Sangam India Newsletter, December 2008

“Lead me from Death to Life, from falsehood to truth.
Lead me from despair to hope, from fear to trust.
Lead me from hate to love, from war to peace.
Let peace fill our hearts, our world, our universe…”
- Prayer of Peace

As different parts of the world are held hostage by questions of peace and security, we offer this Prayer of Peace.

November began on a hopeful note, with a health camp that tried to alleviate the troubles of the slum in Ramavaram and its twin (across the road). During one of the follow up rounds, Nagajyoti was found to have chronic suppurative otitis media - an ear infection of severe complications but with a surgical solution. Following which, an appeal was made on our blog www.sangamindia.org for aid- monetary or otherwise.

The Women’s International Perspective: “Students in India take social change into their hands” an article by Fehmida Zakeer, has an optimistic ring to it. We’re happy to know that we’re far from being alone in making the change that we set out to be.

However, Trouble in rain gear wreaked havoc on the inhabitants of Ramavaram. Robbed of their belongings and the security of their homes, they have been temporarily shifted to a school complex near the Nandambakkam Police Station. We hope the food supplies provided some relief in these trying times.

This presence of mind of the State Government avoided what could have been a much worse situation. Perhaps this deluge can help the authorities to overcome their myopic resolve, so they can see for themselves the inadequacy of the slum to deal even with the regular winter rainfall.

We hope the New Year dawns upon brighter times so we can recover from the darkest hour of a very troubled night.

Rifa Khan
Sangam India

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