Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Diwali Mela

My time in India, working for Maitri, has been peppered with fantastic opportunities, including the chance to blend work with play. The month of October marked the celebration of Diwali or the 'Festival of Lights.' I knew there was a holiday coming up and was so flattered when on the Friday before the Mela everyone in the office, including us interns was presented with a gift. Each of us girls was given a sari and the most decadent treats! 



The gifts were presented on Friday as we would be working the week of the holiday at the Diwali Mela fair. I wanted to wear my sari but don't have a sari skirt. Wanting to try it on anyway, Laxmi, our housekeeper helped me put mine on.



'Sassy Social Worker'!

At Maitri's booth we sold, Diwali decorations, candle holders, scented oils and pickled vegetables, made in the, Maitri kitchen (Winnie ma'am is a fantastic chef!) The decorations are very similar to Christmas decor in color and luxury but instead of pine trees and Santa Claus- elephants and peacocks!




Check out these Maitri cuties! Anita and Shikha.


Our booth was dedicated to the Widows of Vrindavan as their continued care in Maitri's ashrams' is a top priority.


 It takes Rs. 6000 to feed one widow for 1 month and the money earned at Diwali was specifically allocated to their care and nutrition. The package of services consists of a daily nutritious mid-day meal which includes rice, chappatis, dal and vegetable with additional nutritional supplements such as calcium, iron and folic acid, health care support, visit by a social worker to ensure their safety and well being, and advocacy with stakeholders to ensure that the women get their entitlements as senior citizens of this country.

I am humbled by the work Maitri does with the widows and couldn't be more grateful for my time here. Please check out the following Maitri video to understand a little more about one of the populations we serve.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=654szfpzHME


Monday, October 31, 2011

2011 Health Camp

One of the things that stands out to me in Maitri is that we are passionate about prevention and health care to those unable to receive it. I had the opportunity to attend a free health clinic put on in partnership with Maitri and Max India. When we firsts arrived Winnie ma'am and General sir were waiting for us in the most striking pink and purple tents! Each tent was set up in order to facilitate the crowds.



Picture with Winnie ma'am before the camp started



The crowd grew steadily through the afternoon 






Ameen is a fellow social worker that I have had the opportunity to work with. Ameen is an MSW graduate of The TATA Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai


Our budding nurse, Sarah begged to give someone a test. Ajay was a trooper and an excellent example!



Laxmi getting ready in our testing room


One of the outdoor waiting rooms



 I was often reminded during this health camp just how lucky I am. It's interesting the things we take for granted and how easy it is to not see the need in front of us. It is truly awe inspiring when I take a step back and see what Maitri is doing for its community.



Monday, October 10, 2011

Maitri is Pleased to Announce that...

The Musical Fundraiser Evening with Birju Maharaj was a hit!
Maitri hosted a celebration spotlighting the international day for the elderly.
After entering the beautiful Chinmaya Mission,  guests were greeted with warm welcomes and smiles from the Maitri family and sent into the auditorium to watch the amazing dance choreography, "Celebrating Life." The choreography's story was woven around the life of Krishna, a abiding symbol of love and humanity, principles that Maitri abide by.  
So lets give a round of applause to Maitri for hosting this enlightening event!

Maitri Celebrating Life
Dr. Abid Hussain & Birju Maharaj shaking hands

Birju Maharaj Lighting the Lamp
General Bhopinder Singh was pleased to Spotlight Dr. Abid Hussain
Beautiful faces, costumes and performers!
A dance woven around the Life of Krishna
Birju Maharaj Dancing

What an honor to watch this enchanting dancer
Encore!

Ameen, Sarah, Liz, Katie and Ankur
More of Maitri's Family
Vivan, Winnie Ma'am, Sonal and her Mother-in-law!
The "symphony"
Guests were happy to sign in and contribute  
Maitri is a well oiled Machine!
Sign in please
Ameen & Katie welcomed guests with warm smiles
Liz was happy to see her collage in life size!
Sarah & Katie were admiring their printed work on Maitri's FIRST Newsletter!
Welcome to the Chinmaya Mission!
Come one, come all!

"Invoke the blessings of the elders, for it is they who have shown us the way"

"

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Happy Birthday Sonal!


"Happy Birthday dear, Sonal.  Happy Birthday to you!!"





You have to love a day at the office that includes, cake, good food and good company!.  Maitri is a family and I feel so lucky to be here.  It was Sonal's B-day and in celebration the office came together and threw  a small birthday party at the end of the day.



YUM!

Each co-worker is made to feel special here as Winnie said several times that everyone needed to make sure their birth date was correct on the list.  I thought that was really sweet!!





A fun, relaxed afternoon- Happy Birthday, SONAL!!!!!!