Why should I volunteer for Ramosara?

I pondered on that for a long time.

My mother is a key member of the foundation, however that is not reason good enough for me to automatically devote my time as well. Either ways the domestic chores get filtered to me – the easy ones remain with my elder brother, like buying chicken, groceries and the serious ones like finding a plot to buy, hunting a house etc piles on my plate. Every time I complain about being dumped the tougher share of work always - my mother has a ready response from Guru Dutt’s times – Kya Maa apne bacchon ke saath fark kar sakti hain? Not in that many words actually, in fact not in Hindi either but that’s her implication more or less.

I was asked to find quotations for Solar Heaters for Vridhashray to be inserted in their estimate list which I surfed and shared standing at a bus stop waiting for my bus. I was asked to call the event Manager for first level discussion to organize a fund raising event with celebrities, which I comfortably forgot and got reminded two weeks later. By now, I was already being called an official volunteer, with my name being exchanged in MOMs.

I had no clue volunteering for Ramosara was that easy! Now I have my reasons:

·         Giving back to the society is so much not like me, blame my age for the sense of aloofness and yet I was doing this with inexplicable ease.

·         I hear someone is volunteering with web designing, and the Foundation has taken an oath almost the same time the Karnataka Chief Minister swore in the name of Truth (instead of God) not to pay the web designer.

·         There is this prevailing guilt of indulgence, every time I shop something expensive and this voluntary thing for Ramosara, is such a psychological relief, I swear!

·         I keep telling myself, I will donate when I have the real money, but as of now I am saving for Galaxy S4. And yet, deep down I know, I owe a little bit of selflessness to my old man.

·         I can skip a buffet organic lunch for me and my friend to pay the individual membership fee of 1000/- which the foundation is collating to build the home but I will not as I am volunteering in other ways.

RSF never want the volunteers to pay any money, membership fee, not even the cost of a brick. A contact here, a call there, a story line for a blog, a reference, the official CSR’s name, an introductory note, cafeteria space, word of mouth, share their link on your social media profile, like their page to create awareness and they truly count upon such voluntary actions, more than anything else. One could even assist with a PPT or excel, a drawing in Auto CAD and how much time would that take, anyway?

Are you in?

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The author is a Health care professional in her early twenties.

Write to Ramosara.foundation@gmail.com to volunteer.

A Chance Meet And A Journey Begins........

(Source: MITHILAsmita Website)

We just brush each other, smile, a casual question, and begin a whole conversation on paintings. She was on her way back to her gallery in J.P.Nagar, after saying few words on social entrepreneurship in Yahoo office and I was typing my blog for our NGO, sitting in a Volvo Bus.

Her response to my ‘What do you do?’ intrigued me – ‘We preserve Art’.  MITHILAsmita, her organization directly connects with the artisans of Madhubani paintings, also popularly known as Mithila Paintings and creates a market for their art form, ensuring the heritage of this art is preserved and reaches true patrons of original painting in India and across the world.

In this whole exercise, the exploitation of middlemen, if not eliminated is reduced to a large extent, who most often dilute the dignity of the art, by compromising on the content of the art to commercialize it, little realizing that this self serving attitude, could actually lead to extinction of the art form, which is not only our country’s pride but a reliable source of income for many households in the villages of Mithila.

One serious dive into its history tells us, how this ritual function which is primarily a women’s tradition, has evolved in the past decades. The earth quake in early 1930s and severe draught in the late 1960s compels the women to take this art form from their house walls to paper, which not only got them public attention and recognition but also generated income for their families.

Ramosara Foundation has been working on revenue generating models and exploring avenues to run their old age home and this chance meet had a world of possibilities. Immediately, the journey began to join voices, hands and walk the way together.

Every purchase of Mithila painting from MITHILAsmita, J.P.Nagar will support the cause of Ramosara Foundation, in the construction of Vridhashray and running the home.

Karigar, Ramosara Foundation’s extended arm to showcase art, handicraft and products prepared by both artisans, folk artists from lower economic classes and established painters from across the country aims to be a creative mind’s abode and will display Mithila paintings as well. More about this project to be shared on this blog and website soon!

With every purchase of these aesthetically rich paintings or any other product from MITHILAsmita, multiple social causes will be served, preserving Art, supporting the artisans, saving the heritage and meeting RSF’s objectives.

To experience the satisfaction of being part of this, join us in this journey!

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Each One, Reach One, Teach One

When I was asked to blog on Dementia by the Secretary of RSF who was a contributor in my writing portal for Indian writers, my immediate reaction was – Research and write. I hoped to get more traffic directed to Ramosara Foundation blog and let the projects be known that will assist them in seeking financial support.

Fortunately I did not have any one in my family who suffered from Dementia, so while I wanted to assist RSF, I was not quite clear how, except pay the membership fee for constructing the old age home Vridhashray, which I felt is a noble cause, and I agreed.  She insisted I write whatever I can, absolutely confident about my competence on writing, and not considering the fact that Dementia was new to me and I had very little command on the subject.

I asked her who is backing the projects financially. Without a minute’s hesitation, she replied – “No one! We only have a piece of land to build Vridhashray and that is our first big milestone.”  I went one step further and asked how many members so far. “Just the Governing Body”, came her prompt response.

I was a little amused at the juvenile approach. I was actually not prepared for that candid response. I was hoping to hear some influential names, mention of some big donations, and some big projections for the future. I wished her luck in the venture and began my research on Dementia, my sincere effort to assist the project.

What I completely missed, in this exercise, was how easily she made one more person aware about Dementia – Me! Thanks to Ramosara Foundation, and I'm sure many people can be made aware of it.

By now I realize, that was RSF’s primary objectives – to create awareness on Dementia, and now I already know something by finding out more details about it - its first symptoms, how we can identify people with Dementia, the various stages, already keen to research more and write about it in multiple blogs – Through me and my blogs, the reach will be much more.

At times this works better - Each one, reach one, teach one – instead of conducting seminars, dwelling on books, Google to glory on a particular subject which is highly critical for everyone to know  - just letting one person have an informal chat can bring more relevance, importance and attention.

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About Lakshmi Menon

Lakshmi is author of “The Second Choice” and several children’s books. Her Malayalam Novel “Veendum Yatra" was serialized in a reputed weekly back home, in the late eighties. She is the founder of a writing portal www.industwomanwriting.com that is popular for encouraging young writers showcase their creative writes.

Why Ramosara?

Voice from Canada: Courtesy - Shubhra Dutta

When I was first approached by a member of RSF to support the cause, I was in the middle of chaos in India - in my home town Kolkata, with two ailing seniors at home, loads of uncertainty and obviously with no time to read RSF blog, let alone respond.

I returned to Canada and while I had it back of mind to revert, other priorities took over. I did have a few questions that clouded my decision to support RSF and perhaps the underlying reason for the delay – Is it yet another money making plan in the name of NGO? Will the seniors really have a home in Vridhashray? Will they do what it takes to support Dementia patients? I did not ask any of these questions though.

Instead I asked, ‘Will the inmates be charged? I can trust my wisdom to imagine their objectives based on that response. No saintly, philanthropic, lofty, ambitious, well rehearsed, impressive, eloquent response - plain practical facts – Some beds will be with user fee and a few beds for able seniors will not be charged, purely need based.

The clouds faded. I could connect. My father feels lonely after we lost our mother, now stays miles away from Kolkata, at my sister’s place in Rajasthan with nothing to do in particular. There are many others out there, who will be glad to stay in Vridhashray and pursue leisurely activities – Gardening, Pickle making, volunteering in RSF activities, meet other like minded people, just a heart to heart chat – indeed an abode, someplace else.

When I was asked to represent RSF as a contact point in Canada, I wanted to know more - Why should people even divert their money and attention? Does RSF have any USP, differentiator from other homes? I was asked to wait for the responses, and I am still waiting.

I wanted RSF’s account number to transfer the membership fee, here is the response –

‘We need members who show interest in progress of our projects rather than just pay the membership fee and forget the whole thing. Do continue asking. We will be glad to know that you care for the cause just as we do. Keep our efforts in your prayers

There is no urgency for the membership fee. Will give all details in the right time’

That clears the clouds of doubts completely - What can be a better USP than that? Here is a team who is trying to build a home for seniors, orphans and work on a self sustainable model to run the home, do not want people’s money in their bank account till they are absolutely ready! This integrity will go a long way.

Do We Know Them?

A blog by guest writer – Deepti Naval, Actress, Author of “The Mad Tibetan”

(Source:India-Forums.Com)

How many of us had heard about Progeria and Alzheimer before the movie Paa and Black were released? Likewise, Taare Zameen Par and the recent Ranbir-Priyanka starrer Barfi will keep Dyslexia and Autism in our minds, and we did learn a little about Pompe from Hollywood’s Extra ordinary measures.

Memory Lapse

Out there, there are people who experience that something is not right, they are embarrassed or frightened because they recognize changes in their thinking, all the while fighting to be in control, making up a little story to fill the memory gap, being misunderstood by family members as deliberately lying.

Their story telling is not a lie but a self defense mechanism.

Sign Language

They may point at the glass of water on the table wanting to drink and yet not state clearly what they want, while you stand there waiting and fuming to know what exactly he wants – the glass, book or his spectacles.

It would be a lot easier for him if he could remember the word - cup, but he cannot and therefore most often uses sign language. Soon they start expressing needs, wants and feelings increasingly using gestures and actions.

Pre occupied

They are likely to show signs of withdrawal or be pre occupied with past, restoring old memories and sometimes living in that time and reality. They tend to replace words which they cannot remember like Rain stick for umbrella.

If he cannot remember you as his wife, he is probably thinking of you as someone else, from the time period he was dwelling in his mind - may be his college days. He mixes up relationships and generations, pulls out a drawer to keep something, instead attracted by its contents, begins to empty them, comes to spread the table cloth, forgets what he was doing and starts folding it instead.

Shut out

They may completely shut out the outside world, sit or lie in bed staring into space for hours together and not respond when someone speaks to them. 

He is not ignoring you. We can still talk with them and make physical contact as they still hear and experience through touch.

And there is no film yet to talk about them – the little known Dementia - how it is to lead a life without memories, when every day is a new day and they believe you to be someone from their past. It is challenging for both the patient and his family members.

Here is a chance to know them better, and perhaps lend a helping hand:

Ramosara Foundation (RSF) registered in Karnataka intends to create awareness in India including Schools, colleges and corporate on stages of dementia - their constant struggle every minute with people outside who do not understand what is missing and inner war with their own condition, enlightening people regarding how to deal with Dementia

They are also collating funds with their membership drive of Rs. 4000/- per family to build a home for regular seniors and Dementia patients.

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About Deepti Naval:

Deepti Naval is a person of many pursuits and interests - an actress, painter, photographer, writer, producer and director. She is known for her performance in films like Chashme Baddoor, Kisise na kehna, Rang Birangi, Katha, Mirch Masala, Leela, Freaky Chakra and the recent Listen Ameya. Her first attempt as writer, producer and director is for the film Do Paise ki dhoop, chaar aane ki baarish. Author of “Mad Tibetan” – Stories from then and now – published by Amaryllis Publication of Delhi. A person who never fails to impress the world, each time a layer of her persona is unveiled.

 

A Home, Someplace else!

Do you want to live that nostalgic tour - prepare pickle, like it was done years back, almost like a ritual, every summer?  Hold on to that wish!!

The picture was vague when we began but much clearer now. The ideas are still scattered and evolving. 

An early morning walk, a leisurely chat about just anything - cricket, politics, spiritual growth or whatever , read any book from the library, teach a child Mathematics or English, assist a dementia patient remember names, plan an outing in and around Bangalore, gather in a large hall - to pray, chant mantras, read Bible, meditate or just echo long breaths of Om, get  hands dirty in the kitchen garden, listen to good old melodies,  watch serials without having to worry about groceries, financials, banks, medicines or even bother about what to cook for dinner.  While fifty eight is the age to retire from job, there are always loads to do in life, if one wants to and is able to.

RSF had identified a plot in Anekal to build that home to house able seniors along with Dementia patients and orphans where the inmates will not have that old sinking feeling of being left out, unappreciated, not needed and ignored. A home that will demonstrate care beyond basics of food and medicines – capitalize on their sensitivities and strengths.

We believe Old Age Home is not an option because you are ill, scared to be alone, children do not care, too feeble to carry out personal activities, missing your partner - it can also a personal choice for people who believe retiring is a state of mind.

Is it fair to condition children to compete, do well in life, prosper, be independent, make you proud and when the time comes for them to soar, shine, glitter, hold them back or tag along with them wherever they go against your own wishes - You miss your roots in a foreign country however the thought of staying all by yourselves without children at this age is over whelming and literally scary – Our Home will be your abode – may be the walls will not have same paint as your house, the feelings of warmth and care will be familiar and deeply satisfying!

And if at all, the pickle making ritual is successfully accomplished just like the good old days, who do you think will act like scare crows when the pickle is on the terrace to soak the sun!! Of course – all those men who skip afternoon nap for a few rounds of Fish or Twenty Nine!!

To make this wishful thinking a reality, be part of our membership drive. All donations to be in the name of RAMOSARA FOUNDATION.

More of our projects will be shared in this blog soon!!

The Last Chapter

When we wonder, if sitting through forty minutes of Moral Science and Social Science classes, a specific syllabus can really turn a student moral and responsible, we strongly feel the need to go beyond the elaborate tests and scoring process to find if the social concerns actually mean anything to them and how often will they make any effort to create a difference?

We are not planning to perform any analytics to gauge effectiveness of that learning that was based on scoring. We at RSF intend to engage today’s young minds in a practical experience, a social phenomenon with a personal and participatory approach - with the simple intent to develop an inclination in them to care for an issue, support a cause, and stand the whole way, when the need arises. That we believe would be The Last Chapter of any book on morals or social science – Walk the Talk.

Down the generations, the good old stories teaching good habits and morals are most often forgotten while unlearning and learning newer techniques to survive in the corporate world. Even a Corporate Social Activity is reduced to just a parameter to assess leadership skills or branding initiative rather than be an element of change for specific social cause.

Most of us have devoured those chapters as texts, not teachings. Even today many harbor skewed interests in the name of community initiatives -enjoy a free ride to an Old Age Home, an orphanage, a great excuse to tell your boss you will miss that meeting due to your participation there.

What is seriously missing is the sense of purpose, tenacity to work for the desired consequence when we pursue or support an issue, and sadly most often - it remains an escape from mundane daily grind. Do we need to go back to school to brush a few beliefs?

While the content is all the more polished, well researched and significantly refined now with statistics being displayed on fancy digital boards, the age old question remains – Do you care enough to awaken yourself to actually act on it?

The Last Chapter, Ramosara Foundation's School Connect Program evolves from those Social and Moral Science books to go beyond with its base built on the fact that enlightened future leaders will not lecture, but live a life to demonstrate that learning in reality. We have chosen students of today as a strong medium to create awareness about the little known Dementia, in India.

The surest way to let people know about something important, is to use a voice that will be echoing today and tomorrow.

The workshop will be held only during weekends, lasting for an hour including Q&A and will cover,

·         Stages, Causes & Symptoms of Dementia

·         How to identify seniors reflecting these symptoms?

·         Treatment

·         Helpline

·         Sensitivity towards them and their care givers – Role Plays

·         What Next?

Everyone who attends will be provided a certificate of participation and the best of the lot will be RSF ambassador.

Write to Ramosara.foundation@gmail .com to enroll for this program.

All donations / funds to be vide cheque in favor of RAMOSARA FOUNDATION