India Trip 2015 - Visiting the Mirtariqahmad Brothers
At the gate of the Mirtariqahmad house, we are met by the Father and the youngest brother, who walks with the aid of a walking stick. They take us into a room where the two older brothers are seated and stitching. While the effects of muscular dystrophy can be seen, it’s the warmth of their smiles that is striking and the speed of their hands as the stitch. We discover later - mobility is extremely difficult. The two older brothers basically do not leave the room and the younger brother does so rarely, and only accompanied.
India Trip 2015 - Society for Child Development Visit
Madhumita Puri and the many others at SOCD have created an atmosphere of true empowerment, where providing an opportunity to work is opening up so much more.
India 2015 - Annand Crafts Artisans pop into MESH
The thing that is striking about visiting groups like this is the community and friendship Handicrafts give. What is also so exciting on seeing the ladies talking about their children. The fact that they have been able to get their children through school and university is a massive achievement, ending the cycle of poverty.
India 2015 - Visiting KHJ Artisans
After a 3 and half hour drive from Delhi, we begin a slow wind into a tight street in Upper Pradesh. We were greeted on the street by 4 brothers who run KHJ - who show us firstly into a small working space beneath their house. They demonstrated how beads and frames are smoothed and buffed, and then showed us into a nearby storeroom where a large variety of the products were kept. After a cool drink we are ushered onto the street and down a lane.
Hubli
Following the typically rough Indian road, surrounded by fruit trees full of big ripe mangoes and jack fruit, takes you to a very special place in the small city of Hubli in the South of India. A little way off is a gentle lake, where if you were to stay the night you’ll hear the chirping of hundreds of geckos.