tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83877148061114258482024-03-14T02:54:05.887+05:30Operation ShantiOperation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.comBlogger280125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-23890540529233552572015-11-06T13:13:00.001+05:302015-11-06T13:13:57.292+05:30October 2015 HighlightsA few highlights from our Facebook posts in October 2015.<br />
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You can "like" us here: https://www.facebook.com/Operation-Shanti-90435917847/<br />
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October 20</h2>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Our Fall 2015 e-newsletter is out. Hope you enjoy the updates!</span><br />
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October 18</h2>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">"In one village, I asked a large group of men about rape. They insisted that they honor women and deplore rape — and then added that the best solution after a rape is for the girl to be married to the rapist, to smooth over upset feelings."</span></div>
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The father of one of our kids actually said the same thing to us. He told us how, years ago, his niece was raped and that he helped get her married to her rapist to solve the problem.</div>
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<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/glogin?URI=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2F2015%2F10%2F18%2Fopinion%2Fsunday%2Fa-rapists-nightmare.html%3Fsmid%3Dfb-share%26_r%3D0" style="background-color: #d9ead3;">http://www.nytimes.com/glogin?URI=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2F2015%2F10%2F18%2Fopinion%2Fsunday%2Fa-rapists-nightmare.html%3Fsmid%3Dfb-share%26_r%3D0</a><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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October 16</h2>
<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Happy bright pink Dasara from Suma, Prema, Manjula, Sulochana, Shwetha, Anitha, Pooja, Rani, Netra, Divya, Renuka, Mamatha, Shilpa, Sumitra, VJL, Pallavi, Swarana, Shanti, Lalitha, Nagu, Dhanalakshmi, Chinmaye, Thanmaye, Jyothi, and Sowmya, Vinutha, Latha, and Lalita!</span><br />
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October 12</h2>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Great videos. In all languages spoken in India -- </span><br />
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<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fteachaids.org%2Fsoftware&h=JAQEssIfTAQF5CDGtlinzHAPhKE2_ebqjt91i4i-R9eQgXw&enc=AZOUvkDnSYWNgawkW9lzg_wCwyAGO18cJi5JpsHTHKyoDhzF6LNPwqhVvc9Jvjd4il8mkFdEKjpDJ9BUi-EDm5m3y3AK8gjseooo8e51hYClZygDmXKGWKYdfZfuBB-S7n7vlPRmIqfGbYWrMRtZKhRd7jPi4flG2qHQzZSXZneGcKrSvD3FQHF6BKXuG63C7GOrw8fFpU6bFesf7jmC5NNy&s=1" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://teachaids.org/software</a></div>
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October 4</h2>
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Siblings on Ganesha day.</span><br />
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October 3</h2>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Enormous Thanks to the students who came yesterday to </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/practiceforsita?source=feed_text&story_id=10153721313692848" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">PracticeForSita</span></a><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">! It was such a special one ! You've been so generous . I'll keep you posted of what is happening to Sita. Your amazing energy made that last day at YogaSearcher, unique, bright and so meaningful émoticône smile Love you All. I'll miss you. But see you next season:-)"</span></span><br />
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Thanks, Flora and friends.</div>
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Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-58605406557617918532015-05-10T20:13:00.001+05:302015-05-10T20:13:59.846+05:30In honor of our mothers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We wish the mothers in our programs a very Happy Mother's Day and Happy Mother's Day to all mothers throughout the world who work hard everyday to be there for their children.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ayzXKaiBaeI/VU9quU6DJAI/AAAAAAAACRA/OsVNgC5CDGU/s1600/200708lakshmi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ayzXKaiBaeI/VU9quU6DJAI/AAAAAAAACRA/OsVNgC5CDGU/s320/200708lakshmi1.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ymiPaThYqro/VU9qu6QGpTI/AAAAAAAACRE/_f0ARBuWu7A/s1600/200708sushilaB2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ymiPaThYqro/VU9qu6QGpTI/AAAAAAAACRE/_f0ARBuWu7A/s320/200708sushilaB2.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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Most of our mothers have suffered tremendous trauma and emotional and physical pain in their lives, and they entrust us with their kids in the hope that they will have a better life than they did.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp0uHap-0Tc/VU9qvNR2ErI/AAAAAAAACRI/C4tesHS1xn4/s1600/200808umarajuhouse6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp0uHap-0Tc/VU9qvNR2ErI/AAAAAAAACRI/C4tesHS1xn4/s320/200808umarajuhouse6.jpg" width="260" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92PnBWW4Qbw/VU9qvzmUaVI/AAAAAAAACRg/AL9OZqRiWJI/s1600/200905banubaby1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92PnBWW4Qbw/VU9qvzmUaVI/AAAAAAAACRg/AL9OZqRiWJI/s320/200905banubaby1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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We are constantly amazed at the resilience of our mothers, who have suffered horrible diseases like tuberculosis and HIV, have been beaten, shamed, told they were useless, and are often taken for granted. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--o6_v2tjpyo/VU9qwhWxg8I/AAAAAAAACRU/pvM3R-9-a_s/s1600/200905geeta1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--o6_v2tjpyo/VU9qwhWxg8I/AAAAAAAACRU/pvM3R-9-a_s/s320/200905geeta1.jpg" width="222" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VM46v2EDEc/VU9qwyTvv-I/AAAAAAAACRY/bL9WizXBeVM/s1600/200905kavitaumesh1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VM46v2EDEc/VU9qwyTvv-I/AAAAAAAACRY/bL9WizXBeVM/s320/200905kavitaumesh1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We only wish the best for them, and our goal is to help them become strong women in their own right. Many of them are on this path.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9o0ikOC16XY/VU9qyTjte-I/AAAAAAAACRk/O11qyPWeQls/s1600/201111pavanfamily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9o0ikOC16XY/VU9qyTjte-I/AAAAAAAACRk/O11qyPWeQls/s320/201111pavanfamily.jpg" width="212" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IFGB-EBNJIM/VU9qzDmKw8I/AAAAAAAACRs/Z1X6_yzIrJg/s1600/201211_manjula_family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IFGB-EBNJIM/VU9qzDmKw8I/AAAAAAAACRs/Z1X6_yzIrJg/s320/201211_manjula_family.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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We support the mothers of our kids with medical assistance and guidance and counseling when needed or requested. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9uCrLtEHaUA/VU9q1PHqKII/AAAAAAAACR4/IRoCwXiz10o/s1600/20141214_deepika1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9uCrLtEHaUA/VU9q1PHqKII/AAAAAAAACR4/IRoCwXiz10o/s320/20141214_deepika1.JPG" width="304" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Rf3ATbtiy8/VU9q1WvUDNI/AAAAAAAACSU/Z2MQagiPAJA/s1600/20141214_lakshmi1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Rf3ATbtiy8/VU9q1WvUDNI/AAAAAAAACSU/Z2MQagiPAJA/s320/20141214_lakshmi1.JPG" width="252" /></a></div>
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Our mothers are a big part of our Operation Shanti family and we have watched them grow and change over the past ten years.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RbBhZjdKsvo/VU9q1s-UC_I/AAAAAAAACR8/8t18zi3XbHs/s1600/_MG_6382kumarimohan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RbBhZjdKsvo/VU9q1s-UC_I/AAAAAAAACR8/8t18zi3XbHs/s320/_MG_6382kumarimohan.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snvVPX85gVk/VU9q2jaAQrI/AAAAAAAACSI/SgmMnk6J4OQ/s1600/girijappt_200708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snvVPX85gVk/VU9q2jaAQrI/AAAAAAAACSI/SgmMnk6J4OQ/s320/girijappt_200708.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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To our mothers, thank you for being there for your kids even though they may no longer live with you. Your influence on your kids remains the strongest of anyone.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JR2WB-zKZFU/VU9q3dQkOLI/AAAAAAAACSM/vfl4SWM-tg4/s1600/manjulappt_200810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JR2WB-zKZFU/VU9q3dQkOLI/AAAAAAAACSM/vfl4SWM-tg4/s320/manjulappt_200810.jpg" width="258" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGRxNivpTVE/VU9q4nmB2mI/AAAAAAAACSY/ofh-qhFV6Rs/s1600/sushilappt_200708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGRxNivpTVE/VU9q4nmB2mI/AAAAAAAACSY/ofh-qhFV6Rs/s320/sushilappt_200708.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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Happy Mother's Day!<br />
<br />Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com0Mysuru, Karnataka, India12.2958104 76.63938050000001612.1717019 76.478019000000018 12.4199189 76.800742000000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-82609080444028904462015-05-07T20:00:00.000+05:302015-05-07T20:00:01.029+05:30Our Spring 2015 e-NewsletterThank you for continuing to support our programs. Please have a look at what we've been up to.<br />
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<a href="http://conta.cc/1Jsp5sE" target="_blank">Operation Shanti Spring 2015 e-Newsletter</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YWZLgj_RarE/VUrT5UIHs3I/AAAAAAAACQs/HWT6d2XFWpc/s1600/20150125_ashleyart5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YWZLgj_RarE/VUrT5UIHs3I/AAAAAAAACQs/HWT6d2XFWpc/s1600/20150125_ashleyart5.JPG" height="178" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thanks!Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com0San Francisco, CA, USA37.7749295 -122.4194155000000137.373502 -123.06486250000002 38.176356999999996 -121.77396850000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-89498803102768227602015-03-04T05:23:00.000+05:302015-03-04T05:23:47.632+05:30Indestructible play balls for our kids! Coming to Mysore in 2015?FYI - we got 61 play balls for our kids!<br />
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<a href="http://www.oneworldplayproject.com/campaign/operation-shanti/">http://www.oneworldplayproject.com/campaign/operation-shanti/</a><br />
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If you donated a ball to our campaign, thank you very much! We aren't able to get a list of donors from One World Play Project, but we want to say thanks to everyone who donated a play ball.<br />
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These balls are really great (the kids currently have one). They don't deflate, which means there's no need to keep pumping them with air -- and the way our kids play, that means pumping all the time (and a lot of damaged balls).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hT53VleWnkk/VPZD3LGqxhI/AAAAAAAACL4/0SAy68LdCCY/s1600/IMG_4537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hT53VleWnkk/VPZD3LGqxhI/AAAAAAAACL4/0SAy68LdCCY/s1600/IMG_4537.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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These balls are also indestructible -- perfect for the terrain at our kids' home.<br />
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<b>We'll be receiving the 61 balls at our San Francisco address in mid-March, and we are looking for people who can carry one or two (or more?) balls in their luggage when they come to Mysore. </b>Let us know at <b><a href="mailto:info@operation-shanti.org">info@operation-shanti.org</a> </b>if you know of anyone from the U.S. who is planning a trip to Mysore in 2015 and we'll get a ball or two to you to carry over for us.<br />
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They're the same size as regular soccer balls.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mauO3QYBWS4/VPZD3eeH29I/AAAAAAAACMA/M-b4qSOzYek/s1600/11021146_10152755549121589_7876310475422969758_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mauO3QYBWS4/VPZD3eeH29I/AAAAAAAACMA/M-b4qSOzYek/s1600/11021146_10152755549121589_7876310475422969758_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Because the balls will be with us in the U.S. (San Francisco), better for the carriers to be from the U.S. We plan to keep 20 or so balls for kids and then distribute a few to their schools and a couple other children's homes in Mysore.<br />
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Thanks!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lc4NXDgQ9SM/VPZD2RC93MI/AAAAAAAACL8/5tsHhOGJBD0/s1600/20141110_willa_ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lc4NXDgQ9SM/VPZD2RC93MI/AAAAAAAACL8/5tsHhOGJBD0/s1600/20141110_willa_ball.jpg" height="220" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com0Mysuru, Karnataka, India12.2958104 76.63938050000001612.1717019 76.478019000000018 12.4199189 76.800742000000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-61687003308804266952015-01-21T04:46:00.001+05:302015-01-21T04:46:43.375+05:30“The soul is healed by being with children.” ― Fyodor Dostoyevsky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Five years ago, in November 2009, one of our friends from the U.S. was visiting us in Mysore and she met Adeline and Shirly from Singapore at a cafe in Gokulam. Adeline and Shirly were in Mysore to practice at a yoga shala, and Marianne proceeded to recruit them to paint some of the bare walls at our children's home -- Adeline is, after all, a fabulous artist! </div>
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Since then, Adeline, Shirly, and Jo-Anne (their friend from Singapore who comes to Mysore to <a href="http://www.satyayoga.com.sg/yoga/karmic-yogi/" target="_blank">drive rickshaws and practice that other yoga</a>) have been transforming our walls during their visits and, along the way, have captured our kids' hearts.</div>
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In November 2009, they started with our first ABC Room -- a little hut we built as a small classroom and spare room.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o3GrhoQdMOw/VL5tmPFlHnI/AAAAAAAACFI/TKweGE2gd6Y/s1600/200912abchut3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o3GrhoQdMOw/VL5tmPFlHnI/AAAAAAAACFI/TKweGE2gd6Y/s1600/200912abchut3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's Shirly inside, mixing paint, with Lokesh and Venkatesh filling in Adeline's ABC sketches.</td></tr>
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The ABC Room.</div>
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Then, the women came again in December 2010 and painted our cat room (the open classroom/activity room where the kids' three cats live) with playful animal figures. Great looking walls, yes?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PyDBDEg9HHg/VL5pxFi-A_I/AAAAAAAACCg/EgTh4_XPRFE/s1600/201011catroompainting2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PyDBDEg9HHg/VL5pxFi-A_I/AAAAAAAACCg/EgTh4_XPRFE/s1600/201011catroompainting2.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMZ3zk9dqNA/VL6CcoKeolI/AAAAAAAACGQ/goQHCFe1Nf8/s1600/201011catroompainting1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMZ3zk9dqNA/VL6CcoKeolI/AAAAAAAACGQ/goQHCFe1Nf8/s1600/201011catroompainting1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adeline sketches, the kids color.</td></tr>
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Adeline came in December 2012 and was around for Christmas and Chinese New Year -- she had her themes!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQbcr_jiJRc/VL7cAA9HbwI/AAAAAAAACGs/-DMUZsiPQWo/s1600/201401shwetha_tee1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQbcr_jiJRc/VL7cAA9HbwI/AAAAAAAACGs/-DMUZsiPQWo/s1600/201401shwetha_tee1.jpg" height="640" width="436" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice background for taking photos!</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kgupuTpwaaE/VL5pyrSssyI/AAAAAAAACCs/tQLNMc5bhJY/s1600/201212_xmas2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kgupuTpwaaE/VL5pyrSssyI/AAAAAAAACCs/tQLNMc5bhJY/s1600/201212_xmas2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Just like the snowmen in Singapore... ;-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sj6ADoimyUE/VL5p2o5vPeI/AAAAAAAACDE/0pedZZm23cU/s1600/201301_adeline_chineseny2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sj6ADoimyUE/VL5p2o5vPeI/AAAAAAAACDE/0pedZZm23cU/s1600/201301_adeline_chineseny2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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The women arrived in Mysore in December 2014, and the painting started again (yay!). This time, they tackled our new ABC Room -- a more spacious version of the original ABC Room.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jXOSnA8oKAc/VL5p6JHDDnI/AAAAAAAACDM/iSyzX7t3-Lk/s1600/20140115_newABCroom1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jXOSnA8oKAc/VL5p6JHDDnI/AAAAAAAACDM/iSyzX7t3-Lk/s1600/20140115_newABCroom1.JPG" height="350" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9swR4YtCbo/VL5qCWsTG-I/AAAAAAAACDs/EJbT5AK2kq8/s1600/20150119_joanneABCroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9swR4YtCbo/VL5qCWsTG-I/AAAAAAAACDs/EJbT5AK2kq8/s1600/20150119_joanneABCroom.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FncTz1csedE/VL5qD3BlHsI/AAAAAAAACD8/jmT_voFsRSU/s1600/20150120_newABCroom1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FncTz1csedE/VL5qD3BlHsI/AAAAAAAACD8/jmT_voFsRSU/s1600/20150120_newABCroom1.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During the project, the women learned Hindi and Kannada!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aLAahNTlTp0/VL5qHot7YTI/AAAAAAAACEE/4xMpshdaifs/s1600/20150120_newABCroom2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aLAahNTlTp0/VL5qHot7YTI/AAAAAAAACEE/4xMpshdaifs/s1600/20150120_newABCroom2.JPG" height="320" width="244" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5FAiHtEOqG8/VL5qH5DgEaI/AAAAAAAACEI/kciMKtLSxjs/s1600/20150120_newABCroom3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5FAiHtEOqG8/VL5qH5DgEaI/AAAAAAAACEI/kciMKtLSxjs/s1600/20150120_newABCroom3.JPG" height="207" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpdheZoj1k0/VL5qCgwpIVI/AAAAAAAACDw/Ad2rZI5mUqs/s1600/20150120_newABCroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpdheZoj1k0/VL5qCgwpIVI/AAAAAAAACDw/Ad2rZI5mUqs/s1600/20150120_newABCroom.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Done.</td></tr>
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Many other activities were going on, including super-fun arts and crafts by Jo-Anne,<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o4znhxBXRvI/VL5p7S_KB8I/AAAAAAAACDU/dMd-IVWqVaI/s1600/20150111_joanneart1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o4znhxBXRvI/VL5p7S_KB8I/AAAAAAAACDU/dMd-IVWqVaI/s1600/20150111_joanneart1.JPG" height="248" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Five</u> hyperactive happy kids quietly enjoying themselves. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--hNJNADO2as/VL5p9QGmm-I/AAAAAAAACDk/J7RCGzJVZGE/s1600/20150111_raju1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--hNJNADO2as/VL5p9QGmm-I/AAAAAAAACDk/J7RCGzJVZGE/s1600/20150111_raju1.JPG" height="640" width="436" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raju and the very very long necklace that he made.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GOvPmgRnNcM/VL5p73x53QI/AAAAAAAACDY/PxyBNByykkA/s1600/20150108_joannemohancoloring.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GOvPmgRnNcM/VL5p73x53QI/AAAAAAAACDY/PxyBNByykkA/s1600/20150108_joannemohancoloring.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mohan coloring with precision (wish he was this quiet and focused all the time!). </td></tr>
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taking trips with the kids, </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq73fXMDAs8/VL5xYCQhjJI/AAAAAAAACF4/JlZZnjlKK6s/s1600/201501_beylakuppe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq73fXMDAs8/VL5xYCQhjJI/AAAAAAAACF4/JlZZnjlKK6s/s1600/201501_beylakuppe.JPG" height="345" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Adeline "wefie" photo -- Bylakuppe with the kids.</td></tr>
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and just hanging out.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xm6hj2BOSpQ/VL7a8LV9_cI/AAAAAAAACGg/7IZafgA-jA8/s1600/20121225_adeline_boys3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xm6hj2BOSpQ/VL7a8LV9_cI/AAAAAAAACGg/7IZafgA-jA8/s1600/20121225_adeline_boys3.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas 2012.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xwIId4K8wP8/VL5wAs_JBmI/AAAAAAAACFU/4zRVE-BUMQE/s1600/20150111_shirly_kids.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xwIId4K8wP8/VL5wAs_JBmI/AAAAAAAACFU/4zRVE-BUMQE/s1600/20150111_shirly_kids.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">The girls bindi-ed Shirly.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The other day, a mutual friend commented, "What should we call them -- the three women from Singapore? They're so great. They need a stage name, you know, like ... 'three sisters'?" </span></div>
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How about, simply, Hao Peng You. Good friends.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r-btleGB2bo/VL5qLXzjnoI/AAAAAAAACEk/Z4eQPAYvOQU/s1600/20150120_newABCroom5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r-btleGB2bo/VL5qLXzjnoI/AAAAAAAACEk/Z4eQPAYvOQU/s1600/20150120_newABCroom5.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The paintings, and their friendship, brighten our living environment.</td></tr>
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Over the years, these three women have touched the lives of our kids in many ways -- through their artwork on the walls, their genuine, kind, thoughtful, practical nature and desire simply to help, and the time they spend with our kids and on their behalf both here and in Singapore. We hope that all kids everywhere get the chance to have great friends like Joanne, Shirly, and Adeline!</div>
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"Nothing you do for children is ever wasted."</div>
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--Garrison Keillor, <i>Leaving Home</i></div>
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Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com0Mysore division, Karnataka, India12.295055610833273 76.5829467773437512.264026110833273 76.542606277343751 12.326085110833274 76.623287277343749tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-32754424513606104072014-12-18T08:42:00.001+05:302014-12-18T08:42:22.957+05:30Our strong women<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is one of our cooks. She's from a very poor background and has struggled with great burdens in her home life, as many Indian women do. She has two great kids -- attestation to her fabulous skills as a mother despite her hardships -- and cares for our kids as if they are her own. She's very close to our older boys, which helps tremendously as they make their way through their teenage years.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Dl-uKwmt8E/VJJDDu3tU4I/AAAAAAAACBk/hIKKlK4mwvY/s1600/201410_yogasreenivasa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Dl-uKwmt8E/VJJDDu3tU4I/AAAAAAAACBk/hIKKlK4mwvY/s1600/201410_yogasreenivasa.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The younger woman in one of the photos is our housekeeper, whom we've known for 10 years. She's an amazing and strong woman who left an abusive husband, got her act together, and has transformed her own life for the better.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5YZ59ANG--0/VJJDE0F7hSI/AAAAAAAACBs/4tR8ib-W4wY/s1600/201410_yogasharathkavita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5YZ59ANG--0/VJJDE0F7hSI/AAAAAAAACBs/4tR8ib-W4wY/s1600/201410_yogasharathkavita.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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We and our kids are really lucky to know such women.</div>
Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-45466435949770772652014-11-03T06:42:00.001+05:302014-11-03T06:42:49.123+05:30Welcoming change - Fall 2014 e-NewsletterPlease have a look at our 2014 Fall e-newsletter, available here:<br />
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<a href="http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=380151b4-8dbf-4dfc-a86a-453edcca2208&c=a97e5d60-784e-11e3-b002-d4ae52843aae&ch=aa5e0f00-784e-11e3-b043-d4ae52843aae" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CRYIwvHUaqU/VFbWHg20vBI/AAAAAAAACAU/Xj4ghzOqi54/s1600/104.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=380151b4-8dbf-4dfc-a86a-453edcca2208&c=a97e5d60-784e-11e3-b002-d4ae52843aae&ch=aa5e0f00-784e-11e3-b043-d4ae52843aae" target="_blank">Operation Shanti Fall 2014 e-Newsletter</a><br />
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Thanks!Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.comSan Francisco, CA, USA37.7749295 -122.4194155000000137.373502 -123.06486250000002 38.176356999999996 -121.77396850000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-72585595773912449062014-10-02T05:39:00.001+05:302014-10-02T05:40:27.091+05:30Our first-ever NYC fundraiser - Oct 9! See you there!Please join us for our first-even New York City fundraiser, to be held at the George Billis Gallery (<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/George+Billis+Gallery/@40.7513332,-74.0043245,16z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x27026897de63dff3" target="_blank">525 W. 26th Street, Ground Floor</a>) on October 9.<br />
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Also please see the auction items related to the fundraiser here:<br />
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<a href="http://auction.bidtec.com/raman/#web/adamwade/" target="_blank">NYC Fundraiser Silent Auction</a><br />
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You can bid on these even if you can't attend our event.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4w7KXifeFEw/VCyRmwSWYKI/AAAAAAAACAA/8ZQB67VL5Go/s1600/OperationShanti_Invitiation_x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4w7KXifeFEw/VCyRmwSWYKI/AAAAAAAACAA/8ZQB67VL5Go/s1600/OperationShanti_Invitiation_x.jpg" height="640" width="414" /></a></div>
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Thank you and we look forward to seeing you on October 9!Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-90395442627358711722014-07-18T03:44:00.000+05:302014-07-18T03:44:59.293+05:30We love dosas!Recently, the kids at our children's home enjoyed yummy dosas. Amazing how a little kid can eat six to eight dosas in one sitting!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwHoEiYjzvJ42mHjzXh8HK2PBfRujUdzy5vyLvC38QBLlekYgLVcJfZ226PNGHBE7DYORG9vDrHSlHiZtYYkw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com0Mysore, Karnataka, India12.2958104 76.63938050000001612.1717019 76.478019000000018 12.4199189 76.800742000000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-49690161855737280102014-06-23T19:59:00.002+05:302014-06-23T19:59:42.626+05:30Storytelling...The kids love to listen to stories and to read stories. It's also really nice to see the older kids reading to the little kids.<br />
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A few nights a week, an older boy reads a story from the boys' iPad to the other boys. The big boys enjoy reading to the little ones, and the little ones love to hear stories!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7rRKHBRzhI0/U6g5JjN9gzI/AAAAAAAAB8I/CIjtGoIhZFY/s1600/201406_prajwal_story1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7rRKHBRzhI0/U6g5JjN9gzI/AAAAAAAAB8I/CIjtGoIhZFY/s1600/201406_prajwal_story1.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prajwal reading to the boys</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Here's Prajwal, one of our older boys, reading a story to the other boys after the evening prayer time. </span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxEtsqECwaGMNeDIBLZV6r88WKm6z5nD2C-JPg7vH0t9B35U8K9Eb1a2J4EU8mdCmQGPb2rZOI7YB1MqVNjeg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Makes for a nice family environment!Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com0Mysore, Karnataka, India12.2958104 76.63938050000001612.1717019 76.478019000000018 12.4199189 76.800742000000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-62017921910697288492014-05-12T18:09:00.001+05:302014-05-13T08:27:50.413+05:30Manikanta passes the SSLC exam!We've known Manikanta since 2006. He lived on the streets of Mysore, where he hung out with his friends Venkatesh, Sreenivasa, Nanjunda, Lokesh, and Harish. When we opened our children's home, he wanted to come to stay with us even though he had never attended school, and he was nine years of age.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CwtB3pb9Voo/U3DAgHVUw3I/AAAAAAAAB60/w4X2DhoSPNA/s1600/_MG_3559manikanta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CwtB3pb9Voo/U3DAgHVUw3I/AAAAAAAAB60/w4X2DhoSPNA/s1600/_MG_3559manikanta.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manikanta in 2009</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Manikanta had a rough start to his education, ran away from Karunya Mane several times over the years, and often talked about going back to the streets to live because he missed his "freedom." But he stuck with it, and we stuck with him, and today we learned that he passed the pressure-filled SSLC (10th grade) exam. He'll now continue on to 11th and 12th grades (called Pre-University College here, or PUC). </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZfBDT1eHhs/U3DAlKQa7OI/AAAAAAAAB68/X24Dqg8FrOc/s1600/201404_manikanta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZfBDT1eHhs/U3DAlKQa7OI/AAAAAAAAB68/X24Dqg8FrOc/s1600/201404_manikanta.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manikanta in 2014</td></tr>
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We are so happy for Manikanta, who at times seems a bit lost and lacking direction in comparison to our other former street boys who are finding their paths away from the streets a little more confidently. Manikanta also misses his mother, but no none has any idea where she may be. Usually, our other moms or friends on the street have information on one another, but nobody has seen Manikanta's mom for years.<br />
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Congratulations to Manikanta!<br />
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On another note, to all of the parents out there, we hope that whatever the outcome of your child's SSLC or PUC exams, you are encouraging and supportive. Too many kids are committing suicide over lower than hoped for exam results because of the pressures they face to get high scores and, thus, spots in prestigious colleges -- such tragedies are simply unnecessary.Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-86230357548911956402014-03-28T05:54:00.001+05:302014-03-28T05:54:08.885+05:30The end of another school yearSchool is almost out for the 2013-2014 year! Thirty-six of our kids have finished their exams and are now enjoying their summer vacation. Eight of our kids at St. Francis take their last test today. Everyone is eagerly awaiting results, to be announced in mid-April.<br />
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Next year, our current seventh graders will change campuses to attend high school (!). They are really excited, but are also a bit sad to leave the primary and middle school teachers that they've known for six years.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xU5XlNdu5dE/UzS9JUskoiI/AAAAAAAAB1w/P6fwH29-3J4/s1600/20131208_gclass1_mamathapoojaprema.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xU5XlNdu5dE/UzS9JUskoiI/AAAAAAAAB1w/P6fwH29-3J4/s1600/20131208_gclass1_mamathapoojaprema.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7th grade graduates: Mamatha, Pooja, Prema</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zy90lL-ywco/UzS9cvE_qnI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/s1lIyGOa-F0/s1600/201401ivana_pavanvinod2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zy90lL-ywco/UzS9cvE_qnI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/s1lIyGOa-F0/s1600/201401ivana_pavanvinod2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7th grade graduates: Vinod and Pavan</td></tr>
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Two of our tenth graders start the very important SSLC examinations today. We are crossing our fingers that they do well -- passing the SSLC exam means continuing on to 11th grade. Many students, particularly from poor backgrounds, fail the exam and don't bother to try again. If our two kids fail, they will take the exam again. Today, having an SSLC certificate is required for getting a driver's license and most jobs in India.<br />
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Our two 10th graders have overcome many challenges to get to where they are now.<br />
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Suma came to us three-and-a-half years ago at the age of 13 after her mother died, and she struggled in school. When she lived on the streets with her mom and siblings, she sporadically attended a government school in the city that had four teachers for 1st to 7th grades.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EzR4JpUHEuU/UzS9XC9udWI/AAAAAAAAB2A/f3swaDh5jhk/s1600/201401ivana_suma1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EzR4JpUHEuU/UzS9XC9udWI/AAAAAAAAB2A/f3swaDh5jhk/s1600/201401ivana_suma1.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suma</td></tr>
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Manikanta is a former street boy whom we've known for nine years. On the street, he lived with his friends and sniffed glue everyday. After coming to KM, he stopped that habit but behavioral effects lingered. He works hard at his schoolwork, and we are so happy that he's still in school and hasn't gone back to his former life on the street.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2hKnZWcLEY/UzS_f_lWppI/AAAAAAAAB2c/knERwlaBB-U/s1600/200909manikantajumping2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2hKnZWcLEY/UzS_f_lWppI/AAAAAAAAB2c/knERwlaBB-U/s1600/200909manikantajumping2.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manikanta in 2009</td></tr>
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Sreenivasa just completed his 12th grade exams this week. Sreeni is another former street boy who grew up on the streets of Mysore with Manikanta and their friends. Sreeni first attended school when he came to stay with us at KM in 2008, starting in third grade at the age of 12. He's worked really hard to catch up as best as he could, and has grown and matured into a solid, reliable young man.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cn3_j0WsvaM/UzS85sNRXuI/AAAAAAAAB1o/fCcRODc94Ng/s1600/200511mattkids2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cn3_j0WsvaM/UzS85sNRXuI/AAAAAAAAB1o/fCcRODc94Ng/s1600/200511mattkids2.jpg" height="376" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sreenivasa (white shirt) in 2005</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dTX1nBTQd34/UzS9ONy_rUI/AAAAAAAAB14/FOL36lEmfJM/s1600/201008school_sreenivasa1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dTX1nBTQd34/UzS9ONy_rUI/AAAAAAAAB14/FOL36lEmfJM/s1600/201008school_sreenivasa1.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sreenivasa in 2010 (third from left)</td></tr>
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Results for the 10th and 12th grade exams will be out in May. We'll let you know how everyone did!<br />
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Kids sure grow up quickly!</div>
Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com1Mysore, Karnataka, India12.2958104 76.63938050000001612.1717019 76.478019000000018 12.4199189 76.800742000000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-83648447857706572532014-02-27T17:32:00.003+05:302014-02-27T17:32:48.369+05:30PFM and HIV -- An Update<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">India, with an estimated 2.4 million people living with HIV (as of January 1, 2012), is home to the world's third-largest population suffering from the condition (after South Africa and Nigeria). In India, when a parent contracts HIV, children are often forced to provide for the family by working or begging. When a parent dies, his or her children may be left with no one to care for them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Through Project Food & More, Operation Shanti provides support to those affected by HIV in a couple of ways. PFM provides a monthly care package to destitute HIV+ children who have lost one or both parents and who are now living with a poor relative (usually a grandmother or aunt) who must feed another mouth. Today, the care package is valued at about $20, of which 56 HIV+ children benefit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">PFM also supports destitute women who have been abandoned by their families for being HIV+ with a monthly care package and assistance for medical expenses. This month, Saraswati (name has been changed to protect her privacy) was admitted to the HIV clinic, emaciated and nearly unconscious. Although medical care for HIV+ patients has improved significantly over the years, she was not given the second-line ART medication when she needed it last year after her CD4 count declined, and she subsequently fell very ill. Mom is now in the ICU ward at the clinic, literally fighting for her life. We are assisting her two children, aged 16 and 18, with the medical bills and some difficult-to-obtain ART medication. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Saraswati's two teenage children have stopped attending school to care for mom -- one stays with mom at the hospital and the other works to earn some money for food and other basics. They have no other family available to help them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Your donation to Operation Shanti's PFM program will help us continue to assist women like Saraswati and children who continue to experience stigma and abandonment by their families. On this auspicious day in India, Maha Shivaratri, we hope and pray for Saraswati's recovery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For more on PFM, please see </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://operationshanti.org/project_food.html">http://operationshanti.org/project_food.html</a>.</span></div>
Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com0Mysore, Karnataka, India12.2958104 76.63938050000001612.1717019 76.478019000000018 12.4199189 76.800742000000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-36807547256255430352014-02-25T02:55:00.001+05:302014-02-25T02:55:31.851+05:30First Ever Photography ClassIn December 2013 and January 2014, the kids at Karunya Mane had the chance to learn some basic photography techniques from one of their friends who visited each Sunday for a couple of hours.<br />
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Here are a few of the pictures they took --<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/TXgsAu43fmA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com0Mysore, Karnataka, India12.2958104 76.63938050000001612.1717019 76.478019000000018 12.4199189 76.800742000000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-598242566797219472014-02-07T04:46:00.002+05:302014-02-07T05:25:49.879+05:30Pavankumar S.C.! Boy wonder!Pavan came to Karunya Mane in June 2010. He lived with his mom in a poor village near Mandya. As a single parent with significant health issues, mom had difficulty raising her only child. Dad abandoned the family a long time ago.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1FQFD0WgLw/UvFh2gdkcuI/AAAAAAAAB0o/GjGYHKN-Rnw/s1600/201007pavankumar1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1FQFD0WgLw/UvFh2gdkcuI/AAAAAAAAB0o/GjGYHKN-Rnw/s1600/201007pavankumar1.jpg" height="400" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pavan in 2010</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">When Pavan came to KM, he had been attending 6th grade in a government school in his village. However, when we tested his reading and writing abilities, we found that he could not even write the Kannada alphabet. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SNqKyrjvS9U/UvFh4ORHe4I/AAAAAAAAB00/w7s4t23C0gQ/s1600/201211_pavan_mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SNqKyrjvS9U/UvFh4ORHe4I/AAAAAAAAB00/w7s4t23C0gQ/s1600/201211_pavan_mom.jpg" height="640" width="401" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pavan and mom in 2012</td></tr>
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We enrolled Pavan in the nearby private school that our other kids attended and put him in 4th grade even though he should have been in 1st. Like all our other kids, Pavan got tutoring everyday after school for two hours.<br />
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Pavan was also malnourished and very skinny when he came to Karunya Mane, so we gave him extra nutrition, including milk, eggs, and multivitamins.<br />
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Over the past three and a half years, Pavan has demonstrated that he's quite a smart boy and just a really good kid. He is well-mannered, listens to his elders, contributes to a positive environment at Karunya Mane, and participates actively in all of his extracurricular activities. He's often selected for school performances, like the one below (that's him at the top of the pyramid).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0pvMJ7zTyZI/UvFi4gPFQBI/AAAAAAAAB1I/AwxARPDhra8/s1600/201307_pavan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0pvMJ7zTyZI/UvFi4gPFQBI/AAAAAAAAB1I/AwxARPDhra8/s1600/201307_pavan2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pavan in a school performance</td></tr>
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And, now, after three years, Pavan is ranked in the <b>top 5</b> in his 7th grade class! We are very lucky to be able to care for a great kid like Pavan, who came from such abject poverty and is proving himself to be quite an accomplished boy.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8noirDH9wCE/UvFh4gID8xI/AAAAAAAAB04/1lb4MU83ljk/s1600/20131208_bclass1_pavanrazak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8noirDH9wCE/UvFh4gID8xI/AAAAAAAAB04/1lb4MU83ljk/s1600/20131208_bclass1_pavanrazak.jpg" height="400" width="330" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pavan in December 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our house mothers provide written evaluations of each child every year. On Pavan's recent report, the house mother noted that Pavan is very special and, with good guidance and support, will grow up to be an upstanding young man in society.<br />
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Give a kid the opportunity to achieve his or her full potential -- it's the most wonderful thing you can do!Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com0Mysore, Karnataka, India12.2958104 76.63938050000001612.1717019 76.478019000000018 12.4199189 76.800742000000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-89867748298831415382014-01-27T18:28:00.000+05:302014-01-27T18:28:16.493+05:30The love of a teacherOne of the challenges that we've had in the past is finding the appropriate staff, including house mothers, to help care for our kids at Karunya Mane. For one thing, it's not an easy job (for parents with two or three kids, you know what we mean -- think about taking care of 44 kids at once). For another thing, many shy away from working with street or slum kids. Moreover, anyone could simply "do" the job and be a passive, warm body in the room to monitor the kids.<br />
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It takes special people to be effective house mothers and actually make an effort to improve the lives of kids like ours (or any kid) -- not just materialistically by providing them with what they need on a daily basis -- but also by taking the time to teach each of them good life lessons, values, and ethics, 24/7.<br />
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We are lucky to have two such women. They are incredibly positive influences on the lives of our boys and girls.<br />
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A few days ago, our boys' house mother had her birthday. Surya, one of our ten-year-old boys, left a birthday card for her on her bed as she slept. When she awoke, she said it was the first thing she saw and she read it. She wept out of happiness.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cvNWfQP0ocA/UuJyld3hR7I/AAAAAAAAB0U/NTfFEgEQ7ds/s1600/201401_surya_to_banu_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cvNWfQP0ocA/UuJyld3hR7I/AAAAAAAAB0U/NTfFEgEQ7ds/s1600/201401_surya_to_banu_a.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Translation</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>(left page)</i></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dear Teacher,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are always my teacher.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am always your student.</span><br />
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<i>(right page)</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Respected Teacher,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Wish you a very happy birthday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are the teacher who has given me education and knowledge. You have taught me that we should always be merciful towards others, we should love all, we should not hate anyone. Your wish is that I should become a good human being and take care of all and that I should make a name for myself. I will behave as you wish and make you proud one day. I will see to it that you will become very happy on seeing me and my success.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Respected teacher, I can never forget you. I think of you every second.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Surya J.</span><br />
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We share this card with you in honor of all of the great teachers, parents, and caretakers who dedicate their lives to improving the life of a child or children. Thank you so much.Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com0Mysore, Karnataka, India12.2958104 76.63938050000001612.1717019 76.478019000000018 12.4199189 76.800742000000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-72365181068947094972014-01-24T03:37:00.001+05:302014-01-24T03:37:16.153+05:30SponsoringIf you are a sponsor of one of our kids at our children's home, or you are considering being a sponsor, communicating with your child can be a lot of fun and satisfying.<br />
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A couple of years ago, a group from Canada on tour of south India came to visit our kids. When they returned to Canada, several of them got together to sponsor five of our kids -- Harish, Prema, Sowmya, Surya, and Shwetha. Harish's sponsors correspond with him a couple of times a year, and such a connection with a sponsor makes a big difference in Harish's life, whose parents both passed away.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2_R4PlFED8/UtzLVAf0MjI/AAAAAAAAByw/cRocsYkqNas/s1600/201101canadians1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2_R4PlFED8/UtzLVAf0MjI/AAAAAAAAByw/cRocsYkqNas/s1600/201101canadians1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Canadians' visit</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Edpt2TQ8DkE/UtzXPDUCSzI/AAAAAAAAB0E/RvEkXkPtZ0I/s1600/20131208_photoclass1_surya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Edpt2TQ8DkE/UtzXPDUCSzI/AAAAAAAAB0E/RvEkXkPtZ0I/s1600/20131208_photoclass1_surya.jpg" height="134" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sowmya, Surya, Shwetha, Prema, and Harish</td></tr>
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A couple of months ago, Padmanabha's sponsor came to Mysore to practice yoga. While in Mysore, he met Padmanabha. It was a fun day for all of the boys -- not just Padmanabha -- as they got to show off their karate and yoga skills to the sponsor, and all had a great time. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UwSxtecKN-c/UtzMlxvfGKI/AAAAAAAABzM/FXOZ6OIEzRk/s1600/201312_barrypadmanabha3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UwSxtecKN-c/UtzMlxvfGKI/AAAAAAAABzM/FXOZ6OIEzRk/s1600/201312_barrypadmanabha3.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5aHF5HFBxMU/UtzLaqF3-iI/AAAAAAAABy4/lB7NzMkZuJ0/s1600/201312_barrypadmanabha4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5aHF5HFBxMU/UtzLaqF3-iI/AAAAAAAABy4/lB7NzMkZuJ0/s1600/201312_barrypadmanabha4.jpg" height="320" width="296" /></a></div>
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For our kids to know that people are out there helping them out of the goodness of their hearts is a huge thing for them! We thank all of our sponsors who are supporting our 44 kids at Karunya Mane!<br />
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Right now, all of our kids are sponsors -- as some of the sponsorships come to an end and are not renewed, we'll let you know!Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com0Mysore, Karnataka, India12.2958104 76.63938050000001612.1717019 76.478019000000018 12.4199189 76.800742000000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-62072527354283072002013-12-13T10:04:00.000+05:302013-12-13T10:04:09.415+05:30Bye BlackieKids love pets, and we sure have many at Karunya Mane, our children's home -- eight dogs, three cats, and eight birds! The kids love all of their pets and learn to feed and take care of them.<br />
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Our first dog, Blackie, came to Karunya Mane on the very same day that we arrived there, February 10, 2008. From where he came we don't know, but he just walked to the car when we drove up as if we were good old friends from long ago, and stayed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D9HoMnS8BaM/UqqML2A4A1I/AAAAAAAAByM/Y0C6Byhi9aY/s1600/200906blackie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D9HoMnS8BaM/UqqML2A4A1I/AAAAAAAAByM/Y0C6Byhi9aY/s320/200906blackie1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackie at the kids' school in 2009</td></tr>
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Everyday when someone he knew was at KM, he walked up to them and just stood there, expecting that friendly pat on the head. Three years ago, he brought his little friend, shy Jackie, who now stays with us.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5jeWFdqoikY/UqqMObDb0MI/AAAAAAAAByU/xPzADxhBy-E/s1600/201305blackiedog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5jeWFdqoikY/UqqMObDb0MI/AAAAAAAAByU/xPzADxhBy-E/s320/201305blackiedog.JPG" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackie in 2011</td></tr>
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Today, we're sad because Blackie passed away. We don't know how old he was but he must have been at least nine or ten. He loved to sleep in the boys' room on the cool tile floor on hot days. He loved to annoy 44, one of our other dogs. He loved coming to the office or the kitchen for snacks. And most of all, he really loved our kids. When they used to walk to school, Blackie often walked with them all the way there. </div>
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He was a loyal companion and a great watch dog. Bye, Blackie, we'll miss you.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkm8nMpP3xE/UqqMLE_0oyI/AAAAAAAAByE/J74XH7K0xMQ/s1600/201103blackie_dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkm8nMpP3xE/UqqMLE_0oyI/AAAAAAAAByE/J74XH7K0xMQ/s320/201103blackie_dog.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackie in May 2013</td></tr>
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Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-57415182716908691712013-11-19T04:54:00.001+05:302013-11-19T04:54:36.241+05:30Great doctorsFinding a good doctor is sometimes a challenge, especially when the preference is for a good and caring doctor for a child or poor woman with a disease that still has significant stigma attached to it.<br />
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Our kids and moms are really lucky to have a couple of good doctors near us who care for our kids with no prejudice or bias, regardless of their socio-economic background and/or health condition.</div>
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A few years ago, when we worked on the streets, finding a doctor to treat an HIV+ woman was a huge endeavor. Many times, these women were turned away or told to go elsewhere. Several <a href="http://www.operation-shanti.org/memory.html" target="_blank">died</a>.</div>
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Now, the amazing doctors at Asha Kirana Hospital in Mysore provide excellent care to HIV+ adults and kids. Kids -- ours and others -- love Dr. Mothi and Dr. Swamy at Asha Kirana, and many of these kids have been under their watchful eye for several years now.</div>
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An eight-minute walk from Karunya Mane is the Amrita Kripa Hospital, where Dr. Vikas Modi and others have been caring for our kids for three years, treating them for everything from coughs and colds to appendicitis and, recently, a very dangerous case of fungal pneumonia in one of our HIV+ kids.</div>
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This past month, one of our kids contracted PCP, sometimes fatal in immunocompromised patients. Dr. Modi and Dr. Swamy coordinated the medical care for the child, who fortunately pulled through after spending a few days in ICU at Amrita Kripa and another week at Asha Kirana. The child is back at Karunya Mane and has completely recovered, thanks to these great doctors.</div>
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Only the sincerest of thanks to these doctors for caring as much about our kids as we do.</div>
Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com0Mysore, Karnataka, India12.2958104 76.63938050000001612.1717019 76.478019000000018 12.4199189 76.800742000000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-59995831913514420642013-10-04T07:20:00.003+05:302013-10-04T07:23:45.667+05:30Vaccinations and poor children<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mOU2VRlb2M/Uk4acIAPbkI/AAAAAAAABxs/KKrPbXW_o-s/s400/20120815_umesh2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="387" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Umesh!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In India, although immunizations are provided for free in government health facilities, vaccination rates remain low because of a lack of proper healthcare providers (especially in rural areas) and unreliability in the supply of vaccines. Moreover, many poor people do not understand the benefits of vaccines.</span><br />
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_38_1380841323248_141"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy, "Approximately 27 million children are born in India each year – the largest birth cohort in the world – but <b>less than 44%</b> receive a full schedule of vaccinations." Moreover, Indian researchers stated, "Although India is a leading producer and exporter of vaccines, the country is home to one-third of the world’s unimmunized children... India’s vaccine deficit has several causes: little investment by the government; a focus on polio eradication at the expense of other immunizations; and low demand as a consequence of a poorly educated population and the presence of anti-vaccine advocates."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our own staff members sometimes talk about their young relatives in villages who died of a "fever" of unknown origin. Measles? Hepatitis? Don't know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_38_1380841323248_94">Although vaccinations can be controversial, they save lives and prevent the spread of potentially life-threatening diseases. The Gates Foundation stated, "</span><span id="yui_3_7_2_38_1380841323248_102">Vaccines save millions of lives a year and are among the most cost-effective health interventions ever developed. Immunization has led to the eradication of smallpox, a 74 percent reduction in childhood deaths from measles over the past decade, and the near-eradication of polio. </span><span id="yui_3_7_2_38_1380841323248_111">Despite these great strides, <b>there remains an urgent need</b> to reach all children with life-saving vaccines." </span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_38_1380841323248_116"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most of our kids at Karunya Mane, who are all from the streets and slums, were not vaccinated during their early months and years of life. Even if they may have been, their moms (if they have a mom) have no immunization records. Part of effort to provide our kids with the basic needs is to <b>ensure that they are all properly vaccinated</b>. </span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_38_1380841323248_131"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've tried to take our kids to the government children's hospital for free vaccinations but to no avail -- possibly because our kids may be older than tiny-tot age so don't qualify. Vaccines in India are less expensive than in the Western world, but still cost a bit, especially when vaccinating 40+ kids, and we estimate that it costs around $200 to fully vaccinate a child. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">little Jyothi and mom Lakshmi in early 2008</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most of our kids cry a bit when they see the needle, but not too much. Two of our tough little ones, Jyothi and Umesh, don't even react when getting their shots! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Volunteer doctors and nurses generously donate their time to vaccinate our kids at Karunya Mane, such as Dr. Miguel Valenzuela, who gave his time when he was in Mysore for yoga classes. We're almost complete with catch-up vaccinations for most of our kids, but if you'd like to make a donation to help cover these costs, please do so at <a href="http://operation-shanti.org/donate.html" target="_blank">http://operation-shanti.org/donate.html</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sources:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy (see http://www.cddep.org/blog/posts/india’s_vaccination_problem_cddep_director_weighs_nature_and_health_affairs); Ramanan Laxminarayan and Nirmal Kumar Ganguly (see http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/30/6/1096.abstract); Gates Foundation (see http://www.gatesfoundation.org/What-We-Do/Global-Development/Vaccine-Delivery).</span></div>
Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-19356028243830800442013-09-26T19:22:00.000+05:302013-09-26T19:22:28.916+05:30Pallavi and Sumitra -- eight years later!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you were with us in 2005 when we first started our work, you may remember Pallavi and Sumitra, two little girls we met on the streets of Mysore, where they lived with their moms. See how your support has helped change the lives of these two little street girls.</div>
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Before we met the girls in 2005, we ran into Sumitra one day in early 2004 -- her grannie was out begging with Sumirtra and, after we gave her a few rupees, she put Sumitra down on the sidewalk and scurried away for a few minutes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vunNCDoye8Y/UjvmjfAu44I/AAAAAAAABv4/Mhag9x4vd3s/s1600/20040701sumitrasleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vunNCDoye8Y/UjvmjfAu44I/AAAAAAAABv4/Mhag9x4vd3s/s640/20040701sumitrasleeping.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sumitra in 2004</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Back in 2005, even when living on the street, Pallavi and Sumitra were happy little girls. They sure got dirty and were malnourished, but they smiled a lot and played with each other and were happy kids most of the time. They and their friends captured our hearts with their big smiles. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-loFY7ozQ__w/Ujvml5RPw7I/AAAAAAAABwA/KHta7ozCcnk/s1600/200502pallavi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-loFY7ozQ__w/Ujvml5RPw7I/AAAAAAAABwA/KHta7ozCcnk/s640/200502pallavi1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pallavi in 2005</td></tr>
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Both Pallavi and Sumitra had tuberculosis as little girls. Sumitra was severely malnourished as a baby and got a viral infection that likely affected her brain. When they lived on the street, their moms struggled to feed them each day. They overcame their illnesses but the effects linger. Sumitra is small for her age and Pallavi suffered chronic ear infections. She recently needed to have both ears operated on. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pallavi and Sumitra in 2006</td></tr>
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Back then, Pallavi and Sumitra were really good friends. They went everywhere together, played together, and slept on the same sidewalk at night. In 2008, they moved to our children's home together and, today, they remain good friends.<br />
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During the past five and a half years at KM, a lot has changed for Pallavi and Sumitra. After her ear operations, Pallavi's hearing noticeably improved and, with that, her performance in school. Both girls love karate and dancing classes at KM. They are a bit slower in school than our other kids, so they get one-on-two tutoring each day after school with their teacher, Chandrika Miss, who also talks to them about basic good habits like staying clean and neat and keeping their belongings tidy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pallavi in 2012</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KP39-20ExoQ/Ujvmod2FN7I/AAAAAAAABwQ/Mi3S8hNJNi8/s1600/20121225_sumitra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KP39-20ExoQ/Ujvmod2FN7I/AAAAAAAABwQ/Mi3S8hNJNi8/s400/20121225_sumitra.jpg" width="395" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sumitra in 2012</td></tr>
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Sometimes we wonder what life would have been like for Pallavi and Sumitra had they not come to Karunya Mane to live--we can guess that life would have been difficult and they likely would not be in school right now. We're just happy for them that they are doing much better now. They also can't imagine going back to their lives on the street and tell us often that they like living at the "ashrama."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UPR4u4GT268/UjvmrfvubXI/AAAAAAAABwo/PV_zRyuwgmQ/s1600/2013_MG_6622_sumitrapallavichandrika.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="355" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UPR4u4GT268/UjvmrfvubXI/AAAAAAAABwo/PV_zRyuwgmQ/s400/2013_MG_6622_sumitrapallavichandrika.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sumitra and Pallavi with their tutor after school</td></tr>
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We're pleased when their mothers refer other poor children to us because that tells us that they might be happy with how their girls are doing at Karunya Mane. Best of all, Pallavi and Sumitra get to be kids and are just enjoying their childhood, as all kids should.</div>
Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com1Mysore, Karnataka, India12.2958104 76.63938050000001612.1717019 76.478019000000018 12.4199189 76.800742000000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-49352105591779010442013-09-12T19:17:00.002+05:302013-09-12T19:20:40.235+05:30Welcome Yashavanth!We've got a new boy at Karunya Mane! Little Yashavanth is six years old, quite a cutie, and definitely mischievous! Yashavanth and his sister lost their dad about two years ago, and they now live with mom in grandma's house in a slum area of Mysore.<br />
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We heard of Yashavanth from one of our other moms -- our moms are usually the best source for other destitute children who need help, for obvious reasons -- and introduced us to Yashavanth and mom. Mom works from 9am to 9pm, and grandma often works daily labor jobs, so there is often nobody at home to watch the kids. This is a common problem among destitute single moms.<br />
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We admitted Yashavanth to the local private school in 1st grade, and he now catches the school bus every morning with our other kids. He attended a government school for one month but was not yet reading or writing, so he's starting from scratch. Yashavanth is very enthusiastic about school, so we believe that he'll catch up and do just fine, and we look forward to watching him grow and develop in the coming years!<br />
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Yashavanth's sister will join us next year, closer to the age of six. New government rules prevent us from taking kids under the age of six, even though starting with children earlier than later is always preferred, and we endeavor to provide our youngest with the best possible early education, nutrition, attention, and care.<br />
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If you'd like to sponsor Yashavanth, please do so at http://operation-shanti.org/sponsor.html<br />
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Thanks!Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com0Mysore, Karnataka, India12.2958104 76.63938050000001612.1717019 76.478019000000018 12.4199189 76.800742000000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-79185951396714165662013-09-02T18:00:00.000+05:302013-09-02T19:37:15.227+05:30Happy Belated Krishna Janmashtami !Krishna Janmashtami is the annual commemoration of of the birth of the Hindu deity Krishna, which fell on August 28 this year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UzX7OGsl-9o/UiEvRRI8RsI/AAAAAAAABvA/HfEjLRPk6og/s1600/20130828_kj_boys3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UzX7OGsl-9o/UiEvRRI8RsI/AAAAAAAABvA/HfEjLRPk6og/s400/20130828_kj_boys3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darsha, Yashavanth, Manu, Mohan, Darshan, Jeevan, Umesh, Venky, Adarsh, Vishnu, Vishnu, Raju!</td></tr>
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There were celebrations throughout the country, including at Karunya Mane! On Wednesday morning before school, our little boys got dressed up as Krishna and had a good time playing their "flutes"!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Umesh! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9A57SXDDae4/UiEvR9hQYRI/AAAAAAAABvI/l9BhWTyhh6c/s1600/20130828_kj_venky3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9A57SXDDae4/UiEvR9hQYRI/AAAAAAAABvI/l9BhWTyhh6c/s640/20130828_kj_venky3.jpg" width="337" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Venkatesh!</td></tr>
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Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com0Mysore, Karnataka, India12.2958104 76.63938050000001612.1717019 76.478019000000018 12.4199189 76.800742000000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-55424932292200357332013-08-22T18:00:00.000+05:302013-08-22T18:39:14.347+05:30Education! Thank you Yahoo! Employee FoundationOperation Shanti expresses its sincere appreciation to the Yahoo! Employee Foundation for their grant of $5,000 for educational purposes for our children at Karunya Mane for the 2013-2014 school year.<br />
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From the Yahoo! website: "The Yahoo! Employee Foundation (YEF) is a grassroots, philanthropic organization that brings together the talents, time, and financial resources of Yahoo! employees to serve the needs of communities around the globe. YEF is a unique foundation, as it is employee run, employee driven and employee funded."<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gV72RVfZXCs/Ug69oMKDlWI/AAAAAAAABuI/N6V_CRCad-o/s1600/_MG_6387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gV72RVfZXCs/Ug69oMKDlWI/AAAAAAAABuI/N6V_CRCad-o/s400/_MG_6387.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Vinutha, Jyothi, Lalitha, Sowmya</td></tr>
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We focus on giving our kids an excellent education by:<br />
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- using only quality private schools that are open-minded and supportive<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xzeJXDX8nlE/Ug69nyYY4JI/AAAAAAAABt8/6OM6DIyYNWc/s1600/_MG_6505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xzeJXDX8nlE/Ug69nyYY4JI/AAAAAAAABt8/6OM6DIyYNWc/s400/_MG_6505.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raju</td></tr>
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- engaging eleven after-school teachers to provide tutoring every day for two hours after school, including one-on-one tutoring to our special needs child and two-on-one tutoring for two of our girls who need extra attention<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shashidhar Sir tutors the 5th standard kids</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7x_PEHqRUk/Ug69oEn1QJI/AAAAAAAABuA/PCxesHO1clE/s1600/_MG_6581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7x_PEHqRUk/Ug69oEn1QJI/AAAAAAAABuA/PCxesHO1clE/s400/_MG_6581.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prema, former street girl who requires two hearing aids, studies well today in 7th grade under the<br />
guidance of her tutor, Jyothi Miss, who teaches all of our 7th graders</td></tr>
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- providing a nice on-site library<br />
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- ensuring that the kids eat properly (minimum sugar, maximum healthy grains and protein) and take their vitamins<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Older girls, school dance program</td></tr>
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- giving them support for extracurricular activities, such as sports, arts and crafts, school projects, and cultural activities<br />
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<b>Operation Shanti extends special thanks to our Yahoo! employee champion, Amaree Tanawong!</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Selected photos courtesy of our dear friend Janea Wiedmann.</i></span></div>
Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387714806111425848.post-78620772980244484582013-08-12T18:30:00.000+05:302013-08-14T09:07:13.312+05:30Go Sadiq and Divya!Congratulations to Divya and Sadiq, two of our kids studying in English medium. English is not their native language -- it isn't for any of our kids -- but they wanted to take advantage of the English curriculum offered at school to further their education.<br />
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Sadiq switched to English medium this school year (5th grade) after studying in Kannada medium for the past three years (English is only offered at 5th grade and beyond). We though he'd do pretty well because he's a good student, but making the switch is not easy for kids who don't come from wealthy backgrounds and families who speak English in the home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQvnah8ONT0/UgVg7KdMBVI/AAAAAAAABs8/TZMRlAYd2nc/s1600/20120815_sadiq1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQvnah8ONT0/UgVg7KdMBVI/AAAAAAAABs8/TZMRlAYd2nc/s400/20120815_sadiq1.jpg" width="352" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadiq</td></tr>
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As you can see, he did quite well! Sadiq's first quarter text scores:<br />
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Kannada - A+<br />
English - A<br />
Hindi - A<br />
Mathematics - A+<br />
Science - B+<br />
Social Studies - A<br />
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During the parent/teacher meeting, Sadiq's teacher told our house mothers that he knows everything even though the grades didin't reflect that -- he was likely nervous when taking his first test written in 100% English. We aren't concerned because he is diligent and has very good study habits. Most of all, Sadiq is highly motivated and wants to do well in school.<br />
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When Sadiq first came to us in 2010, he had to start over in 1st grade because he had previously gone to an Urdu school and knew no Kannada. His mom died a few years ago and his dad struggled to feed his three kids, who are now all with us at Karunya Mane.<br />
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We also want to highlight Divya, our girl in 6th grade in English medium. Divya received the top scores on the 1st quarter test and ranked #1 in her class!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SMPQG5ZCYsM/UgVg7YdTh8I/AAAAAAAABtA/5X_OxRTZI7U/s1600/201307grs_divya2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SMPQG5ZCYsM/UgVg7YdTh8I/AAAAAAAABtA/5X_OxRTZI7U/s400/201307grs_divya2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Divya, happy at GRS Fantasy Park in 2013</td></tr>
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Divya has been with us since 2008 when she started in 1st grade, and she switched to English in 5th grade two years ago. She's an excellent student and it's hard to believe she used to sleep outside a restaurant on the sidewalk with her dad, who sold peanuts while riding around the city on his bicycle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6KcW8Ujphu0/UgVg8M720RI/AAAAAAAABtM/NuQEMQqaVdE/s1600/200809divyaramu1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6KcW8Ujphu0/UgVg8M720RI/AAAAAAAABtM/NuQEMQqaVdE/s400/200809divyaramu1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Divya and Dad in 2008</td></tr>
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Operation Shanti Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157545408613418133noreply@blogger.com0Mysore, Karnataka, India12.2958104 76.63938050000001612.171699400000001 76.478019000000018 12.4199214 76.800742000000014