It was a glorious day in Bodhgaya, India on Republic Day January 26, 2011 as the first of the Pennies for Partnerships food drive was successfully distributed. A total of 13 homes received a 55 pound bag of rice. These are Indian families living in destitute poverty. The families live in makeshift homes constructed from mud and straw; they live without electricity and running water. These are some of the millions of people who live on less than a $1.00 a day in our world.
The food drive brought many smiles and great thanks from the families who received a surprise visit just after sunset. We quietly walked into their homes with a greeting of “Namaste”. Thanks to Om, our partnered social worker the message was delivered to the people that we were bearing the gift of rice. There was amazing gratitude given with thanks “Danyabad” along with smiles, outreach with hand holding, hugs and even tears.
The team of distributors consisted of Om (Indian social worker), Shannwaz (shop keeper), Marilyn and Chris from Ohio (who overheard the initial conversation with Om and became actively involved as contributors and distributors), as well as myself and the laborer of whom I do not have the name.
The pictures say a thousand words and the last 3 bags that were distributed were the most amazing but also the most difficult. The reason they were the most touching was because these families had disabilities such as blindness, and deformities due to polio. It became very difficult in the end as the word had spread and people from neighboring streets were coming and pleading for assistance. Obviously there is a huge need and not all people can be reached by such a small outreach project but we can only do our best to try to touch lives.
For those of you who are not aware in India the Caste system is still very strong in some places and the state of Bihar I am told the caste system is very much a part of everyday life here. The people we reached out to yesterday are of the lowest caste which means they are discriminated against and are regarded as the “untouchables”. This means their lives are limited for opportunity and poverty is often the only way of life they will ever have. I was told the people of the higher caste are taught to not have pity on them and the people of the lower caste are taught to not have envy for those who are of the upper class.
The opportunity to reach out and touch them with love and kindness, offering the gift of holding hands, hugs, and sitting with them for a photograph is something that not only deeply touches my life, I believe Chris and Marilyn’s life but also those who received the gift of love, compassion and generosity from Pennies for Partnerships.
Thank you for making this gift possible not only for those who received but for all of us who feel the joy of giving. There are still so many people who might be able to benefit from your generosity and gift of compassion. If you are still interested in giving this project is one that can be continued in communities throughout India. We will do an additional distribution today from the donations that came during the last day. Fortunately we will be distributing a little more than the same amount as yesterday which is wonderful because there were so many families in the very close area that were left out. This will let them know they are not forgotten.
May no man, woman or child be hungry in a world of plenty and may we care for our brothers and sisters of the world.
To contribute please e-mail me directly 1lhdawg@gmail.com and all contributions are welcome and appreciated. It only takes a little to make a major impact. Bag of rice cost only $14.20
Thank you!!!!!
Namaste!!!!
India-Tibetan Social Work 
