Field Visit

We went and visited one of the rickshaw puller camps this week to get a picture of Maitri’s project  for the annual report; this was my second time going there. Maitri has been working hard to educate the community on how HIV is transmitted, encourage testing for HIV, and to facilitate treatment and counselling afterwards. Other agencies have worked to improve the living conditions in the camps. So much more needs to be done. Fairly simple measures could drastically improve the situation- such as cement or concrete walkways to prevent the large mud puddles that appear any time it rains. I was told this becomes a much larger problem during monsoon season. This is just one example of many. The camps are not just for those employed pulling rickshaws- some of the wives and children live in the camps as well. Most of the children were very outgoing and wanted to have their picture taken, but one young girl decided to stay out of the group pictures- it was a quiet reminder of the unique personality

 

 

 

of every individual. It becomes too easy to group people together around the issue. I left the camp feeling as I did on the first visit- glad that there are agencies working to make a change, overwhelmed at the enormous need that is still present, and grateful for the opportunity I had to meet each individual I interacted with.

The Heart of Maitri

 

I have been with Maitri for close to two months at this point and have been grateful for the experience this internship has given me to learn about another culture and to meet amazing people. The individuals I work with in the office are dedicated and passionate people- and that was the main thing that stood out from this visit to celebrate Holi with the widow mothers at one of Maitri’s facilities in Vrindavan. Throughout the day I noticed several beautiful moments taking place quietly on the side in the midst of the celebration. I witnessed one staff member kneeling down and listening to the stories and concerns of a small group of widow mothers. She was completely focused on the woman speaking and it was evident that although this staff member could not “fix” everything for this woman, it was perhaps just as helpful and healing for her to take the time to listen and to care. Amidst the colors and the flowers I noticed another staff member who made sure to reach out to the widow mothers standing shyly on the side during the dancing to make sure that everyone felt welcome to participate. From dancing alongside these women to serving them a special holiday mid-day meal to just taking the time to offer them a hug and a smile- every interaction was helping to create a picture of what could be and what should be- a society where those who are oppressed, marginalized, or simply forgotten are reminded that they have rights and, just as importantly, that they matter. The dedicated advocates at Maitri are working to make this a reality.