Nirmala Vidyalaya School Library
Recently with the help of volunteers and other charities Nirmala Vidyalaya School, part of ACTS, opened its new library. The artwork in the library was produced with the help from a number of students from a local art college. The library is an unusual but exciting concept. During the library periods the children can choose which books they wish to read. Bean bags are available for the children to sit on and often they sit under the desk in what is a very conducive environment for reading. It is a very popular part of the school curriculum. The books have been donated and reflect the Indian environment. India 69th Republic Day
January 26 was the 69th Celebration of India's Constitution as a republic. Despite being a holiday the students of Nirmala Vidyalaya School, like many other schools, held a commemorative event which included the raising of the Indian flag; a march past; dancing; singing and a brief talk to the students. Nirmala Vidyalaya School is a rural school for children from the poorer communities. It was started a few years ago, by, Acts, with about 80 village children. It now has in excess of 800 students! I was a guest of honour however it did seem strange when during the speech the speaker mentioned that the Constitution came into being as a result of the bravery of the freedom fighters who fought to overthrow British rule! However I was warmly welcomed by the students and faculty and provided with a very tasty Indian breakfast. My First Day In India
I arrived in india, 25 January at 5.10am or 11.40pm the previous day UK time. I am here for four weeks. I had one of the scariest taxi journeys from the airport; firstly because the taxi driver was driving so fast because wanted to get home before there was a total strike in Koramangala which was scheduled to start at 9.00 am. His driving made one pray even if you didn't believe in God. Secondly I also learnt that it is possible to drive at 60 miles an hour and text, using both hands, whilst on a mobile. In the end I had to shout at the taxi driver to put the phone down and drive sensibily or he wasn't going to get a tip. Stupidly I then asked about his family and he told me had had two daughters one 3 years and the other 18 months. Then using both hands on the phone, whilst driving, he found their pictures and turned around to show me! I said if he carried on driving that way he might not see them again! He got the message. It is three years since I was last here and my first impressions are some things have changed but the dirt and dust remains the same. In fact I think it is the same dirt and dust. Anyway the strike ended at 6pm our time, so the grocery stores opened and I was able to get all the washing up liquid; cloths; scrubbers; toilet cleansers; detol and brushes to try and get the flat back to some level of I will say, 'dustfreeness', for under the dust it is quiet clean. Made my bed and then went to the local tandoori hut for supper - It tasted so good. So at the moment I am feeling shattered - it is still 25 degrees but will cool to about 16 degrees early monrng. On my Way to IndiaOn my way to India just 12 hours to go. Looking forward to the warmth of India but not the leaving of people behind.
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