Four college students traveling to an unfamiliar place halfway around the world with no understanding of the indigenous language, Malayalam, might seem a bit nerve racking to some; but not to these travelers. We were willing to fully immerse ourselves in the Indian…
As a result of my new experience researching for Profugo’s Twitter posts, I now realize that I have never really had to focus on the dynamic changes occurring in the world. Living in the United States, which is a large and mostly English speaking…
The grass does not shine as bright green on our surrounding hills anymore. While some cold towns in the U.S. are buried by mountains of heavy white snow, here, in Prashanthagiri, a powerful hot sun hovers over the fields. Those dark green and brown…
I can hear voices in a strange tongue that is familiar to me. After a few moments I realize that all the voices are of women and I am in the midst of a women’s sanctuary: the kitchen. The fire from the ancient stove…
The first Malayalam word I learned when I arrived here in Kerala was namaskaram. It is a word used to greet others but has much more depth and meaning compared to an ordinary hello as would be said in the English language. The word…
Like a pest that just won’t go away, Diabetes has taken on the world with its brazenly insistent nature. This epidemic is in full force throughout India, where many cases are going undetected. Diets rich in starches such as polished white rice (a staple…
After inaugurating the Profugo Health &Wellness Program in October here in Prashanthagiri, much excitement and anticipation surrounded the November forum held on the 23rd. Over 60 community members participated in the event that was presented by Mrs. Nimisha James, B.Sc nurse, registered, and wife…
Our PDI’s community house was filled with fun, little giggles and loud laughter this past Saturday. We were celebrating Kerala’s Onam festivities with a day of games and entertainment for our community’s children. Onam is a long awaited Kerala holiday that commemorates the return of…
A new day, a new appreciation for the little things. I have now been in Wayanad for a month and time is flying by. Every evening I walk home to Vallat from the Profugo House and I listen attentively to the symphony of crickets…
Hello Friends, After a seemingly unending summer of monsoon rains, the sun has finally come out! This is a big sigh of relief for many in the community in Wayanad, India, including our field staff. Everyone is assessing the damage created by the rains,…