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.
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.
A large cloth is laid out for the women to sit in a circle and roll the puri dough. Room is made for each woman as she arrives. I am reminded that these are Muslim women. I am not able to tell because they are not wearing their black robes and veils, and it is explained these are not necessary when working.
As the cooking continues, the children start to arrive. There is a playful mood as they run around the graveyard, play hide and seek, tag, and climb trees. Today's feeding starts after 2:30pm, but the children are too busy playing to care about the time. As the numbers grow, the children are then seated to create some order. A hearty vegetable Masala curry, made from vegetables purchased at the market this morning, hot puris, and a banana are on the menu. The food is fresh, hot and delicious as we feed around 150 children.
Father Dilraj has told me that the staff and local communities become more organized and loving in their service during these feedings. It is not always so in other domains within their organization and other programs. The grace and love of Sai Maa.
As the cooking continues, the children start to arrive. There is a playful mood as they run around the graveyard, play hide and seek, tag, and climb trees. Today's feeding starts after 2:30pm, but the children are too busy playing to care about the time. As the numbers grow, the children are then seated to create some order. A hearty vegetable Masala curry, made from vegetables purchased at the market this morning, hot puris, and a banana are on the menu. The food is fresh, hot and delicious as we feed around 150 children.
Father Dilraj has told me that the staff and local communities become more organized and loving in their service during these feedings. It is not always so in other domains within their organization and other programs. The grace and love of Sai Maa.
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