Friday, May 15, 2009

The Best Speech I've Ever Heard

It is simply amazing how fast time goes in while I am in Orissa. ...maybe it's because every task takes so long. The projects in Kalahandi are progressing, amidst the circuses of the NGO, donor, local government, the communities, engineers, suppliers, and the biggest circus of all--my reactions. But I am working at transforming my reactions into responses. :-)

Purna Guma was commissioned in Nov. '08 and hasn't had any major issues, and hence has become a local celebrity in the Karlapat Sanctuary. It's funny how many more local government officials I know after the Purna Guma lights came on! Purna Guma is now focused on building a livelihoods center to utilize the electricity for income generation.

The youth from Purna Guma are helping to implement the next project in Karnivel village. Karnivel is a fantastic tribal community who give 200% to everything. The only thing looming on my shoulders is the schedule. We need to finish the Purna Guma community center and the Karnivel micro hydro within the next month, before the rains arrive.

It's been extremely hot...but I've gotten used to it. Drinking lots and lots of water is key. A big bowl of water rice for every meal is best!

....So what's made me decide to blog again???? The best speech I have ever heard....I can't help but want to tell everyone about it. Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KObN8s0M14g

It is in 3 parts, so be patient and download all 3 parts.