers of the city. Any Animal Lover who sees some animal in pain and in need of a helping hand just calls Animal Aid Unlimited helpline no. 0294-2810327 and request help. The specialized team of people immediately comes into action and rushes forward to help the suffering animal. They locate the animal as guided by the Animal Lovers and rescue the animal into their ambulance to their center. These animals are mostly ownerless who without the life-saving call would be left on the roads to die.

At the center in Badi the animals are kept under supervision and full care is ensured so that become becomes well soon. Mainly the cases comes of brutality by humans in any form (indescribable) , road accidents by fast moving vehicles, fights among animals itself or any calamity caused due to unknown factors. Because the animals are unowned, many times they do not know exactly the history of the animal.

There are separate sheds and kennels for every animal in the center spread across 4 bighas. The dogs are kept into separate kennels for the time of their treatment. Same as dogs other animals such as cows, donkeys have separate paddock for their treatment and stay. Animals after their treatment are been released back to where they were caught, but those who are permanently injured or disabled stay with them for their lifetime.

90% of animals coming in get completely well but some unfortunate and badly wounded animals die too, though unfortunate and sad but true. Animal Aid urges Udaipur people to call immediately when they see a suffering animal, not to wait, because if they don’t receive treatment immediately they may become to serious to recover.


A word with the Co founder of Animal Aid Unlimited – Ms. Claire Abrams

Claire

In the words of Claire:

“Animal Aid Unlimited was the dream of my parents. We are originally from Seattle USA and came to Udaipur almost 15 years ago for a visit and fell in love with the beautiful city. Udaipur is a very peaceful and safe place that we decided to shift to permanently. None in my family has a degree in veterinary medicine, but we are passionate about animals and committed to saving as many as we can.

The Animal Aid hospital and rescue center was established in 2002 in the small village of Chota Hawala near Rajiv Gandhi Udgyan. Our mission is to rescue and save the lives of suffering animals in Udaipur, mainly the stray animals who suffer from road accidents, injuries, and various illnesses.

My parents’ careers were as consultants with organizations in the U.S. and Australia, but since 2002 they have dedicated their lives to rescuing animals. We have been living in Udaipur for almost 15 years now, and call Udaipur “HOME”.

Asking upon regarding the support from government Claire says:

“The local government has not yet provided Animal Aid with funds to help stray animals, which is unfortunate, because with their help we could be reaching to even more animals.”

We asked Claire about the latest news?

“The latest important issue, which was covered in the Times of India, is regarding the Udaipur Municipal Corporation’s cruel and illegal practice of catching stray dogs and dumping them in the deserts to die without food and water. This brutality is raising concern amongst Udaipur’s animal lovers and through the campaign to stop the UMC from killing dogs, we are trying to raise the status of stray dogs.”

Attitude of citizens:

“We are really thankful to the caring people of Udaipur who call the Emergency Help-line whenever they see an injured animal. We get about 15-20 calls a day, which adds up to more than 3,000 calls per year. This is fantastic, and without that vital support we would not be able to rescue the animals.

We hope to continue getting support from Udaipurites, including the young people who will shape the future. We can all make a huge difference in the lives of these innocent animals that depend our help for their lives. I want to ask everyone, that pleases, if you see an animal that is suffering and in need, don’t turn and look the other way, but do something to help her. You are her only chance and you have the power to help her. If not now, when? If not you, who?

“Remember, just a call can give a new life to someone.”

Asking about raising funds for the cause:

Claire says Animal Aid depends on the generous donations of people who care about animals.

To run Animal Aid costs about Rs. 13,000 per day — more than Rs. 3 lakh per month.

The hospital depends on donations from businesses, foreign tourists and some random donations from animal lovers.

Claire says,

If more people contributed whatever they could—even small donations, even things like old cloth for bedding, blankets, rice, dal, toast or biscuits, green grass—every little bit more that people give means more animals being saved. The animals of Udaipur need all of us to join hands and help them. I am dreaming of a day when not a single animal in Udaipur is suffering. I think there are other people who are dreaming about the same thing. It takes a lot of energy, courage and money to make this dream come true, and we’re already part-way there. I want the next 10 years to bring 10 times more help to animals and the ONLY way we can do it is by helping them TOGETHER.”

A Request By Claire:


Animals have rights just like men, women and children do. And just as it is wrong to beat a person, force labor on children and abuse women, it is also wrong to do these things to animals.

Claire Abrams

claire family

Special Thanks to Ms. Claire and Abrams Family – UdaipurBlog Team

We support animal aid

Helpline No: 0294- 2810327, 9829843726

Website:  Animal Aid Unlimited

Facebook Page: Click Me

A Post by Ronak Chauhan