So what I didn’t mention yesterday is that the very peaceful
and rustic property of Kala Raksha Vidhyalaya is literally situated right smack
bang in the middle of two massive power plants … I am talking enormous
buildings, chimneys and constantly lit up like a Christmas tree!
As Judy told me the story of how these two power plants came to reside on this untouched land I have to admit my inner Erin Brockorvich started to stir … they are now looking to expand and add more chimneys but in order to do so have to hold public meetings ... so they inform the public of the meetings in the most obscure newspaper, have a rule that you need to submit any questions before the meeting and if they answer you before the meeting you cannot bring it up – even if you don’t like the answer!
They have also said the pollution is “perfectly safe” because there are no migrating birds and no “large” wildlife … so do local birds and small animals not count??
However, what is most ironic is that while surrounded by these two power plants, we lose power here constantly; probably 7-8 times already today. When Judy asked them about helping supply power they said they can only channel it long distances … seriously strange!
However, despite the power outages we had a really productive day. I spent the day with Judy, Nilarijanbhai and Lakabhai (staff at KRV) and we started to map out the key needs of graduating students and reviewed some of the research from the Alumni about what business skills are required to become successful entrepreneurs of their craft.
In the evening we went to the nearest town and I met with three former female graduates and discussed their experience, needs and challenges. It was fantastic hearing how excited and open they were about learning new skills and becoming more successful at selling their craft.
As Judy told me the story of how these two power plants came to reside on this untouched land I have to admit my inner Erin Brockorvich started to stir … they are now looking to expand and add more chimneys but in order to do so have to hold public meetings ... so they inform the public of the meetings in the most obscure newspaper, have a rule that you need to submit any questions before the meeting and if they answer you before the meeting you cannot bring it up – even if you don’t like the answer!
They have also said the pollution is “perfectly safe” because there are no migrating birds and no “large” wildlife … so do local birds and small animals not count??
However, what is most ironic is that while surrounded by these two power plants, we lose power here constantly; probably 7-8 times already today. When Judy asked them about helping supply power they said they can only channel it long distances … seriously strange!
However, despite the power outages we had a really productive day. I spent the day with Judy, Nilarijanbhai and Lakabhai (staff at KRV) and we started to map out the key needs of graduating students and reviewed some of the research from the Alumni about what business skills are required to become successful entrepreneurs of their craft.
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| Lakabhai |
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| Nilarijanbhai |
In the evening we went to the nearest town and I met with three former female graduates and discussed their experience, needs and challenges. It was fantastic hearing how excited and open they were about learning new skills and becoming more successful at selling their craft.
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