We had a half-day ‘Inclusion retreat’  on 2nd  October, 2016 in Bangalore. Jaideep, Priyanka and I invited few guests and it was a close gathering of 9 of us with Deepa, Ajit, Ashwin & Bharat, and Madhumitha as participants and Sreepriya, Vinoth, Jaideep and myself as volunteers. We also had few people from the apartment complex walking by and spending some time as audience. All the guests were completely new to such programs and also our team. Yet, in-spite o... read full story

I traveled in 2nd class unreserved compartment in train while traveling back recently from Vipassana centre. This was like working out of my comfort zone of traveling alone, without a reserved seat, among so-called poor class. I was in a reflective mood; hence it was a thoughtful travel, which left me overwhelmed. In an over-full General compartment, I kept observing people around me - sad eyes, over-humble and adjusting attitude – which spoke of being subdued for many years. They seeme... read full story

On one dull weekend of 2013, I received a call for clowning at a hospital. I had recently requested Nivendra Uduman, a Servicespace connection, to inform me of any kindness activities, in the neighbourhood. I had no idea about ‘Clowning’ but it seemed new & exciting. So far, I had always felt like avoiding hospitals which appeared intimidating and depressing places. While all these apprehensions bubbled within me, I decided to go. At the hospital gate, I met the team. Brett Smit... read full story

On 20th January, 2013, at Bangalore Seva Café amazing ripples of kindness and love floated in the air. My friend Priti and I were greeted with huge smiles, hugs and warmth from other volunteers though we met them for first or second time. Later, Priti and I were part of decoration & hospitality team, bestowing the same experience on the guests who came in.   It was amazing, how a warm welcome could bring an immediate shift from a restricted, constrained ... read full story