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Greetings!
Whilst in college I volunteered with a charity that ran after school tuition classes for children living in slum communities. The main reason I did it was because I had to - everyone in my class had to do sixty hours of social service or we failed the course. However, this experience led me to change my outlook on life. One girl I taught, in particular, showed me how to appreciate things I had previously taken for granted. Her eagerness and enthusiasm made me realise I had never valued the opportunities I'd had.
Sometime later, I learnt how, having grown up in a place where poverty and injustice is all around, we tend to view it as 'normal' - just part of the landscape. It takes some effort to change that thinking and allow that thinking to make you want to do something to make a difference.
Having been involved with the work of Oasis several years, I feel it has changed and shaped my thinking in many ways. I do sometimes forget to count my blessings; and sometimes allow myself to make excuses to avoid fighting the system; but looking at the people we work with, and their resilience in the face of hard situations, I'm reminded to press on and play my part in making a difference - as small as it may be. |
The Power of the Song
| | - Rohan Koshy, Communications Team
For generations, issues of racism and other oppressive elements
have divided people and nations. But with time, as the oppressed got
restless, they revolted but for no end. Violence was met with violence
and hatred with hatred, every death was repaid with five more killings
and every rape with ten more.
The instances are plenty. India's freedom
struggle for over 200 years, the brutal struggle against racism and the
caste system in Africa, America and here in India, are all but a snap
shot of the bigger picture of suffering in the world. The lack of peace
and the depressiveness that grew beyond ones very imagination presented
the need for a drastic emotionally overwhelming solution, but received
as much attention as inconspicuous plastic bags that lay around in
life's dark alleys.
As nations clashed and communities tore
the skin of their brothers' backs, a dull lull spread over the world.
Resentment only grew and the circle of violence and death only became
larger. And in the midst of all that strife, a new instrument was
found; one that changed humanities war and gave people hope. It was in
those dark moments when the world sought after a reason to celebrate
that the power of the song was recognised.
For years hence and even today, singing
has acted as a uniting force. Earlier this year, musicians in Sudan
joined hands against the oppression that existed in their nation.
They choose to declare their oneness across social classes through singing.
In today's world, at a time when the 'end
of the world' is something of almost common talk, owing to the way the
world seems to be melting in front of our eyes - not just with global
warming but with the increase in violence, crime and everything even
remotely 'evil', the song seems to be humanity's suited weapon at this
hour of need.
The theme song of the FIFA World Cup 2010
in South Africa played along side this emotional message of strength
and hope, touching hearts all around the world.
As Oasis India works towards the creation
of a beautiful sunset in a chaotic world, we ask you to join with us
and hum along as we sing our way through the darkness. |
| News from around the projects | | Chennai
ECO KITCHEN  The Eco Kitchen team is all set to get their cart on the road and hope to open sale at the earliest. They have had some trouble getting permission from the Municipal Cooperation that functions in the selected area and are learning to work through the required formalities. VOLLEYBALL (SPORTS) Volleyball season commenced this month and the boys took to intense training till late into the night. They had a disappointing start to the season, with a three match defeat in the league that resulted in their elimination, however are gearing up and practicing extra hard to ensure they do better in the tournaments scheduled in December. 
GET INVOLVED: Pray for the boys of the volleyball team as the coach interacts with them, hoping to train them to be better in volleyball as well as in every other aspect of their life. Also remember the women involved in the Eco Kitchen as they unravel the formalities around their venture. Bangalore FOOTBALL (SPORTS)
The Oasis FC had some close finishes in a few tournaments and friendly matches this month. They clinched the St. Marys Trophy and Satish - one of the players, also received the 'Best Player' of the match award.
They are practicing hard for a few more tournaments that are scheduled to take place in a few months.
Oasis is also looking to host a tournament sometime  in December and preparations are underway. GET INVOLVED: Pray for the Oasis FC as they gear up for a few upcoming tournaments and look for jobs. Mumbai ANTI HUMAN TRAFFICKING (AHT)
The Oasis India AHT team has been actively working on case involving a missing girl in Mumbai. While they have managed to establish contact with the girl, her fearful apprehension made that suspect that there may be a well known street gang involved and a wider web of a trafficking racket.
The
Oasis AHT department are following up on this case and are doing all they can to rescues this girl from the dangers that she is exposed to.
Oasis has tied up with an International NGO - AED and well known Film Institute, Whistling Woods to host an Iranian team who will be filming at the tailoring unit in Mumbai.
GET INVOLVED: Keep the Mumbai case in your prayers, as Oasis does all they can to help rescue the girl.
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| India Giving Challenge 2010 | | |
Oasis India is participating in the India Giving Challenge 2010. Give India will award matching contributions to the winners which means your donations have the potential to be doubled!
Help us win the India Giving Challenge 2010. This would help us in sustaining our work.
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Thank you for reading.
We hope this newsletter has been both informative and inspiring. We greatly your continued support. Do write to us at news@oasisindia.org with your comments and suggestions; we'd love to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Divya Kottadiel Jacob
Editor |
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