Dear friends,
Extremist groups
You are probably aware that the groups of political extremist known as naxalites or maoist have been very active in several states of our country. Our state Jharkhand has also been facing the problem of extremism. One of the top leaders of the extremist group was killed in the encounter between the maoist and the police force in West Bengal. Since then the concerned states have been facing retaliatory attacks by the extremists. Only about a week ago 13 police men were killed by a very strong extremist group in the district of Garhwa (Jharkhand). Since then people of our region feel insecured and extremely frightened . People in the villages appreciate the idea of revolutionary change expected to take place but at the same time they are divided about their involvement in the struggle.
Support from Sweden
Under the circumstances we have been finding ways and means to implement our development projects. We are glad that JVV, our supporting organization, is extending its support and cooperation to us. We are thankful to our friends, Mrs. Inger Dejke, Mrs. Erni Friholt , Mr. Anders Dejke, Mr. Ola friholt and Mr. Markku Nykanen visited us as well as patiently listened to our problems and helped us in many ways to keep going ahead with our plans and projects. We presume that they will inform you about the progress made by Jagriti Vihara.
A small hospital
We hope that you are aware of our dependence on the advice and the opinions of the people we have been working with. As you know the hardships and problems of Dumaro village have been in the centre of our anxieties. The people of this village have been approaching us for finding possibilities to build a health care centre or a small hospital. Only a few months ago we had a visit of an old friend of Jagriti Vihara Mr. Amit Garg who has taken very keen interest in our effort to organize anti malaria camps in the villages. Mr. Garg who lives and works in the United States had been trying to collect money for the purpose of building a small hospital in the campus of Jagriti Vihara. He advised some of his American friends who have been working for the organization, Hospital for Hope, to visit Jagriti Vihara and prepare a plan to build a small hospital in response to the request of the people of Dumaro and Jobhia. The Executive Committee of Jagriti Vihara discussed the proposal patiently and thoroughly and finally decided to thankfully accept the offer of help from the American Organization, Hospital for Hope. Jayaji received an invitation from Seattle and San Francisco to visit the groups of persons interested in this new project of ours. As you know Jayaji was sick and was undergoing medical treatment in Sweden he was unable to accept the invitation. Considering the needs of the sick people of our area we very much wanted to cooperate with the American groups willing to support us. After thinking a lot the Executive Committee of Jagriti Vihara decided to send Rajesh Prashant to Seattle and San Francisco for two weeks. In response to the invitation received by Jagriti Vihara Rajesh Prashant visited Seattle and San Francisco and cooperated with the groups in raising funds required to carry out the plan. The construction of the hospital has already been started in Jagriti Vihara campus and the work is progressing well.
Water and Sanitation
Rajesh Prashant has participated in a seminar on "Water and Sanitation" which took place in Ranchi during the period between 16th and 21st of January 2012. The programme was organized by the Govt. of Jharkhand. In this seminar sanitation problems of the rural areas of Jharkhand were thoroughly discussed . A certain voluntary organization are trying to develop a project connected with the ecology and sanitation in the rural areas of Jharkhand.
With greetings,
Information group of Jagriti Vihara 26.01.2012
