Social Work Delegation – India - National Association of Social

Transcription

EX-RPT-13612.IndiaReport:Layout 1
4/9/12
10:40 AM
Page 2
S O C I A L W O R K D E L E G AT I O N T O
DELHI, JAIPUR
& AGRA
INDIA
February 13 – 21, 2012
DELEGATION LEADERS ❘ Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH, Executive Director, NASW ❘ Jeane W. Anastas, PhD, LMSW, President, NASW
.socialworkers.org
4/9/12
10:40 AM
Page 1
S ocia l Wor k Deleg a tion – India
S O C I A L W O R K D E L E G AT I O N – I N D I A
NASW MEMBERS GET A CLOSE-UP VIEW OF INDIA.
MONDAY FEBRUARY 13, 2012
Some of the Delegates.
ARRIVAL IN DELHI
Our US departure city for our trip was
Chicago. Delegates kept arriving at the
includes 315 million middle class
younger generation is using it and
families. However, there is much rural
changing the image.
poverty and urban homelessness.
welcome including the arti ceremony
There are many “tent cities” or slums,
Animals are a part of everyday life in
where a woman in a beautiful sari
and most people do not rent. There is
India. They share the land and the
anointed each of our foreheads with a
little separation of residential and
roads. You see cows, elephants, cam
tika which is supposed to be lucky.
commercial areas, and there is a
monkeys, goats, sheep, water buffalo
severe shortage of water.
horses, and dogs. There are few cats
but many birds — especially pigeons
Room keys were ready and our luggage
familiar faces. About a third of our
delegation had made their own flight
arrangements. The rest of us boarded
our American Airlines flight for a
3:40pm take-off. The 15 hour flight to
was sent to our rooms. A few small
Over 1,500 languages are spoken and 20
At tourist attractions you can find
groups of delegates met for a quick
are considered official languages. English
snake charmers that actually have
dinner in the hotel restaurant, but
is the language of work. To get most
defanged cobra snakes in baskets.
everyone seemed quite exhausted and
jobs, a person needs to speak English.
Balu introduced us to our national gu
ready for bed. We were told the
India was uneventful, but very long.
We arrived at Indira Gandhi
program would begin early the next
Immigration is becoming more of a
Ashish Khurana, and our local guide
morning and we wanted to be ready.
problem. Children do not go to school.
for Delhi, Sandeep Singh, and a wom
They are trying to remedy that. There
named Priti (which means “love” in
are two kinds of schools: public schools
Sanskrit). He then went over the we
(which are actually private) which teach
schedule and taught us the word of
in English only; and government schools
greeting – namaste – which has a var
C U LT U R A L
PROGRAM
which use local language first and then
of meanings. It is usually said with
English. Children are supposed to go to
hands put together as though prayin
We began our first full day with a
until standard five, the government puts
Balu concluded by saying that peopl
breakfast buffet at the hotel restaurant.
5000 rupees in a family bank account.
either love or dislike India; if they
We started early as our orientation
If they stay in school until standard 10,
dislike it, it is usually because it is to
session was at 7:45am.
10,000 rupees are put in the account.
much to take in during a visit.
International Airport, a beautiful new
structure that had been built in
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 14
preparation for the Commonwealth
Games in 2010. Passport control went
smoothly and everyone’s luggage
arrived – always a good start.
We were met by our People to People
guides who were easily identifiable by
The Grand Hotel.
for the lower classes is changing. Th
We were greeted with a traditional
gate area and it was nice to see so many
Indira Gandhi International Airport.
There are over a billion people which
their signage. The bus was out front
waiting for us and it was a relatively
school until age 14. If girls stay in school
The number of Indian school children
smooth transfer.
Balu Menon, the owner of Worldwide
equals the whole population of Europe.
The morning schedule was changed
include our first professional meetin
Adventures India (email: Balu@world
Our flight arrived around 6pm. That
put us right in the middle of rush hour
traffic. That was our introduction to the
traffic congestion that would be a
constant during our entire trip. It took
wideadventuresindia.com), gave the
Delhi is a combination of eight separate
with the staff and children of the
cultural overview and orientation to the
historical cities, but only two are still
Deepalaya School. As we left the ho
program. His company arranges tours in
functioning. The others are in ruins. Old
the first thing we noted was a large
India, Cambodia, and Vietnam. They
Delhi is the northern part of the city.
cluster of small dwellings made of
plastic, scavenged bricks, and other
have managed 170 People to People
about an hour to reach our hotel. The
Traffic is a major problem in India. It is
found materials. This densely settled
congested all day long. Over two
“village” was built on the highway
India is a complex country and a land
million people use the underground
median across from a traffic
of many different stories. It is an
metro in Delhi. It costs only eight
roundabout on one side and a large
ancient civilization, but it only gained
rupees to ride, and it covers over 200
new shopping mall on the other.
its independence from the British in
kilometers (124 miles). The metro has
Perhaps it started with the workers w
1947. It is the fourth largest economy
security similar to airports. This has
built the mall or the highway, but it
in the world.
helped traffic. The idea that the metro is
looked to be quite permanent. While
delegations.
Grand Hotel is a beautiful, modern
structure located on Nelson Mandela
Avenue in New Delhi. We were a bit
surprised by the strict security. All of
our luggage was screened and we had
to walk through metal detectors and
be scanned.
1
2
4/9/12
10:40 AM
Page 2
Social Wor k Delegation – India
S O C I A L W O R K D E L E G AT I O N – I N D I A
NASW MEMBERS GET A CLOSE-UP VIEW OF INDIA.
ONDAY FEBRUARY 13, 2012
RIVAL IN DELHI
US departure city for our trip was
cago. Delegates kept arriving at the
There are over a billion people which
for the lower classes is changing. The
includes 315 million middle class
younger generation is using it and
families. However, there is much rural
changing the image.
We were greeted with a traditional
poverty and urban homelessness.
welcome including the arti ceremony
There are many “tent cities” or slums,
Animals are a part of everyday life in
where a woman in a beautiful sari
and most people do not rent. There is
India. They share the land and the
anointed each of our foreheads with a
little separation of residential and
roads. You see cows, elephants, camels,
tika which is supposed to be lucky.
commercial areas, and there is a
monkeys, goats, sheep, water buffalo,
severe shortage of water.
horses, and dogs. There are few cats,
area and it was nice to see so many
but many birds — especially pigeons.
Room keys were ready and our luggage
liar faces. About a third of our
gation had made their own flight
ngements. The rest of us boarded
American Airlines flight for a
pm take-off. The 15 hour flight to
was sent to our rooms. A few small
Over 1,500 languages are spoken and 20
At tourist attractions you can find
groups of delegates met for a quick
are considered official languages. English
snake charmers that actually have
dinner in the hotel restaurant, but
is the language of work. To get most
defanged cobra snakes in baskets.
everyone seemed quite exhausted and
jobs, a person needs to speak English.
Balu introduced us to our national guide,
ready for bed. We were told the
a was uneventful, but very long.
arrived at Indira Gandhi
program would begin early the next
Immigration is becoming more of a
Ashish Khurana, and our local guides
morning and we wanted to be ready.
problem. Children do not go to school.
for Delhi, Sandeep Singh, and a woman
They are trying to remedy that. There
named Priti (which means “love” in
are two kinds of schools: public schools
Sanskrit). He then went over the week’s
(which are actually private) which teach
schedule and taught us the word of
in English only; and government schools
greeting – namaste – which has a variety
C U LT U R A L
PROGRAM
which use local language first and then
of meanings. It is usually said with
English. Children are supposed to go to
hands put together as though praying.
We began our first full day with a
until standard five, the government puts
Balu concluded by saying that people
breakfast buffet at the hotel restaurant.
5000 rupees in a family bank account.
either love or dislike India; if they
We started early as our orientation
If they stay in school until standard 10,
dislike it, it is usually because it is too
session was at 7:45am.
10,000 rupees are put in the account.
much to take in during a visit.
rnational Airport, a beautiful new
cture that had been built in
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 14
aration for the Commonwealth
mes in 2010. Passport control went
othly and everyone’s luggage
ved – always a good start.
were met by our People to People
es who were easily identifiable by
r signage. The bus was out front
ing for us and it was a relatively
Balu Menon, the owner of Worldwide
equals the whole population of Europe.
us right in the middle of rush hour
ic. That was our introduction to the
ic congestion that would be a
tant during our entire trip. It took
include our first professional meeting
wideadventuresindia.com), gave the
Delhi is a combination of eight separate
with the staff and children of the
cultural overview and orientation to the
historical cities, but only two are still
Deepalaya School. As we left the hotel,
program. His company arranges tours in
functioning. The others are in ruins. Old
the first thing we noted was a large
India, Cambodia, and Vietnam. They
Delhi is the northern part of the city.
cluster of small dwellings made of
plastic, scavenged bricks, and other
have managed 170 People to People
ut an hour to reach our hotel. The
Traffic is a major problem in India. It is
found materials. This densely settled
congested all day long. Over two
“village” was built on the highway
India is a complex country and a land
million people use the underground
median across from a traffic
of many different stories. It is an
metro in Delhi. It costs only eight
roundabout on one side and a large
ancient civilization, but it only gained
rupees to ride, and it covers over 200
new shopping mall on the other.
its independence from the British in
kilometers (124 miles). The metro has
Perhaps it started with the workers who
1947. It is the fourth largest economy
security similar to airports. This has
built the mall or the highway, but it
in the world.
helped traffic. The idea that the metro is
looked to be quite permanent. While
delegations.
nd Hotel is a beautiful, modern
cture located on Nelson Mandela
nue in New Delhi. We were a bit
rised by the strict security. All of
luggage was screened and we had
alk through metal detectors and
canned.
1
“Tent Cities”
The morning schedule was changed to
Adventures India (email: Balu@world
flight arrived around 6pm. That
Crowds on the Streets.
school until age 14. If girls stay in school
The number of Indian school children
oth transfer.
Traffic.
2
Animals in India.
4/9/12
10:40 AM
Page 3
The Deepalaya School.
malls and modern airports were common
then change schools and continue their
We spent most of our time in Old Delhi
Heritage where we had a fascinating
sights for us from the USA, this
education through the tenth grade.
seeing sites such as the Red Fort and the
and useful rug making demonstratio
improvised neighborhood was a taste of
They use a standardized curriculum and
Raj Ghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
what seemed different about cities in
books but they teach self-confidence as
Gandhi was shot by a fanatic in 1948.
Rug-making is an important industr
India as compared to those back home.
well as regular education. School hours
His body was cremated on the banks of
India. The silk rugs we saw came from
are from eight to two. Class size is
the Yamuna River, and the cremation
north (the crown part of India) from
30-40 students to one teacher.
site is a national shrine. Women sold
state of Kashmir. The state, which is
red, gold and white flowers by the shrine.
mountainous, has five towns and the
Books and notebooks are purchased by
The Red Fort was a main residence of
people speak different languages. Ru
the children. Other supplies are provided.
the royal family many years past.
making there is simple and different f
PROFESSIONAL
PROGRAM
MORNING – DEEPALAYA SCHOOL
They take no money from government,
Our first professional meeting was a
but rely solely on private donations.
visit to the Deepalaya School. It is a
Students at the Deepalaya School.
Card the Childern Presented to Us.
Probably the highlight of our tour was a
are handed down through generatio
visit to the moonlit market or square
The mother in the family sings (calls)
non-governmental organization (NGO)
After the presentation and a tour of the
which is part of Chandni Chowk, a
patterns as they work. Each family’s
started in 1979 for marginalized
facility, we were seated at an outdoor
famous strip of shops and frenetic
rugs are identifiable because of the fam
children. They began working with
stage where the children performed for
activity. Our guides had arranged for us
patterns. About 75% of all carpets u
immigrants and now there are seven
us. The choral group sang “When the
to have rickshaw cycle rides and they
the tree of life motif, 15% of rugs ar
schools and a national NGO working in
Saints Come Marching In,” and a few
had reserved an adequate number so
flower based, the rest are tribal base
four different states of India. To date,
of the older girls did a dance for us.
they were waiting for us when we got
they have educated 16,000 students and
Our delegation presented them with a
off the bus. Each rickshaw held two
They use their hands to knot (hand
currently have 8000 students enrolled.
plaque and a donation. We then were
people and the ride through the market
twist) the silk thread as they go. The
They also have hostels for children who
served coffee, tea and cookies. It was an
took about 45 minutes.
do not use a shuttle or weaving. It is
are HIV positive or who are sex
uplifting and enjoyable experience.
very tedious work so they only work
workers. They offer both health care
It is difficult to describe the chaos of the
three to four hours each morning.
and preventive services.
market. People were everywhere,
Contrary to popular myth, they neve
rickshaws were everywhere, and progress
put a purposeful mistake in a carpet
C U LT U R A L
PROGRAM
The specific school we visited works
School Children Performing.
other countries such as China. Patte
with the poor. They give preference to
through the maze was slow. We saw the
area where saris and trim of every sort
They do their own dying (and use sa
girls, but they will admit their brothers.
AFTERNOON – CITY TOUR
was for sale. We also passed the area
to do so). They let the dye lot sit out
There are 500 students there. The
After the Deepalaya School, we began a
that sold books and the area that sold
the sun for months so colors will no
school is surrounded by slums with a
city tour with Priti, the local guide,
automotive parts. It was fascinating. At
fade at a later time. They make orien
population of about 10,000.
explaining the various sights. Since it
the same time, we were happy to get back
hand twisted carpet.
had been dark the night before when we
to the bus area safely. Next was lunch.
Once it is done, they wash the carpet
We were welcomed at the door by a
arrived at the hotel, this was our first
group of beautiful little girls wearing
actual glimpse of India. The city seemed
Lunch was at the Hotel Broadway in a
put it out in the sun for 10 days. Th
white dresses. They were the choral
very alive. Cars and motorbikes, as well
restaurant called Chor Bazaar. The word
they shear it. Shearing makes it stron
group. The other children wore blue
as people, were in motion. Due to the
“chor” means thieves. Art deco in design,
because it is denser. If sheared correc
uniforms.
volume of traffic, horns were heard
it is Delhi’s best known Kashmiri
furniture won’t leave a mark. Walkin
constantly. There were mainly men on
restaurant. We had a fixed lunch, and
enhances the beauty of the carpet.
Once settled, we heard a presentation
the streets, but many of the women we
service was quite good.
by Shikh Pal, the Assistant Manager.
did see were wearing colorful saris.
She explained that children may begin
Our guide provided colorful
As part of our cultural tour, we stopped
had an opportunity to look at the
school starting at age three. Their classes
commentary as well.
at Cottage Industries at a store called
showroom. Several people purchased
After the demonstration, the delegat
go only to eighth grade. Students can
rugs and had them sent home.
3
4
4/9/12
10:40 AM
Page 4
s and modern airports were common
then change schools and continue their
We spent most of our time in Old Delhi
Heritage where we had a fascinating
and useful rug making demonstration.
ts for us from the USA, this
education through the tenth grade.
seeing sites such as the Red Fort and the
rovised neighborhood was a taste of
They use a standardized curriculum and
Raj Ghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
t seemed different about cities in
books but they teach self-confidence as
Gandhi was shot by a fanatic in 1948.
Rug-making is an important industry in
a as compared to those back home.
well as regular education. School hours
His body was cremated on the banks of
India. The silk rugs we saw came from the
are from eight to two. Class size is
the Yamuna River, and the cremation
north (the crown part of India) from the
30-40 students to one teacher.
site is a national shrine. Women sold
state of Kashmir. The state, which is very
red, gold and white flowers by the shrine.
mountainous, has five towns and the
Books and notebooks are purchased by
The Red Fort was a main residence of
people speak different languages. Rug-
the children. Other supplies are provided.
the royal family many years past.
making there is simple and different from
OFESSIONAL
OGRAM
They take no money from government,
RNING – DEEPALAYA SCHOOL
first professional meeting was a
but rely solely on private donations.
to the Deepalaya School. It is a
other countries such as China. Patterns
Probably the highlight of our tour was a
are handed down through generations.
visit to the moonlit market or square
The mother in the family sings (calls) the
governmental organization (NGO)
After the presentation and a tour of the
which is part of Chandni Chowk, a
patterns as they work. Each family’s
ed in 1979 for marginalized
facility, we were seated at an outdoor
famous strip of shops and frenetic
rugs are identifiable because of the family
stage where the children performed for
activity. Our guides had arranged for us
patterns. About 75% of all carpets use
igrants and now there are seven
us. The choral group sang “When the
to have rickshaw cycle rides and they
the tree of life motif, 15% of rugs are
ols and a national NGO working in
Saints Come Marching In,” and a few
had reserved an adequate number so
flower based, the rest are tribal based.
different states of India. To date,
of the older girls did a dance for us.
they were waiting for us when we got
have educated 16,000 students and
Our delegation presented them with a
off the bus. Each rickshaw held two
They use their hands to knot (hand
ently have 8000 students enrolled.
plaque and a donation. We then were
people and the ride through the market
twist) the silk thread as they go. They
y also have hostels for children who
served coffee, tea and cookies. It was an
took about 45 minutes.
do not use a shuttle or weaving. It is
HIV positive or who are sex
uplifting and enjoyable experience.
dren. They began working with
It is difficult to describe the chaos of the
three to four hours each morning.
preventive services.
market. People were everywhere,
Contrary to popular myth, they never
rickshaws were everywhere, and progress
put a purposeful mistake in a carpet.
C U LT U R A L
PROGRAM
the poor. They give preference to
through the maze was slow. We saw the
area where saris and trim of every sort
They do their own dying (and use salt
, but they will admit their brothers.
AFTERNOON – CITY TOUR
was for sale. We also passed the area
to do so). They let the dye lot sit out in
re are 500 students there. The
After the Deepalaya School, we began a
that sold books and the area that sold
the sun for months so colors will not
ol is surrounded by slums with a
city tour with Priti, the local guide,
automotive parts. It was fascinating. At
fade at a later time. They make oriental
ulation of about 10,000.
explaining the various sights. Since it
the same time, we were happy to get back
hand twisted carpet.
had been dark the night before when we
to the bus area safely. Next was lunch.
Rickshaw Rides Through the Market.
Once it is done, they wash the carpet and
were welcomed at the door by a
arrived at the hotel, this was our first
up of beautiful little girls wearing
actual glimpse of India. The city seemed
Lunch was at the Hotel Broadway in a
put it out in the sun for 10 days. Then
e dresses. They were the choral
very alive. Cars and motorbikes, as well
restaurant called Chor Bazaar. The word
they shear it. Shearing makes it stronger
up. The other children wore blue
as people, were in motion. Due to the
“chor” means thieves. Art deco in design,
because it is denser. If sheared correctly,
orms.
volume of traffic, horns were heard
it is Delhi’s best known Kashmiri
furniture won’t leave a mark. Walking
constantly. There were mainly men on
restaurant. We had a fixed lunch, and
enhances the beauty of the carpet.
e settled, we heard a presentation
the streets, but many of the women we
service was quite good.
hikh Pal, the Assistant Manager.
did see were wearing colorful saris.
explained that children may begin
Our guide provided colorful
As part of our cultural tour, we stopped
had an opportunity to look at the
ol starting at age three. Their classes
commentary as well.
at Cottage Industries at a store called
showroom. Several people purchased
After the demonstration, the delegation
nly to eighth grade. Students can
rugs and had them sent home.
3
Raj Ghat Memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
very tedious work so they only work
kers. They offer both health care
specific school we visited works
Red Fort.
4
Burning the Rugs to Ensure Durability.
4/9/12
10:40 AM
Page 5
PROFESSIONAL
PROGRAM
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 15
C U LT U R A L
PROGRAM
MORNING – INDIRA GANDHI
natives,” those, including members of
(Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and
India’s armed forces, who already “live
others) can form a value base for the
on-line” and naturally seek their
profession; several chapters on Gand
education there as well.
social thinking; and concluding chap
on the status of the profession now.
NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY
We enjoyed a leisurely buffet breakfast
Qutab Minar.
The social work education program we
and were on the bus at 8:45am. We
visited in New Delhi is housed at the
needed to be at the Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi National Open
National Open University (IGNOU)
University, which is called “the people’s
before 11am when we would be
university” and offers hundreds of
addressed by a high-ranking official.
degree programs on-line and at sites
Since we had time, our guides wanted
throughout the country (and overseas).
us to see the Qutab Minar.
The School of Social Work at IGNOU
was established in 2007 and became
Muslim Prayer Temple.
The Qutab Minar is the tallest tower in
fully operational in 2009. There were
India and an example of Indo-Islamic
two areas of focus for the delegates’
architecture. It stands 234 feet high.
meeting with the social work faculty at
While we could not go inside, we were
IGNOU: social work education in
told that it had 376 steps.
general and the importance of an
effective national professional
Construction began in 1193 under the
association of social work for the
direction of Qutub-ud-din Aibak. His
development of the profession in India.
son added the top four stories. It
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).
originally was used as a “call tower”
At IGNOU, delegates were first
which is a building for a call to prayers.
welcomed by Dr. M. Aslam, the new
At the base of the tower is the first
Acting Chancellor, who provided an
mosque built in India. It was erected by
overview of the impressive scope of
Muslims in the 12th century. It was
IGNOU’s on-line and other educational
built on the site of a Hindu temple.
programs within India and abroad.
Delegates next heard from the Director
More works of this kind are obviou
of the Social Work Program, Dr.
needed. In addition, one IGNOU
Gracious Thomas. He talked more
faculty member, Dr. Rose Nembiakk
about the content of the social work
is developing curriculum to address
program, emphasizing that the
needs of India’s protected indigenou
department placed great importance on
groups, termed “tribals,”which have
the “practical” aspect of the education
their own languages, cultures, and
as well as the classroom content that
social service needs.
could be delivered on-line. The
supervision of student practice occurs
After some discussion among the
not just on-line but also at IGNOU’s
assembled faculty members and
many regional centers where students
delegates, we were all taken to
receive personalized “coaching” in all
IGNOU’s impressive television
aspects of their educational development,
broadcast studios for a panel discuss
including their practice. Program
on professional social work
brochures show courses of study at
associations. Dr. Thomas and Dr.
BSW and MSW levels that did not seem
Mahesh, an Assistant Professor of
unfamiliar to us as US-educated social
Social Work, hosted a panel with Dr
workers. The School of Social Work
Clark and Dr. Anastas that was
also hosts an annual lecture in memory
broadcast live on their educational
of Mother Teresa and an annual
television system; the rest of the
“national seminar” on the social work
delegates formed the live studio
response to HIV/AIDs which had just
audience for the event. In a brief
been held in January.
meeting the previous evening, Dr.
Mahesh had crafted a list of basic
Having a PhD in sociology, Dr. Aslam
The grounds were lovely and it was a
also touched upon some of the social
beautiful morning. Everything looked
problems facing India and how higher
green and lush. Birds were singing, and
education, in general, and social work,
we saw several green parrots. We had
in particular, had important roles in
some free time to wander and take
addressing them. As described by Dr.
pictures before we needed to reboard
Aslam, the University takes a
the bus for the university.
student-centered approach to learning
and serves multiple student markets:
Meeting with IGNOU Faculty.
teenagers forced into the labor market
early (similar perhaps to community
colleges in the United States), adults
already employed who enroll to
advance their careers with additional
skills and credentials, and “digital
5
One problem mentioned by Dr. Thomas
questions regarding NASW-USA: wh
and other faculty members was the need
there is a need for an NASW, describ
to “indigenize” the curriculum and to
the profile of the organization and it
develop materials based in the Indian
members, social work legislation bei
experience rather than relying
pursued in the USA, and current
dominantly on publications from the
challenges to the association. Dr.
West. Dr. Thomas himself has published
Mahesh concluded with an overview
a book entitled Origin and Development
past and present national social wor
of Social Work in India (2010), which
associations in India, arguing that a
offers chapters from a variety of
stronger national organization of an
authors on the history of social work in
for professional social work was
India through initiatives by the state,
needed. The whole production proce
individuals, social movements, and
was extremely well-organized and
NGOs; how the many religions in India
efficient, and delegates enjoyed askin
6
4/9/12
10:40 AM
Page 6
PROFESSIONAL
PROGRAM
DNESDAY FEBRUARY 15
U LT U R A L
OGRAM
MORNING – INDIRA GANDHI
natives,” those, including members of
(Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and
India’s armed forces, who already “live
others) can form a value base for the
on-line” and naturally seek their
profession; several chapters on Gandhi’s
education there as well.
social thinking; and concluding chapters
on the status of the profession now.
NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY
enjoyed a leisurely buffet breakfast
The social work education program we
were on the bus at 8:45am. We
visited in New Delhi is housed at the
ded to be at the Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi National Open
onal Open University (IGNOU)
University, which is called “the people’s
re 11am when we would be
university” and offers hundreds of
ressed by a high-ranking official.
degree programs on-line and at sites
e we had time, our guides wanted
throughout the country (and overseas).
o see the Qutab Minar.
The School of Social Work at IGNOU
was established in 2007 and became
Qutab Minar is the tallest tower in
fully operational in 2009. There were
a and an example of Indo-Islamic
two areas of focus for the delegates’
itecture. It stands 234 feet high.
meeting with the social work faculty at
le we could not go inside, we were
IGNOU: social work education in
general and the importance of an
that it had 376 steps.
effective national professional
struction began in 1193 under the
association of social work for the
ction of Qutub-ud-din Aibak. His
development of the profession in India.
added the top four stories. It
nally was used as a “call tower”
At IGNOU, delegates were first
ch is a building for a call to prayers.
welcomed by Dr. M. Aslam, the new
he base of the tower is the first
Acting Chancellor, who provided an
que built in India. It was erected by
overview of the impressive scope of
lims in the 12th century. It was
IGNOU’s on-line and other educational
t on the site of a Hindu temple.
programs within India and abroad.
Delegates next heard from the Director
More works of this kind are obviously
of the Social Work Program, Dr.
needed. In addition, one IGNOU
Gracious Thomas. He talked more
faculty member, Dr. Rose Nembiakkim,
about the content of the social work
is developing curriculum to address the
program, emphasizing that the
needs of India’s protected indigenous
department placed great importance on
groups, termed “tribals,”which have
the “practical” aspect of the education
their own languages, cultures, and
as well as the classroom content that
social service needs.
could be delivered on-line. The
supervision of student practice occurs
After some discussion among the
not just on-line but also at IGNOU’s
assembled faculty members and
many regional centers where students
delegates, we were all taken to
receive personalized “coaching” in all
IGNOU’s impressive television
aspects of their educational development,
broadcast studios for a panel discussion
including their practice. Program
on professional social work
brochures show courses of study at
associations. Dr. Thomas and Dr.
BSW and MSW levels that did not seem
Mahesh, an Assistant Professor of
unfamiliar to us as US-educated social
Social Work, hosted a panel with Dr.
workers. The School of Social Work
Clark and Dr. Anastas that was
also hosts an annual lecture in memory
broadcast live on their educational
of Mother Teresa and an annual
television system; the rest of the
“national seminar” on the social work
delegates formed the live studio
response to HIV/AIDs which had just
audience for the event. In a brief
been held in January.
meeting the previous evening, Dr.
Mahesh had crafted a list of basic
Having a PhD in sociology, Dr. Aslam
grounds were lovely and it was a
also touched upon some of the social
utiful morning. Everything looked
problems facing India and how higher
n and lush. Birds were singing, and
education, in general, and social work,
aw several green parrots. We had
in particular, had important roles in
e free time to wander and take
addressing them. As described by Dr.
ures before we needed to reboard
Aslam, the University takes a
bus for the university.
student-centered approach to learning
and serves multiple student markets:
teenagers forced into the labor market
early (similar perhaps to community
colleges in the United States), adults
already employed who enroll to
advance their careers with additional
skills and credentials, and “digital
5
IGNOU’s Impressive Television Broadcast Studios.
One problem mentioned by Dr. Thomas
questions regarding NASW-USA: why
and other faculty members was the need
there is a need for an NASW, describing
to “indigenize” the curriculum and to
the profile of the organization and its
develop materials based in the Indian
members, social work legislation being
experience rather than relying
pursued in the USA, and current
dominantly on publications from the
challenges to the association. Dr.
West. Dr. Thomas himself has published
Mahesh concluded with an overview of
a book entitled Origin and Development
past and present national social work
of Social Work in India (2010), which
associations in India, arguing that a
offers chapters from a variety of
stronger national organization of and
authors on the history of social work in
for professional social work was
India through initiatives by the state,
needed. The whole production process
individuals, social movements, and
was extremely well-organized and
NGOs; how the many religions in India
efficient, and delegates enjoyed asking
6
IGNOU’s Television Broadcast Studios Panel Discussion.
IGNOU’s Television Broadcast Studios Panel Discussion Group.
4/9/12
10:40 AM
Page 7
Streets Outside the Homeless Shelter.
Homeless Shelter.
questions of the panel at the end of the
They were particularly proud of several
We next went to a temporary shelter
Department is housed there. The
broadcast.
programs. First, their group had
that is open 24 hours per day. It was
department has 100 staff to care for
surveyed 56,000 homeless people. They
built to shelter 50 people on pallets, but
8000 persons, many living in slum-li
Once the panel broadcast was
used a structured questionnaire and
sometimes they have up to 80. There
conditions. They also manage the
completed, the group ate lunch and
helped the people complete them. Next,
are three caretakers per shift. They use
Homeless Project of Delhi which is
continued informal discussions with
they got them identification cards which
washable mattresses and a cleaning
operated out of St. Stephens. Dr. Ku
faculty members and students. Since
allows individuals to open bank
crew goes around the city from shelter
compared the situation of their
several members of the delegation have
accounts. This is part of a national
to shelter. (There are 84 temporary
homelessness problem to the Great
taught full or part-time in the United
program referred to as the UID
shelters in the city). On a regular basis
Depression in our country.
States, the discussion throughout the
program, or unique identification
they iron the mattresses to get rid of
visit was lively.
program. It uses biometrical data for
bacteria. There are no lights because
Homelessness is divided into zones.
the ID. To date, 110 million people
three shelters caught on fire and people
There are now 145 shelters in Delhi
AFTERNOON – PROGRAMS FOR
have received the ID. There is money
died because there was only one door.
Their goal is to make the shelters lik
THE HOMELESS
available to distribute 200 million.
Now the shelters have two doors each,
workers’ hostels. There is a special
We were late beginning our travel to
One of the goals is to have welfare
plus smoke detectors and fire
shelter for pregnant women. There a
the afternoon professional meetings to
benefits flow directly into the accounts
extinguishers. The shelter seemed very
only four shelters in all of Calcutta,
discuss the problem of homelessness.
and to offer better public service. After
“bare bones” to us. In looking at the
none in Mumbai. The services are no
Our bus stopped at the first of the two
the ID card, they wanted to get the men
pictures taken there, we all look a bit
sufficiently funded.
shelters we were planning to visit. It
social security cards, and voter
uncomfortable.
was a large complex and there were
identification cards. The numbers of
many people outside, lots of children
voter ID cards completed was small
One of the social workers accompanied
food drops in Delhi, and their helpli
and families.
(n=56), but they were optimistic that
us on our visits. Our final stop for the
gets 20,000-25,000 calls per year. Th
the number would grow.
day was St. Stephens Hospital to meet
make transit arrangements for abou
with the director of community health.
35,000 people annually. Interestingly
The shelter was filled with bunk beds
company. It was a permanent structure
that said Noise for the Needy. When
LATE AFTERNOON – ST. STEPHENS
They use many volunteers, and they
shelter for men, and they could house
asked about them, they said they had a
HOSPITAL
referred to as care leaders.
200 men on any given night. They also
fundraising concert recently. It consisted
By the time we arrived at St. Stephens
had lockers that they rented for eight
of Metallica music played by college
Hospital, it was early evening. Traffic
We were all tired and had had a long
rupees per day. That is less than 20
students. They said it had been successful.
had been quite difficult. The director,
day. We had visited both a permanen
Dr. Arnold Kumar, met with us in a
structure shelter and a temporary
cents per day. To put this amount in
Homeless Shelter.
they have a website for the homeless
The center also had posters on the walls
that had been donated by a steel
Temporary Homeless Shelter.
He also explained that there are 145
perspective, a rickshaw driver earns
They mentioned one approach that was
small conference room and gave us an
homeless structure and had seen the
about 250 rupees per day. Lockers give
novel to us. During cold weather, they
overview of the community health
dedication of staff and volunteers. S
the men a place to safely keep their
pass out bubble wrap rather than
program. The hospital is 126 years old.
the magnitude of the homelessness
belongings and gives them a bit of
blankets. There were several rationales
The day we were visiting was St.
problem seemed daunting and
dignity. The center also had a community
for this activity. First of all, blankets
Stephens Day. It was started by a 15
unsolvable. We were admiring of the
kitchen, laundry, and fitness center.
can be sold which defeats the purpose
year old woman whose brother had
efforts of St. Stephens despite such g
of distributing them. Second, cool
died. When it opened, the hospital was
odds, and we marveled at what they
We were met by several social workers.
nights are damp, and the blankets also
exclusively for men and children. It now
were able to accomplish with a smal
Two women with MSWs gave us a
get damp. Bubble wrap does not get
has 700 beds. The Community Health
staff of only 100.
program overview. They were young,
damp and the air in bubble wrap helps
passionate and dedicated. It was
to keep people warm. That seemed like
wonderful to see such energy.
creative thinking.
7
8
4/9/12
10:40 AM
Page 8
tions of the panel at the end of the
They were particularly proud of several
We next went to a temporary shelter
Department is housed there. The
programs. First, their group had
that is open 24 hours per day. It was
department has 100 staff to care for
surveyed 56,000 homeless people. They
built to shelter 50 people on pallets, but
8000 persons, many living in slum-like
e the panel broadcast was
used a structured questionnaire and
sometimes they have up to 80. There
conditions. They also manage the
pleted, the group ate lunch and
helped the people complete them. Next,
are three caretakers per shift. They use
Homeless Project of Delhi which is
adcast.
inued informal discussions with
they got them identification cards which
washable mattresses and a cleaning
operated out of St. Stephens. Dr. Kumar
lty members and students. Since
allows individuals to open bank
crew goes around the city from shelter
compared the situation of their
ral members of the delegation have
accounts. This is part of a national
to shelter. (There are 84 temporary
homelessness problem to the Great
ht full or part-time in the United
program referred to as the UID
shelters in the city). On a regular basis
Depression in our country.
es, the discussion throughout the
program, or unique identification
they iron the mattresses to get rid of
program. It uses biometrical data for
bacteria. There are no lights because
Homelessness is divided into zones.
the ID. To date, 110 million people
three shelters caught on fire and people
There are now 145 shelters in Delhi.
have received the ID. There is money
died because there was only one door.
Their goal is to make the shelters like
E HOMELESS
available to distribute 200 million.
Now the shelters have two doors each,
workers’ hostels. There is a special
were late beginning our travel to
One of the goals is to have welfare
plus smoke detectors and fire
shelter for pregnant women. There are
afternoon professional meetings to
benefits flow directly into the accounts
extinguishers. The shelter seemed very
only four shelters in all of Calcutta, and
uss the problem of homelessness.
and to offer better public service. After
“bare bones” to us. In looking at the
none in Mumbai. The services are not
sufficiently funded.
was lively.
ERNOON – PROGRAMS FOR
the ID card, they wanted to get the men
pictures taken there, we all look a bit
ters we were planning to visit. It
social security cards, and voter
uncomfortable.
a large complex and there were
identification cards. The numbers of
y people outside, lots of children
voter ID cards completed was small
One of the social workers accompanied
food drops in Delhi, and their helpline
families.
(n=56), but they were optimistic that
us on our visits. Our final stop for the
gets 20,000-25,000 calls per year. They
the number would grow.
day was St. Stephens Hospital to meet
make transit arrangements for about
with the director of community health.
35,000 people annually. Interestingly,
bus stopped at the first of the two
shelter was filled with bunk beds
they have a website for the homeless.
pany. It was a permanent structure
that said Noise for the Needy. When
LATE AFTERNOON – ST. STEPHENS
They use many volunteers, and they are
ter for men, and they could house
asked about them, they said they had a
HOSPITAL
referred to as care leaders.
men on any given night. They also
fundraising concert recently. It consisted
By the time we arrived at St. Stephens
lockers that they rented for eight
of Metallica music played by college
Hospital, it was early evening. Traffic
We were all tired and had had a long
es per day. That is less than 20
students. They said it had been successful.
had been quite difficult. The director,
day. We had visited both a permanent
Dr. Arnold Kumar, met with us in a
structure shelter and a temporary
s per day. To put this amount in
pective, a rickshaw driver earns
They mentioned one approach that was
small conference room and gave us an
homeless structure and had seen the
ut 250 rupees per day. Lockers give
novel to us. During cold weather, they
overview of the community health
dedication of staff and volunteers. Still,
men a place to safely keep their
pass out bubble wrap rather than
program. The hospital is 126 years old.
the magnitude of the homelessness
ngings and gives them a bit of
blankets. There were several rationales
The day we were visiting was St.
problem seemed daunting and
ity. The center also had a community
for this activity. First of all, blankets
Stephens Day. It was started by a 15
unsolvable. We were admiring of the
hen, laundry, and fitness center.
can be sold which defeats the purpose
year old woman whose brother had
efforts of St. Stephens despite such great
of distributing them. Second, cool
died. When it opened, the hospital was
odds, and we marveled at what they
nights are damp, and the blankets also
exclusively for men and children. It now
were able to accomplish with a small
get damp. Bubble wrap does not get
has 700 beds. The Community Health
staff of only 100.
were met by several social workers.
women with MSWs gave us a
gram overview. They were young,
damp and the air in bubble wrap helps
ionate and dedicated. It was
to keep people warm. That seemed like
derful to see such energy.
creative thinking.
7
St. Stephens Hospital Staff.
He also explained that there are 145
The center also had posters on the walls
had been donated by a steel
St. Stephens Hospital.
8
Delegates at St. Stephens Hospital.
4/9/12
10:41 AM
Page 9
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16
standards and over 500 objectives.
Prevention of institutionalization is their
FLIGHT TO JAIPUR
Only 15 government hospitals in all
goal. The reasons for hospitalizations
We got to the airport in the usual
PROFESSIONAL
PROGRAM
India have the accreditation, and
are court orders, potential danger to self
traffic. Check-in was a bit confusing
IHBAS is the first hospital that deals
or others, family burnout, dual
but everything worked out and we a
with neurosciences and mental health to
diagnosis, and social admissions.
boarded a prop jet for a short flight
Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences (IHBAS).
They have a 96-98 percent success rate
guests needed a wheelchair. They ha
General psychiatry started in India
of placing people back in the community,
one available, but there was no way
before they gained independence in
mainly with their families. Dr. Desai
get the wheelchair in the bus that to
1947. In 1966 mental hospitals were set
contributed this success directly to the
us to the terminal. Instead, an attend
up in prisons. In the 60s and 70s, they
efforts of the social workers there.
pushed the delegate a long distance o
were building custodial facilities when
There is no separate department of
the tarmac down the runway. It is ha
other countries were moving away from
social work, but there is a specialization
to imagine that happening in our
that approach. In 1983, public interest
of psychiatric social work, and in
country.
legislation around human rights passed.
addition to Dr. Jahanara, we met three
Just the previous week, a Right to
other social workers.
BEHAVIOR AND ALLIED SCIENCES
This was our last day in Delhi so we
needed to pack and have our bags ready
for pick-up before breakfast. We had
one professional trip before we left for
Jaipur. We were visiting the Institute of
Human Behavior and Allied Sciences
(IHBAS). Since many delegates were
clinicians, they were especially looking
forward to this visit.
IHBAS Tour.
Jaipur. When we landed, one of our
achieve one.
MORNING – INSTITUTE OF HUMAN
It was mid-evening when we arrived
The bus trip to our hotel, the Raj
Information Act passed in their high
The Institute is a huge, sprawling campus
that is a mix of old and new buildings.
It was started about 17 years ago. There
is a general hospital next door. They
have 24 hour service, and the nurses for
the Institute live in campus housing.
courts. Dr. Desai mentioned that they
We saw several different units on our
Putana Sheraton, was not too grueli
have some reservations about that law.
tours. One was a mother and child care
The hotel, as usual, was lovely, and
He would like to see information
unit that houses pregnant women or
were all glad to call it a night.
compartmentalized so the patients
young mothers referred by law. The
cannot see the records of family
women stay one to four months on
members and vice versa.
average, and they resist separating the
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 17
mother and their children. We asked a
We were greeted by D. Nimesh G.
Desai, the head of psychiatry. Dr. Desai
question about child safety, but Dr.
United States, both a private and a
Desai did not see that as a major issue.
C U LT U R A L
PROGRAM
are “seven star” medihotels near the
Delegates were a bit taken aback by the
Jaipur is the capital of the state of
airport for medical tourism, but that
tour, where we entered areas with
Rajasthan, the largest state in India.
only the rich use the private sector.
patients, some of whom were in the
located 162 miles southwest of Delh
middle of a therapy session. Since client
and the state’s most western part bor
They deal with both brain and “mind
confidentiality is such an important
Pakistan. Given the traffic congestio
problems.” They do 800 health
concern for social workers in the USA,
we were pleased to fly, rather than
psychiatry consultations every day/six
delegates felt uncomfortable at times.
drive, to this destination. The bus w
days per week. About two percent of
Dr. Desai did note that they have zero
our luggage had arrived before us an
these patients are hospitalized. The
tolerance for any human rights
met us at the Jaipur Airport.
average length of stay is three weeks.
violations, including any abuse.
public sector. Dr. Desai noted that there
has been the Institute director for two
Discussion with IHBAS Social Work Staff.
They do have a health system like the
years. For the eleven years previous to
that, he was Chief of Psychiatry. We
also were greeted by Dr. Jahanara, who
is a clinical social worker and the head
of social work at IHBAS. We went to a
conference room where we were
formally greeted and a schedule of
activities for our visit was discussed.
Dr. Desai asked us to make a critical
Lunch with IHBAS Staff.
They also have a psychiatric ICU for
appraisal of their programs. Just last
week they had received their
accreditation by the Joint Commission
of India, a quality assurance program
that is only five years old. The
accreditation program has 100
Jaipur was founded in 1727 and nam
medical co-morbidities. Patients with
After the tour, we reconvened in the
after Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II wh
medical problems can be seen at the
conference room where we were served
was both an architect and an astrono
neighboring medical hospital.
lunch and a lively discussion ensued.
It is considered one of the first plann
Our guides finally got us to the bus so
cities of the world. Part of the city is
that we could get to the airport on time
still contained in 20 foot high walls.
for our flight to Jaipur.
9
10
4/9/12
10:41 AM
Page 10
URSDAY FEBRUARY 16
OFESSIONAL
OGRAM
standards and over 500 objectives.
Prevention of institutionalization is their
FLIGHT TO JAIPUR
Only 15 government hospitals in all
goal. The reasons for hospitalizations
We got to the airport in the usual
India have the accreditation, and
are court orders, potential danger to self
traffic. Check-in was a bit confusing,
IHBAS is the first hospital that deals
or others, family burnout, dual
but everything worked out and we all
with neurosciences and mental health to
diagnosis, and social admissions.
boarded a prop jet for a short flight to
Jaipur. When we landed, one of our
achieve one.
RNING – INSTITUTE OF HUMAN
They have a 96-98 percent success rate
guests needed a wheelchair. They had
General psychiatry started in India
of placing people back in the community,
one available, but there was no way to
before they gained independence in
mainly with their families. Dr. Desai
get the wheelchair in the bus that took
1947. In 1966 mental hospitals were set
contributed this success directly to the
us to the terminal. Instead, an attendant
up in prisons. In the 60s and 70s, they
efforts of the social workers there.
pushed the delegate a long distance on
were building custodial facilities when
There is no separate department of
the tarmac down the runway. It is hard
other countries were moving away from
social work, but there is a specialization
to imagine that happening in our
that approach. In 1983, public interest
of psychiatric social work, and in
country.
legislation around human rights passed.
addition to Dr. Jahanara, we met three
Just the previous week, a Right to
other social workers.
HAVIOR AND ALLIED SCIENCES
was our last day in Delhi so we
ded to pack and have our bags ready
pick-up before breakfast. We had
professional trip before we left for
ur. We were visiting the Institute of
man Behavior and Allied Sciences
BAS). Since many delegates were
cians, they were especially looking
ward to this visit.
It was mid-evening when we arrived.
The bus trip to our hotel, the Raj
Information Act passed in their high
Institute is a huge, sprawling campus
is a mix of old and new buildings.
as started about 17 years ago. There
general hospital next door. They
24 hour service, and the nurses for
nstitute live in campus housing.
IHBAS.
courts. Dr. Desai mentioned that they
We saw several different units on our
Putana Sheraton, was not too grueling.
have some reservations about that law.
tours. One was a mother and child care
The hotel, as usual, was lovely, and we
He would like to see information
unit that houses pregnant women or
were all glad to call it a night.
compartmentalized so the patients
young mothers referred by law. The
cannot see the records of family
women stay one to four months on
members and vice versa.
average, and they resist separating the
IHBAS.
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 17
mother and their children. We asked a
were greeted by D. Nimesh G.
ai, the head of psychiatry. Dr. Desai
They do have a health system like the
question about child safety, but Dr.
United States, both a private and a
Desai did not see that as a major issue.
C U LT U R A L
PROGRAM
are “seven star” medihotels near the
Delegates were a bit taken aback by the
Jaipur is the capital of the state of
airport for medical tourism, but that
tour, where we entered areas with
Rajasthan, the largest state in India. It is
only the rich use the private sector.
patients, some of whom were in the
located 162 miles southwest of Delhi,
middle of a therapy session. Since client
and the state’s most western part borders
They deal with both brain and “mind
confidentiality is such an important
Pakistan. Given the traffic congestion,
problems.” They do 800 health
concern for social workers in the USA,
we were pleased to fly, rather than
psychiatry consultations every day/six
delegates felt uncomfortable at times.
drive, to this destination. The bus with
days per week. About two percent of
Dr. Desai did note that they have zero
our luggage had arrived before us and
these patients are hospitalized. The
tolerance for any human rights
met us at the Jaipur Airport.
average length of stay is three weeks.
violations, including any abuse.
public sector. Dr. Desai noted that there
been the Institute director for two
s. For the eleven years previous to
he was Chief of Psychiatry. We
were greeted by Dr. Jahanara, who
clinical social worker and the head
ocial work at IHBAS. We went to a
erence room where we were
mally greeted and a schedule of
vities for our visit was discussed.
Desai asked us to make a critical
Jaipur was founded in 1727 and named
They also have a psychiatric ICU for
raisal of their programs. Just last
k they had received their
editation by the Joint Commission
ndia, a quality assurance program
is only five years old. The
editation program has 100
medical co-morbidities. Patients with
After the tour, we reconvened in the
after Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II who
medical problems can be seen at the
conference room where we were served
was both an architect and an astronomer.
neighboring medical hospital.
lunch and a lively discussion ensued.
It is considered one of the first planned
Our guides finally got us to the bus so
cities of the world. Part of the city is
that we could get to the airport on time
still contained in 20 foot high walls.
for our flight to Jaipur.
9
10
Delegates with IHBAS Social Workers.
4/9/12
10:41 AM
Page 11
It is known as the “pink city.” It was
beautiful morning, and we spent a good
and polished by Indian artisans after
At the conclusion of the ride we
painted pink (more of a salmon color)
amount of time exploring the grounds.
they are mined in their respective
disembarked from the elephant and
countries.
walked through the Amber Fort
when Prince Albert, a British dignitary,
Jaipur Old City Gate.
visited in the middle of the 19th century
We next visited the City Palace, a
and rose was his favorite color. By law,
complex of buildings, small museums of
We visited the Jewels Emporium where
Hindi. The Amber Fort is so named
buildings in the old part of the city must
items such as textiles, costumes, robes
we saw the gem cutters and polishers at
because it is built on a mountaintop
still be painted pink.
and armor, and a large cafe. It was
work. It is more of an art than a
and there is nothing between it and
wedding season, and we watched one of
science. The gem cutter used a hand
sky. Like most forts, it was built on
The city was built for 200,000, but the
the halls being colorfully decorated for
turned copper wheel to create facets
mountain for safety. The builders of
greater Jaipur area has over 6 million
a wedding that was to take place later.
and to polish the stones. He was
fort used ingenuity. For example, on
working on a ruby while we were there.
long corridor had a reflecting surfac
inhabitants. Traffic congestion is the
Jantar Mantar Yantras.
(Amer Fort). Amber means sky in
norm, and cars, trucks and buses are
Several times during our stay in India
Other employees were doing jewelry
so that they only had to use one oil
combined with rickshaw taxis, elephants,
we heard about arranged marriages
design, gem setting, and classifying and
lamp to light it at night. The
a few camels and thousands of
which are determined by astrologers.
rating the completed stones. They work
architecture was beautiful and there
motorbikes. Cows wandering loose are
Also, the most propitious days for
long hours, six days a week. After the
were stained glass windows.
also a frequent sight. They are building
marriage are determined and many
demonstration, we were invited to visit
the Jaipur Metro which should be
marriages take place on the same ideal
the showroom where finished jewelry
As usual, our local guide was
operational in 2013.
days. The legal age of marriage is 21
and unset gem stones could be purchased.
knowledgeable, and he intertwined
for men and 18 for women, but they
some stories with the history. At the
Jaipur is an especially colorful place,
still have childhood marriages in some
of the tour, we went to a chaotic are
with many cultures and styles blending
rural areas.
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 18
filled with jeeps. Our guides were th
together. It is the hub of the state’s
to meet us, and directed us to the jee
tourism market and it is known for
Frequently, the prospective bride and
textiles and gemstones.
groom do not meet until they are
C U LT U R A L
PROGRAM
reserved to take us back down the h
to our bus.
engaged. Several of our guides and
Jantar Mantar Sundial.
Today was devoted to cultural activities,
others we met had arranged marriages.
We left the hotel at 7:30am to try and
We did not spend a great deal of tim
a nice break from the professional
The phrase we kept hearing was, “Love
beat some of the traffic congestion. It
the fort because we had a profession
meetings in Delhi. After a buffet
comes after marriage.” The groom rides
was our morning for an elephant ride.
meeting scheduled at noon. We mad
breakfast, we began our day with a
a horse or an elephant to the bridal
When we arrived at the Amber Fort,
quick trip back to the hotel to chang
fascinating visit to an open air
ceremony, and we were fortunate to see
there was already a long line of tour
into more professional clothes and le
observatory called Jantar Mantar. Built
several processions during our visit.
groups waiting their turn for an
for the Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer
elephant ride up the long hill to the
Hospital and Research Centre. We w
in 1726-28 by the same man who
founded Jaipur, it is well preserved and
Since the delegation was enjoying the
entrance of the fort. The elephants
due there at noon, and we were actu
contains dozens of solar instruments
visit, our guides secured some tables in
carried two people at a time and the
a few minutes early.
called yantras which measure celestial
the open air cafe and we had lunch
elephant driver sat on the neck. The
data such as positions of the stars and
there. It was a pleasant experience.
process for boarding was quite efficient,
the prediction of eclipses. Our local
City Palace.
and the line moved quickly. One
guide was quite knowledgeable about
The afternoon consisted of exposure to
downside was the aggressive hawkers
the observatory and we were able to tell
gemstone cutting and polishing.
who were trying to sell souvenirs and
time by the huge sundial. We could also
Numerous natural gemstones, such as
take pictures as the elephants carried
have our pictures taken by the
rubies and star sapphires, are mined in
the tourists up the hill. For many of us,
instrument which identified our
India. Perhaps more significant is that
the elephant ride was a once in a
astrological signs. It was a particularly
many of the world’s gemstones are cut
lifetime experience.
11
12
4/9/12
10:41 AM
Page 12
known as the “pink city.” It was
beautiful morning, and we spent a good
and polished by Indian artisans after
At the conclusion of the ride we
ted pink (more of a salmon color)
amount of time exploring the grounds.
they are mined in their respective
disembarked from the elephant and
countries.
walked through the Amber Fort
n Prince Albert, a British dignitary,
ed in the middle of the 19th century
We next visited the City Palace, a
rose was his favorite color. By law,
complex of buildings, small museums of
We visited the Jewels Emporium where
Hindi. The Amber Fort is so named
dings in the old part of the city must
items such as textiles, costumes, robes
we saw the gem cutters and polishers at
because it is built on a mountaintop
be painted pink.
and armor, and a large cafe. It was
work. It is more of an art than a
and there is nothing between it and the
wedding season, and we watched one of
science. The gem cutter used a hand
sky. Like most forts, it was built on a
city was built for 200,000, but the
the halls being colorfully decorated for
turned copper wheel to create facets
mountain for safety. The builders of the
ter Jaipur area has over 6 million
a wedding that was to take place later.
and to polish the stones. He was
fort used ingenuity. For example, one
working on a ruby while we were there.
long corridor had a reflecting surface
bitants. Traffic congestion is the
(Amer Fort). Amber means sky in
m, and cars, trucks and buses are
Several times during our stay in India
Other employees were doing jewelry
so that they only had to use one oil
bined with rickshaw taxis, elephants,
we heard about arranged marriages
design, gem setting, and classifying and
lamp to light it at night. The
w camels and thousands of
which are determined by astrologers.
rating the completed stones. They work
architecture was beautiful and there
orbikes. Cows wandering loose are
Also, the most propitious days for
long hours, six days a week. After the
were stained glass windows.
a frequent sight. They are building
marriage are determined and many
demonstration, we were invited to visit
aipur Metro which should be
marriages take place on the same ideal
the showroom where finished jewelry
As usual, our local guide was
ational in 2013.
days. The legal age of marriage is 21
and unset gem stones could be purchased.
knowledgeable, and he intertwined
ur is an especially colorful place,
many cultures and styles blending
for men and 18 for women, but they
some stories with the history. At the end
still have childhood marriages in some
of the tour, we went to a chaotic area
rural areas.
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 18
Gem Polishing at the Jewels Emporium.
Traveling by Elephant to Amber Fort.
filled with jeeps. Our guides were there
ther. It is the hub of the state’s
to meet us, and directed us to the jeeps
ism market and it is known for
Frequently, the prospective bride and
les and gemstones.
groom do not meet until they are
C U LT U R A L
PROGRAM
reserved to take us back down the hill
to our bus.
engaged. Several of our guides and
ay was devoted to cultural activities,
others we met had arranged marriages.
We left the hotel at 7:30am to try and
We did not spend a great deal of time at
ce break from the professional
The phrase we kept hearing was, “Love
beat some of the traffic congestion. It
the fort because we had a professional
tings in Delhi. After a buffet
comes after marriage.” The groom rides
was our morning for an elephant ride.
meeting scheduled at noon. We made a
kfast, we began our day with a
a horse or an elephant to the bridal
When we arrived at the Amber Fort,
quick trip back to the hotel to change
nating visit to an open air
ceremony, and we were fortunate to see
there was already a long line of tour
into more professional clothes and left
rvatory called Jantar Mantar. Built
several processions during our visit.
groups waiting their turn for an
for the Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer
elephant ride up the long hill to the
Hospital and Research Centre. We were
Since the delegation was enjoying the
entrance of the fort. The elephants
due there at noon, and we were actually
ains dozens of solar instruments
visit, our guides secured some tables in
carried two people at a time and the
a few minutes early.
d yantras which measure celestial
the open air cafe and we had lunch
elephant driver sat on the neck. The
such as positions of the stars and
there. It was a pleasant experience.
process for boarding was quite efficient,
726-28 by the same man who
nded Jaipur, it is well preserved and
prediction of eclipses. Our local
Elephant Ride at Amber Fort.
and the line moved quickly. One
e was quite knowledgeable about
The afternoon consisted of exposure to
downside was the aggressive hawkers
observatory and we were able to tell
gemstone cutting and polishing.
who were trying to sell souvenirs and
by the huge sundial. We could also
Numerous natural gemstones, such as
take pictures as the elephants carried
our pictures taken by the
rubies and star sapphires, are mined in
the tourists up the hill. For many of us,
ument which identified our
India. Perhaps more significant is that
the elephant ride was a once in a
many of the world’s gemstones are cut
lifetime experience.
ological signs. It was a particularly
11
Amber Fort.
12
4/9/12
10:41 AM
Page 13
PROFESSIONAL
PROGRAM
MORNING – BHAGWAN MAHAVEER
CANCER HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH
CENTRE – ROSES AND RED CARPET
Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital and Research Centre.
We were met at the front door by, Dr.
Mohan Dubey, Director of the Cancer
Institute, and by several of his chief
staff. Surprisingly, they presented the
human touch,” and care is free if
AFTERNOON – BHAGWAN
organizations and institutions, inclu
patients cannot pay. They treat patients
MAHAVEER VIKLANG SAHAYATA
several in the USA such as Harvard,
with both solid tumors and blood
SAMITI (BMVSS) – A.K.A. JAIPUR FOOT
Stanford, MIT and Virginia Tech. It
cancers. They have a small home care
After the Cancer Centre, we went to
made of inexpensive materials, and t
program, a mobile unit for check-ups,
visit an amazing program called
leg portion is made of PVC pipe tha
mammography and blood donations.
Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata
heated and made to the necessary
They also have an eight bed unit (in
Samiti (BMVSS) or, as commonly
specifications. In terms of flexion an
one room) for palliative care. Families
known, Jaipur Foot. It is an example of
function, it is close to the human foo
are welcome in the palliative care unit
what a few dedicated and creative
The cost of the completed limb is aro
at all times.
people can accomplish when they see a
$40 (as compared to $10,000 - $40,
need and decide to fill it. It was
for prostheses in our country). In
They participate in clinical trials, and
established in 1975 and is called the
addition, the prosthesis often can be
have completed 40 phase one to phase
“World’s Largest Organization for the
fitted in one day. They last on avera
three trials since they opened. They
Disabled.”
of 3.4 years and then they will need
delegation leaders and members with
red roses. It was a very nice gesture.
They took us on a brief tour of the
facility and they expressed pride in their
building and in their service to their
Being Greeted at the Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital and
Research Centre.
patients. Their equipment was especially
that includes both a social worker and
Jaipur Foot is run by two brothers.
a psychiatrist.
Both had held previous professional
The director pointed out that their
and prestigious jobs – one (Shri D.R.
prostheses are basic and functional,
Their future plans include building a
Mehta) in government and one in
electronic. Their goal is to return the
75- bed extension (which was already
banking. It is formally a charitable
person with the amputation to a
underway), opening a bone marrow and
NGO established to provide low cost
functional life and thereby restore th
stem cell transplant unit, and opening a
prostheses to people with leg
dignity. They do hold the patent (wi
genetic and molecular biology lab.
amputations, congenital deformities,
Stanford University) on a specialized
polio, and even leprosy. There is a staff
four bar linkage knee joint. In 2009
While the term “social worker” was
of craftsmen and volunteers drawn
Time Magazine listed the knee joint
mentioned several times, there was no
from the community, other countries,
one of the top 50 inventions in the
presentation by a social worker. They
and former clients.
world (www.time.com/time/specials/
impressive. They had two linear
accelerators, a PET CT Scanner, a Gamma
camera and four operating rooms.
After our tour we met in a small
conference room. The Director, who
had only been there four months, gave
an overview of their program. He then
asked each of his area chiefs to give an
overview of their areas. Next, they
Tour of Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital and Research Centre.
did mention that 30 patients received
asked Betsy Clark, one of the delegation
leaders with an expertise in oncology, to
give a short presentation about cancer
The Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital
and Research Centre was opened in
1997. It is managed by the K.G. Kothari
Memorial Trust. It is a 270 bed teaching
hospital. Since opening, they have
treated over 5000 patients and they
have a 75% occupancy rate. It also has
a nursing school of 200 students. Last
packages/article/0,28804,1934027_
psychosocial oncology care last year,
The facility is like a campus. There are
which seemed like a very low number.
several buildings and a park area where
1934003_1933963,00.html).
students can sit outdoors and study.
In addition to prostheses, they also
At the conclusion of the presentations,
The main building is a combination
manufacture braces for people whos
the Director invited us to lunch out on
clinic and manufacturing plant. It seemed
muscles have atrophied. These are
the patio. Again, we were surprised that
almost frenetic with men waiting to be
frequently needed by persons who h
they had literally rolled out a red carpet
seen, staff measuring and fitting the
had polio. Their third product is a c
to the patio. At the luncheon, there
artificial limbs, workers cutting,
that can be maneuvered by a fairly
were several individuals who indicated
heating, hammering and forming the
simple hand wheel. These are used b
they were social workers and we had
prosthesis as the client waited. There is
people with congenital defects. They
our picture taken with them. They had
a registration area, but otherwise, it felt
look like a type of three wheel bicyc
prepared a traditional Indian lunch and
like a manufacturing plant.
and are painted a bright yellow. One
care in the USA.
Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital and Research Centre Social
Work Staff and Delegates.
replaced.
have an Institutional Review Board
we had some time for social interaction
year they saw 200 patients. They use
before taking our leave.
the motto of “affordable care with
13
their clients demonstrated their utilit
The centerpiece of it all is what is called
He usually maneuvered by sliding on
“the Jaipur Foot.” It has been developed
his hands and knees. In the cart he
and refined in partnership with numerous
could sit upright and get around eas
14
4/9/12
10:41 AM
Page 14
OFESSIONAL
OGRAM
RNING – BHAGWAN MAHAVEER
NCER HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH
NTRE – ROSES AND RED CARPET
were met at the front door by, Dr.
han Dubey, Director of the Cancer
tute, and by several of his chief
. Surprisingly, they presented the
human touch,” and care is free if
AFTERNOON – BHAGWAN
organizations and institutions, including
patients cannot pay. They treat patients
MAHAVEER VIKLANG SAHAYATA
several in the USA such as Harvard,
with both solid tumors and blood
SAMITI (BMVSS) – A.K.A. JAIPUR FOOT
Stanford, MIT and Virginia Tech. It is
cancers. They have a small home care
After the Cancer Centre, we went to
made of inexpensive materials, and the
program, a mobile unit for check-ups,
visit an amazing program called
leg portion is made of PVC pipe that is
mammography and blood donations.
Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata
heated and made to the necessary
They also have an eight bed unit (in
Samiti (BMVSS) or, as commonly
specifications. In terms of flexion and
one room) for palliative care. Families
known, Jaipur Foot. It is an example of
function, it is close to the human foot.
are welcome in the palliative care unit
what a few dedicated and creative
The cost of the completed limb is around
at all times.
people can accomplish when they see a
$40 (as compared to $10,000 - $40,000
need and decide to fill it. It was
for prostheses in our country). In
They participate in clinical trials, and
established in 1975 and is called the
addition, the prosthesis often can be
have completed 40 phase one to phase
“World’s Largest Organization for the
fitted in one day. They last on average
three trials since they opened. They
Disabled.”
of 3.4 years and then they will need
gation leaders and members with
roses. It was a very nice gesture.
y took us on a brief tour of the
replaced.
have an Institutional Review Board
ity and they expressed pride in their
ding and in their service to their
ents. Their equipment was especially
that includes both a social worker and
Jaipur Foot is run by two brothers.
a psychiatrist.
Both had held previous professional
The director pointed out that their
and prestigious jobs – one (Shri D.R.
prostheses are basic and functional, not
Their future plans include building a
Mehta) in government and one in
electronic. Their goal is to return the
75- bed extension (which was already
banking. It is formally a charitable
person with the amputation to a
underway), opening a bone marrow and
NGO established to provide low cost
functional life and thereby restore their
stem cell transplant unit, and opening a
prostheses to people with leg
dignity. They do hold the patent (with
genetic and molecular biology lab.
amputations, congenital deformities,
Stanford University) on a specialized
polio, and even leprosy. There is a staff
four bar linkage knee joint. In 2009,
While the term “social worker” was
of craftsmen and volunteers drawn
Time Magazine listed the knee joint as
mentioned several times, there was no
from the community, other countries,
one of the top 50 inventions in the
presentation by a social worker. They
and former clients.
world (www.time.com/time/specials/
ressive. They had two linear
erators, a PET CT Scanner, a Gamma
era and four operating rooms.
r our tour we met in a small
erence room. The Director, who
only been there four months, gave
verview of their program. He then
d each of his area chiefs to give an
view of their areas. Next, they
packages/article/0,28804,1934027_
did mention that 30 patients received
d Betsy Clark, one of the delegation
ers with an expertise in oncology, to
a short presentation about cancer
psychosocial oncology care last year,
The facility is like a campus. There are
which seemed like a very low number.
several buildings and a park area where
Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital
Research Centre was opened in
7. It is managed by the K.G. Kothari
morial Trust. It is a 270 bed teaching
pital. Since opening, they have
ed over 5000 patients and they
a 75% occupancy rate. It also has
rsing school of 200 students. Last
1934003_1933963,00.html).
students can sit outdoors and study.
In addition to prostheses, they also
At the conclusion of the presentations,
The main building is a combination
manufacture braces for people whose
the Director invited us to lunch out on
clinic and manufacturing plant. It seemed
muscles have atrophied. These are
the patio. Again, we were surprised that
almost frenetic with men waiting to be
frequently needed by persons who have
they had literally rolled out a red carpet
seen, staff measuring and fitting the
had polio. Their third product is a cart
to the patio. At the luncheon, there
artificial limbs, workers cutting,
that can be maneuvered by a fairly
were several individuals who indicated
heating, hammering and forming the
simple hand wheel. These are used by
they were social workers and we had
prosthesis as the client waited. There is
people with congenital defects. They
our picture taken with them. They had
a registration area, but otherwise, it felt
look like a type of three wheel bicycle,
prepared a traditional Indian lunch and
like a manufacturing plant.
and are painted a bright yellow. One of
in the USA.
their clients demonstrated their utility.
we had some time for social interaction
they saw 200 patients. They use
before taking our leave.
motto of “affordable care with
13
Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) Brochure.
The centerpiece of it all is what is called
He usually maneuvered by sliding on
“the Jaipur Foot.” It has been developed
his hands and knees. In the cart he
and refined in partnership with numerous
could sit upright and get around easily.
14
Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) or, as
Commonly Known, Jaipur Foot.
Fitting a Prosthesis.
Prosthesis Manufacturing Room.
4/9/12
10:41 AM
Page 15
Jaipur Foot Casts.
The majority of the clients are young
for almost 21,000 individuals. This is
marriages, and they talked about their
We stopped for lunch in Bharatpur a
men. Farm accidents and motor
done through what are called “limb
acceptance of such.
beautiful restaurant called Gulmoha
accidents account for most of the
fitment camps” where the staff take
amputations. They learn of the center
their equipment to the country and fit
We also spent time talking about the
outdoor patio. The grounds were lov
by word of mouth, and the only
and produce the limbs while there. Some
volunteer work that our hostess did
and included a hotel and a spa. Ther
requirement is that they get themselves
of the countries have land mines, are war
with children with HIV and AIDS. Her
were peacocks in the gardens. It was
to the clinic. After that, everything is
torn, or simply have high rates of poverty
program is called Faith Aalingan Home.
lovely break.
free including paying transportation
and need. They are shortly going to
She had purchased a house where 24
home from the clinic. In about ten
begin some services in the Congo.
children live with round-the-clock
Next we stopped at Fatehpur Sikri, a
percent of the cases, the organization
Carts for Mobility.
Dr. Mehta (left), Delegates and a New Recipient of Two Artificial
Legs.
The Equivalent of 60 Cents.
served all organic food. We ate at an
caretakers. She is a compassionate
deserted red sandstone city built in t
also provides them with a means to a
We were all glad to have the opportunity
woman who cares highly about social
16th century as a fortress city. It is a
livelihood – such as a sewing machine
to visit the Jaipur Foot project. It is,
issues. One of our delegates was
massive structure with a circumferen
or some other needed equipment. To
once again, an inspirational testament
planning to spend a few extra days in
of seven miles. Its name means “City
date, the program has benefited over
to what a few caring and dedicated
the area and asked if she could
Victory,” and it is an excellent exam
1.2 million people with disabilities.
people can do.
volunteer at Mrs. Singh’s program. Her
of Mughal architecture (the Taj Mah
assistance was gladly accepted.
is the best example). The greatest of
When we arrived, we were introduced
EVENING – DINNER WITH LOCAL
to a young man who had lost both
FAMILY IN JAIPUR
Mrs. Singh and her assistants had
(1542-1605) built it for a wife who g
lower extremities in a tractor accident.
On most People to People trips, they try
prepared a traditional Indian meal for us.
him a son. It has a six sided pointed
His brother was with him, and he seemed
to arrange dinner with a local family.
At the conclusion of the meal, we took
motif and the architecture synthesize
quite shy. They were in the process of
That allows for a better understanding
our leave. It had been another long day.
both Muslim and Hindu beliefs. The
manufacturing his prostheses. At the
of the culture. For our delegation,
were two identical palaces facing eac
conclusion of our visit, he was walking
dinner had been arranged with Mrs.
other. The empress lived in one durin
for the first time in over a year. It was a
Singh, a local activist, and her family.
transformation that easily emphasized
They had just celebrated her nephew’s
the importance of the work being done.
wedding and she still had some relatives
TRAVEL TO AGRA
sized pachisi game board made of
present as house guests.
Agra is located 124 miles southeast of
marble in the courtyard. Legend clai
Delhi in what is known as the Northern
that in the evening, the emperor play
There was another moving incident
Mughal emperors named Akbar
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 19
the summer (one that got breezes) an
the other side in winter. There was a
when Director Mehta was explaining
It was a beautiful mild evening and they
Plain. It is a city of about 1.5 million
pachisi using girls as game pieces. Th
why their service had to be totally free.
had set dinner at small tables outdoors.
people. Most tourists might skip visiting
last girl standing got to spend the ni
He asked one young man to give him all
We began with drinks and hors
Agra if it were not for the Taj Mahal.
with the emperor.
of the money he had. The young man
d’oeuvres indoors. Her grandfather had
looked surprised but reached in his shirt
been a hunter and many of his trophies,
We were all looking forward to the trip,
Akbar ruled in the palace for only 1
pocket and handed over his cash – three
including a leopard, were displayed. As
but not to the terrible traffic. The
years (1571-1585) before moving hi
ten rupee notes (about 60 cents). The
a treat, our hostess had hired two
countryside was mainly agricultural
capitol for either political reasons or
director pointed out that there would be
young artists to do hand paintings in
with fields of mustard, sugar cane, and
to the need for water. It was abando
no way the young man could ever pay
henna. That is a tradition at many
wheat. There were also many places
and never resettled, and therefore its
for a prosthesis. When he returned the
weddings, and several of the women in
that manufacture statuary made of
architecture was not modified.
30 rupees to him, the Director added
our delegation participated in the ritual.
sandstone which was much in popular
another 30 from his own pocket and
said, “You gave me 30 so I give you 30.”
demand. Our national guide entertained
From there we had an hour ride to
Some of our conversation centered
the delegates with some of the history
Agra. We stopped at the marble fact
around marriage customs including the
of India as we traveled.
before going on to hotel. Agra is kno
This humanitarian program has spread
custom of arranged marriages. Both our
to over 25 countries and has fitted limbs
hostess and her guests had arranged
15
for marble. It is a special type of marb
16
4/9/12
10:41 AM
Page 16
majority of the clients are young
for almost 21,000 individuals. This is
marriages, and they talked about their
We stopped for lunch in Bharatpur at a
acceptance of such.
beautiful restaurant called Gulmohar. It
. Farm accidents and motor
done through what are called “limb
dents account for most of the
fitment camps” where the staff take
utations. They learn of the center
their equipment to the country and fit
We also spent time talking about the
outdoor patio. The grounds were lovely
and produce the limbs while there. Some
volunteer work that our hostess did
and included a hotel and a spa. There
of the countries have land mines, are war
with children with HIV and AIDS. Her
were peacocks in the gardens. It was a
torn, or simply have high rates of poverty
program is called Faith Aalingan Home.
lovely break.
including paying transportation
and need. They are shortly going to
She had purchased a house where 24
e from the clinic. In about ten
begin some services in the Congo.
children live with round-the-clock
Next we stopped at Fatehpur Sikri, a
word of mouth, and the only
irement is that they get themselves
he clinic. After that, everything is
ent of the cases, the organization
served all organic food. We ate at an
caretakers. She is a compassionate
deserted red sandstone city built in the
provides them with a means to a
We were all glad to have the opportunity
woman who cares highly about social
16th century as a fortress city. It is a
ihood – such as a sewing machine
to visit the Jaipur Foot project. It is,
issues. One of our delegates was
massive structure with a circumference
ome other needed equipment. To
once again, an inspirational testament
planning to spend a few extra days in
of seven miles. Its name means “City of
, the program has benefited over
to what a few caring and dedicated
the area and asked if she could
Victory,” and it is an excellent example
million people with disabilities.
people can do.
volunteer at Mrs. Singh’s program. Her
of Mughal architecture (the Taj Mahal
assistance was gladly accepted.
is the best example). The greatest of the
n we arrived, we were introduced
EVENING – DINNER WITH LOCAL
young man who had lost both
Mughal emperors named Akbar
FAMILY IN JAIPUR
Mrs. Singh and her assistants had
(1542-1605) built it for a wife who gave
er extremities in a tractor accident.
On most People to People trips, they try
prepared a traditional Indian meal for us.
him a son. It has a six sided pointed star
brother was with him, and he seemed
to arrange dinner with a local family.
At the conclusion of the meal, we took
motif and the architecture synthesizes
e shy. They were in the process of
That allows for a better understanding
our leave. It had been another long day.
both Muslim and Hindu beliefs. There
ufacturing his prostheses. At the
of the culture. For our delegation,
were two identical palaces facing each
clusion of our visit, he was walking
dinner had been arranged with Mrs.
other. The empress lived in one during
he first time in over a year. It was a
Singh, a local activist, and her family.
sformation that easily emphasized
They had just celebrated her nephew’s
mportance of the work being done.
wedding and she still had some relatives
TRAVEL TO AGRA
sized pachisi game board made of
present as house guests.
Agra is located 124 miles southeast of
marble in the courtyard. Legend claims
Delhi in what is known as the Northern
that in the evening, the emperor played
It was a beautiful mild evening and they
Plain. It is a city of about 1.5 million
pachisi using girls as game pieces. The
re was another moving incident
n Director Mehta was explaining
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 19
the other side in winter. There was a life
had set dinner at small tables outdoors.
people. Most tourists might skip visiting
last girl standing got to spend the night
We began with drinks and hors
Agra if it were not for the Taj Mahal.
with the emperor.
he money he had. The young man
d’oeuvres indoors. Her grandfather had
ed surprised but reached in his shirt
been a hunter and many of his trophies,
We were all looking forward to the trip,
Akbar ruled in the palace for only 14
ket and handed over his cash – three
including a leopard, were displayed. As
but not to the terrible traffic. The
years (1571-1585) before moving his
rupee notes (about 60 cents). The
a treat, our hostess had hired two
countryside was mainly agricultural
capitol for either political reasons or due
ctor pointed out that there would be
young artists to do hand paintings in
with fields of mustard, sugar cane, and
to the need for water. It was abandoned
way the young man could ever pay
henna. That is a tradition at many
wheat. There were also many places
and never resettled, and therefore its
a prosthesis. When he returned the
weddings, and several of the women in
that manufacture statuary made of
architecture was not modified.
upees to him, the Director added
our delegation participated in the ritual.
sandstone which was much in popular
her 30 from his own pocket and
“You gave me 30 so I give you 30.”
humanitarian program has spread
demand. Our national guide entertained
From there we had an hour ride to
Some of our conversation centered
the delegates with some of the history
Agra. We stopped at the marble factory
around marriage customs including the
of India as we traveled.
before going on to hotel. Agra is known
for marble. It is a special type of marble –
custom of arranged marriages. Both our
ver 25 countries and has fitted limbs
hostess and her guests had arranged
15
Lunch in Bharatpur.
the summer (one that got breezes) and
asked one young man to give him all
their service had to be totally free.
Hand Paintings with Henna.
16
Peacock in the Garden.
Fatehpur Sikri.
4/9/12
10:41 AM
Page 17
Marble Shop.
not porous and very strong. It also
was as magnificent as the pictures and
We had some free time to explore the
TRAVEL BACK TO DELHI AND
contains some crystals and that makes it
travel books promise, and it was easily
grounds including the reflecting pool –
RETURN FLIGHT TO THE UNITE
shiny. The marble shop included a
evident why it is one of the “Seven
called the Lotus Pool – and we had a
STATES
demonstration by craftsmen who cut
Wonders.“ As the sun rose higher, we
group picture taken there. It was a
At the conclusion of our tour at the
and decorate the marble using an
were able to take photos with the
peaceful and beautiful place.
Fort, we began our drive back to De
ancient secret formula to inlay precious
structure visible in the reflecting pool.
stones that fuse with the marble. The
We left the Taj Mahal around 8:30am.
the festival of Mahasshivratri and ev
work was exquisite. Several delegates
We had entered through a red
At that time, the lines for entrance
little village was celebrating. Last
bought pieces of the artwork, but most
sandstone building that looked like a
seemed endless, and we were glad we
evening on our trip to Agra, we saw
delegates were tired and anxious to get
palace. It was actually the place built to
had come early. We returned to our
young men dressed in white carrying
to the hotel.
house the 20,000 artisans during the 22
hotel for breakfast and to get our
decorated water jars containing wat
years it took to build the Taj Mahal.
luggage.
from the Ganges River to a certain
temple. Many walked long distances
We arrived at the Radisson Hotel in
Begun around 1632, the Taj Mahal is
Agra. It was another lovely place. Since
made of a special white marble that is
We had one more stop before returning
we were leaving the next day, we had a
intricately carved and decorated. Since
to Delhi. That was the Agra Fort.
farewell dinner planned at the hotel
we had visited the marble factory when
Several of us were wondering if we
We stopped at a restaurant complex
restaurant for this evening. It was at
we arrived in Agra, we had some
would find another fort interesting and
lunch and had a little time to do som
7:45pm, and it was a lavish buffet. Even
understanding of the process of
we were pleasantly surprised. Built on
shopping. We arrived in Delhi just in
though tired, people seemed to enjoy it.
decorating the marble.
top of a mountain, the fort is massive
time for rush hour traffic.
We had decided to start our trip to the
and had to arrive before sundown to
and looks like a movie set complete
Taj Mahal very early the following day,
The Taj Mahal is a monument to love
with drawbridge, a moat which used to
On the way into the city, we passed
so most people went directly to their
from the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah
hold alligators, a ramp that echoed so
major industrial complex of high ris
rooms after dinner.
Jahan, in memory of his third (but
that the sound of any approaching
Our guide explained that the comple
favorite) wife who bore the emperor 13
horses’ hooves would be detected, and a
keeps growing, but it does not have
children and died during childbirth of
place where attack elephants were kept.
infrastructure to support such growt
the last child. She was called Mumtaz
The word “fort” is misleading, as the
The contrast between the industrial
Mahal (meaning Jewel of the Palace).
complex is actually a fortified palace.
and most other parts of Delhi was
MONDAY FEBRUARY 20
C U LT U R A L
PROGRAM
Taj Mahal.
Traffic was extremely heavy. Today
striking.
According to legend, when dying she
had three wishes – that the emperor
A succession of Mughal emperors lived
take care of their children, that he not
and governed there, including Emperor
We arrived at the Grand Hotel abou
VISIT TO TAJ MAHAL AND FORT
marry again, and that he build a
Shah Jahan who resided there while the
7pm. The delegates going on the
AGRA
monument so all would know the
Taj Mahal was being built. A portion of
extension checked in for the night.
This morning, we left the hotel at 6am
depth of their love. The Taj Mahal
it was a prison where his son
Those returning home were to leave
and were the first group in line at our
was his tribute to her.
Aurangzeb held him captive during the
for the airport at 8:30pm. A hospita
last seven years of his life when the son
room had been secured for each of u
forced his father out of power.
to prepare for the flight home. We
entrance to the Taj Mahal (there are
three entrances). In a remote parking
There is a 190 square-foot central
lot, we had to change from our bus to a
marble building where the empress’
arrived at the airport in plenty of tim
battery-powered smaller bus. These are
tomb is located. We had to put cloth
and said our farewells to the guide a
used to protect the area from pollution.
booties over our shoes to enter the
the other staff. Our flight to the USA
About 6:45am, they began security
mausoleum. Everything about the Taj
left about 1am.
procedures. Both your person and your
Mahal is symmetrical. There were even
purses and bags were searched. We all
two mirror image mosques built even
got inside and were standing viewing
though only one was used.
the Taj Mahal when the sun came up. It
17
18
4/9/12
10:41 AM
Page 18
porous and very strong. It also
was as magnificent as the pictures and
We had some free time to explore the
TRAVEL BACK TO DELHI AND
ains some crystals and that makes it
travel books promise, and it was easily
grounds including the reflecting pool –
RETURN FLIGHT TO THE UNITED
y. The marble shop included a
evident why it is one of the “Seven
called the Lotus Pool – and we had a
STATES
onstration by craftsmen who cut
Wonders.“ As the sun rose higher, we
group picture taken there. It was a
At the conclusion of our tour at the
decorate the marble using an
were able to take photos with the
peaceful and beautiful place.
Fort, we began our drive back to Delhi.
ent secret formula to inlay precious
structure visible in the reflecting pool.
es that fuse with the marble. The
Traffic was extremely heavy. Today was
We left the Taj Mahal around 8:30am.
the festival of Mahasshivratri and every
k was exquisite. Several delegates
We had entered through a red
At that time, the lines for entrance
little village was celebrating. Last
ght pieces of the artwork, but most
sandstone building that looked like a
seemed endless, and we were glad we
evening on our trip to Agra, we saw
gates were tired and anxious to get
palace. It was actually the place built to
had come early. We returned to our
young men dressed in white carrying
he hotel.
house the 20,000 artisans during the 22
hotel for breakfast and to get our
decorated water jars containing water
years it took to build the Taj Mahal.
luggage.
from the Ganges River to a certain
temple. Many walked long distances,
arrived at the Radisson Hotel in
Begun around 1632, the Taj Mahal is
a. It was another lovely place. Since
made of a special white marble that is
We had one more stop before returning
were leaving the next day, we had a
intricately carved and decorated. Since
to Delhi. That was the Agra Fort.
well dinner planned at the hotel
we had visited the marble factory when
Several of us were wondering if we
We stopped at a restaurant complex for
aurant for this evening. It was at
we arrived in Agra, we had some
would find another fort interesting and
lunch and had a little time to do some
understanding of the process of
we were pleasantly surprised. Built on
shopping. We arrived in Delhi just in
decorating the marble.
top of a mountain, the fort is massive
time for rush hour traffic.
pm, and it was a lavish buffet. Even
ugh tired, people seemed to enjoy it.
had decided to start our trip to the
Taj Mahal Reflecting Pool.
and had to arrive before sundown today.
Agra Fort.
and looks like a movie set complete
The Taj Mahal is a monument to love
with drawbridge, a moat which used to
On the way into the city, we passed the
most people went directly to their
from the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah
hold alligators, a ramp that echoed so
major industrial complex of high rises.
ms after dinner.
Jahan, in memory of his third (but
that the sound of any approaching
Our guide explained that the complex
favorite) wife who bore the emperor 13
horses’ hooves would be detected, and a
keeps growing, but it does not have the
children and died during childbirth of
place where attack elephants were kept.
infrastructure to support such growth.
the last child. She was called Mumtaz
The word “fort” is misleading, as the
The contrast between the industrial area
Mahal (meaning Jewel of the Palace).
complex is actually a fortified palace.
and most other parts of Delhi was
Mahal very early the following day,
ONDAY FEBRUARY 20
U LT U R A L
OGRAM
striking.
According to legend, when dying she
had three wishes – that the emperor
A succession of Mughal emperors lived
take care of their children, that he not
and governed there, including Emperor
We arrived at the Grand Hotel about
marry again, and that he build a
Shah Jahan who resided there while the
7pm. The delegates going on the
monument so all would know the
Taj Mahal was being built. A portion of
extension checked in for the night.
morning, we left the hotel at 6am
depth of their love. The Taj Mahal
it was a prison where his son
Those returning home were to leave
were the first group in line at our
was his tribute to her.
Aurangzeb held him captive during the
for the airport at 8:30pm. A hospitality
last seven years of his life when the son
room had been secured for each of us
forced his father out of power.
to prepare for the flight home. We
T TO TAJ MAHAL AND FORT
RA
ance to the Taj Mahal (there are
e entrances). In a remote parking
There is a 190 square-foot central
we had to change from our bus to a
marble building where the empress’
arrived at the airport in plenty of time
ery-powered smaller bus. These are
tomb is located. We had to put cloth
and said our farewells to the guide and
booties over our shoes to enter the
the other staff. Our flight to the USA
ut 6:45am, they began security
mausoleum. Everything about the Taj
left about 1am.
edures. Both your person and your
Mahal is symmetrical. There were even
es and bags were searched. We all
two mirror image mosques built even
nside and were standing viewing
though only one was used.
to protect the area from pollution.
Taj Mahal when the sun came up. It
17
18
Agra Fort.
Rush Hour Traffic in Delhi.
4/9/12
10:41 AM
Page 19
FINAL IMPRESSIONS – DR. JEANE ANASTAS
FINAL IMPRESSIONS – DR. BETSY CLARK
The rich cultural program in which we had participated taught
My overarching impression of India is the activity level. People,
us much about the antiquity of Indian society and its rich and
cars, motorbikes, and other vehicles are in constant motion.
varied cultural heritages, from maharajas to moghuls to “the
This is partly a function of sheer numbers, but it is also a
Raj” to independence. We were coming full circle back to the
function of a work ethic. The people of India appear
Indira Gandhi International Airport, where you reach the
industrious. Much work is still done by hand, and in Jaipur, we
boarding gates only by passing through a sprawling duty-free
saw metro construction workers at work after nightfall. Most
shop and below a mall-style food court, complete with a
people work six days per week, and they put in long hours.
McDonald’s, of course without the beef. On the other hand,
the very high security at the airport was a reminder that India
My second lasting impression is that the caste system is still a
has reasons to fear for its national security. While having
major factor, and the difference between the wealthy and the
separate security “gates” for males and females amused us,
poor is pronounced. This certainly applies to living conditions.
the fact that our hotels had required security screening of
It was not unusual to see expensive homes that had the hired
people and bags on entry had not been lost on us. The airport
help living in make-shift tents on the front lawn. The numbers
screenings themselves were of higher quality and efficiency
of persons who were without permanent homes was a bit
than many of our own in the USA.
overwhelming for us.
The third impression was that the people of India are a strong
For many of us, the very visible poverty of so many Indians had
and resilient people. In fact, many of them seemed happy
been difficult to witness. The poverty in the United States is
despite their life circumstance.
often quite invisible to middle class people as they go about
their daily lives. For example, while we see people living on the
Another memory is the friendliness of the people. I was
streets in US cities, their numbers are far fewer than they
surpised by how many people smiled and waved at our bus
appear to be in cities like Delhi. On the other hand, we had met
as we drove by. It made us feel very welcome. We were also
many – citizens, social workers, and other professionals – who
welcomed warmly at all of our professional meetings.
were working with great dedication and success to meet the
As noted earlier, the staff at the cancer centre met us at
pressing needs of the people, whether for high-quality schooling
the door and gave us all roses.
for slum children, for a prosthetic that would allow for earning
a living and increased self-respect, for humane mental health
Finally, a lasting memory will be the colors of India. The
care, for state-of-the art cancer care, and for shelter for
markets, the flowersellers, the beautiful saris, the vegetable
homeless people. We also met academics who were making
carts, and the painted elephants all combined into a riot of
social work education available throughout the country and, in
color that seemed to offset some of the poverty and
partnership with other open universities, around the developing
deprivation that is faced by many in India. The colors as a
world. Their inspiring work will be the most indelible memory
backdrop seemed to indicate a hopeful tone as India struggles
that we carry with us from this journey.
with its social problems.
Social Work Delegation to India.
This People to People trip gave us a glimpse of an exciting
country with a long history that is rapidly moving forward.
Written By:
Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH
Executive Director, National Association of Social W
19
Designed By:
Martha Rothblum, BA
Creative Arts Manager, National Association of Socia
4/9/12
10:41 AM
Page 20
FINAL IMPRESSIONS – DR. BETSY CLARK
ted taught
My overarching impression of India is the activity level. People,
rich and
cars, motorbikes, and other vehicles are in constant motion.
s to “the
This is partly a function of sheer numbers, but it is also a
ck to the
function of a work ethic. The people of India appear
h the
industrious. Much work is still done by hand, and in Jaipur, we
duty-free
saw metro construction workers at work after nightfall. Most
th a
people work six days per week, and they put in long hours.
r hand,
hat India
My second lasting impression is that the caste system is still a
ving
major factor, and the difference between the wealthy and the
sed us,
poor is pronounced. This certainly applies to living conditions.
ng of
It was not unusual to see expensive homes that had the hired
he airport
help living in make-shift tents on the front lawn. The numbers
ciency
of persons who were without permanent homes was a bit
overwhelming for us.
The third impression was that the people of India are a strong
ndians had
and resilient people. In fact, many of them seemed happy
tates is
despite their life circumstance.
o about
ving on the
Another memory is the friendliness of the people. I was
they
surpised by how many people smiled and waved at our bus
we had met
as we drove by. It made us feel very welcome. We were also
nals – who
welcomed warmly at all of our professional meetings.
meet the
As noted earlier, the staff at the cancer centre met us at
the door and gave us all roses.
y schooling
for earning
al health
Finally, a lasting memory will be the colors of India. The
for
markets, the flowersellers, the beautiful saris, the vegetable
making
carts, and the painted elephants all combined into a riot of
try and, in
color that seemed to offset some of the poverty and
developing
deprivation that is faced by many in India. The colors as a
e memory
backdrop seemed to indicate a hopeful tone as India struggles
Social Work Delegation to India.
with its social problems.
This People to People trip gave us a glimpse of an exciting
country with a long history that is rapidly moving forward.
Written By:
Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH
Executive Director, National Association of Social Workers
19
Designed By:
Martha Rothblum, BA
Creative Arts Manager, National Association of Social Workers
4/9/12
10:41 AM
Page 21
x
x
x
x
©2012 National Association of Social Workers. All Righ
4/9/12
10:41 AM
Page 22
x
x
x
©2012 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved.
4/9/12
10:40 AM
Page 1
SOCIAL WORK DELEGA
DELHI, JAIPUR
& AGRA
INDIA
February 13 – 21, 2012
DELEGATION LEADERS ❘ Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH, Executive
www.socialworkers.org

Social Work Delegation – India - National Association of Social

Transcription

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