ashray charitable trust

NEWS

February 22nd, 2009

Turning dreams into reality

Disha, ‘new path in life’

In November 2008 Ashray’s director,Shachi Prakash, eloquently introduced the New Disha Project to Ashray’s website visitors. She explains how the project began and how it developed, an exciting project indeed for the well-being of abused girls and sex workers at the Varanasi railway station.

On March 1st a safe house, a home of dawn for the girls and women will be opened. This ambitious initiative will resonate loud and clear with girls and women who all too often live at the edge of no sound, of mute subjection to cruelty and agony.

As though it was built for them, the rented house with lots of space and every amenity lies high on a bluff overlooking the river Ganga. India’s people affectionately call her Ganga Ma, Mother Ganga. Her benign presence will surely help those who come to live in the home to manifest the latent potential that lies in the human being, the soul qualities that we all have --- the antar atman of the Indian tradition:

“We meditate on the atman which is inside, which consists of spirit, whose embodiment is life, whose form is light, whose essence is space, which changes its form at will, swift as thought, with true resolve and true stability……….”

(Satapatha Brahmana X,6,3)

Disha’s pioneers, founders, visionaries and torchbearers are Elisabeth Bernard, Sara La Mer and Dr. Shailya Singh. The new home is an admirable physical manifestation of their dedication, of sheer hard work, and of their love of the girls and women. Between them they share a reservoir of experience and know-how to create in the home a synergy of related and important issues: nutrition, healthcare, vocational training, education for joyful learning and self-discovery. Keeping their feet on the ground, Disha’s founders will, assisted by co-workers, be carefully monitoring the girls and women to help smooth their way through finding a new path in life.

Disha is a grass roots level initiative. When for legal reasons Disha had to choose an Indian NGO to entrust Disha with, Sara and Elisabeth approached Ashray Charitable Trust. Shachi Prakash writes: “Ashray is humbled and honoured that they have put their faith in us, and in doing so, bring to fruition one of Ashray’s long held aspirations , to open a safe house for homeless women!”.

I congratulate Elisabeth, Sara and Dr. Shailya and all those associated with Disha – not to forget Fondation d’Entreprise ELLE which funds the project – on the occasion of the opening of the new home.

Father Francis

December 29th, 2008

Benares School Fund Founder's Yearly Visit - Fun Filled trip to Sarnath

Each year Mr. and Mrs. van Stalen visit Varanasi to meet with all the students that their Benares School Fund sponsor for education. Marien van Stalen was greatly missed due to his commitments at home but Conny's presence was wholeheartedly felt. This year several new children were admitted into the Benares Schhol Fund program. Each child was visited in their home by Conny to create a trust and bond between the foundation and the parents of the children. She was able to meet with each of the 84 children at a fun filled meeting where the children's eyesight and hearing were tested and senior nurse Krystina gave the children and their parents a class with visual aids on the topic of simple hygiene and basic health principles. Accompanying Conny this year was Miss Toos Hoogwinkel, a long time friend of Father Francis and a dedicated compassionate teacher, who returned to teach the children of Nagwa once again. Now eighty years of age, nothing deters her from this noble cause. This year she taught our grades four and five English to assist with their transition into their new schools for the furthering of their education. She is an exceptional teacher who is dearly loved by all her past and present students, and especially by one of her former students Sangram Pal who is now, himself, a teacher at Ashray. Conny and Toos’ visit had a superb grand finale with all of their students and the staff of Ashray venturing out to Sarnath for a day of fun. The children thoroughly enjoyed the games, visiting the zoo and temple, and finally a delicious home cooked meal on site. The children squealed with delight and sang songs as the bus set out, as many had never been in a vehicle before. We were sad to see Conny and Toos go, but we excitedly look forward to their return next fall.

November 13th, 2008

Ashray and the New Disha Project

The name 'Disha' means new path in life. This exciting new project is for the rehabilitation of young women and children who found themselves inside the sex trade in India.

In October 2006 a program was started by Elisabeth Bernard from ‘Act & Help’ and Dr. Ashish of Varanasi to provide respite, assistance, and care for the abused girls and sex workers at the Varanasi railway station. Sara La Mer a French Canadian, who has been volunteering in India for over eight years, has been with this project for two years now, working at the railway station with Dr. Shailja Singh a psychotherapist. They have been helping them with a small dispensary and rest area where they could come to receive care and attention. This was sustained financially by Elisabeth Bernard, who in Oct 2006 made contact with the Fondation d'Entreprise ELLE, a charitable organization from the international French magazine 'ELLE', which invests in projects for the benefit of women the world over, although was not yet in India! 'Elle' eagerly agreed to fund this project that was well researched by Sara & Elizabeth. So this is Fondation ELLE's first Indian project!

A beautiful house has been rented on the banks of the river Ganga - which cannot fail to bring joy and peace to those who come to live there.

Sara, who will be running the project with Elisabeth, had to choose an Indian NGO to entrust 'Disha' with for legal reasons. In the words of Sara today "Disha is the baby & will need a good mother, so we’ll hand her over to Ashray" Ashray is humbled & honored that they have put their faith in us, and in doing so, bring to fruition one of Ashray's long held aspirations, to open a safe house for homeless women!

The home will be ready for the first girls, a few mothers and daughters (about 15 at present) by February. All of our Ashray staff are delighted that such a noble cause has been included in our work. Each and everyone has shown great enthusiasm to work even extra hours if necessary.

There are girls as young as 6, 7, and 8 that are coming in the first batch. They will need a high standard of education, as well as vocational training to equip them with the tools needed to lead a completely new way of life! It is our great fortune that Sara is a well trained acupuncturist with special experience in detoxification treatments as these young children are already addicted to various kinds of drugs.

We are told one of the young women is pregnant. This time, instead of a dirty station platform, she will deliver her child in the luxury & safe surroundings of The Ashray Clinic with compassionate & loving care.

This project will be directly under Ashray's administration, with Sara as the project coordinator.

Sincerly Shachi
Director of Ashray

September & October 2008

Homecoming

It was wonderful to return to Canada after being in India for nearly two years. I was happy to be reunited with my family and friends. Father Francis immediately fell in love with this beautiful large country.

Change of Plans

After a short time it became clear that the outline set as our plan to travel across Canada and The United States would not be feasible. The distance and cost made it entirely prohibitive as we had to stick to our purpose of raising funds and be minimalistic with the spending of funds. We were very lucky to be hosted by my family whose hospitality surprised even me, their daughter, their graciousness and generosity was heartwarming. So our plans changed as we stuck to our main directives of creating a Friends of Ashray Foundation in Toronto.

Sunday Nights & MDI

While in Toronto, on Sunday nights Father Francis and I presented talks about The Dalits and Ashray’s work, alongside Motivational speaker Danish Ahmed www.ordinarywords.com at The Universal Light Centre. Father Francis spoke on a few occasions with a men’s group in Toronto called The Men’s Division International http://www.mensdivisionsinternational.com/854dir/ The men of this group supported the Ashray cause and assisted with fundraising for our main event The All Souls Night Fundraiser.

Sister Schools & Rotherglen

Father Francis and I approached a wonderful school in Oakville, Ontario called Rotherglen, whose values and mandates fall in line with recognizing the good fortune of their lives and giving back or sharing with those less fortunate. Rotherglen became a sister school with Ashray and their grade seven and eight classes have committed to raising $10 000 Cad for the purchase and maintenance of ten water pumps for the Nagwa area. The school also had their yearly fundraising drive for The United Way and decided, this year, to split the funds with Ashray. A special thanks goes to Laura Crumb, Shirley Nickerrick and all the staff and students of Rotherglen and their families for their support, generosity, and compassion.

Out west - Langley

We traveled to Langley British Columbia, near Vancouver to speak to The Rotary Clubs of Langley, The Women’s group of The Shepherd of The Valley, and St. Nicholas Church. The hospitality we received was phenomenal; it was wonderful being with the family of our good friend and colleague Jessica Morwood. A Special thank you goes to Jessica’s parents and grandparents for graciously hosting us and enabling our work in Langley. A warm thank you goes out to Navnit Shah whose contribution and efforts were outstanding.

Calgary

After Vancouver we traveled to Calgary. Father Francis was reunited with dear friends Father Julian Studden of Hyderabad and Sarah Ibrahim of Varanasi. We spoke to a group of concerned citizens at Sarah’s church the parish of St. Thomas Moore. While in Calgary Krystina went with Danish Ahmed to various Toast Masters groups and BNI meetings speaking about Ashray.
However, the most potential came from the association with HUB, which stands for Humanity Unites Brilliance. We participated in a transformational weekend put on by the HUB Organization. This revolutionary new organization believes in supporting charities by assisting with their running costs so that the charity can focus on what it is doing rather than venturing out to raise funds. HUB is a new organization, currently its charities are in Africa and South America. Ashray was well received by the founder Charlie Gay and the application process has begun for us to receive direct funding from HUB. All in all our time out west was profitable and we look forward to the continued relationship with The Friends of Ashray in the western provinces of Canada.

Ottawa & Montreal

While in Ottawa we spoke at two events, a HUB event, and the Senior Toast Masters club meeting. After our one night in Ottawa we continued on to the Eastern Townships of Quebec, just outside Montreal where we spent Thanksgiving celebrating with the relatives of Krystina.

Friends of Ashray Foundation

We would like to provide those who generously donate to The Ashray Nagwa Social Centre with an income tax receipt. Therefore we are in the process of registering Ashray as a charity in Canada to acquire this charitable status. Some wonderful friends have stepped up to be part of the organization of The Friends of Ashray in Toronto - Cherie Swales, Treasurer and Officers Deb Robertson and Suriya Veerappan. A Warm Thank You goes to them for all of their hard work and support.

Main Event

Our main event held at The Lula Lounge in Toronto was a delightful evening filled with laughter, joy, fun, and generosity. We raised $5000 Canadian dollars for The Ashray Nagwa Health and Social Centre. Laughter could be heard throughout the evening as Mike Bullard, our Master of Ceremonies made jokes about priesthood for Father Francis and Vegetarian jokes about Krystina. Father Franics and I gave an informative presentation in between a fabulous lineup of entertainment. All entertainers generously donated their time. We thank all those who contributed their time and effort to make this night a success. All who attended enjoyed and many were already commenting on their excitement for the second annual Ashray Fundraiser Party.

Thank You

There are so many people to thank for making of our “North American Tour” a success. Words will fail in expressing our gratitude. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to The Adams Greene Family as well as Stephen and Mark. The Junkins, Laura Mair, Cherie and Mike Swales, Rebekah Boisvert, Deb Robertson and Prana, Rotherglen School, Julie Michels and her ensemble, George Koller, the very talented Marci Lashway, Sibannac, Paul and Hayley Chato, Martha O’Neill, Genevieve Marchesseau, The Veerappans, Mike Bullard, Howard Laurie, Priya Kesevan, Sarah and Nazar Ibrahim, The Jenkins of Calgary, and a very special thank you to the ever generous Danish Ahmed.

Warm Regards
Krystina & Fr. Francis

September 11th, 2008

August News

Since arriving in Canada it has been a whirlwind of activity. Reconnecting with friends and Family, speaking about the great work that is going on in Nagwa, it seems as though our aim is being fulfilled. Our priority for this trip was to create a ‘Friends of Ashray’, a group of dedicated individuals that come together to help in the organization of yearly fundraising activities.

This year we are hosting the first annual All Souls Night Party. It will be hosted by a local TV personality and Comedian Mike Bullard. It is a night to celebrate and have fun – for all souls – Fun to be had in Toronto while raising money for the souls in Varanasi . It’s being held October 19th at The Lula Lounge, a popular downtown Salsa Club in Toronto. Visit their website at www.lula.ca.

We have been gearing up for our trip out west. Father Francis and I are in Vancouver Canada from September 15th to the 21st and then in Calgary September 21st to the 25th. Our aim here is also to create a Friends of Ashray in Vancouver and connect with the family of Ashray’s good friend Jessica Morwood of ‘Basic Human Needs’ another NGO working in the same area as Ashary does. Take a look at their website at www.basichumanneeds.net.

Thank you, to all of the people who are coming together, to give of themselves for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Nagwa slum in Varanasi.

With Love,
Frans & Krystina

September 10th, 2008

News from Nagwa

It is with great reverence for life that we send our blessings to the families of Ram Adhar and Nagu Ram who both passed away this summer. Nagu Ram died on July 20th, 2008. Ram Adhar died on September 4th, 2008. They had been suffering with longstanding illnesses. Father Francis and I both, said special good-byes to these villagers before leaving India , as we had hoped their suffering would end before our return to Varanasi . May Peace Be With you - Jai Ram.

Krystina

September 7th, 2008

Adopt a Granny

Culture has marked us with an undesirable truth… It’s a truth that not only affects us here in North America or Europe, where youth is beautified and the aged are pushed aside and forgotten. Ironically in India where the idea of family as an organism working together creates family life, the aged, especially amongst the poor are often severely neglected.

At Ashray we see women that loose their place in the family, upon the death of their husband. These widows are almost left to fend for themselves, many of these women are actually starving – no one to give them money for food, forgotten by their families, many banished to live with the animals in the shed.

An innovative new project called “Adopt a Granny” is being launched this month in Nagwa. This program has a generous person like you donating for the basic necessities that will ameliorate the life of a widow in our slum. Sudhama is the first woman to receive this wonderful bounty thanks to a generous donor in Droitwich, U.K.

For less than a dollar a day - $25 a month can provide the food, shelter, and clothing that is so desperately needed by these women. For more information about adopting a granny please email alms@ashray.org.

August 21th, 2008

North American Tour Update

We are revising the dates of our North American Tour. Certain locations will be omitted for logistical reasons (the size of this continent and the cost of travel are prohibitive). Our Aim of creating a Friends of Ashray Foundation in Toronto is becoming a reality. We are working with amazingly generous humans in the planning of four events for the month of October to celebrate and raise funds for our cause. The 'North American Tour' page will be updated with the venues and dates as they are confirmed.

With Love,
Frans & Krystina

August 4th, 2008

Photo Gallery Update

The photo gallery has been updated. Pictures of the Holy city of Varanasi in which we live and work are added.

There are now also pictures of the area in Varanasi called Nagwa. These pictures give you an idea of who the people are that we serve and how they live. Ashray - The Nagwa Social Center is right in the middle of Nagwa.

Also pictures of Ashray's new ambulance are added. The inauguration of the ambulance at Ashray was a big and joyous happening. To the people of Nagwa this ambulance symbolizes a certain status in society which before they never had as casteless people.

With love
Roel R.

July 19 & 20, 2008

Droitwich, U.K.

Father Francis, Roel R. and I, flew to Birmingham and spent the weekend in the lovely little town of Droitwich Spa. We came to thank The Sacred Heart Church for their support over these last ten years. Building the Ashray Nagwa Social Centre was the millennium project chosen by the people of the Justice and Peace group – the Social activism group of this Parish community. They began fundraising ten years ago, and in 2002 we began the building of what now stands as this beautiful community centre for the people of Nagwa.

A great big thank you to all of the people who contributed in making our stay so hospitable. Father Tom was very generous, allowing Father Francis to address the parishioners and do the homily. I was honored with the opportunity to speak at the end of mass thanking the people of this wonderful community for building this beautiful little hospital I call my home, and of course for their continued support.

The weekend was flawlessly planned out by Ms. Elizabeth Prakash, Ashray’s Director who is the connection to Droitwich, as The Sacred Heart is her childhood church. Mary Gough, and Dhriti Prakash were ever so kind and generous in picking us up from the Birmingham Airport, chauffeuring, entertaining, feeding and housing the travelers – so a special thanks to them for all their efforts – A very special thanks to Judith Cussen who is the chairman of the Justice & Peace Group. She generously set aside time on the day of her 70th Birthday party to welcome us in the church – and who very generously took us to the airport on Monday morning. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Droitwich and are looking forward to hosting a few parishioners in Varanasi in the future!

This weekend was a wonderful way to start our tour. What a great kick-off for our North American expedition! Thanks to all those who contributed generously, who gave encouragement, and warm smiles of welcome…

With Love,
Krystina Mary