A Chai Embrace

After coming in from the snow on a gloomy winter day, there is nothing better than getting cozy under a warm blanket with a hot beverage, the steam warming your face and the mug, your hands. There are a variety of hot beverages to choose from; hot cocoa, coffee, tea. Being married to an Indian man, our hot drink of choice is chai, which translates to ‘tea’ in Hindi, derived from the Mandarin word for

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Reflections on a Global Neighborhood

We live in a world that is continuously getting more and more connected, we are no longer confined to our own local community; our communities now transcend geographical boundaries. There is a global economy and culture, a global neighborhood. Events in one part of the world can have ripple effects across continents, emphasizing the interconnected nature of environmental, economic, political, and social systems. As a result, our actions and decisions have repercussions that go beyond

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From Our Hearts to Your Hands: The Story of Profugo’s Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives and the Lives They Impact

   Wayanad is a district in the north-east state of Kerala.  It’s a largely rural area, surrounded by national forests and wildlife refuges.  Though the region has gained traction as an ecotourism destination in recent years, the communities there remain largely undeveloped.  Agriculture is the backbone of the Wayanad economy.  According to one recent study, more than 90% of the residents there depend on agricultural activity to earn a living.      Farmers in Wayanad face

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2 years of walking with Profugo

Two years ago, I stumbled out of the Bangalore airport in the middle of the night.  Gilgy, my colleague and someone I now consider my brother, met me and we drove the ten hours back to Prasanthagiri village.  Upon arrival, we scaled the steep hill to my new home.  Gilgy trekked up with ease, even whilst holding my 50 pound suitcase on his head.  I, in my white sneakers, immediately slipped on the rocks and

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Profugo’s Organic Kitchen Garden 2.0!

For the past 6 years, Profugo’s Organic Kitchen Garden (OKG) has been providing a crucial program to support and empower local farmers. Marginal farmers in Wayanad face ongoing farming challenges, such as climate change, flooding, high input costs, poor productivity, and low market prices. In addition, many farmers still use pesticides, in spite of its detrimental health effects. We aim to create awareness surrounding organic farming and mobilize members at a community level. With monsoons

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