Heed the Call

India has one of the most overt religious cultures in the world. Sacred cows roam the street, women are adorned with bindis between their eyes, at the beginning of every spring each street is littered with color to mark the holiday Holi, incredible mosques make up some of India's most spiritual places. All of these things are commonplace here; religion is expressed and tolerated openly despite what people may view as a troubled history. Every evening I hear the call to prayer and am transfixed by the way it wanes sadly among busy streets. Understanding is paramount in India and regardless of outside perceptions there is unity and togetherness in this identity. There is much wisdom in this old culture and I am humbled by its everyday lessons.

Certified Organic

Yesterday, we went to three organic farms in Old Faridabad, about an hour outside of Delhi. It was super exciting to see the organic movement beginning to reach India. The foundation we work with, Concern India, has been supporting this project for less than a year. In that short time they have been able to create a network of 100 farmers in five villages. In addition they are also providing sales and marketing support, ultimately creating the market and distribution for these Certified Organics in the Delhi area. I see so many similarities between these pioneers of agriculture and the more established organic producers in VT and around the US. Best of Luck!

The Wild Wild East

Please don't be alarmed by the burning mound of trash, at least 50% seems to be contained by the dumpster. Much like when the pioneers went West it is impossible to know what you will see around the next Delhi street corner. What a model of controlled chaos.