April 2009

A Case to Uncaste India (Pin Drop Silence Continued)

Unpublished
Apr30
By anonymous (not verified)
To recap from my last post 'Pin Drop Silence:' In India, the higher castes have built their power and authority on the subjugation of the lower castes, especially the Dalit. Who does the menial labor necessary for higher caste life to exist? The Dalit. Who cleans up the rivers of human effluence with bare hands so the higher castes do not have to? The Dalit. Who lives in the fields of smoldering garbage so the higher castes can have pristine gardens to enjoy at leisure? The Dalit.

Kothasatram/Indiranagar Village Homes

Unpublished
Apr29
By anonymous (not verified)
Here are some pictures of the houses we began over three years ago in Kothasatram/Indiranagar Village, India.

Gummallapadu Village Homes

Unpublished
Apr29
By anonymous (not verified)
Here are some pictures of the houses in various stages of completion in Gummallapadu Village, India. [gallery] From April 2009 Rick Mickelson Longitude Director of International Volunteering

Pin Drop Silence

Unpublished
Apr27
By anonymous (not verified)
India is an assault on the senses. From the putrid aromas wafting from rivers of human effluence and fields of smoldering garbage to the cacophony of car horns, shrill screams and construction machinery to the serenely beautiful landscapes juxtaposed against crumbling, half-built infrastructure, there is seemingly enough to confound and delight one’s soul for eternity in India. The greatest assault to the senses, however, would have to be on common sense. Rather, on a Western understanding of common sense.

Where it all began: ARV Office in Machilipatnam, India

Unpublished
Apr18
By shawnrubin
Waylaid by a quick bout with the infamous Delhi Belly, we are now a day behind schedule...actually, we had a contingency plan for just such an occasion.  I was planning to fly back south to catch my flight home, but Ravi canceled that and then booked two train tickets for us, so that we can WORK up until the last minute I leave.  What a thoughtful guy!  Ravi arranged a couple doses of medicine to speed my recovery so we could get back to work, I thought, but actually because he cares so much for everyone around him.

All things considered...

Unpublished
Apr17
By shawnrubin
...getting to India was an adventure in and of itself. How could a simple 30 hour transcontinental journey get any more exciting? Well, before leaving Dallas the ground crew packed someones dogs in the wrong luggage compartment, so we had to turn back from the runway before takeoff and return to the gate, where it took over 2 and a half hours to repack the pooches.

A Bigger Picture - Volunteer Perspective from India

Unpublished
Apr10
By anonymous (not verified)
My name is Vishal Jani and I just returned from the March 2009 ARV project in GP Village, AP. My colleagues have written comprehensive blogs that tell of emotions, appreciation and thanks that are identical to mine. I also realize that current and future volunteers are a primary group that will read this blog.

Snow, by Joel Post

Unpublished
Apr10
By anonymous (not verified)
Hello,

My name is Joel Post and I was recently a volunteer on the March 20-29 trip to GP village in India. Here is a quick blog entry I wrote after returning yesterday.

Snow

When one thinks about southern India, snow doesn't usually come to mind, but there it was all around me: snow drifts, avalanches, snow cones…but I am getting ahead of myself.

Follow the Longitude Uncaste India Expedition - April 2009

Unpublished
Apr10
By anonymous (not verified)
Dear Longitude Supporters,
© 2006 – 2012 Longitude - a 501(c)3 organization