Arrived in Atlanta - Atidhi Devo Bhava

I wrapped up Washington DC and arrived in Atlanta.
Yesterday, I met a group of Engineering College Juniors from JNTU and some other colleges from Hyderabad and Warangal (AP).  They readily jumped onto this project and wanted to extend their support.  They assured me a few meetings with other Indian Associations in Atlanta.  By divine grace, these are some of the key people here it seems.

Conversations:
- Each of them told me real shocking stories from their native villages.  Two of them requested me to visit their villages and witness first hand.  They said, "don't worry about the support from USA.  We will work on that.  We know you and we will provide the support from here."
- One other friend is unemployed for over 8 months.  He even sent his wife and kids to India until he finds a job.  He said, "please don't refuse and take this $201.00 for the project.  I want to be part of this.  I know you will do a good job.  I will help you more when I stand on my feet again.  I can definitely provide help from India.  My dad and uncles will join you.  Please contact them in India."
- Folks gave me some brilliant ideas which I noted down.
- One person said, "I want to contribute (don't want to mention the figure here) $XXX provided it remains anonymous.  My spouse does not believe that we have enough to start doing charity, but in fact we have plenty and are blessed.  I don't want to miss this good opportunity to be part of this beautiful mission.  I want our future generations to know more about the richness of Indian culture than we do.  Villages are a good place to start.  I thank you for taking this up.  Don't worry, I will tell my spouse eventually."

Ever since I started this journey in the villages and in USA, I have been meeting and living with total strangers.  In India, they say, "Atidhi Devo Bhava - Guest is God".  I felt emotional and touched by the warm welcome, humbleness and simplicity of people.  If you understand what I am trying to say, it means something to say, "one has an Indian Heart".  Not to say, other cultures don't have it.  I am just highlighting what I saw.  Every single village I went to, I was not allowed to leave without having a meal.  Even in the poorest tribal villages, where they don't even use oil (or tadka), they were willing to share what little they had.  We were offered Pepsi in some of the villages since we are from abroad.  We told them that none of us drink Pepsi or such carbonated drinks.  The attitude of giving and sharing is not dependent on how much wealth one has.  It seems to be ingrained into the culture.  Tears will roll in your eyes, when you witness the love and care and total affection.  We saw kids with running nose and adults with shabby clothes but their eyes sparkle with beauty.  They say, there is no beauty that can match the beauty of an innocent face.  We want to preserve this beautiful culture, the attitude of giving, sharing, the attitude of total acceptance of other cultures and traditions, the attitude of seeing God in everything and everyone around, the nature loving traditions, the festive atmosphere, the unity among people.  We want to help them improve their health, restore family values and become stronger economically.  This is definitely not anti-progress.  We can simultaneously advance technically.  In India, since ages, scientific study and technical advancement went hand in hand with rich cultural values.

Even in USA, every single family welcomed me and hosted me.  I am very thankful to each and everyone of them.
- Last week, I got a call from a Professor in Texas.  He was teaching in USA for over 35-38 years.  He welcomed me to come and stay and promote the program there.
- A young man, whom I do not know, called and said, "I had all these thoughts but I see you working on my ideas.  You'll get my check in the mail."

Thank you all for your encouragement and support.

I will be in Atlanta until July 17th.  If you have any contacts here, please let me know.

With gratitude,
-Sudhakar.