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Club News
Dear members, future members and friends,
Last year I wrote concerning some of my experiences during my trip to
India. Those of you who have visited the sub continent will know what I
mean when I say that India is one vast exclamation mark! Visitor’s views
on the country differ, but I have yet to meet anyone who has remained
indifferent to this amazing land of extremes.
One thing that everyone agrees upon however is the beauty of the people.
Somehow even those who experience grinding poverty contain a vibrancy and
vitality which is difficult to describe.
It’s easy to dwell on all that is wrong, the discrimination encountered
within the caste system and towards people suffering from Aids, the harsh
treatment of widows, (shunned as bringing bad luck if present at certain
ceremonies,) the encroachment of rich landowners onto land traditionally
belonging to tribal communities, the crippling dowries that encourage
infanticide of girl babies, the corruption, especially within the
government and the police force. But what I have brought back is nothing
but a deep respect and admiration for the people themselves, who despite
hardships manage - somehow India works!
It is of course a great privilege for me to see how things can improve
with help from NGOs like the one run by my brother John Dalton in the
State of Tamil Nadu in southern India. The help given is always community
based, which means getting people together to form groups and associations
which in the long term will carry on independently. This sustainability
is what donors are looking for. It is relatively easy to give hand outs,
but situations must continually improve and a ‘bandage’ is for short term
relief only.
Many years ago Arogya Agam formed women’s groups in poor villages which in
turn have formed federations, hundreds strong, who lobby for basic human
rights. More recently Arogya Agam have helped form groups for HIV/Aids
sufferers, for Dalits (untouchables,) for Arivannis (trans gender,)
women’s groups against infanticide and feticide, and groups for tribal
people fighting for land rights, schools and medical care.
There are constant ‘small’ victories which will in time bear fruit. One
took place whilst I was at Arogya Agam concerning untouchability. The
local Dalit community had been cut off from their burial ground by housing
developments which had sprung up thus hindering access to the cemetery.
Other local villages encountered similar problems; they had been allotted
land unsuitable for burials for one reason or another, systematic flooding
for example.
The Dalit association formed by Arogya Agam came up with a good idea. In
rural India, if someone dies, the Dalits are called to take away the body;
this is considered one of the menial jobs that Dalits are supposed to do.
This particular day the body was transported and laid out on the ground
before the local authority’s office. “Sorry” they said. “We have no
place to bury this body!” It worked. In less than a week burial grounds
were procured for several of the surrounding villages.
Gradually things are changing thanks, in part, to people like you who give
generously when participating in our raffles at our events, and they will
continue to change for the better.
To learn more about what your money is being used for go to the ‘Our
Chairity’ page of the web site where you will find the latest news & Photos.
The Spring Summer Program of activities is well on it's way with some of
the most diverse events we have done so far, catering to every taste.
I cannot thank George enough for the time, energy, planning and
inspiration that he throws into these events with unerring enthusiasm!
So à bientôt! I can promise you there will be something for everybody -
George will see to it!
With best wishes from Jill
Our membership keeps growing
Since our inauguration in December 2007 the club has kept growing steadily and as at 31st August 2010, our membership stands at 102 members from 31 different countries!
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Argentina Australia Belgium Benin Canada China Colombia Denmark |
Finland England Ethiopia France Germany Holland Ireland Iran |
Italy Malaysia Mauritius New Zealand Russia Scotland Senegal Spain |
South Africa Sri Lanka Sweden Switzerland Turkey USA Wales |
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