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.

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"

"

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!!!!!!

A Holy Experience

We arrived to one of Maitri’s ashrams in the holy city of Vrindavan and were welcomed by rows of widows sitting cross legged, waiting for their food. 

Immediately after taking off our shoes, we served the widows a lunch consisting of; dal, roti, sabzi, rice and one banana. Maitri employee Ameen sampled the food and thought is was sustaining and hearty!

The widows living in Maitri’s ashram are also given calcium, iron and zinc supplements and are seen by a doctor every week.
  

By providing care to this ignored population, Maitri has been able to restore dignity and hope to destitute widows

Through the eyes of Maitri, we have seen the joys that arise from serving.   

Maitrigram

Each afternoon around 3, I hear the sound of laughter and shuffling as the children of Maitrigram arrive for 2 hours of after school tutoring in math, English, and Hindi.  The giggles soon subside as their teachers  begin.  Rarely have I seen a classroom in the US as well behaved and ready to learn as these children, especially for 2 extra school hours!!

Continuing education is so important, especially to the children of the local slums.  Education brings progress and empowerment, something Maitri stresses in their mission and vision.  To encourage attendance, Maitri also offers 10 of its 20 deserving students a scholarship of Rs. 6000/- each annually so they don't drop out to work, hindering them from future educational opportunities.

The first time I went down to meet the kids, I tutored a little girl in English.  After writing out the alphabet I started to teach her the sound that each letter makes.  For instance, A- ah, B- buh, etc... She followed me pretty well but I wasn't sure if she was catching on to what I was teaching her.  I then decided to write out a word and sound it out, C-A-T.  She repeated after me but I still didn't think she understood what she was sounding.  I then pointed to the word and said, "meow" which she repeated.  Besides being the cutest thing EVER, I think I taught her that C-A-T spells meow.

Beyond the tutorial center for math, English and Hindi, Maitri also offers skills and vocational training to women and children in the surrounding slums of Ekta Vihar.  I had the opportunity to tour the building and meet 2 of the 25 students currently enrolled and taught by Mrs. Prabha and Mrs. Rabat.  The girls were so sweet and excited to show us what they were working on.  Both were elegant and intelligent young women whom I am sure, with the training they are receiving at Maitri, will be successful! 

The sign outside of the school

 Measuring and cutting material

 

This young lady asked me to teach her some English.  Turns out, she helped me improve my Hindi!

Students and students!  Such a great experience!  

 Maitri really is making a difference with Maitrigram.  Can't wait to go back!!