TSUNAMI HELP

1. BAPS Care InternationalContact: Shailendra Adroja; 1-732-744-1744 Checks payable to: BAPS Care International Address: 195, Main Street, Suite # 304MetuchenNew Jersey-08840 Payments can also be made online (beginning later this afternoon, EST) at 2. Association for India's Development:Contact: Aniruddha Vaidya, 1-650-996-8249, 1-888-TALK-2-AID or (301) 422-4441email: info@aidindia.org Contributions to AID can be made through secure on-line credit-card deductions from AID's website (www.aidindia.org), where further details and updates will also be posted. Please indicate that your contribution is for the "Relief and Rehabilitation Fund". Checks payable to "AID" can be mailed to: AID Zone 3,P.O. Box 4801Mountain View, CA 94040-0801 (Please indicate "Relief and Rehabilitation Fund" in the check memo) 3. The National Federation of India Organizations Contact: Rajen Anand (703) 642-3156, (562) 537-1077 Checks (tax-deductible) will be sent to the International Red Cross for the use of ALL victims in all countries. Checks payable to: NFIA Address: 6912 Winter Lane, Annandale VA 22003. 4. The Hindu Temple Society of North America Contact: Dr Uma Mysorekar (718) 460-8484 Checks (tax deductible) payable to: The Hindu Temple Society of North America Address:Hindu Temple Society of North America45-57 Bowne StreetFlushingNY-11355 5. American Hindu Association, a tax-exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c)(3), has set up a fund to raise money for the victims from India and Sri Lanka. The full amount of contribution is tax deductible. Please make the check payable to, American Hindu Association. In the memo, please mention Tidal waves victims. Address:American Hindu AssociationTidal waves victimsP.O.Box 55405Madison WI 53705 Contributions to AHA can be made through secure on-line credit-card deductions from AHA's website (www.americanhindu.net/donation), where further details and updates will also be posted. 6. India Development & Relief Fund (IDRF), USA IDRF has already released $10,000 towards immediate relief efforts and will match dollar-to-dollar your donations up to $50,000. It will channel your generous contributions to Sewa Bharati (Panchvati, Chetpet, Chennai), Jana Sankshema Samiti (Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh), Vivekanand Kendra and other voluntary NGOs providing relief and rehabilitation to affected families including: · Medical services · Distribution of fishing nets, assistance for purchasing and repairing fibre boats · Repair of diesel engines and supply fuel · Distribution of textbooks, notebooks and uniforms to students. · Construction of houses, repair and construction of community infrastructure Please make check payable to "IDRF" (mention "Tsunami" in the memo) and mail it to: IDRF, 4807 Phebe Ave, Fremont, CA 94555 Contact: * Suresh Deopura (510) 573-5100, suresh@dewsoftware.com * Shri Narayan Chandak (309)- 662-8353, Idrf_blg@yahoo.com * Raghu Verabelli 781-270-2349, idrfboston@yahoo.com * Vijay Pallod (281) 568-4995, pallod@aol.com Or email idrf@aol.com Donate on-line through your VISA/MasterCard or Direct Debit from checking account. IDRF is administered by volunteers without any honorarium or overhead. Thus, 100% of your contribution will be disbursed directly to the NGOs working in the field. Please check out our website http://www.idrf.org/ for latest information. 7. Sewa International, in association with local organisations, is planning to work for the rehabilitation of families affected by the tsunami waves in India by providing them: Please send your donations to: a. Sewa Bharathi Tamil Nadu Shakti, 1, M V Street, Panchvati, Chetpet, Chennai- 600031, Tamil Nadu Ph: 044-28361049, 28360243 E-mail: sevabharthitn@yahoo.com b. Jana Sankshema Samiti Madhava Sadhan, Kaleshwara Rao Road, Vijaywada- 520002, Andhra Pradesh All donations from outside India should be sent to: Sewa International Apte Bhavan, 10196, D. B. Gupta Road, Jhandewala, New Delhi- 110055, India Ph: 91-11-23517373, 23684445, E-mail: sewain@vsnl.com Bank Account No: 21290, State Bank of India, Jhandewala Extn., New Delhi-110055 Branch Code No: 9371

Feel proud, the very first Hero was from us! Major Somnath Sharma, the very first recipient of Param Vir Chakra!

Major Somnath Sharma

On 3rd Nov 1947, Major Somnath Sharma's company was ordered on a fighting patrol to Badgam village in the Kashmir Valley. He reached his objective at first light on 3rd November and took up a position south of Badgam at 1100 hours.

The enemy, estimated at 700, attacked his company position with 3-inch mortars, LMGs and rifles. Completely outnumbered and with withering fire being brought to bear on its position from three sides, the company began to sustain heavy casualties.

Fully realising the gravity of the situation and the direct threat that would result to both Srinagar and the aerodrome if the enemy attack was not held until reinforcements could be rushed to close the gap leading to Srinagar via Hum Hom, Major Sharma urged his company to fight the enemy tenaciously, with extreme bravery, kept rushing across the open ground to his sections exposing himself to heavy and accurate fire to urge them to hold on.

Keeping his nerve, he skilfully directed the fire of his section into the ever-advancing enemy. He repeatedly exposed himself to the full fury of enemy fire and laid out cloth air strips to guide our aircraft onto their targets in full view of the enemy. Realising that casualties had affected the effectiveness of his light automatics, this officer, whose left hand was in plaster, personally commenced filling magazines and issuing them to light machine gunners.

A mortar shell landing right in the middle of the ammunition resulted in an explosion that killed him. However, Major Sharma's company held onto its position and the remnants withdrew only when almost completely surrounded. His inspiring example had resulted in the enemy being delayed for six hours, thus gaining time for our reinforcements to get into position at Hum Hom to stem the tide of the enemy advance.

His leadership, gallantry and tenacious defence were such that his men were inspired to fight the enemy outnumbering them by seven to one for six hours, one hour which was after this gallant officer had been killed.

Major Sharma set an example of courage and qualities seldom equalled in the history of the Indian Army. His last message to Brigade HQ received a few moments before he was killed was : "The enemy are only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round."

A hero to remember!

http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Army/Articles/Article20.html

© G.L. Batra, father of Shaheed Captain Vikram Batra, PVC (13 JAK Rifles)Images

© A Ridge Too Far: His Highness The Maharajah of Patiala

Twin sons were born to the family of Mr. G.L. Batra and Mrs. Jai Kamal Batra, on 09 September 1974 at Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. The family had two daughters earlier and twin sons were a joyful addition to the family. The family nicknamed the twins as 'Luv' (Vikram) and 'Kush' (Vishal). Luv received his primary education from his mother, who herself is a teacher. He received his education up to Middle Standard in D.A.V. Public School, Palampur and up to senior secondary stage in Central School, Palampur. Both his sisters are married and his twin-brother, Kush, is undergoing an internship training course as a Junior Executive with Tata Finance Ltd. Captain Vikram Batra was very brilliant, diligent, and active from the very beginning of his student life. He was very popular among his friends, students and teachers since, he was ever smiling and respectful to everyone.

He was an all rounder, good in studies, always a first divisioner and equally good in sports and all other co-curricular activities. He always kept himself in first line and among the toppers in all the different fields. He was also a green belt holder in Karate. He always kept himself in first line and among the toppers in all the different fields. He used to sweep almost 75% of the prizes from the prize distribution table during his schooling. He participated in 'national level' table tennis (Central Schools) and represented the North Zone. He participated in a national youth parliamentary competition. After passing his 10+2 in 1992 from Central School Palampur, he got admitted in D.A.V. College, Chandigarh in B.Sc where he was adjudged the best N.C.C. Cadet (Air Wing) in two zones. He was selected and underwent a helicopter flight course for 40 days at the Pinjore flying club.

He was also selected for the 1994 Republic Day Parade at New Delhi. During his B.Sc. course in 1995, he got selected for the Merchant Navy in a foreign-based company (Hong Kong).However in the nick of time he dropped the idea of joining the Merchant Navy due to his patriotic zeal to serve the Nation. As a true son and soldier of the motherland, he decided to join the Indian Army as a Commissioned Officer. He got commissioned in June 1996 and he joined the IMA (Indian Military Academy) at Dehra Dun. After passing out in December 1997, he joined the Army as a Lieutenant of 13 JAK Rifles at Sopore, Jammu & Kashmir. Later he was sent for the Young Officer's Course at the Infantry School in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh where he secured Alpha grading for his overall performance.

Next, he attended a 35-day commando course at Belgaum, Karnataka in February-March 1999 where upon completion of the course, he was placed in Instructor's Grade.Reconnaissance for the capture of Point 5140. Sitting Left to Right: Lieutenant Vikram Batra, Major Vikas Vohra, Captain Chatterji and the CO of 13 JAK Rifles, Lieutenant Colonel Y.K. Joshi.Lt. Col. Y.K. Joshi, adding the third pip on Lieutenant Vikram Batra on his promotion to Captain after the battle for Point 5140. He was to win a posthumous PVC some days later in the battle for Point 4875.On 01 June 1999, his unit proceeded to the Kargil Sector on the eruption of a war-like situation in Kargil, Drass and Batalik sub-sectors from where he was sent along with his company on the first strategic and daring operation to recapture the first peak of utmost importance - Point 5140, which was at an altitude of 17,000 feet. Upon reaching Point 5140, leading a company of troops, he encountered the commander of the Pakistani-backed terrorists on radio. The enemy commander challenged him by saying, "Why have you come Shershah (his nick name), you will not go back."

Captain Batra, being the last person to back away from a fight, replied, "We shall see within one hour, who remains on the top." In a short while Captain Batra and his company of troops killed eight enemy soldiers and more importantly captured a heavy anti-aircraft machine gun, neutralising the advantageous peak. Re-capture of Point 5140 paved the way to the return of the rest of peaks and cleared the Srinagar-Leh highway which sat in motion of successes like capturing Point 5100, 4700 Junction, Three Pimples and the ultimate prize - Tiger Hill.After the capture of Point 5140, standing left to right: Captain Jamwal, Lt. Col. Y.K. Joshi, Captain Vikram Batra and Major Vikas Vohra. Sitting Left to Right: Major Gurpreet Singh and Captain Rajesh Adhau, the RMO. Soon after capturing Point 5140, he radioed his commanding officer and said jubilantly, "Yeh Dil Mange More!"

On the successful capture of the vital peak he was congratulated and graced by the Chief of Army Staff, General Ved Prakash Malik on telephone. After taking rest for 4 - 5 days he proceeded towards Point 4750, where he was challenged again by the enemy who said, "Shershah, nobody shall be left to lift your dead bodies," to which Captain Batra curtly replied, "Don't worry about us, Pray for your safety." He captured Point 4750 and hoisted the national flag. He also played a commendable role in the capture of Tiger Hill. He had dedicated himself and was determined for total victory.On 'Ledge' overlooking the 17 Jat objective of 'Whale Back' and their approach. An enemy snow-hut is in the background. Captain Vikram Batra was killed here, winning the Param Vir Chakra (PVC).

He volunteered himself for a third crucial operation of Point 4875 at an altitude of 17,000 feet, with a gradient of 80º. He attacked the peak along with his company and another led by Captain Anuj Nayyar, MVC. They gave the enemy a tough time, killed a number of enemy troops and re-captured the peak on 05 July 1999. The enemy counter-attacked the peak on 07 July 1999, but Captain Batra retaliated the counter-attack with vigour.

In the heat of the battle, one of his junior officers (Lieutenant Naveen) was seriously injured and Captain Batra immediately went to his rescue. Destiny however had something else in store for Captain Batra and during the rescue, he was hit by a bullet in the chest. With the words Jai Mata Di on his lips, the brave Captain fell down and was hit again in the waist by an artillery splinter. Before succumbing to his grievous injuries, this brave son of the motherland and a true lion of Bharat Mata killed another five enemy soldiers. A grateful nation applauds the Batra family. He fought with exceptional bravery and magnitude, which is rarely seen. He has set an example before the youth of our nation, which shall inspire generations to come.

In recognition of his gallant act, Point 4875 has now been renamed as Captain Vikram Batra Top and has received all credit to capturing this vital peak by his Commanding Officer, Colonel Y.K. Joshi, 13 JAK Rifles. For his sustained display of the most conspicuous personal bravery and junior leadership of the highest order in the face of the enemy, Captain Vikram Batra was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest medal for gallantry, posthumously. His father, Mr. G.L. Batra, received the award from the President of India, on behalf of his brave son.

JAI HIND!! JAI JAWAN!!

Sale of girls!

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041222/edit.htm#3

Sale of girls

The bitter truth about Himachal Pradesh THE issue of the reported sale of girls in the Transgiri area of Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh figured in the Assembly on Monday. The normal reaction of any responsible government to such reports will be to order an investigation and take appropriate action to check human trafficking, if any. However, while an official investigation is still in progress, the Chief Minister has refused to face the unpleasant reality. While not denying the occurrence of such incidents, he has called the report exaggerated. The State Commission for Women and the Sirmaur SP have confirmed that such shady transactions take place in the area. The disagreement is only on numbers. The matter, as Mr Virbhadra Singh has rightly emphasised, is very sensitive. It should not be used for scoring political points or to cause embarrassment to anyone.

Trafficking in girls is not unheard of in this region. In Punjab and Haryana men outnumber women. So brides are bought and brought from outside. In April last year mediapersons saw seven migrant girls lined up for sale in Maghania village in Budhlada subdivision of Punjab’s Mansa district. Again, in August last year there were reports of sale of girls in Ferozepur district and the Punjab State Human Rights Commission took a suo motu notice of the media reports for follow-up action.

Even if there are isolated incidents of girls being married to aged or mentally challenged persons in exchange of money, these are serious enough to warrant a thorough inquiry and preventive action. Such incidents are a blot on any civil society. Police action alone will not be enough. Since deals are struck with parents’ consent and girls are hardly in a position to protest, many such cases go unreported. A social awareness campaign needs to be launched with the help of NGOs. Since poverty is the root cause of such incidents in Sirmaur district, an over-all development of the area is required.

Para/hang Gliding in Himachal

http://www.pg-himachal.net/ www.paraglidingindia.net For those who don't know Billing India yet, it is considered by lot of pilots as being one of the best and safest flying sites in the world. Billing take-off is at an altitude of 2420 m ASL,1 000m AGL, making it a very easy-to-fly site.In Indian Himalayas conditions are superb for XC. Cloud bases up to 6000m, clear air space for miles, and incredible view of the highest mountain range on earth. Mix this with the friendliness and hospitality of the local people, and you have all the ingredients for an amazing paragliding trip . Not to mention an amazingly rich culture. Kullu and Kangra Valleys are similarly landscaped to the Alps but on a higher and bigger scale. There is unlimited potential for XC and out and returns. Cloud base can range from 2500m to 6000m, with the tree-line at 3200m. Thermals tend to range from 2-10 m/s. There are many spectacular peaks over 5000m.

Heli Skiing in Himachal

http://www.himachal.com/ http://www.himachal.com/files/skitouring.htm http://www.himachal.com/gallery/index.html

Rs 2,000-cr winter sport resort proposed

Tribune News Service

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041213/himachal.htm#3

Shimla, December 12The state government and the Himalayan Ski Village, owned by the Ford Motor Company, will be signing an MOU for the setting up of a Rs 2,000 crore integrated winter sport hill resort in Himachal.

“We are working out the modalities and a meeting will be held with the Union Tourism ministry officials in New Delhi next week, before the feasibility study is initiated,” said Mr John Robert Sim, who is here to attend the Himachal Tourism Conclave. He said though he was open to having his project either in Himachal or Uttranchal but if all goes well it would be located in HP. Mr Sim said the MoU with the state government would be signed next month so as to work out the future working relationship in principle before the huge investment is made. “What I am looking at is an international standard resort complete with a variety of hotels, parks, malls which are rooted in the Himalayan architecture style to give the traveller a unique experience,” he said. The resort would be located above the height of 8,000 feet and would require roughly an area of 100 hectares.

“I have extensively travelled within Himachal but we have yet to finalise the location of the resort though we have zeroed on different sites at Manali, Chansel in Rohru or in the Kangra valley,” he said. Mr Sim, who is already engaged in the tourism sector in West Bengal and diamond mining in Andhra Pradesh, says he would prefer having an air strip as well, provided the government gives the go ahead.

He says issues like access, snow cover and most importantly the local community welcome was essential. “We will be pro-active in being environmentally sound as well as ensuring that the resort products are socially responsible,” he emphasises.

The resort, he says, will have provision for both winter as well as summer sports and will showcase the art, culture, folk and festivals of the area. “To begin with we would want international ski events to be organised at the resort and later we are aiming for nothing less than the Olympics,” he says spelling out his ambitious plans.

Mr Sim feels that two areas where the government needs to work is improving the transport infrastructure and focus on quality constructions, which are in conformity with the hill architecture. “There has been a horrible construction sprawl which is neither aesthetic nor safe, so political will is required to discipline and stop this completely,” he said.

KANGRA SHAWLS

http://www.k2crafts.com/ K2Crafts is part of an exemplary project empowering women through social and economic capacity building.

A source for buying shawls in USA

http://www.toastandstrawberries.com/apparel_series4.htm

Presdient at Agri. Univ. in Palampur

Complete speech is on President's website

Himachalis in Amritsar!

Those who eat together, stay together. Himachalis eating a community meal at a wedding. — Photo by Rajiv Sharma

It’s a rendezvous with riches for these enterprising people Varinder Walia

Tribune News Service

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041209/aplus.htm#1

From the snow-smooched mountains of Himachal to the sun-kissed plains of Amritsar, it has been a long journey for Himachalis here. It was the search for the greener pastures that compelled many of them to leave the beautiful mountains of Kangra, Dalhousie, Chamba and Hamirpur and settle down in the holy city. It is believed that the first batch of the Himachalis arrived in Amritsar and adjoining Lahore (now capital of West Punjab) in 1904. The year 2004 is the year of the centenary celebrations of their settling down here.Though residents of the Kangra Colony, on Amritsar-Batala road, may be missing the fresh whiff of tea gardens of the picturesque Kangra valley, the scenic Dhauladhar mountains, the tingling aroma of pine forests, yet they do not seem to regret their decision to relocate here.

These Himachalis have done exceptionally well for themselves. When they came to the city, most of them were financially not-so-sound. But nowadays, more than 70 per cent palatial houses in the colony are owned by the Himachalis.Late Pt Brahm Dass of Hamirpur was the man behind the establishment of the Kangra Colony. No wonder, it is said that the people of the Kangra valley, who are renowned as hardy and courageous soldiers, have earned laurels wherever they have gone. They have brought the tranquility and the glory of the hill culture to the plains and added colour to the region.

Mr Kewal Krishan Sharma, President, Himachal Sudhar Sabha (HSS), is euphoric when he enlists achievements and contribution of the Himachalis. He claims that the number of Himachalis in Amritsar parliamentary constituency, which includes Batala, has crossed the figure of 2.50 lakh.

This includes about 90,000 voters in the Lok Sabha constituency.Mr Bhandari Lal Sharma, patron of the HSS, says the Amritsar North seat could not have been won by any party without the support of the Himachalis, who have at least 45,000 votes in this constituency. He says the Himachalis are well-settled now and they can field their candidate for the Lok Sabha and the assembly constituencies in the forthcoming elections. This may sound alarming for Akalis, who were instrumental in creating a separate Punjabi Suba with the single aim of remaining in power, say observers.

If Amritsar has earned fame for delicacies and its eating joints, the major contribution has been that of the Himachalis. Many shops of kulche-chhole, which have become a household name in other parts of the country, are owned by the Himachalis.Anant Ram Kulchianwala, a resident of Una, who arrived in Amritsar in 1915 and started selling kulche-chhole has established a string of shops, including those at the posh Lawrence Road and Chhatti Khuhi.These shops used to be visited by Dr Manmohan Singh (now Prime Minister). If the city gave prosperity to Anant Ram Kulchianwala, he, in turn, helped the Amritsari kulche-chhole and bund-chane to become a part of the Indian cuisine.

Not many know that Pt Udho Ram Sharma, father of the famous cricketer, Madanlal, hailed from Hamirpur district and came to Amritsar in 1928. He still runs a big halwai shop at the busy Lawrence Road. He says he is proud that his son was born here.Interestingly, most of the halwais, who have excelled in catering service, are from Himachal Pradesh. Those familiar with Amritsar must have relished the jalebis of Kattra Ahluwalia. The two brothers — Dina Nath and Gurdas Ram — who were in the age group of 11-13 years, started selling jalebis some 54 years ago. Beli Ram Munim of the Munim Sweets fame also hails from the mountainous state.

The family of late Krishan Chand Kalia, who started the Krishna Bakery, is from Himachal. Prem Nath Halwai, hailing from Hamirpur, is one of the most sought after halwais of Amritsar.Mr Bhandari Lal Sharma took this correspondent to a ramshackle dera (Gaza Nand) in the walled city, where “newcomers” looking for greener pastures, take shelter. Mr Sharma, one of the sons of the famous Anant Ram Kulchianwala, who is now a big marble dealer and property dealer, takes pride in the fact that he was born and brought up at the dera. The family, now, owns property worth crores.In fact, children of many Himachalis, who had come to the city without many resources at their disposal, have grown up to be eminent doctors, engineers and owners of big factories. Mr Sharma said that a former principal of the local medical college hailed from Himachal Pradesh.

The Himachalis have monopolised the newspaper business as well. Mr Beli Ram, who started his career as newspaper hawker in 1946, has now employed 450 hawkers. Mr Vijay and Mr Pradeep, both sons of Mr Beli Ram, say that they have the sole agencies of various newspapers and magazines published from metropolitan cities, including Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai.It goes to their credit that the Himachalis have not forgotten their roots. Some of them returned to their state after earning huge money, particularly when militancy was at its peak. Those permanently settled here still prefer to get their children married in Himachal Pradesh. Though they speak chaste Punjabi, yet they converse in Pahari when they are amongst themselves.Their rituals and culture can be seen during their marriages. The age-old folk songs can be heard at the time of ladies’ sangeet.

Bride and bridegrooms wear traditional outfits and ornaments on such auspicious occasions.The HSS, on its part, is not lagging behind in social work. The sabha has opened a few sewing centres, which provide free-of-cost training to needy women in Tandon Nagar and Indira Colony. The HSS also arranges marriages of daughters of widows and helps in providing free education to the needy.What is creditable, say observers, is that the Himachalis have been rated as the most peace-loving citizens and they hardly commit any crime, as crime statistics would bear it out.

They resolve disputes the panchayati way

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041209/aplus.htm#13 The Himachalis have brought to the city a unique tradition of settling family disputes. They have settled many disputes through their age-old panchayati system. Even elected sarpanches from Himachal are invited to help in resolving the cases. This tradition has already saved many families from being broken. The tradition has also saved huge money of the Himachalis that would otherwise have been wasted in courts.

MADAN LAL - GREAT CRICKETER

Amritsar’s Himachali World Cup hero

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041209/aplus.htm#2 Madhi Bhaa, as Madan Lal is fondly called, scored 10,204 runs with 22 hundreds, 50 half-centuries and a top score of 223. He is a proud Himachali, who was born in Amritsar. Madan Lal was a member of the famous World Cup winning team of 1983. He was also awarded the “Cricketer of the Year” award in 1976.For many years one of the leading utility players in the country, he proved his value to the team with his courageous middle-order batting and his nippy medium-pace bowling. He was useful both in Test cricket — as he proved while bowling India to victory over England at Mumbai in 1981 and by rescuing the country by scoring a gallant 74 against Pakistan at Bangalore in 1983 — and in the one-day game.He was one of the heroes of the 1983 World Cup and earned a name for himself by his spell of three quick wickets that dealt a crushing blow to the West Indies batting in the final.At the domestic level, he was both a prolific run-getter and regular wicket-taker, frequently rescuing his team from a bad start by taking some quick wickets. His all-round record in the Ranji Trophy — 5270 runs and 351 wickets — is one of the best in the national competitions. After retiring from cricket, he did a stint with the UAE team and the India ‘A’ as a coach, before being appointed India seniors coach during 1996-98.

Nishtha

http://nishtha.4t.com/MainFrame.htm Nishtha is a charitable trust situated in Sidhbari, a small village in the Himalayan foothills of the North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The main objective for which the Trust has been established is to work for the benefit and development of society as a whole by improving the welfare of families with particular focus on women and children. This objective is served through activities in the fields of health, education and environment.

Our approach is to work alongside the local people for our mutual development and benefit. In this fast moving world in which major changes in our cultural perspective creates conflict and confusion we aim to encourage dialogue and learning through acknowledging individual and group knowledge and desire to live in harmony with each other and nature. Our approach is holistic and our philosophy is based on an integrated approach that is inclusive of physical, social and spiritual growth of people and nature.

Nishtha's manager is Dr. Barbara Nath-Wisera general practitioner from Vienna, Austria who has been living in Sidhbari since 1984. The health centre is dedicated to the memory of her late husband Krishan Nath Baba, who was a respected spiritual personality in the area and was very concerned about the well-being of the local people.