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Just One: Shivpuruva

1/27/2015

The January 19th feeding is at Shivpuruva. Shivpuruva is not to be confused with Shivpur, an area on the outskirts of Varanasi. Shivpuruva is in the heart of the city, very close to Harishchandra Ghat, the home of the Sai Maa Vishnu Shakti Trust. Varanasi is the home of Shiva, so there are many places that begin with Shiv, all of which the locals can clearly distinguish.

This has been one of my favorite locations because of the children. I love coming here. The children are so friendly and respectful. They start cheering as I drive in. I am greeted as I have been before, surrounded by 50+ children who all want to shake my hand and share my hand with their brothers, sisters and friends. It takes me 5 minutes to get off my motorcycle as I shake and hold all the hands that are offered to me. The ASMITA staff finally chase the children away so that I can get off. I do not mind the attention at all.

Cataract Surgery at The Vivekanand Mission Hospital

1/16/2015

Another group of eye cataract surgery patients was operated on at the Vivekanand Mission Hospital on January 7th, 2015. Today is January 8th and Sai Maa Vishnu Shakti Trust (SMVST) is attending the follow up camp at the same hospital in the small village of Dighawat in the district of Mahrajganj. At these post-operative camps doctors conduct review exams, distribute the monthly supply of medicines and give instructions for the recovery process. This latest group is comprised of 21 villagers brought to the hospital for the surgery from a number of camps.

Many of these patients stayed overnight at the Vivekanand Mission Hospital. To accommodate everyone, rooms were converted to makeshift dorm facilities with beds, mattresses, blankets, and linen lining the rooms and hallways.

Just ONe: Lallapura

1/12/2015

Today, January 5th, is the first Just One program of 2015! Just One and the ASMITA staff, led by the local coordinator for this area, Gita, have chosen a site in the heart of Varanasi; Lallapura, Sigra. We are at a Muslim cemetery that has been opened to accommodate the feeding program on this beautiful sunny day of about 18 C/65 F.

During the winter, the feedings have been starting much later in the day due to the chilly and foggy mornings and today is no exception. I arrive early, and there are only a few locals assisting the cooks and preparing the site. Hot lemon tea is made on the fire as the women start rolling the dough for the puris that will later be deep fried.

JUST ONE: DUDIYA POKRA

1/7/2015

Today, December 30, we are across the road leading to the airport in the village of Dudiya Pokra. This morning the temperature was a brisk 6 C / 45 F and there was a heavy fog that made it difficult to drive. The feeding is starting very late by our usual schedule at almost 2:30 in the afternoon. So the feeding is starting very late, at almost 2:30 in the afternoon.

The children are on holidays and so are in a great mood. I arrive and many rush to grab my hand and lead me to the cooking site. Other children offer their hands eager to get a handshake. Several children bring their shyer brothers and sisters for handshakes or photos. They are so joyous, friendly, orderly, and polite.

January 02nd, 2015

1/2/2015

Just One: Shivpuruva

Cataract Surgery at The Vivekanand Mission Hospital

Just ONe: Lallapura

JUST ONE: DUDIYA POKRA

January 02nd, 2015

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