Originally published for Montage Initiative and the Student Advisory Board. Rolling into Ma Dham shelter was one of the most emotional and memorable moments of the trip. Under the clear sky and bursting sun of midday, the sheltered widows lined up to greet us with flower necklaces in their hands. As we got off the…
Tag: poverty & inequality
Patriarchy and Women in India
Experiencing Patriarchy Originally published for Montage Initiative and the Student Advisory Board. India is a strongly patriarchal society, of different degrees depending on the level of development of individual states, cities, and regions. Going around to the cities of Vrindavan, Delhi, Agra, and Japiur, virtually every public space in India, one thing stands out to…
A Sanctuary for the Homeless in Paris: Emmaüs Solidarité
He explained, passerbys and society too often regard people on the street with indifference, deeming them invisible, or worse. As such, the homeless feel shame and disconnected from the rest of the world. Ali’s opening up showed a need to connect and share his situation. Ali, Diop, Mike, Toni, and others who I met exemplify what it means to brave rough times and lead their lives with dignity through the challenges.
On Starbucks
Jetting off to faraway lands can seems more romantic than in actuality. What struck me most in Hong Kong was not the display of ancient porcelain tea sets at the airport, but the full Starbucks. Indeed, American franchises like Starbucks have taken over globally. But is there anything wrong here?
Kosovo Crossroads: A Post-War State in Limbo
In a post-conflict period of recovery, Kosovo is the newest country in Europe. Following its independence in 2008, after the violent breakup of Yugoslavia and bloody ethnic wars of the 1990s Kosovo is now at a crossroads to reintegrate into Western Europe with many challenges ahead.
On Foreign/Local (Dis)Advantage
Life as a foreigner working for an international organization in developing countries versus life as a local resident are very different worlds. While Kosovars struggle with low wages or unemployment, foreigners working in Pristina enjoy high status, wages, and security in their host country.
Journeying through India
Walking through the open-air markets in Delhi India, one is bombarded by the sights, sounds, smells. The colors of the clothes in the markets, the smell of the hot fried food on the streets, the shouting of sellers inviting customers, the roaming dogs (or undisturbed cows in the case of Vrindavan)… One witnesses the highest level of affluence next to the most despairing poverty. While India faces unprecedented levels of poverty, the diverse people of India – from the children to the elderly women – show true strength, spirit, energy, and vitality that inspire and awe me.
Selfies and “Madam, please”
The children of India won over my heart. Whatever school we went to in whichever village we visited, they greeted us with precious smiles. I felt inspired by their energy, welcome, care, and vitality. However, children in India face terrible labor exploitation. Out of all issues that I have witnessed in India, this one breaks me.
Shop 64: economic struggle
The beautifully hand-made garments and products from different regions of India are glorious and enticing treasures. But facing off against their gatekeepers – market merchants – is not for the faint-hearted. You must prepare to enter into the bargaining arena if you want to win the goods, and in India bargaining is a sport second only to cricket.
K-squared 