Tollygunge tram, rickshaw road and beaten buses…

Transportation is something that takes getting used to in Asia, having had my own car and motorbike in Scotland it has proved not an easy adjustment. Whether it is the Jeepne in Manila, the CNG in Dhaka, the trains from Delhi, or even the rickshaw in most places, they are all part of the adventure and learning.

Rows of rickshaws on a side-road leading to New Market area in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Amnesty International’s 50th Anniversary. Toast To Freedom

“Toast To Freedom” is dedicated to human rights activism around the world. Nearly 50 artists contributed to celebrate Amnesty International’s 50th Anniversary. Toast To Freedom was written by music veterans Carl Carlton and Larry Campbell.

Good Friday, Storms, New Friend and Brown Trousers.

Set on Good Friday during initial storms rising in Kolkata, this short film shows some of the action, as well as introduces you to my ‘new friend’, and informs you why brown trousers are required.

Volunteering in India – A Transformation.

Hasina Khatum is 13 years old and has cerebral palsy. In 2007, when Sanchar were made aware of Hasina and her family, they had limited knowledge, support and understanding of their daughter’s condition. Hasina’s diet was liquidated food, which included mainly vegetables and rice. The diet of a small infant child, as that is exactly how the family viewed her. Hasina was left most days in the house when her family; from the rural village of Parbotipuur; would attend work, do family chores and attempt to maintain a reasonable standard of living in rural India; which most people find difficult at the best of times. Hasina’s days were spent lying on a matt on the porch in front of the house in all weather, or left to push and roll here way round the floor of the house, until someone else arrived to make time for her.

Tollyganj Tram

Tollyganl area of south Kolkata is main junction for transportation. It has Metro, tram,s auto, buses, richaws everything that has wheels and can move or transport anything, you will see it here!

A few more pictures from that area, and others during my time here in Kolkata will be uploaded soon! Getting them and the words ready tonight!

First weekend in Kolkata

Getting things developed in new house. Managing to sort out a stock of food; cook for myself; get into a routine – and still survive!

Enjoy this short film, and yes, it is an ‘aubergine’!

Seeking a solace…

With life in India being so different from all that I am used to, there are times when peace, quiet and wee bit spoiling myself is required. This can be difficult when I know very little people, places and things to do.
One day I went on the Metro in Delhi and walked in the central area of the city. Saw their broadcasting building, press association and much more.
Then I needed food! I turned a corner, wondering where I was and found this place! An oasis in the hectic life on India, a blessing!

Day one in new house

VSO volunteers are given places to live whilst in placement, they vary very much. Here is the first day in my new home!

A hard day – and a beautiful end…

There are many challenges being a ‘native’ volunteer. When I say native, I mean being in and amongst the nitty-gritty of the work, people, culture, language, and environment – the whole lot! It is especially more difficult when, in Scotland, the only ‘sun’ we may see most days can be bought in a newsagents and is owned by Rupert Murdoch; if that is indeed your preferred reading. The weather in Kolkata is staggeringly hot and humid! Even in comparison to my experience in neighbouring Bangladesh. The website I use in an attempt to pacify myself, gives temperature, humidity and subsequent ‘what it feels like’ when both are combined! Friday 20th April was 40 degrees, 45% humidity and ‘feels like’ 48 degrees – that’s 118 Fahrenheit!

It was also the same day I attended Sanchar’s State Level Federation Meeting for People with Disabilities (PWD), which was held in the Rotary Sadan (house) in Central Kolkata. An annual event that brings together Disability Rights Groups (DRG’s) from all over West Bengal, meeting to share information, discuss ongoing campaigning and other important aspects of their advocacy and representation work taking place in their individual local groups. Along with invited guests, members of the district level groups are given time to share headway they have made in raising awareness, obtaining rights for members, supporting PWD’s with health and employment issues etc. It was a great day! And, it was all in Bangla!

Train heading south…

I arrived in Delhi early morning on Monday 5^th March. Of those with placements outside the capital, I was the last to leave via New Delhi’s railway station, departing at 4.30pm on Thursday 29^th March, having completed my In-Country Training programme through VSO. Although, my departure nearly did not happen!