Post Date: 24-DEC-2010
Posted from: Bangalore, INDIA
Thank you all for your support in taking care of our state and country. Not all, but some of you do understand the urgency of this very important project. We are making unimaginable huge waves of transformation at the grass root level. Next few years are VERY crucial for the stability of the country is what we hear, see, read, understand and agree. Many of you have promised to come with us but I know it is hard. People from USA come to India for 2 weeks and are busy with family, friends, shopping, travel, visas, etc.
We have a huge ground force and we need to expand it further for long term sustenance.
Your support is very valuable and needed.
Back to the Roots Team and Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth thank you for your generous donations this year 2010.
Tax deductible donation letters have been mailed out to you on 23-DEC-2010.
There is still time to make donations for year 2010.
Online donations: www.backtotherootsproject.org
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
26-DEC-2010: Did you hear of a villager dying of hunger?
Post Date: 26-DEC-2010
From: Bangalore VVMVP Center
1. Have you heard of a villager dying of hunger in India?
2. How many people will come when you die?
This is a beautiful experience I wanted to share.
In one of the villages, we finished our Pada Yatra, met a few thousand people, gathered outside a temple under the moonlight, sang bhajans with the villagers and talked about the greatness of India, the villagers, the culture, our responsibility towards ourselves and our society, health, hygiene, etc. A village elder in his 70s or 80s said:
"Ayya maa voollo, aaakaliki yevvalu chaavaledu ayya" (Sir, in my village, nobody ever died of hunger).
"Ayya, andaru pattanaaliki veltunnaru, meelo yevaraina chani potey, yentamandi vastaru?" (Everybody is rushing to the cities. When you die, how many people will come?"
In our talks, we mentioned "India is progressing at a very fast pace and competing with USA and China....something like that". The same elder asked "are you sure we are progressing?" Something to ponder upon.
He said, "we care and share what little we have".
When someone died, almost the whole village would come together and offer support. Even today, a lot of people would still come though not the whole village. He then felt sad that "it is all changing, changing very fast". Please note, we do not discourage people from moving to cities or making money or going abroad for higher studies or money. Our focus is strengthening the cultural values, bringing prosperity, restoring family values and improving health.
This was a big eye opener for us. It is true. We hear of people dying of diseases, cyclones, old age but not because of hunger. Sharing is part of our culture. For example, cobbler used to get 2-3 bags of rice for the whole year from a family for taking care of the sandals of the entire family for the year it seems.
I have another interesting story of how beggars share in the cities. Will share another time :)
1. Can you share? Can you participate? Can you get involved?
2. Do you have 5 friends who will listen to you?
3. Can you please get 5 friends to become part of this growing group of angels who are committed to strengthening our society?
If yes:
1. Say what you want to in your own words but get 5 people to become part of our Google Group. Have them send an email to " backtotherootsproject+subscribe @ googlegroups . com ".With phone Name, phone number, city (in USA), village and district they belong to in India.
2. Donate generously so that we can continue our work, go deeper into the society and spread our wings. Tax deductible donations at: www.backtotherootsproject.org
Questions or comments: info @ backtotherootsproject . org or backtotherootsproject @ gmail . com
This is a growing group if educated people with Masters and Ph.Ds in USA. Everything is happening by word of mouth. We all know each other very well. This is a HUGE undertaking. We request every individual to participate and contribute financially. Our programs are causing a HUGE impact in our society. Together we can make a BIG difference. We can leave a better world for the future generations.
BACK TO THE ROOTS PROJECT is a rural development initiative, focused on maintaining the demographics, strengthening the socio-economic and cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh, restoring family values and promoting education in health and hygiene.
From: Bangalore VVMVP Center
1. Have you heard of a villager dying of hunger in India?
2. How many people will come when you die?
This is a beautiful experience I wanted to share.
In one of the villages, we finished our Pada Yatra, met a few thousand people, gathered outside a temple under the moonlight, sang bhajans with the villagers and talked about the greatness of India, the villagers, the culture, our responsibility towards ourselves and our society, health, hygiene, etc. A village elder in his 70s or 80s said:
"Ayya maa voollo, aaakaliki yevvalu chaavaledu ayya" (Sir, in my village, nobody ever died of hunger).
"Ayya, andaru pattanaaliki veltunnaru, meelo yevaraina chani potey, yentamandi vastaru?" (Everybody is rushing to the cities. When you die, how many people will come?"
In our talks, we mentioned "India is progressing at a very fast pace and competing with USA and China....something like that". The same elder asked "are you sure we are progressing?" Something to ponder upon.
He said, "we care and share what little we have".
When someone died, almost the whole village would come together and offer support. Even today, a lot of people would still come though not the whole village. He then felt sad that "it is all changing, changing very fast". Please note, we do not discourage people from moving to cities or making money or going abroad for higher studies or money. Our focus is strengthening the cultural values, bringing prosperity, restoring family values and improving health.
This was a big eye opener for us. It is true. We hear of people dying of diseases, cyclones, old age but not because of hunger. Sharing is part of our culture. For example, cobbler used to get 2-3 bags of rice for the whole year from a family for taking care of the sandals of the entire family for the year it seems.
I have another interesting story of how beggars share in the cities. Will share another time :)
1. Can you share? Can you participate? Can you get involved?
2. Do you have 5 friends who will listen to you?
3. Can you please get 5 friends to become part of this growing group of angels who are committed to strengthening our society?
If yes:
1. Say what you want to in your own words but get 5 people to become part of our Google Group. Have them send an email to " backtotherootsproject+subscribe @ googlegroups . com ".
2. Donate generously so that we can continue our work, go deeper into the society and spread our wings. Tax deductible donations at: www.backtotherootsproject.org
Questions or comments: info @ backtotherootsproject . org or backtotherootsproject @ gmail . com
This is a growing group if educated people with Masters and Ph.Ds in USA. Everything is happening by word of mouth. We all know each other very well. This is a HUGE undertaking. We request every individual to participate and contribute financially. Our programs are causing a HUGE impact in our society. Together we can make a BIG difference. We can leave a better world for the future generations.
BACK TO THE ROOTS PROJECT is a rural development initiative, focused on maintaining the demographics, strengthening the socio-economic and cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh, restoring family values and promoting education in health and hygiene.
Rippling effect of Pada Yatras with unimaginable quick penetration, transformation, education and awareness
Post Date: 26-DEC-2010 Bangalore
Pada Yatras have been highly successful with transformation and penetration beyond imagination.
Our programs created huge waves in Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, Kadapa, Guntur, Karimnagar and Hyderabad.
Within a short span of 4 weeks, we reached around 86,000 people (we will share exact details shortly) one-on-one.
The last 4 days from Dec 19-22 were even bigger success with crowds of 15,000 to 50,000 attending Divya Satsangs of Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth in all these cities. Last year (NOV-2009 to MAR-2010), we reached out to around 70,000 people one-on-one plus the ripple effect (West Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Anantapur).
It has a rippling effect from village to village, from college to college, school to school, parents to children, children to parents, relatives, other spiritual organizations, the Ayyappa Swamis, the Bhavanis (Devi Deekha), the Hanuman Deeksha, orphanges, government officials, priests, devotees, politicians, teachers, farmers, etc. The rippling effect must have reached out to several lakhs of people within a matter of one month and still continuing. We have plenty more to do. Such gigantic undertakings are IMPOSSIBLE without a spiritual backing. You can probably do a political rally luring people with money or get people to watch cricket.
It is easier for a Hindu to say "Hinduism is great", for a Christian to say "Christianity is Great", for a Buddhist to say "Buddhism is Great", etc. But people from different faiths coming together and appreciating our culture (while respecting their own), working for promoting our culture, encouraging people to deepen their roots is worth admiring. It needs a standing ovation. These young men from all different countries study India, it's scriptures, it's universal applicability and are serving India. They go back to their own countries and share so much about what they saw first hand in the villages of India. This has another rippling effect around the world.
Mahatma Gandhi was a very skinny man. We got our independence not just because of Gandhiji but because of the spiritual wisdom he gained from India and it's scriptures. He used to read the Bhagavad Gita every day. At his place or ashram, there used to be Satsangs every single day. We can learn a lot of things from many countries and cultures like "team work from Japan, precision from Germany, marketing from USA, royalty from England, etc." But when it comes to Human Values, acceptance, unity in diversity, etc., India stands number ONE. There is sooooo much more we all must be proud of.
It is easier to give away money or gifts to the poor. (We are not talking about situations during natural calamities.) Our programs open up the hearts and minds of people, boost their morale, self confidence, improve their health, restore family values and strengthen the culture.
Our work does not stop here. We penetrate villages even deeper and make each village self sustaining. We all have a LOT of work ahead of us. You will hear more in the coming weeks and months.
We have all reaped the benefits of this great culture. Now, we have a huge responsibility to preseve this culture not only for India but for the whole world. Let us join hands.
Please:
1. Enroll your friends of just Telugu friends and relatives into the Google Group.
2. Donate generously: www.backtotherootsproject.org
Thanks for your support and cooperation.
Pada Yatras have been highly successful with transformation and penetration beyond imagination.
Our programs created huge waves in Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, Kadapa, Guntur, Karimnagar and Hyderabad.
Within a short span of 4 weeks, we reached around 86,000 people (we will share exact details shortly) one-on-one.
The last 4 days from Dec 19-22 were even bigger success with crowds of 15,000 to 50,000 attending Divya Satsangs of Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth in all these cities. Last year (NOV-2009 to MAR-2010), we reached out to around 70,000 people one-on-one plus the ripple effect (West Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Anantapur).
It has a rippling effect from village to village, from college to college, school to school, parents to children, children to parents, relatives, other spiritual organizations, the Ayyappa Swamis, the Bhavanis (Devi Deekha), the Hanuman Deeksha, orphanges, government officials, priests, devotees, politicians, teachers, farmers, etc. The rippling effect must have reached out to several lakhs of people within a matter of one month and still continuing. We have plenty more to do. Such gigantic undertakings are IMPOSSIBLE without a spiritual backing. You can probably do a political rally luring people with money or get people to watch cricket.
It is easier for a Hindu to say "Hinduism is great", for a Christian to say "Christianity is Great", for a Buddhist to say "Buddhism is Great", etc. But people from different faiths coming together and appreciating our culture (while respecting their own), working for promoting our culture, encouraging people to deepen their roots is worth admiring. It needs a standing ovation. These young men from all different countries study India, it's scriptures, it's universal applicability and are serving India. They go back to their own countries and share so much about what they saw first hand in the villages of India. This has another rippling effect around the world.
Mahatma Gandhi was a very skinny man. We got our independence not just because of Gandhiji but because of the spiritual wisdom he gained from India and it's scriptures. He used to read the Bhagavad Gita every day. At his place or ashram, there used to be Satsangs every single day. We can learn a lot of things from many countries and cultures like "team work from Japan, precision from Germany, marketing from USA, royalty from England, etc." But when it comes to Human Values, acceptance, unity in diversity, etc., India stands number ONE. There is sooooo much more we all must be proud of.
It is easier to give away money or gifts to the poor. (We are not talking about situations during natural calamities.) Our programs open up the hearts and minds of people, boost their morale, self confidence, improve their health, restore family values and strengthen the culture.
Our work does not stop here. We penetrate villages even deeper and make each village self sustaining. We all have a LOT of work ahead of us. You will hear more in the coming weeks and months.
We have all reaped the benefits of this great culture. Now, we have a huge responsibility to preseve this culture not only for India but for the whole world. Let us join hands.
Please:
1. Enroll your friends of just Telugu friends and relatives into the Google Group.
2. Donate generously: www.backtotherootsproject.org
Thanks for your support and cooperation.
11, 12 DEC-2010: Moved on from Karimnagar to Hyderabad
11, 12 DEC, 2010
Two of us left Karimnagar y'day (Dec 11th) for Hyderabad. Today they did a lot of work in Malkajgiri slum areas.
Four of us left Karimnagar today (Dec 12th) and arrived in Hyderabad.
We covered a lot of people in Karimnagar district. Details later.
We have a tight schedule to visit a lot of slum areas and other colonies in and around Hyderabad for the next 5-6 days. Pada Yatras around Hyderabad will be quite different than the villages. People have different mindsets, much busier lives, etc., etc.
Two of us left Karimnagar y'day (Dec 11th) for Hyderabad. Today they did a lot of work in Malkajgiri slum areas.
Four of us left Karimnagar today (Dec 12th) and arrived in Hyderabad.
We covered a lot of people in Karimnagar district. Details later.
We have a tight schedule to visit a lot of slum areas and other colonies in and around Hyderabad for the next 5-6 days. Pada Yatras around Hyderabad will be quite different than the villages. People have different mindsets, much busier lives, etc., etc.
25-NOV-2010: Village: Vanjangi; lost my Camera, then an MP3 player with recorder
25-NOV-2010
It was a hectic day from morning until night.
Morning:
Covered villages: S.S.Valasa, Adityanagar, visited the only Sun Temple in the world (Konark does not have aarti and pujas, not operational), Benduvanipeta and Vanjangi.
We divided into 2 groups and went to different villages.
Evening:
I was in the group that went to Vanjangi (Srikakulam Dt).
When we arrived, there was a huge crowd waiting to receive us. Somehow, my Sony Cybershot 12.1MP digital camera slipped from my shoulder. I realized when I reached the temple after 10 minutes. We sent people to look for it with flash lights, made announcements, etc., but could not find it. I went back the next day to talk with the villagers and the Sarpanch but it was gone. I heard that someone found it but would not admit. The camera actually belonged to the guy from Germany. I borrowed it from him saying I will return it to him after our tours. The sad part is that I lost pictures of several days in Srikakulam. We do have some pics from the first 2-3 days I think.
After that, my tiny Creative Zen MP3 player with Voice Recorder either got dropped on a sleeper bus from Vizag to Eluru or was stolen from my backpack while I was asleep. I lost several months of experiences that I keep recording.
It was a hectic day from morning until night.
Morning:
Covered villages: S.S.Valasa, Adityanagar, visited the only Sun Temple in the world (Konark does not have aarti and pujas, not operational), Benduvanipeta and Vanjangi.
We divided into 2 groups and went to different villages.
Evening:
I was in the group that went to Vanjangi (Srikakulam Dt).
When we arrived, there was a huge crowd waiting to receive us. Somehow, my Sony Cybershot 12.1MP digital camera slipped from my shoulder. I realized when I reached the temple after 10 minutes. We sent people to look for it with flash lights, made announcements, etc., but could not find it. I went back the next day to talk with the villagers and the Sarpanch but it was gone. I heard that someone found it but would not admit. The camera actually belonged to the guy from Germany. I borrowed it from him saying I will return it to him after our tours. The sad part is that I lost pictures of several days in Srikakulam. We do have some pics from the first 2-3 days I think.
After that, my tiny Creative Zen MP3 player with Voice Recorder either got dropped on a sleeper bus from Vizag to Eluru or was stolen from my backpack while I was asleep. I lost several months of experiences that I keep recording.
Only in India :) - funny incident in Srikakulam 20-NOV-2010
We started the Srikakulam Pada Yatras on 20-NOV-2010.
Our local team hired a 10-seater Scorpio Van and it was packed with 10 people plus driver and a guitar.
We drove from Srikakulam to village: Bhyri Singupuram. We were received by the Sarpanch and about 100 villagers with garlands and fire crackers. Details of this day at another time.
It was a 10-12km drive (I think) and part of it was on a major highway. We missed an exit and had to turn around. We saw the driver struggling to shift the gear. Then we noticed that he had only one hand. That too only the right hand is functional. The left hand needed to shift the gear is fractured and all along he has been using the right hand to shift the gear and steer the vehicle. The internationals were so shocked and concerned and soon forgot about it. We had a very fruitful day as always.
Tax deductible donations: www.backtotherootsproject.org
Our local team hired a 10-seater Scorpio Van and it was packed with 10 people plus driver and a guitar.
We drove from Srikakulam to village: Bhyri Singupuram. We were received by the Sarpanch and about 100 villagers with garlands and fire crackers. Details of this day at another time.
It was a 10-12km drive (I think) and part of it was on a major highway. We missed an exit and had to turn around. We saw the driver struggling to shift the gear. Then we noticed that he had only one hand. That too only the right hand is functional. The left hand needed to shift the gear is fractured and all along he has been using the right hand to shift the gear and steer the vehicle. The internationals were so shocked and concerned and soon forgot about it. We had a very fruitful day as always.
Tax deductible donations: www.backtotherootsproject.org
More additions to Pada Yatra team; minor accident (scratch to car) in Bheemavaram; no injuries
Pada Yatras are going on in full swing in Hyderabad. Two more dynamic people joined the Pada yatra team in Hyderabad. Rishi Milind from VVMVP is doing active Pada Yatas in Vizag. We formed 2-3 teams (different setup each day) with 2-3 internationals plus 10-15 local team members for Hyderabad Pada Yatras. We are reaching out to nearly 3000-5000 people each day (one-on-one). We have tooooo many details to share but not enough time to summarize. We will end Andhra Pradesh Pada Yatras by around 22nd. After that, we can share summarized information with you. A LOT of people are involved and a LOT of coordination, planning and effort goes into this.
While the Pada Yatras are going on, I left Hyderabad on 14th to Vijayawada by midnight bus (it was a challenge because of Auto strike). Then arrived in Tanuku on 15th to meet with some youth and village committee members (we formed village groups last year in Tanuku area).
15th: Drove to Bheemavaram but met with a minor accident with a bus. Our car was pushed to the corner by a bus and the door got jammed. It was in a traffic jam (low low speed), no injuries. So, we had to cancel the youth meeting in Gollalakoderu village. You can imagine the chaos after such incidents in India.
Returned to Tanuku by midnight by another car.
16th, Tanuku: Conference calls with our team members in Mortha, Racherla, Tadepalligudem, Yerrampeta.
Night 2:30am: Heading to Srikakulam.
International Team: Will be in Hyderabad until 19th.
While the Pada Yatras are going on, I left Hyderabad on 14th to Vijayawada by midnight bus (it was a challenge because of Auto strike). Then arrived in Tanuku on 15th to meet with some youth and village committee members (we formed village groups last year in Tanuku area).
15th: Drove to Bheemavaram but met with a minor accident with a bus. Our car was pushed to the corner by a bus and the door got jammed. It was in a traffic jam (low low speed), no injuries. So, we had to cancel the youth meeting in Gollalakoderu village. You can imagine the chaos after such incidents in India.
Returned to Tanuku by midnight by another car.
16th, Tanuku: Conference calls with our team members in Mortha, Racherla, Tadepalligudem, Yerrampeta.
Night 2:30am: Heading to Srikakulam.
International Team: Will be in Hyderabad until 19th.
09-DEC-2010 (Thu): Update from Karimnagar for
Hyderabad (Dec 9, 2010)
We were hosted by a wonderful couple from Haryana. They made sacrifices send their 3 kids to their neighbor's house to sleep and accomodated all 6 of us.
We had a long relaxed Sadhana (Yoga, Sudarshan Kriya and Meditation) with a few others from Hyderabad.
We packed ourselves into a big van. It was big but not enough for 6 people, driver and our suitcases. We made room in the trunk area and one of us squeezed there.
It was a 3-4 hour drive to Karimnagar.
2pm: Reached Karimnagar and had lunch in another great host's house.
3pm: Reached a Jr and Degree College. They did not have conference rooms big enough to hold 400 students at once. We divided ourselves into groups and gave 5 different talks. I was juggling between classes to translate.
Students were excited to hear from people from 5 different countries talking about their culture, yoga, meditation and how these tools from India can help them with their studies, their relationships with friends, lecturers, parents, etc. How they can aim big, dream big and still go deeper into their culture, India's wisdom, etc. We did meditations with them so that they can experience the stillness of their minds.
5pm: We left to freshen up.
7:30pm: Dinner.
8:00pm: A rocking satsang with about 30 local team members and college students
9:00pm: Meeting to chalk out our activities in Karimnagar area for the next few days.
Thank you all so much.
India needs our help and we appreciate your kind cooperation and support.
We were hosted by a wonderful couple from Haryana. They made sacrifices send their 3 kids to their neighbor's house to sleep and accomodated all 6 of us.
We had a long relaxed Sadhana (Yoga, Sudarshan Kriya and Meditation) with a few others from Hyderabad.
We packed ourselves into a big van. It was big but not enough for 6 people, driver and our suitcases. We made room in the trunk area and one of us squeezed there.
It was a 3-4 hour drive to Karimnagar.
2pm: Reached Karimnagar and had lunch in another great host's house.
3pm: Reached a Jr and Degree College. They did not have conference rooms big enough to hold 400 students at once. We divided ourselves into groups and gave 5 different talks. I was juggling between classes to translate.
Students were excited to hear from people from 5 different countries talking about their culture, yoga, meditation and how these tools from India can help them with their studies, their relationships with friends, lecturers, parents, etc. How they can aim big, dream big and still go deeper into their culture, India's wisdom, etc. We did meditations with them so that they can experience the stillness of their minds.
5pm: We left to freshen up.
7:30pm: Dinner.
8:00pm: A rocking satsang with about 30 local team members and college students
9:00pm: Meeting to chalk out our activities in Karimnagar area for the next few days.
Thank you all so much.
India needs our help and we appreciate your kind cooperation and support.
Left Guntur - reached Hyderabad by train - moving onto Karimnagar tomorrow
Inspite of the rains we managed to get a lot of work done in and around Guntur. We could have done a lot more but for the inclimate weather and you can imagine the condition of the rural roads in India.
We left Guntur and reached Secunderabad by Janmabhoomi Express.
We were received by another wonderful couple who hosted us. After dinner, a few neighbors gathered for a beautiful satsang with us.
We will be leaving for Karimnagar in the morning.
I have some absolutely must read experiences in the last 2 days. Will share as time permits. Kind of tired today.
Online Donations: www.backtotherootsproject.org
We left Guntur and reached Secunderabad by Janmabhoomi Express.
We were received by another wonderful couple who hosted us. After dinner, a few neighbors gathered for a beautiful satsang with us.
We will be leaving for Karimnagar in the morning.
I have some absolutely must read experiences in the last 2 days. Will share as time permits. Kind of tired today.
Online Donations: www.backtotherootsproject.org
What is Pada Yatra?
03-DEC-2010
What is Pada Yatra?
Most of us can easily guess that "pada yatra" is a "journey on foot". But it is not simply preferring to walk instead of taking a car or bike. This journey may also be called "Anugraha Yatra".
In ancient days and even today, saints, seers and monks used to travel place to place on foot. They used to meet thousands of people on the way, stay with them, share wisdom, give blessings and move on. Instead of people having to go long distances to meet saints for knowledge (gyan), saints used to come to them out of compassion. It was a blessing if a saint enters a village or a home.
Even today, we have it in our culture. If some elderly person comes into town (like parents of friends or some noble person), we request them to come visit our homes even for a few minutes. We feel that they bring good vibrations. We feel happy to offer a fruit or a flower (now-a-days coffee, tea, coke :) ) .... but you get the point.
Saints literally walk thousands of kilometers for the benefit of the people.
Our Pada Yatra is very similar. It is a journey to bring awareness to human values, to unite people of all castes, remind people of the value of their rich culture, importance of yoga, meditation, satsangs, festivals, respect for nature, vegetarianism, unity in diversity, cleanliness of the villages, health, hygiene, organic farming for better health and improved economic conditions, importance of cow for health and farming, grama devata aradhana, deepening our roots and broadening our vision, etc. We literally go to 100s of homes and meet people depending on the size of the village, the time of the day and other factors. We also go to schools and colleges and address students and staff.
We do a LOT more fun interactive things with the villagers. One can only experience it. We also sing nice bhajans with the villagers. We explain what "bhajan" really means and encourage them to really experience it. Bhajan is not just singing. It is sharing, sharing our voices, sharing something so intimate, from the core of our being. Under the open sky in the moon light, it is simply beyond words. When our intellect drops and we just float on the waves of these Sankrit words, it takes you to a place of peace, serenity, calmness, contentment, joy, ecstacy, stillness that you have never experienced before. There is so much love and we part with Namastes. Please check out "namaste" also as a Sankrit word. It is beautiful.
Coming to blessings. Most of us know blessings as "asheervaad" or "deevenalu" in Telugu. We seek blessings from our parents, from God, from elders. During exams, children seek blessings from LordGenesha. After marriage, the couple seeks blessings from grand parents, parents and other elders. We seek blessings from saints. Is this superstition or does it have some meaning? Blessings has 3 parts or effects. Blessings bestow "Svasthi (health)", "Shanti (peace)", "Samriddhi (abundance)". When we have these three, we don't need anything else. When we have contentment in life, these three qualities manifest automatically.
Online tax deductible donations: www.backtotherootsproject.org
What is Pada Yatra?
Most of us can easily guess that "pada yatra" is a "journey on foot". But it is not simply preferring to walk instead of taking a car or bike. This journey may also be called "Anugraha Yatra".
In ancient days and even today, saints, seers and monks used to travel place to place on foot. They used to meet thousands of people on the way, stay with them, share wisdom, give blessings and move on. Instead of people having to go long distances to meet saints for knowledge (gyan), saints used to come to them out of compassion. It was a blessing if a saint enters a village or a home.
Even today, we have it in our culture. If some elderly person comes into town (like parents of friends or some noble person), we request them to come visit our homes even for a few minutes. We feel that they bring good vibrations. We feel happy to offer a fruit or a flower (now-a-days coffee, tea, coke :) ) .... but you get the point.
Saints literally walk thousands of kilometers for the benefit of the people.
Our Pada Yatra is very similar. It is a journey to bring awareness to human values, to unite people of all castes, remind people of the value of their rich culture, importance of yoga, meditation, satsangs, festivals, respect for nature, vegetarianism, unity in diversity, cleanliness of the villages, health, hygiene, organic farming for better health and improved economic conditions, importance of cow for health and farming, grama devata aradhana, deepening our roots and broadening our vision, etc. We literally go to 100s of homes and meet people depending on the size of the village, the time of the day and other factors. We also go to schools and colleges and address students and staff.
We do a LOT more fun interactive things with the villagers. One can only experience it. We also sing nice bhajans with the villagers. We explain what "bhajan" really means and encourage them to really experience it. Bhajan is not just singing. It is sharing, sharing our voices, sharing something so intimate, from the core of our being. Under the open sky in the moon light, it is simply beyond words. When our intellect drops and we just float on the waves of these Sankrit words, it takes you to a place of peace, serenity, calmness, contentment, joy, ecstacy, stillness that you have never experienced before. There is so much love and we part with Namastes. Please check out "namaste" also as a Sankrit word. It is beautiful.
Coming to blessings. Most of us know blessings as "asheervaad" or "deevenalu" in Telugu. We seek blessings from our parents, from God, from elders. During exams, children seek blessings from LordGenesha. After marriage, the couple seeks blessings from grand parents, parents and other elders. We seek blessings from saints. Is this superstition or does it have some meaning? Blessings has 3 parts or effects. Blessings bestow "Svasthi (health)", "Shanti (peace)", "Samriddhi (abundance)". When we have these three, we don't need anything else. When we have contentment in life, these three qualities manifest automatically.
Online tax deductible donations: www.backtotherootsproject.org
Guntur: 07-DEC-2010 - heading to Sattenapalli, Amaravathi
We are ready to head out for another hectic day of service and celebration inspite of the rains.
Sattenapalli: We will be addressing a gathering at Kalyana Mandapam, School and a College.
Amaravathi: Plan to visit Buddha Project, meditate there, visit the famous Amaravathi Temple, address the crowds there and return to Guntur.
Sattenapalli: We will be addressing a gathering at Kalyana Mandapam, School and a College.
Amaravathi: Plan to visit Buddha Project, meditate there, visit the famous Amaravathi Temple, address the crowds there and return to Guntur.
06-DEC-2010:Guntur - Engineering College; Tenali
Monday 06-DEC-2010
Guntur
Today it was planned to visit a few colleges but it started to rain heavily.
Two of the colleges said that hardly 20 students came to the college. So, those 2 colleges were cancelled.
Around 11:30am visited VVIT (Vasireddy Venkatadri Institute of Technology). This is a really beautiful campus, building, facilities, etc. For the first time, we saw engineering college students in uniform. Very well mannered students. We met around 320 students from 3rd and 4th year in their auditorium. Good discipline in maintained in this college. No motorbikes are allowed since students run into accidents on National Highways. Buses are provided and students nearby come on bicycles. No cell phones allowed.
Students gave their 100% attention. We had a good session of practical wisdom, some breathing exercises for concentration and relaxation and meditation. We had lunch with the faculty and left.
Evening: Tenali
We were invited to Tenali again. We went to 2 slum area and addressed the people. Reached home by 11:45pm.
We have a hectic schedule tomorrow (7-DEC-2010) and have to leave by 6:45am.
Guntur
Today it was planned to visit a few colleges but it started to rain heavily.
Two of the colleges said that hardly 20 students came to the college. So, those 2 colleges were cancelled.
Around 11:30am visited VVIT (Vasireddy Venkatadri Institute of Technology). This is a really beautiful campus, building, facilities, etc. For the first time, we saw engineering college students in uniform. Very well mannered students. We met around 320 students from 3rd and 4th year in their auditorium. Good discipline in maintained in this college. No motorbikes are allowed since students run into accidents on National Highways. Buses are provided and students nearby come on bicycles. No cell phones allowed.
Students gave their 100% attention. We had a good session of practical wisdom, some breathing exercises for concentration and relaxation and meditation. We had lunch with the faculty and left.
Evening: Tenali
We were invited to Tenali again. We went to 2 slum area and addressed the people. Reached home by 11:45pm.
We have a hectic schedule tomorrow (7-DEC-2010) and have to leave by 6:45am.
Update 05-DEC-20210 Update from Guntur and Tenali
Sunday 05-DEC-2010
One of team members from Europe who went back to Bangalore because of blisters returned to Guntur as his foot was healed. He could stay away from service (seva). He took a 12:30hrs bus from Bangalore to Guntur. He immediately joined us for seva after a long bumpy drive.
Morning:
1. Visited Pedda Vadlapudi
2. Pedda Kakani (or Kakani)
Evening:
1. Village: Sangam Jaagarlamudi
We left Guntur around 5pm and went to Sangam Jaagarlamudi. We were received by the elders of the village at Sai Baba Temple. For lack of advance notice, it was not a big group. There were about 70 people for the evening Satsang and people were coming in as we started to leave for Tenali. We had a good satsang over the mic system which is heard by most of the village. We shared our experiences and said positive things about Indian culture and value system, etc. They would not let us leave but we had to move on. They packed prasadams for all us.
I met a very interesting elderly gentleman (Shri P.Naada Rao or Nanda Rao) in his 70s or 80s full of wisdom. He had hard hearing and poor eye sight. He was so charged up after our talk that he held my hand and would not let me go. He talked about Bhagavadgita as a syllabus to life, about Gandhiji, about Krishna in practical ways. He was amazing. He spoke VERY good English. I said that he must give discources to the villagers and youth. He said, "nobody will listen. People are busy running." I wish I could spend 2-3 hours with this noble person. He was very inspiring full of enthusiasm and zeal to share his wisdom and experience. He was soooooo concerned about India, it's culture, it's wisdom getting lost. You could see all that concern and care in his eyes. I took a picture with him. He heard us on the mic system and came upstairs to meet us. What can we do to make good use of the wonderful life experiences of our elders? In olden days, it was easily passed down to the next generations but now, we pretent to know better until we grow old.
I had met a few other similiar people whose life experiences are getting wasted. We do not know how to tap into the wisdom of our elders. Yes, there are some superstitious people but for the most part, all the wisdom from India is very scientific, universal and nature supporting. I met another 74 year old doctor in Hyderabad who hails from Srikakulam. I will write about her another time.
Under the BTTR Project, we are coming up with ways to seek the help of our elders and also give them an opportunity to serve the society. Next to food, clothing and shelter, every human being wants to be useful to someone or society. If we can provide this opportunity, there will be so much contentment in people's lives.
2. Tenali:
We reached Tenali by around 7:15pm. As communited earlier, we did not go to Kanyaka Parameswari Temple. Because poor communication, we were not notified that we did not get approval because it was a last minute request and some other event was happening because of the last day of Kartika Maasam. We were taken to Teja School where less than a 100 people gathered over roof top. We had an amazing satsang and talk. The children of most of the parents who gathered there live in USA. They are going to connect us with their children in USA. Majority of the participants were active women in that area. After satsang, a few ladies wanted our help to adopt a few colonies (slum areas are called colonies it seems) or a village to connect with the poor sections of the society. They invited us to come and do Pada Yatra in the slum areas. If time permits we will go this year or it has to be postponed until next year.
We headed back to Guntur for a late dinner.
We are trying hard to eat early in order to avoid indigestion problems while moving from place to place so fast.
More tomorrow.
-BTTR Team.
One of team members from Europe who went back to Bangalore because of blisters returned to Guntur as his foot was healed. He could stay away from service (seva). He took a 12:30hrs bus from Bangalore to Guntur. He immediately joined us for seva after a long bumpy drive.
Morning:
1. Visited Pedda Vadlapudi
2. Pedda Kakani (or Kakani)
Evening:
1. Village: Sangam Jaagarlamudi
We left Guntur around 5pm and went to Sangam Jaagarlamudi. We were received by the elders of the village at Sai Baba Temple. For lack of advance notice, it was not a big group. There were about 70 people for the evening Satsang and people were coming in as we started to leave for Tenali. We had a good satsang over the mic system which is heard by most of the village. We shared our experiences and said positive things about Indian culture and value system, etc. They would not let us leave but we had to move on. They packed prasadams for all us.
I met a very interesting elderly gentleman (Shri P.Naada Rao or Nanda Rao) in his 70s or 80s full of wisdom. He had hard hearing and poor eye sight. He was so charged up after our talk that he held my hand and would not let me go. He talked about Bhagavadgita as a syllabus to life, about Gandhiji, about Krishna in practical ways. He was amazing. He spoke VERY good English. I said that he must give discources to the villagers and youth. He said, "nobody will listen. People are busy running." I wish I could spend 2-3 hours with this noble person. He was very inspiring full of enthusiasm and zeal to share his wisdom and experience. He was soooooo concerned about India, it's culture, it's wisdom getting lost. You could see all that concern and care in his eyes. I took a picture with him. He heard us on the mic system and came upstairs to meet us. What can we do to make good use of the wonderful life experiences of our elders? In olden days, it was easily passed down to the next generations but now, we pretent to know better until we grow old.
I had met a few other similiar people whose life experiences are getting wasted. We do not know how to tap into the wisdom of our elders. Yes, there are some superstitious people but for the most part, all the wisdom from India is very scientific, universal and nature supporting. I met another 74 year old doctor in Hyderabad who hails from Srikakulam. I will write about her another time.
Under the BTTR Project, we are coming up with ways to seek the help of our elders and also give them an opportunity to serve the society. Next to food, clothing and shelter, every human being wants to be useful to someone or society. If we can provide this opportunity, there will be so much contentment in people's lives.
2. Tenali:
We reached Tenali by around 7:15pm. As communited earlier, we did not go to Kanyaka Parameswari Temple. Because poor communication, we were not notified that we did not get approval because it was a last minute request and some other event was happening because of the last day of Kartika Maasam. We were taken to Teja School where less than a 100 people gathered over roof top. We had an amazing satsang and talk. The children of most of the parents who gathered there live in USA. They are going to connect us with their children in USA. Majority of the participants were active women in that area. After satsang, a few ladies wanted our help to adopt a few colonies (slum areas are called colonies it seems) or a village to connect with the poor sections of the society. They invited us to come and do Pada Yatra in the slum areas. If time permits we will go this year or it has to be postponed until next year.
We headed back to Guntur for a late dinner.
We are trying hard to eat early in order to avoid indigestion problems while moving from place to place so fast.
More tomorrow.
-BTTR Team.
05-DEC-2010: Update from Guntur; heading to Tenali
05-DEC-2010: Guntur:
We all woke up by 5am, finished sadhana, breafast and headed to a Yoga Center of Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth (VVMVP). We addressed about 70 volunteers about our activities, what we are doing in the village and how they can participate.
- Village: Peda Vadlapudi: There was an eye checkup camp organized by Rama krishna mission and the Art of Living. We were invited to address the gathering of more than 600 people from about 40 villages nearby. It was a beautiful talk about health, villages, hygiene, water, organic farming, pesticides, yoga, meditation. We mentioned to them that now-a-days, progress or development is also measured in terms of the number of hospital beds per number of people. We consider this as progress instead of focusing on not getting sick. Many people seem to want to get sick with lack of exercise, bad food habits, lack of discipline, etc., and then increase the number of beds in hospitals. Wonder if this is progress.
In olden days, villagers were very healthy and strong, .... those who worked hard, had good food, had good discipline, etc. Now-a-days, almost every single house spends lakhs of rupees for some serious ailment. Cancer has become very common. I have many more stories but keep them to myself for now.
People were thirty for wisdom, yoga and meditation.
A lady from the nearby village (Emani) who runs a Balaji temple and Bhajan group invited to visit her village and also conduct programs on yoga and meditation from our organization.
From there we went to Pedda Kakani, a VERY famous Shiva Temple. Today is the end of Kartika Masam and it was flooded with thousands of devotees. We were given a stage to sing bhajans and address the devotees from nearly 100 villages. It was awesome. People mesmerized to see so many foreigners singing bhajans and chanting shokas and encouraging them to dive deep into their culture and preserve it. Malleswara Swamy was installed by sage Agastya (typo).
We met several thousand people in a few hours.
Returned to Guntur for lunch.
We are now heading to village-1 (forgot the name) and then to Tenali at 7pm to Kanyaka Parameswari Temple for a satsang.
More later.
got to go.
-BTTR
We all woke up by 5am, finished sadhana, breafast and headed to a Yoga Center of Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth (VVMVP). We addressed about 70 volunteers about our activities, what we are doing in the village and how they can participate.
- Village: Peda Vadlapudi: There was an eye checkup camp organized by Rama krishna mission and the Art of Living. We were invited to address the gathering of more than 600 people from about 40 villages nearby. It was a beautiful talk about health, villages, hygiene, water, organic farming, pesticides, yoga, meditation. We mentioned to them that now-a-days, progress or development is also measured in terms of the number of hospital beds per number of people. We consider this as progress instead of focusing on not getting sick. Many people seem to want to get sick with lack of exercise, bad food habits, lack of discipline, etc., and then increase the number of beds in hospitals. Wonder if this is progress.
In olden days, villagers were very healthy and strong, .... those who worked hard, had good food, had good discipline, etc. Now-a-days, almost every single house spends lakhs of rupees for some serious ailment. Cancer has become very common. I have many more stories but keep them to myself for now.
People were thirty for wisdom, yoga and meditation.
A lady from the nearby village (Emani) who runs a Balaji temple and Bhajan group invited to visit her village and also conduct programs on yoga and meditation from our organization.
From there we went to Pedda Kakani, a VERY famous Shiva Temple. Today is the end of Kartika Masam and it was flooded with thousands of devotees. We were given a stage to sing bhajans and address the devotees from nearly 100 villages. It was awesome. People mesmerized to see so many foreigners singing bhajans and chanting shokas and encouraging them to dive deep into their culture and preserve it. Malleswara Swamy was installed by sage Agastya (typo).
We met several thousand people in a few hours.
Returned to Guntur for lunch.
We are now heading to village-1 (forgot the name) and then to Tenali at 7pm to Kanyaka Parameswari Temple for a satsang.
More later.
got to go.
-BTTR
04-DEC-2010: Update from Guntur
Saturday 04-DEC-2010
Visited: Guntur, Chilakaluripeta, Uppalapadu
Reached out to: 750 people
We all arrived in Guntur early in the morning. Finished our sadhana, breakfast and went for a meeting with our local team members.
We all left for Chilakaluripeta which is 30km from Guntur. We had lunch in a wonderful couple's house. Then, we addressed about 450 students in a Degree College. The college did not have a big enough auditorium to house 450 students. So, we split into 2 groups and addressed the students simultaneously on 2 different floors.
We told them about the importance of Yoga, Meditation, Human Values, "smile", "being happy", what does success really mean, service, responsibility towards ourselves, our family, society, country and the whole world. Gifts of India to the world, its cultural heritage, great leaders and role models for all of humanity. We then took them into Ram Dhyan. There were a LOT of students of other faiths but all them sincerely participated and enjoyed the meditation. "Ram" in Sanskrit means, "radiance..... radiance within one's self". By doing this meditation, one can really experience something profound, some lightness, clarity in the mind.
The Principal and the Director of their Educational Society were very happy and pleased. I talked with several students after the session. They said that they were very happy to get some insight into subjects beyond Math, Physics, Sciences, etc. "Sir, the meditation were very peaceful and calming. Can you please teach us?".
- We then went to a middle school and addressed about 100 kids who were waiting for us.
- After this, we went to another village: Uppalapadu. It was a long BUMPY road for 45 minutes. Horrible road conditions. We addressed the villagers who were gathered in Saibaba Temple. We sang nice bhajans and came back to Chilakaluripeta for dinner.
- We reached Guntur by 11pm after another beautiful day.
We leave tomorrow by 7:45am.
Interesting:
- During the talks, for an interactive process, we asked the students if anyone is learning/praciticing any music. We wanted to drive home point about sustaining enthusiasm in any art/subject/sports and how, many of us shy away and not reach our goals. But then, not a single hand was raised. This is the same situation in many colleges. While in the US, almost every kid of Indian parents has exposure to music, dance, art or sports. In some cases, all activities. Well, even I did not learn any music or art. The point is, there is a loooooooot of focus on academic achievement. Esp around Guntur area, kids are busy with books or classes from 7am to 9pm or beyond. Just some food for thought about the importance of value based education, some exposure to arts so that the right and left brains get activated simultaneously, some sports, etc. Don't mean to raise any discussion on this.
Visited: Guntur, Chilakaluripeta, Uppalapadu
Reached out to: 750 people
We all arrived in Guntur early in the morning. Finished our sadhana, breakfast and went for a meeting with our local team members.
We all left for Chilakaluripeta which is 30km from Guntur. We had lunch in a wonderful couple's house. Then, we addressed about 450 students in a Degree College. The college did not have a big enough auditorium to house 450 students. So, we split into 2 groups and addressed the students simultaneously on 2 different floors.
We told them about the importance of Yoga, Meditation, Human Values, "smile", "being happy", what does success really mean, service, responsibility towards ourselves, our family, society, country and the whole world. Gifts of India to the world, its cultural heritage, great leaders and role models for all of humanity. We then took them into Ram Dhyan. There were a LOT of students of other faiths but all them sincerely participated and enjoyed the meditation. "Ram" in Sanskrit means, "radiance..... radiance within one's self". By doing this meditation, one can really experience something profound, some lightness, clarity in the mind.
The Principal and the Director of their Educational Society were very happy and pleased. I talked with several students after the session. They said that they were very happy to get some insight into subjects beyond Math, Physics, Sciences, etc. "Sir, the meditation were very peaceful and calming. Can you please teach us?".
- We then went to a middle school and addressed about 100 kids who were waiting for us.
- After this, we went to another village: Uppalapadu. It was a long BUMPY road for 45 minutes. Horrible road conditions. We addressed the villagers who were gathered in Saibaba Temple. We sang nice bhajans and came back to Chilakaluripeta for dinner.
- We reached Guntur by 11pm after another beautiful day.
We leave tomorrow by 7:45am.
Interesting:
- During the talks, for an interactive process, we asked the students if anyone is learning/praciticing any music. We wanted to drive home point about sustaining enthusiasm in any art/subject/sports and how, many of us shy away and not reach our goals. But then, not a single hand was raised. This is the same situation in many colleges. While in the US, almost every kid of Indian parents has exposure to music, dance, art or sports. In some cases, all activities. Well, even I did not learn any music or art. The point is, there is a loooooooot of focus on academic achievement. Esp around Guntur area, kids are busy with books or classes from 7am to 9pm or beyond. Just some food for thought about the importance of value based education, some exposure to arts so that the right and left brains get activated simultaneously, some sports, etc. Don't mean to raise any discussion on this.
Update 03-DEC-2010: We wrapped up Kadapa and heading to Guntur
03-DEC-2010
Our team wrapped up Kadapa today. There is a lot more work to be done, but based on our schedule, we need to cover a few more districts before Dec 18th.
One of our team members got blisters on his foot because of the heat and intense walking and is taking a break. Also, for other reasons, he will be heading back to Europe for the time being. The international team is now 5 with many local volunteers.
We are heading to Guntur tonight and will spend a few days in the nearby villages and Guntur City.
Will keep you posted.
The internet here is VERY slow and we are unable to upload pictures and videos quickly.
Thank you for your continued support.
-Back to the Roots Project Team
Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth
Our team wrapped up Kadapa today. There is a lot more work to be done, but based on our schedule, we need to cover a few more districts before Dec 18th.
One of our team members got blisters on his foot because of the heat and intense walking and is taking a break. Also, for other reasons, he will be heading back to Europe for the time being. The international team is now 5 with many local volunteers.
We are heading to Guntur tonight and will spend a few days in the nearby villages and Guntur City.
Will keep you posted.
The internet here is VERY slow and we are unable to upload pictures and videos quickly.
Thank you for your continued support.
-Back to the Roots Project Team
Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth
Quick note: We wrapped up Srikakulam and started Pada Yatras in Kadapa district.
Update: 03-DEC-2010
It is a 24 hour train journey from Srikakulam to Kadapa (this is the new spelling it seems). We lost one day in Kadapa because of the disturbing political situation.
More details later. Got to go.
It is a 24 hour train journey from Srikakulam to Kadapa (this is the new spelling it seems). We lost one day in Kadapa because of the disturbing political situation.
More details later. Got to go.
Srikakulam Pada Yatra: Only the names of the villages visited (NOV 20-23, 2010)
24-NOV-2010: Srikakulam
It is already 4am (24NOV2010) and we need to get ready for yet another happy day filled with service and gratitude.
I would like to only list the names of the villages visited from 20-23 NOV-2010.
I think, we met about 10,000 people one on one so far.
This is a quick estimate since I don't have my notebook with me right now.
20-Nov-2010
Bhyri Singupuram
Tandyamvalasa
Pallivalasa
Bhyri
21-Nov-2010
Kambakaya
Visited Srimukha Lingam Temple
Chennapuram
Nadagam
22-Nov-2010
Patrunivalasa
Chapuram
Siddhipeta
Ampolu
Ramchandrapuram
Rayapadu
Guden
Srikurma
23-Nov-2010
Adhapaka
Bijjipuram
Visited Srikurma Temple
Tallavalasa
Murapaka
It is already 4am (24NOV2010) and we need to get ready for yet another happy day filled with service and gratitude.
I would like to only list the names of the villages visited from 20-23 NOV-2010.
I think, we met about 10,000 people one on one so far.
This is a quick estimate since I don't have my notebook with me right now.
20-Nov-2010
Bhyri Singupuram
Tandyamvalasa
Pallivalasa
Bhyri
21-Nov-2010
Kambakaya
Visited Srimukha Lingam Temple
Chennapuram
Nadagam
22-Nov-2010
Patrunivalasa
Chapuram
Siddhipeta
Ampolu
Ramchandrapuram
Rayapadu
Guden
Srikurma
23-Nov-2010
Adhapaka
Bijjipuram
Visited Srikurma Temple
Tallavalasa
Murapaka
Join Pada Yatra in Andhra Pradesh (may be until Nov 28, 2010)
24-NOV2010: Srikakulam
During my meetings in USA, some of you expressed interest to join Pada Yatras.
If you are in and around Srikakulam, please call me and I can tell you the name of the village for today's Pada Yatra.
Best wishes,
-Sudhakar.
953 378 0640
During my meetings in USA, some of you expressed interest to join Pada Yatras.
If you are in and around Srikakulam, please call me and I can tell you the name of the village for today's Pada Yatra.
Best wishes,
-Sudhakar.
953 378 0640
18NOV2010: A very fruitful and adventurous day near Yelamanchili village, Visakhapatnam District, AP. Heading to Srikakulam
19-NOV-2010: Visakhapatnam, INDIA
We had a very fruitful, contented and adventurous day (18NOV2010). We are heading to Srikakulam now (19NOV2010 2pm IST).
I have LOTS of information to share but I am busy and readers too don't seem to have enough time to read.
I will try to make it short.
Our International Team for this year for AP consists of 5 men from Italy, USA, Germany, Slovania, Netherlands and myself who are joined by local volunteers of our organization. Last year, we have 2 others from Japan and Croatia who are replaced by men from Slovania and Italy. This is their first experience of the Indian villages. Last year's team had also done Pada Yatras in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra (I did not join them to those states. Someone else did.).
For various reasons, for the first time, we travelled by local bus to Yelamanchili from Visakhapatnam. Naturally, we drew a lot of attention. Miraculously the bus was almost empty. We had lunch in a team member's tiny little home. It felt soooo good the experience the hospitality and the simple food.
We split into 2 groups and went to villages (1) Kothapalem, (2) Narayanarajupeta.
We walked all the streets, met about 600 people in Kothapalem and about 400 in Narayanarajupeta.
- We had an amazing satsang where we sang bhajans with the villagers in the local temples.
- The speech turned out to be very inspirational. We talked about the value of Indian cultures and customs, Yoga, Meditation, Organic Farming, cleanliness fo the villages and temples, Ayurveda, youth leaders, unity in diversity, gifts of India to the world, etc. A lot more topics in an interactive fashion.
- Attended a local wedding for a few minutes and met the newly weds.
- Met the President of the village.
Interesting points:
- In Narayanarajupeta: the power was out and it was dark. The villagers joined with flash light to lead the way for Pada Yatra. One guy from Germany shared that 2 kids held his fingers and either side and guided him in the dark. He is more than 6 feet tall. He was touched by the caring attitude of the kids in the villages.
- In Kothapalem: We asked if the villagers can get together to turn their village into a Model village and "all" hands went up.
- Kids and adults were eager to listen to us sing and speak.
- The guy from Slovania shared that in his country, people and now moving back to villages. They commute 2-3 days of the week to the city for work or work remotely.
I am running late and I will share more things when time permits.
We are heading to Srikakulam now.
We had a very fruitful, contented and adventurous day (18NOV2010). We are heading to Srikakulam now (19NOV2010 2pm IST).
I have LOTS of information to share but I am busy and readers too don't seem to have enough time to read.
I will try to make it short.
Our International Team for this year for AP consists of 5 men from Italy, USA, Germany, Slovania, Netherlands and myself who are joined by local volunteers of our organization. Last year, we have 2 others from Japan and Croatia who are replaced by men from Slovania and Italy. This is their first experience of the Indian villages. Last year's team had also done Pada Yatras in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra (I did not join them to those states. Someone else did.).
For various reasons, for the first time, we travelled by local bus to Yelamanchili from Visakhapatnam. Naturally, we drew a lot of attention. Miraculously the bus was almost empty. We had lunch in a team member's tiny little home. It felt soooo good the experience the hospitality and the simple food.
We split into 2 groups and went to villages (1) Kothapalem, (2) Narayanarajupeta.
We walked all the streets, met about 600 people in Kothapalem and about 400 in Narayanarajupeta.
- We had an amazing satsang where we sang bhajans with the villagers in the local temples.
- The speech turned out to be very inspirational. We talked about the value of Indian cultures and customs, Yoga, Meditation, Organic Farming, cleanliness fo the villages and temples, Ayurveda, youth leaders, unity in diversity, gifts of India to the world, etc. A lot more topics in an interactive fashion.
- Attended a local wedding for a few minutes and met the newly weds.
- Met the President of the village.
Interesting points:
- In Narayanarajupeta: the power was out and it was dark. The villagers joined with flash light to lead the way for Pada Yatra. One guy from Germany shared that 2 kids held his fingers and either side and guided him in the dark. He is more than 6 feet tall. He was touched by the caring attitude of the kids in the villages.
- In Kothapalem: We asked if the villagers can get together to turn their village into a Model village and "all" hands went up.
- Kids and adults were eager to listen to us sing and speak.
- The guy from Slovania shared that in his country, people and now moving back to villages. They commute 2-3 days of the week to the city for work or work remotely.
I am running late and I will share more things when time permits.
We are heading to Srikakulam now.
Update from Bangalore - 10-OCT-2010; 500 Youth Leaders trained; Micro Finance; village in AP adopted by a Telecom Chief.
10-OCT-2010: Bangalore, INDIA
I have arrived in Bangalore at 4am on 30-SEP-2010. I immediately got busy with VVM meetings starting at 9am on 30-SEP-2010.
In addition to many other states, about 110 Youth from the villages of Andhra Pradesh visited the VVM Center in Bangalore. We have conducted Leadership Training Programs for about 500 youth since OCT-2009. Not all of them become immediately active. I met all these young dynamic youngsters who are willing to do something for the villages, the country and at the same time stand on their own feet in the process of serving the society. They are paid a task based Honorarium.
We also started a MicroFinance Wing to help the small farmers and merchants. This will be taken forward by Village Youth Leaders and Village Committees.
I had long meetings with a few Youth Leaders to get updates.
We are now working on identifying a few villages in Andhra Pradesh and turn them into Model Villages (Nirmal Gram). We have done similar work in Maharashtra already. I will share the details in my next emails.
We have the Chairman of a Telecom Company come forward and adopt his own village in Andhra Pradesh. When the time is right, I will share more details.
I have arrived in Bangalore at 4am on 30-SEP-2010. I immediately got busy with VVM meetings starting at 9am on 30-SEP-2010.
In addition to many other states, about 110 Youth from the villages of Andhra Pradesh visited the VVM Center in Bangalore. We have conducted Leadership Training Programs for about 500 youth since OCT-2009. Not all of them become immediately active. I met all these young dynamic youngsters who are willing to do something for the villages, the country and at the same time stand on their own feet in the process of serving the society. They are paid a task based Honorarium.
We also started a MicroFinance Wing to help the small farmers and merchants. This will be taken forward by Village Youth Leaders and Village Committees.
I had long meetings with a few Youth Leaders to get updates.
We are now working on identifying a few villages in Andhra Pradesh and turn them into Model Villages (Nirmal Gram). We have done similar work in Maharashtra already. I will share the details in my next emails.
We have the Chairman of a Telecom Company come forward and adopt his own village in Andhra Pradesh. When the time is right, I will share more details.
Update 18-NOV-2010: Bangalore, Hyderabad, West Godavari (Chintalapudi, Tribal Villages), Visakhapatnam
18-NOV-2010:
I am on my way to Yalamanchili village in Visakhapatnam for doing a Pada Yatra.
I got severe allergies after reaching Bangalore. I met a lot of village youth during Navaratri Celebrations. It is a big thing in Bangalore where our VVM Center is location. On Chandi Homa day, 50,000 people attended the Homa. On other days, we have 30-40,000 people each day for other Homas.
2. I then reached Hyderabad for Diwali and my health started improving. There were heavy rains in AP and lakhs of crops have been destroyed. Avoided travel because of bad weather.
13-NOV-2010: Reached Chintalapudi in W.Godavari district. Last year, we did Pada Yatras, created village committees and conducted Zero Budget Organic Farming Workshop here. Visited a farm to see the progress of Organic Farming. The farmer is very happy. He said that each time, he sprays pesticides, it costs him Rs.10,000 to 12,000 for 9 acres of lentils. Now he is spending Rs.500 for 1 round of pesticides that he makes with cow dung, cow urine, leaves, etc. I video taped how they make the organic fertilizer.
14-NOV-2010: At 5:30am conducted Yoga and Meditation workshop for villagers in Seethanagaram village. It is a 1 hr drive from where I am staying. Around 11am, visited Tribal village: Gattugudem, T.Narsapuram (Mandal), W.Godavari. It is 1:30hr bike ride from Chintalapudi. Roads are HORRIBLE and car or bus will not go there. It is kind of in the middle of the forest. Met with the village president, his educated sons and others. They don't have a temple. Had lunch in the tribal village. Came back to Chintalapudi and then visited Tribal village: Jeerugumilli (1:30hr by bike). Addressed villagers from about 40 villages who are doing Hanuman Deeksha for 40 days (wearing Orange clothes).
15-NOV-2010: Visited Geerugumilli Tribal Village again by 8am (1:30hr bike ride). Then visited a well managed Tribal School in village: Vankavarigudem (15 minutes bike ride from Jeegurgumilli). Talked with the students (about 250 students), checked their rooms, classrooms, kitchen, local temple, etc. Then visited local farms, and talked with a few village heads. It was dark and roads are horrible to come back. So, I stayed back in the tribal village for the night.
16-NOV-2010: I was planning to go back to Gattugudem to speak with youth who will be gathering for me by 6:30am. They leave to the farms/work at 7am. I got late and reached by 7:30am and so I missed them. Returned to Chintalapudi by bike rides (farmers take turns to drop me from one village to the other). Meeting with Village Committee in Chintalapudi, visited farms for learning and inspection, conducted a Guru Puja in a Chilli (Mirchi) Farmers office, attended a satsang (bhajans).
17-NOV-2010: Reched Eluru by 6am to catch a train to Visakhapatnam. Reached Visakhapatnam by 12:30pm. The train in full and had to stand for 3:30 hrs. Our International Team from USA, Netherlands, Slovania, Italy, Germany have arrived from Hyderabad. Attended a local Indian Wedding.
On NOV 14th: The International Team, visited a Slum School for Childrens day and talked about the importance of India culture, etc.
On Nov 15th: The International Team, went for Pada Yatra in Khanapur (Shankarpalli Road outskirts of Hyderabad).
On Nov 16th: The Internation Team left Hyd and arrived in Visakhapatnam.
Today 18NOV10: We are going to Yalamanchili village for Pada Yatra. We will be doing Pada Yatra for the rest of the month in AP.
I will send you more details after I return from Yalamanchili to Visakhapatnam.
I am on my way to Yalamanchili village in Visakhapatnam for doing a Pada Yatra.
I got severe allergies after reaching Bangalore. I met a lot of village youth during Navaratri Celebrations. It is a big thing in Bangalore where our VVM Center is location. On Chandi Homa day, 50,000 people attended the Homa. On other days, we have 30-40,000 people each day for other Homas.
2. I then reached Hyderabad for Diwali and my health started improving. There were heavy rains in AP and lakhs of crops have been destroyed. Avoided travel because of bad weather.
13-NOV-2010: Reached Chintalapudi in W.Godavari district. Last year, we did Pada Yatras, created village committees and conducted Zero Budget Organic Farming Workshop here. Visited a farm to see the progress of Organic Farming. The farmer is very happy. He said that each time, he sprays pesticides, it costs him Rs.10,000 to 12,000 for 9 acres of lentils. Now he is spending Rs.500 for 1 round of pesticides that he makes with cow dung, cow urine, leaves, etc. I video taped how they make the organic fertilizer.
14-NOV-2010: At 5:30am conducted Yoga and Meditation workshop for villagers in Seethanagaram village. It is a 1 hr drive from where I am staying. Around 11am, visited Tribal village: Gattugudem, T.Narsapuram (Mandal), W.Godavari. It is 1:30hr bike ride from Chintalapudi. Roads are HORRIBLE and car or bus will not go there. It is kind of in the middle of the forest. Met with the village president, his educated sons and others. They don't have a temple. Had lunch in the tribal village. Came back to Chintalapudi and then visited Tribal village: Jeerugumilli (1:30hr by bike). Addressed villagers from about 40 villages who are doing Hanuman Deeksha for 40 days (wearing Orange clothes).
15-NOV-2010: Visited Geerugumilli Tribal Village again by 8am (1:30hr bike ride). Then visited a well managed Tribal School in village: Vankavarigudem (15 minutes bike ride from Jeegurgumilli). Talked with the students (about 250 students), checked their rooms, classrooms, kitchen, local temple, etc. Then visited local farms, and talked with a few village heads. It was dark and roads are horrible to come back. So, I stayed back in the tribal village for the night.
16-NOV-2010: I was planning to go back to Gattugudem to speak with youth who will be gathering for me by 6:30am. They leave to the farms/work at 7am. I got late and reached by 7:30am and so I missed them. Returned to Chintalapudi by bike rides (farmers take turns to drop me from one village to the other). Meeting with Village Committee in Chintalapudi, visited farms for learning and inspection, conducted a Guru Puja in a Chilli (Mirchi) Farmers office, attended a satsang (bhajans).
17-NOV-2010: Reched Eluru by 6am to catch a train to Visakhapatnam. Reached Visakhapatnam by 12:30pm. The train in full and had to stand for 3:30 hrs. Our International Team from USA, Netherlands, Slovania, Italy, Germany have arrived from Hyderabad. Attended a local Indian Wedding.
On NOV 14th: The International Team, visited a Slum School for Childrens day and talked about the importance of India culture, etc.
On Nov 15th: The International Team, went for Pada Yatra in Khanapur (Shankarpalli Road outskirts of Hyderabad).
On Nov 16th: The Internation Team left Hyd and arrived in Visakhapatnam.
Today 18NOV10: We are going to Yalamanchili village for Pada Yatra. We will be doing Pada Yatra for the rest of the month in AP.
I will send you more details after I return from Yalamanchili to Visakhapatnam.
29-SEP2010: On flight to India - Bangalore
Things moved fast today and I am on the flight to India. From CA, I went to Milwaukee and then to Chicago. I have a lot things to share. Once I settle down, I will email u my India contact details.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)