In mid April, thirty-eight children and staff, class 6 and above left for a five tour of Chandigarh and Amritsar. Long dreamed of we finally packed our bags, hussled into a large tour bus and headed out for the long journey to Chandigarh. 

Time takes on new dimensions when travelling with a large group of children. What would normally take 6 hours can often take 10, needless to say we finally reached the  planned city of Chandigarh, famous for wide, sane roads, the Nek Chand rock garden, it’s many parks and home to our dear friends Renu and Manmohan Sandhu. We arrived and immediately set out to find ice-cream, an absolute must after a long hot bus ride. The next day we toured the rock garden, a whimsical maze of corridors, waterfalls and sculptures all made from discarded and recycled materials. We also visited our first Gurudwara and strolled through multiple gardens. We understand first hand why Chandigarh is called the garden city of India.

From Chandigarh we headed off to Amritsar, home of the Golden Temple, the spiritual centre for the Sikh religion. The Sandhu’s arranged for rooms within the Golden Temple complex, a huge honour which heightened our experience of this sacred place. With our heads duly covered we entered in awe of the temple, a brightly lit golden dome surrounded by water and devotees. Devotional music sang from all directions as we circled our way towards the inner sanctum. Exceptionally beautiful with the energy of worship the Golden Temple is a mecca of splendour and devotion.

Later that day we visited Jallianwala Bagh, a place of historical importance in India’s fight for independence. Throughout their schooling Indian children read about Jallianwala Bagh, the massacre that happened there and how it inspired Gandhi ji in the fight for Indian independence. To actually see the site in person, view the bullet holes and look down into the Martyrs Well allowed the children to meld their book learning into practical knowledge of their country’s history.

Finally we left for the Wada Border, an outpost on the edge of India and Pakistan, to view the daily lowering of flags ceremony. Each afternoon the Indian and Pakistanis provide a thoroughly entertaining program of pomp and ceremony. Patriotic fervour reaches a deafening pitch as each side cheers their country onwards trying to outdo each other’s nationalism. We sang national songs, danced to national music, cheered national slogans and ran around waving the India flag. (O.K, I didn’t do that part). In my whole life I have never felt so patriotic. The children were beside themselves with joy and pride for their country. They loved every minute of it.

Unfortunately all good trips come to an end; we departed Amritsar early the next morning and arrived back at the ashram after a 17 hour bus ride, which I have successfully managed to wipe from my memory. It’s a survival technique designed to prepare us for our next outing, Delhi 2009.

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Anshula and Vandana after their mundan, performed for the child’s first hair cut.

This past month Dr. Leon Dogon, a Professor in Restorative Dentisty at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, visited Sri Ram Ashram with two graduating dental students, Julia Endrizzi and Sirena Hsuesh. Dr. Dogan, who also happens to be my uncle, has spent the last 30 years visiting developing countries implementing dental care and hygiene programs. When he discovered we have a fully equipped dental room at Sri Ram Medical Clinic he arranged funding through Harvard University for two students to visit to provide dental care for our children and staff. Dr. Dogon, Sirena and Julia worked liked champs examining, treating and providing preventative treatment for 10 straight days. Meena, who is completing her final year of dental technician school, was their hands on devoted daily helper. All three patiently supported her questions and included her in all their sessions. What a fabulous opportunity for Meena who plans to pursue a career in the dental field. Thank you Dr. Dogon, Sirena and Julia for your gift of time and expertise, our children’s smiles are all the brighter for it.

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On March 26^th Sri Ram Ashram was honoured to receive the U.S. Ambassador to India for a one night visit. Gracious in every action, Ambassador Mulford, along with his wife, sister-in-law and niece made it a point to speak individually with each child, guest and staff member. Watching Kavita chat with Mrs. Mulford in her most proper English was a crowning moment given how far she has come since her arrival ten years ago. Ambassador Mulford joined in basketball games, tossed around the Frisbee and taught Deepak how to use his newly acquired yo-yo. He walked to the clinic hand in hand with the younger children as they babbled to him in English and Hindi smiling the entire way. His 16 year old niece, Kaitlin Lang, donated over 100 pairs of shoes she collected through Compassionate Kids, a non profit organization she founded in America,. Thank you Ambassador and Mrs. Mulford, Kathleen and Kaitlin Lang, the children are thrilled and honoured by your visit. You are now members of our extended family and we hope you will join us again and again.

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India is famous for vibrant holidays and festivals. Without a doubt Holi is the most colourful. Not to be left behind, Sri Ram Ashram celebrates holidays with special vigour. Imagine a family of 65 children full of gusto and rampant energy throwing coloured water and powder at each other. Thankfully we had many guests to help absorb the energy of all the children, not to mention each other.

We began our Holi celebration dancing around a bonfire. Before the fire is lit red and white cloth strips, symbolizing negative energy, are tied to the wood. As they go up in flames so do all our negativities. And, of course what’s a bonfire without a few drums and dancing?

The next morning Holi starts in earnest. Powdered colours flew as we smeared it into each other’s faces. Water guns were quickly discarded for buckets and hoses. Everyone’s hair turned pink, green and yellow. Mine is still a lovely shade of pea green. Our faces looked like a finger-paint canvas on overtime. It’s all in good fun and we ended up playing in the pool afterwards. If you haven’t celebrated Holi we dare you to join us in 2009!

The next day, March 23^rd, we celebrated Babaji’s happy birthday. This is our special holiday for which the children produce a show of song and dance. For days beforehand the ashram is filled with blasting music as the children practice. Traditional is mixed with verve with the children strutting their stuff in gala fashion. Deepak, in what is now famously called the headless chicken dance, entertained us with a break-dance fusion kinda thing. The small kids danced to a song from Tare Zameen Par, a popular children’s movie. The boy’s donned beards and moustaches for a Punjabi jig while Keshav asked Babita to marry him in the snow princess skit. As all good parents do we thought each of every child was spectacular.

The day ended with a cake and snacks for all. A good time was had by all.

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After a long delay and concern for his health the children and staff finally welcomed Babaji to Sri Ram Ashram on February 22^nd. The evening before music rocked Om Bhavan as the children decorated the building and entryway. Everyone was up early on the 22^nd frantically cleaning and applying final touches to the grand welcome.

As Babaji drove into the ashram he covered himself under his shawl and didn’t emerge immediately from the car. The raucous welcome turned to confusion as we tried to figure out what was happening. A roar went up when he finally emerged wearing a fierce demon mask! With that gesture a sense of normality finally returned to the ashram. Within seconds Babaji was deluged with malas and flowers as everyone jostled to touch his feet. We are so grateful to have him at the ashram.

After walking the grounds we met for opening prayers, a welcome song and tea time. Again another walk around the property, the children vying to hold Babaji’s hand, gently helping him navigate the rough areas, everyone staying close, sensing the preciousness of his visit. That evening our attempts to have Babaji rest failed and the children piled into his room for evening darshan. Candy flew as we all honed our catching skills. Grace and gratitude filled the ashram.

Already our days are action packed. Sports day was on the 24^th, visitors are constantly streaming down the driveway while games and happiness are a constant background noise.

Throughout this month and beyond we will continue to post regular updates on the web site.

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What is life like at Sri Ram Ashram?…Full, very FULL!!

From the sounds of a variety of enchanting bird songs in the mornings to the chirps and cries of children, all ages of children, laughing, crying, commanding, bargaining, singing, counting or praying in unison; it’s all happening simultaneously in one grand operatic harmony.

It’s Playtime: In the courtyard young children toss balloons, with sheer delight at their color and buoyancy. Women sit off to the side with their knitting, sharing conversations with occasional interruptions to calm a dismayed child. A small crowd watches those who are testing their airborne skills on the trampoline. This is an arena of much competition and argument. A supervisor tries to instill order and fair play into this most popular event. Children inquire repeatedly how many minutes more until the next jumper’s turn and sing the final count down moments in chorus.

Many of the “Middle� aged children engage in badminton, returning the feather light birdies with surprising force and aim. Bicycles, tricycles, wagons and scooters continue making the rounds up and down the long paved driveway and circling the main compound on the bumpy dirt road. One of the older girls calls out to invite women upstairs to dance. Even though the girls performed a special dance at the school earlier in the day, they are eager to begin this favorite activity once again. They happily act as mentors to those new-comers daring enough to attempt new movements. The tape player blasts. Bollywood, eat your heart out! The beauty, grace and exuberance of our girls is much more enticing than any film. An untrained Western man happens near the entrance of the recreation room and glances in to see the dancers. He is quickly shooed away. This is the girls’ time together, a time of bonding and experimentation.

For the older boys, Cricket rules. They practice over in the school playground. These boys take their game very seriously. With focus and determination they hone their skills. Matches are held whenever a window of opportunity presents itself.

Yes, life is full at Sri Ram Ashram. The children’s bonds are as strong as in any family I’ve ever known. When one leaves for college, there is much sadness for both the exitor and those who stay behind. It doesn’t feel right somehow to divide up this united whole, this living organism with so many interdependent parts. When it was time to say farewell as a young Ashram bride exited with her husband’s family, the result was absolutely heart wrenching! The sobs and wails could crush even a stout heart. No matter that she will return to visit in 2 weeks. Her home has relocated, and this is indeed a great loss to the family.

In the meantime, babies sleep and grow. Children work hard to pass their exams at school. New puppies appear. And Life continues to evolve.

On February 11^th 2008, Anju Sharan married Mohan Chand, a young man from the greater Delhi area. Engaged for the past year Anju and Mohan developed a close bond speaking several times a day by phone. As their marriage day grew closer Anju contemplated leaving home and her beloved family, moving onwards to a new life, the thrill of marriage and beyond. Excited and sad, nervous and purposeful we prepared for the momentous occasion.

I first met Anju in 1993. Abandoned by her mother in a small, bare shack, I remember seven year old Anju terrified and brave, protecting her younger sister Meena, the strong one in her family of two. The next day the police gave us permission to bring both girls to the ashram. Today she has completed a one year computer course in accounting and is starting the final year of her B.A. Our wish for her is that she is continuously proud of her achievements and how far she has come.

After days of rain February 11^th dawned bright and clear. Following the traditional bridal bath Anju left for the beauty parlour. She returned as a golden goddess bejewelled in traditional Indian dress.

Mohan arrived on a gallant white horse surrounded by dancing relatives who set off firecrackers in blasts of colour. The two families met under a flowered arch, Mohan’s, a traditional extended family, Anju’s, an eclectic blend of Indian and westerners. Anju joined Mohan on the stage for the Jai Mala and to have their photo taken with every single guest present.

Soon after, surrounded by immediate family the fire ceremony commenced, a ritualistic blend as both families joined together in marriage. Under the intoned prayers of the priests a small crown was ceremoniously placed on Anju’s head, the bride and groom fed each other sweets, malas were exchanged and cemented by walking seven times around the sacred fire. On the final lap the bride and groom were showered with flower petals, love and joy. Anju then applied the traditional kum-kum on her forehead, something she will put on everyday of her married life.

Eventually the couple were allowed lunch although Anju could barely eat under the weight of her jewellery. After lunch we could no longer avoid their inevitable departure. While gifts were loaded and the car was decorated Anju’s sister prepared her to leave the ashram as a married woman. Soon the tears started flowing. Savita, who had been crying for the last three days, broke down and sobbed. Anju hugged and held her as we all started crying. Meena and Renu, the two closest to Anju were inconsolable. With such a large family and so many to hug goodbye the departure took its time to unfold. Finally the children crowded Anju’s car for final goodbyes as the bride and groom drove off to their new life.

Our deepest congratulations and best wishes to Anju and Mohan as they begin their new lives together in union.

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January 25^th was a big day for Sri Ram Ashram. The “Group�, an international blend of 25-30 guests arrived for their annual visit. While sobered by Babaji’s delay, the children were thrilled to greet their extended family, old and new. Hugs, smiles and a welcome program full of song and dance welcomed our guests to ashram life. Since then we have taken a group hike to Chandi Devi, the babies and toddlers took a tractor trolley ride to a local temple while night time is punctured by raucous game nights. Next Monday we look forward to Anju’s wedding. Photos of the beautiful bride will be posted!

We pray for Babaji’s safe arrival, in the meantime the fun, games and love keep on flowing at Sri Ram Ashram.

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Happy New Year

from

Sri Ram Ashram