Monday, January 30, 2006

Overheards

“Are you Indian?”
“No”- Me
“I didn’t think so. Your skin color is right, but your hair is all wrong!”—Random guy standing behind me waiting in an ATM line

"I was going to count how many people stared at her as we were walking, but I gave up when we hit the end of the block and I was already up to 25"-- Chris, a friend of Andy's vising from Bangalore, debriefing Andy on our morning walk.

"Dude there was bout 13 on that wall back there"- Alana, in a competition to see how many men we could count urinating in public on our way to the mall.

“Are you married?”
“No”- Me
“Oh, I’m sorry”—Auntie that works at the CINI canteen

“Are you looking for the Auntie with the big hair? I know where she lives. I’ll show you. You know, I’m her special friend. She talks to me everyday . . .”—Kids who live across the road from me. Said to some Co-workers looking for our house for our Holiday party.

“Are you brother and sister”
“Oh, no. We’re just friends”- Sujit and I
“ You’re friends”
“Yes"
“You’re Friends
“Yes?”
“You’re engaged?”
“NO”
“Actually we are sisters”- Sujit
--Conversation held with the guy at the shop where we bought an outfit for a friend of his.

“Are you Muslim?’
“No”- Me
“Then why is your head covered”
“Because I’m exercising”
“Ohhhh”—Random man outside of the park where I go running occasionally. I was wearing a bandana

Overheard in meetings at CINI-ARC
“Child In Need Institute . . . We should be called the Staff In Need Institute”—Rupa, on her birthday as we talked about how most of the females in CINI are single.

“CINI is becoming quite a sexy organization” – Principal of a school requesting how the guest speaker from CINI-ARC not talk about sex.

“There are many other body parts to talk about”-Same principal elaborating.

“What’s a DIC”—Ansul, at the end of a meeting in which Drop In Centers (DIC) were the main topic of discussion.

Sunday, January 29, 2006

Desktop and Current Songs



Thanks Brandon (via Kate) for the picture. Ahh the way we were. (Namibia Nostalgia Moment)

"Where are You Going" -Dave Mathews Band (which is actually my most listened to song according to Itunes too)
"Last Train to Clarksville" -Cassandra Wilson
"Magalehna" - Sergio Mendes (Which I'm actually choreographing. Unfortunately I don't have anyone to choreograph for)
"Nice Dream"- Radio Head (Thanks Naima for making me keep some on my Laptop)
"Here Comes the Sun" -Nina Simone (A really rare version I managed to find back in the good old days of Napster, Kazza, and AudioGalaxy. This is one of my all time Happy Songs)
"Sunday Kind of Love" -Etta James (It's true)

Friday, January 27, 2006

Clouds and Linings

I received an email from OSU Med today that let me know that the status of my application there has been changed from Open to Closed. (Not even an interview, this does not bode well.) I also received an email from GW Med School saying that they are reviewing my application now and that it may be some weeks before I hear from them. I also got my acceptance packet from GW School of Public Health. (The official one through the mail and everything)

That's a lining right?

Thursday, January 26, 2006

Back Blog-September: Red Fort

So I finally got around to getting my pictures developed on to CD. Actually I've had these for a few months, but I was just frustrated with the slow uploading on our computers at work. So let my patience win out today.

Our first free day during our America India Foundation Orientation, they set up a tour (for those of us who could get up) around New Delhi. We spent about an hour at the Red fort, went to two temples, but were exhausted/dehydrated by the time we got to the Gates of India. Over all pretty cool. But all of these pictures are from the Red Fort

Red Fort



Inner Gardens
Queen's Chamber-> Yes it is inlaid with Ivory, Gold, and Silver
AIF Fellows Tour Crew- The few, The proud, the Really Tired

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Walking Thoughts 2/ Where are They Now?

So unfortunately my shuffle died today during a power outage yesterday at work (actually it lasted most of the day, and since we rarely print anything most of us just sat around thinking of all the work that we would have to do once the power came on again—Which it did an hour before our official quitting time)
And I had to walk home without my music. As my Peace Corps friends can tell you me walking home with only my own thoughts for company lead to some very interesting ruminations. The night before I was reflecting on the lessons I had learned from different men/guys in my life. So on this particular walk home I began to think about all of the people who have touched my life and I’ll probably never see again.

I’m not talking about the Marlon Gibbs, BJ Walker, Mary Flichel, Nicholas Moore, Ryan Cook, Walter Snipes, Howard, Jeff Kerr, or Mara Buske- types. Those I know if I wanted to or tried hard enough I could use some connections and seek them out or go to the right place at the right times and find them.

Nor am I talking about the Matt Kroger, Beth Flory, Akil Bjorn, Joe Furgeson, Tall Jeff, DQ, David Mayer- people who I just happened to lose contact with, through one unanswered email or another. These I could also possibly pick up contact with.

I’m talking about those people who I may never meet again. People who have definitely influenced my journey and thoughts, but due to changes in life, location, or thought I will probably never see again.
Darrel Norris, Brian and Eric Bross, Steven Stubbins, Mary Kate Dick, Julia Kloeker, Rob Edgecome, Scott Thompson, Bryce Reed, Justus Kim, Jared Kohn, Aumbi Desterious, Angula Whilhemine, Ashipolo Margareta, Phil Kidd, Alfred (who I always called fettuccini - alfredo), Chris Sullivan, Atidi Kerni, Jesse (PCT from Mali), Charlie Roberts, Phil and Casey Adams, Stewart Young . . .

The list goes on. And these are only my peers or younger, lets not talk about all of my seniors, learners and students through out the years etc. But it does make one think . . . who may be wondering where you are?

Faces for the Names



So I figured people may want to have some names with the faces. Though these are old pictures from last October. (actually these pictures are from Andy'site)
Andy (the other fellow and my Flatmate) and I at the Puja Gala.

This is (L-R) Avo, Karan, Me and Sujit when we visited the Victoria Memorial. 3 of the people who make me happiest in Kolkata.

Sunday, January 22, 2006

*Tick* - *Tock*

Alright, So the most frustrating thing about applying to things (read Medical Schools) is that there is no REAL time-line for invitations to interview. They all have deadlines for Primary and Secondary applications then they jump straight to the March/April wait-list or Decision dates. No dates (or even estimation) for when interview invitations come out. I was also probably over excited by my GW SHPH acceptance, but still . . . It would be great if they gave a sister a clue on when she should start preparing the applications for next year. (and I definitely have a few changes if I have to go through this again) Or if I should just continue to read up on Medical issues that may come up in interviews.

Even to see your application status (which generally just tells me that all of my info is in) One must go through an elaborate maze of passwords, log-in codes, and user-names. EG. for your User-name use your AMCAS ID. For your password use the first number of your birthday in DD/MM/YYYY, the last 3 letters of your Last name, The first 2 numbers of your SS number, The first two letters in your permanent street address, then run around the room 3 times, pronounce your undying devotion to the medical practice and our school of medicine, pray to 4 deities or saints of your choice for their assistance in being granted an interview and/or admission, and send us a check for $75. Then hit submit.

BTW Of all the possible Medical Systems I've read up on. Germany seems to have the best (though I can't really explain it) Next I like socialized systems. Yes they are costly, but at least everyone is served and served well. It was recently found that only 55% of people who sought medical services in the US last year received adequate and accurate service. And given my Mom's Sinus issues I would agree. One of the reasons to become a doctor- Someone has to do things right.

Thursday, January 19, 2006

L-izz-ame

Y'all are Lame, (not Brandon and Julie of course) but the rest of Y'all who claim to read my Blog regularly are. Let's here some more answers to my question of the Month.

3rd Week of the Year

So this week was pretty crazy we had, Alana (just graduated from BW in Psyc), Ryan (Sociology-which apparently linked with the Anthro dept at BW- you would never find that at Emory) and Jeremy (Graduated from GW Grad school after a 5 year program BS/MSW-social work) now he's at Berkeley school of divinity. The challenge was to go out with them on my quickly diminishing funds.

Sunday
I got up bright and early for my 9:30am Katak class. I’m actually getting better, and I’m just at the point where things start really getting difficult and I need to practice more than just while I cook dinner. I’ve learned the 4 basic steps, 4 different ways of doing chatkurs (spins), 8 specific arm movements, 8 bols (rhythmic variations), and 3 variations of step 4. I’m even starting to actually make a little bit of a slapping noise when I step. Hopefully I’ll be able to deserve to wear the bells by March. I got back home made lunch for everyone and we headed out (late) to the Kali Temple. We didn’t actually get in. There was some ceremony or sacrifice going on and the line was out-the-door and around the corner. So we went and walked around the Kolkata park instead and ended up at Fire and Ice (the one good pizzeria) for dinner. Avo, Karan and Sujit (who just got back to town) met us for dinner as well. A little later Neela and a bunch more came in for dessert. The crepes were great. On a random note we decided to make one of the folded fortunetellers like the ones you would make in grade school (or that Naima and I made for Robbie’s birthday last year). According to it I get to be Happily-ever-after within a year of Jan 15th 2006 and Andy gets to go home with someone fun. Unfortunately Neela ended up killing all of her pets.

Monday
We were supposed to go to Latin night on Monday (which is by far the best night at the live band club we go to called Someplace Else -read only live band club in Kolkata) But they switched the nights to Saturday. Great for the band crappy for us, we ended up at Roxy, a loungey-bar type place. Roxy has a pretty cool atmosphere (ice-cream spoons-or at least the shape of them on the walls, chain mail curtains, and little ritzy), expensive drinks and a pretty poor DJ. Ryan and I spent most of the night laughing about how he “acted like a DJ” but didn’t quite get it right. He had on headphones, but both ears were covered. He would do the little DJ dance bob thing, and shift around a lot behind the counter. Essentially he was just choosing what CDs he wanted to listen to and playing them with no transition whatsoever. Sometimes he would stop a song in the middle and re-start it.

Tuesday
I had a meeting with Pradeep Kashyap, the Executive Director of the America India Foundation who funds my fellowship. We met at the oldest and most exclusive club in Kolkata, the Bengal Club. His brother was the president. It was truly how the other half lives. Pradeep had just come from visiting CINI ASHA that works with Street Kids and the children of Sex Workers and couldn’t help pointing out the juxtaposition when his brother’s conversation turned to who would be and who wouldn’t be allowed into the club. Overall, It was one of those cases where you don't know exactly what to do because there was too much silverware on the table and servants everywhere. The worst part was I was the first one served, since I was a female and a guest. So I served myself some fish (which was the main dish) and when I looked at my plate I noticed that there was a small cockroach like bug in the veggies also steamed and sautĆ©ed to perfection. Now, do I make a scene right next to the president of the club or try to conceal it until I can brush it on the floor with my napkin. I opted for b and I can say it wasn't easy. He invited us back to his place for dinner, which turned out to be a huge celebration for his uncle turning 79. Open Bars and the who's-who of Kolkata. I met the executive producer of a documentary film company and a concert pianist from Slovakia on tour. It was definitely how the other half lives, but much fun anyway.

Wednesday
We went dancing at Shi Shas, which I just found out, was a hookah bar. The real reason we went out was it was Jeremy, Alana and Ryan’s last night in Kolkata and we wanted to have at least one good dancing night. Unfortunately, the DJ really kinda sucked for the first 1/2 and played old 1980's power ballads, Avo and I theorized he just went through a breakup. When the ballads stopped he moved onto the early 90's music, everything from “I saw the sign” to “Like the Dessert misses the Rain” and “Let’s talk about Sex.” I got so frustrated I started going back and requesting song after song that he did not play. After about an hour of ½ filled dance floor he played Maghelena (one of my new personal anthems, and we all know what happens when they play a song I really like). Then he, finally, just gave up and played Bollywood, so everyone was dancing. Even Jeremy had a dance before the night was over. Alana, Neela, Avo, and I were up for most of the night. Andy and Ryan definitely made their presence known on the dance floor as well.

Yesterday was a normal office day. Alana, Ryan and Jeremy left and I finished the indicators for Youth Friendliness and got them into a viable checklist for evaluation of projects. When Andy and I came home we found a sweet card left from the guys.

Today I'm exhausted; I started doing Yoga and ended up almost sleeping on the floor. Thank heaven the weekend is in sight.

Back Blog Link- Non-Denominational Festival of Good Will

Andy posted some pictures from our NDFoGW that we had on Christmas Eve. I believe you will all recognize me as I am the one with the huge 'Fro in a fun skirt. There are more shots but my friend Francois hasn't emailed them yet.

Cheers

Around and Around

So it seems that some people think I can't stay in the states for more than 6 months at a time. But contrary to popular believe I'm actually really looking forward to spending time in The States. (Though I loathe staying in the same country as our president, I've managed not to be for a little less than 1/2 of each term) I am really looking forward to finally seeing everyone I haven't for the last 4ish years (or more in some cases). Spending time with my Nephews, Jordan and Daniel. Finally seeing my sister Mychelle and having Holidays at home. As well as catching up with all my friends (An extra thanks to those of you who have facilitated our reunion by staying within easy driving distance-though petrol prices are still really scary)

Granted I give it a year (or less) before I start looking for summer internships and programs anywhere but within The States. And if I am not accepted into Med School this year I will be applying to some pretty cool programs abroad (Columbia-Ben Gurion mainly). Plus there are many more countries that I have to rule out for places to find good men. (Of the places I visited in Africa only South Africa and MAYBE Ghana get a second chance, don't even ask about India).

An MPH takes two years. So I'll be around (for a while at least)
I get back July 2nd. Landing in Ciny Airport around Noon.

Sunday, January 15, 2006

I'm Going !!!!!

To School Somewhere !!!

I just got an acceptance email (letter to follow) From George Washington School of Public Health, with an advisior and everything. So if nothing else I have one school that wants me for next year. :) Hopefully they won't be the only one

Friday, January 13, 2006

Question of the Month

Okay so according to people's email's you all do actually do read my blog. So I figured I'd add at least one interactive element so that I get some chatter going. Margarette's infamous Questions. Those of you who knew me in High School will recognize this tactic from my sophomore and junior years when I used to go around school with a yellow legal pad and ask questions. Those of you who knew me in Peace Corps will recognize this as one of my many lists I made when I didn't have a Walkman for my 1 hour walk to school in the morning.

Basically I ask a question That I expect everyone to answer. At the end of the month I will put up the most interesting answers and answer the question myself. The questions will vary from serious to comical, introspective and projective. So please join in the fun :)


January's Question:
What pair of shoes in your closet represent you the most, and why?

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

12:36 am EST

I was officially finished submitting applications to all of my schools for this year. UMich was submitted (it was waiting these last few weeks on a global health essay) and now all I have to do is sit back and wait for the Med School Interviews, Public Health School Acceptances and offers for Fellowships and Assistanceships.

Thank you to everyone who helped me through this.

My recommending professors who received at all manner of strange times additions and impending deadlines, and put so much time, energy, and faith in me.
Anna Leo
Arri Eisen
Ben Freed
Bradd Shore
Tom Insel

My family who read endless drafts of my personal statements and my resume, helped me refine and define my purpose (and some times rewrite entirely), and by their funding allowed me to apply to medical school at all.
Don Shegog II and Dr. Jamehl Demons
Dr. Mychelle L. Shegog
Marya L. Shegog
Dr. Rose Watson
Mom and Dad (Don R. Shegog I MD and Rev. Jeannette T. Shegog)

To all my friends who continually reminded me that I could do this, listened when I complained, read and re-read my personal statements and essays, kept me from becoming hysterical (and talked me out of it when I did) and dealt with me in general. Especially:
Shawn (sorry for the 3am call from India about the MCATs)
Naima (thanks for allowing me to give you good excuses to procrastinate)
Kate (for reminding me that there is a bigger picture and that we are all in-debt to someone)
Nate (for never being surprised at the things that shock me)
Andy (for allowing me to disturb your work whenever I had news from a school)
Keegan
Monique
Arthur
And everyone else who has ever sent me positive energy, prayers, good wishes, and supported me in my continuing pursuit of my MD/MPH in preventative medicine.

THANK YOU

Winter in Kolkata

So I woke up this morning and dragged myself out for my Tuesday program of Jumping Rope, Aerobic exercise and Squats in our back garden. So I donned my workout clothes, tied my shoes and headed out. Luckily I was too sleepy to realize how cold it was until I got outside. As I prepared to jump I noticed I could see my breath. I was out there in only a t-shirt and dance pants. Luckily my theory of cold weather and excise is that it will keep you moving (just ask mom about our morning walks last March), so I got jumping. Back in my room my fabulous travel clock registered 18 degrees Celsius (about 64 degrees Fahrenheit)

Yes my friends it is winter in Kolkata. Kolkata winters generally mean people coming down with colds and fevers (which last for a month thanks to all of the pollution). Fun shawls and wraps everywhere. Randoms second hand selling of sweat pants, sweaters and sweater vests, and hats. The funniest thing about winter here is that people don't have a separate wardrobe for the winter. You wear the same salwar suit or trousers, but with a sweater vest, a sweater, a muffler, a shawl and unique brown socks with the big toe out so you can easily wear your sandals. Saris are worn over sweaters with leggings on underneath.

What this means for me is the over-wearing of my black long-sleeve I bought before I left. Carrying a wrap around with me everywhere, also wearing sock with sandals (hey everyone else is), and having perpetually cold hands (which is also pretty normal for me). This also means that unless I go to Loma Linda or Berkeley next year. I AM GOING TO FREEZE AND DIE. They need to make more good Med Schools with Preventive Medicine and Fun Public Health schools in the south. I have not had anything colder than an Atlanta winter (which do get pretty cold ->10 degrees Celsius, 50 F, today) in the last 8 years. Why are all the good schools in cold places? I say if you can't wear flip-flops in November people shouldn't live there.

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

New Years and Youth Fairs

So the New Year's Party at Neela's (chairman of the Calcutta Hash group and general outing coordinator) went well. The typical group of ex-pats and cool Indian people were there with some some additions of those who were on holiday visiting family. It's very interesting to see all of the Indian people with very different accents. There were a some from California, one from Switzerland, and another from London/Cambridge. Though they were all "Indian" they were also perfect stereo-types of their adoptive countries. Quite Interesting. the party was pretty chill, as there were too many strangers for anything really rowdy to happen. We brought in the year Latin Dancing and it was a good time all-around.

For those who have wondered what are all the Youth Fairs I've gone to, and what's it all about. Here's my summary of the three I visited.



Observations from field visits

Friday 23rd December
Youth Fair YRSH Project
Ashuti 4:00pm-7:00pm

See if a schedule of events is available for each fair.

Arrived and ate a small lunch.
I saw mostly females running the show. I don’t know if this is because the Youth Motivators (what are youth motivators, what is the difference between youth leaders, group leaders, PEs,) that I saw were mainly female.

I arrived during the break and most of the people there were children. After the break, during which the girls got the video camera together, the events started.

There were two booths one on nutrition using the flag and displaying the winners of the drawing contest. The other was on health and had posters of health and hygiene as well as HIV (Know AIDS, No AIDS). The health booth was personed by youth or group members. Three doctors came: one a young man, one older (slightly sketchy) man and an older female. More people came over to the booth after the woman showed up. She was obviously respected. She would also be directing the RMP training Saturday morning (What is the RMP training on?). I was told by the FW that people are still very reluctant to go for RSH problems but they will go for general health questions.

The crowd was probably 50% Children 27% Male, 23% Female. There were activities divided in to male and female.

Slow Bike race- Young Men
Pass the balls-Ladies
Water ball carry- Boys

As the evening wore on more people showed up. Young men and women visited the stalls and stood and talked. There were a few dramas mostly comical/political. One monologue was performed by one young lady who was on the directing committee that may have been on woman’s rights. RH issues were not addressed in these, but there more in the evening and the next day put on by the main committee of ladies (it seemed) that would.

Overall it was a place to meet, greet, speak and enjoy. Issues were present but not forced. The number of young ladies running activities was heartening. This was more of a presentation of ideas. A grass roots beginning with talk. There were also other ladies, both married and un-married, who were present and participating. Though the males were present, they did not feel dominating. In fact most of the people in the main area under the tent were women. Men seemed to crowd at the edges.

Definitely youth run, though with heavy dependence on the Youth Motivators/Activators. I need to understand their role before I look at the youth Participation aspect of this event. I’m unsure of how much RH information was actually conveyed. Nutrition (a “safe” issue) was, but RH issues seemed pushed to the back.


Monday 26th Dec
Youth Fair YRSH Project
Rasapunja, 3:30pm- 8:30pm


I was first struck by how many more men there were here than the other one. There were still some smaller children flying kites, but when I first arrived it was predominately male, about 70%-30%. The area was huge, as this is the largest grouping yet. It was the center courtyard of the schools. The DIC was at the far end behind the stage, convenient for kids coming from school.

The booths were one of the stuffed toys flowers and dresses the girls had made. The health booth was much more targeted to RSH. There were many pamphlets on contraception, STIs, delaying of first child, and HIV. These were bundled and given out. Though the ones strictly on HIV and STIs were not usually handed out in these bundles, they were present and available to be taken. (Who sets up these booths? How are the subjects chosen? How are the pamphlets obtained/requested) There were also a game on how HIV is spread and not spread using strings and a tack board, and an interactive card on STIs. There were also short books and magazines on health. I observed mostly young men reading and taking advantage of this booth. (Follow up in FGD with females and RH questions beyond menstruation) Young men were manning the booth as well. The young ladies spent most of their time at the handicrafts booth next door.

Some games and competitions continued through the afternoon. The participants varied. The song competition had participants in pairs, 12 couples all-together. There were two mixed couple groups, two male only groups, and the others were females. There was a song knowledge competition to see who could sing the most songs in a minute, the last letter of the previous song had to be the first letter of the next. This was followed by a round in which the pairs had to sing an entire song. After this game preparations were made for the award giving. Food sellers arrived and many more people arrived. Most of the new arrivals were young woman often with young children, by this point the ratio was about 50-50.

The CINI presentation did not hold much attention and most spent the time talking and waiting for the prize giving. Each of the CINI-ARC representatives and community members spoke. Much of it was about CINI-ARC. I was unable to discern if there was any emphasis placed on RSH issues. (See if you can get the gist of what was said) By the third or fourth speaker many seemed to have lost interest. The different CINI and community members gave out the prizes and blessed the recipients as they took blessings from them. Reinforced the idea of an adult focused/led event.
The DIC members, each group, began to perform. First there was a song and drum presentation, then dancing and drama. The dancing consisted of several groups, all male, all female and mixed, depending on the dance performed. At this time most of the crowd seemed to be women, but I may not have been able to fully tell as I was on the edge. But the entire floor seemed to be filled with women mainly, 80-20. I was unable to stay until the dramas were performed due to time and travel restrictions. (Follow up on topic of Dramas performed).

Overall this fair had a greater emphasis on YRS issues. However it also seemed to be coordinated by the adults. The youth may have had input on the selection of games and activities, but not so much in the coordination. (Follow Up with attending the YAC to see if this is true) The youth ran the booths and prepared presentations. There was an equal amount of mixing of young men and women of the groups as seen in the previous fair. Possibly a little less mixing on a grand scheme as there were many more young men and women in attendance. This community seemed to be more aware of YRSH issues, but may need some support in arranging accessibility. There was no talk of RPM trainings, doctor or clinic information. Possibly not a problem or just not addressed. (Follow up questions to Samik and in FGD)

Friday, 30th December
Youth Fair YRSH Project
Joka, 4:30pm- 8:30pm

This is the same area/site I visited for the Mini-FGD. This was a 4-day fair I came on day 3. When I arrived the youth were coordinating a “Break the Pot” game, which is similar to the Americas’ piƱata. The fair ground was smaller than Rashipunja’s but had much more activity. There were many food stalls and even a tent-restaurant. The handicrafts and pictures from the art competition were in a covered walk-around display. There was a CINI-ARC stall that was also shared by the local club, who displayed their trophies. There was a stand on health nutrition and RH issues. Girls mainly stood by the handicrafts and the boys in the nutrition/RH stand. There were comic books and materials similar to those seen at the other two places. The RMP also were consulted at their own booth. There were also: numerous other food stalls, three cart food sellers, two mhendi artists, and 4 sellers of jewelry and toys.

There were many people when I arrived. But as previously mentioned with this area it was very male heavy. The ladies were present and had presence. Still one could feel how much the boys ran the forefront. I saw them consulting with the girls several times so I don’t think they truly made decisions independently. E.G. The “Break the Pot” game is traditionally a girls’ game, but everyone was allowed to play in the name of equal rights. The reality was most of the players were boys.

Along with the games conducted by the youth there was also: a wooden manual Farris Wheel, an air riffle shooting gallery, a merry-go-round, and tracked go-carts. A community member who organized fairs procured these extras. He was compensated in some way for these rides. In addition some fee was required for each activity.

Talking with Samik he spoke very highly of this area. Their main field worker had changed 3-4 times during the project and for some time they did not have one. Ashuti however he said had done nothing. (Follow on Ashuti’s “failures”) He also said that Rasapunja had done well. It seemed he was the most proud of Joka.

There was a significant delay with the start of the cultural show during which I sat at CINI-ARC’s table and spoke in bad broken Bengali to the youth about my notes. They were very eager and outspoken. Here is where I truly saw the influence of the girls. They had closed down the walk through and stood around the CINI-ARC table. The guys came over several times to check what time they should start and how the cultural show would proceed.

The cultural show consisted of several single dancers, dancing mostly to Bollywood songs. Afterward there was a drama team. All of the dancers and most of the drama team consisted chiefly of girls. This is also where I saw the only adult involvement other than the sellers as, the mike operators and MC were men.

Overall. I felt that this was the best harmony of adult and youth collaboration. Though still a little gender biased toward males. This fair seemed to have a larger draw. Much more RS issues were addressed here than in Ashuti though not as much in the forefront as Rasapunja. There seemed to be some balance here as well as a strong initiative from the youth and community.