Graduation Ceremony!!

After the completion of the four week course on Understanding the Jamkjed method (I don't really like to call it a model because it's more of a methodology) we had a ceremony. For everyone here, at CRHP, I believe it was a bit of an emotional ceremony specifically because this was the first ceremony after the passing of Dr. Raj Arole, one of the founders of CRHP. Dr. Raj Arole passed away earlier this summer before the start of the program. It is so unfortunate that we did not have the privilege of meeting him.

His daughter, Dr. Shobha lead the ceremony. It was a moving ceremony where she gave us such encouraging words.  Dr. Shobha urged us to always remember the people first, to focus on being scholars, to use our brains and to not fall into the trap of academia. I must admit I felt so motivated and ready to face anything after her memorable speech. We each were called by name and given a garland, a scarf, a candle holder, and a certificate of completion.

This course will definitely help me define and finalize my place in health care!

~~~~~


Dr. Raj Arole Obituary

Aurangabad Weekend Trip - Part II

While I told you of my adventures on our Aurangabad Weekend Trip, I neglected to show you the beauty of the caves. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the weekend.

Enjoy the sights!!

Aurangabad Weekend Trip

On the first free weekend, two weeks ago, we decided to go to Aurangabad. We visited the Ellora caves, shopped a bit and also went to the silk factory. It was a great times overall with great food.

One of the most memorable moments was my "rickshaw incident!" Before I explain what happened, let me set the scene for you...

I personally think India is at the top of the list for the worst traffic ever! If you honk your horn, it serves as a warning to everyone near you and you can then proceed erratically into which ever lane of traffic you choose, regardless of the position of the other cars around you. The mentality is, you honked so they were all forewarned. Everywhere you go, every street you hit is just a constant mass of honking chaos twenty-four hours a day. That’s the problem - it never stops! People rarely follow street lights or traffic rules. So you are at an advantage if you are either in a rickshaw or a motor bike. Every tiny or big vehicle on the road is barely held together by pieces of welded metal and completely packed with people. The population and road conditions don't help either. I can't forget the motorbikes that ride straight down the sidewalk, honking for pedestrians to move out of the way! It's a definite mess.

Back to my rickshaw experience...

To return to the hotel we decided to take a rickshaw back. The group was separated into two different rickshaws. Keeping the traffic situation in mind... the two rickshaws were driving side by side and we were not moving so i started taking pictures from my rickshaw of the whole situation. We were literally in the middle of the intersection bumperto bumper. Since we were not moving, I decided to take a picture of the other group in the neighboring rickshaw. As I am taking my picture my rickshaw decides to move forward so my hand was caught in between the two rickshaws! My camera falls o the ground. If yo know me well enough my pictures are my prized possessions. Not the least bit concerned about my arm, I started to scream at the driver to either stop or pick up my camera. I was ready to jump out of the rickshaw to get my camera. I guess he understoond and gracefully leaned over to the floor and got the camera, handed it to me and said, "Please keep your hands inside Ma'am" lol! I sat back in my seat still in amazement at what just happened. Everyone else was asking about my arm.

This was a case of riding a roller coaster ride with out a seat belt! My hand/arm are fine, No need to worry about that. I can't believe I was that concerned about my camera. I didn't realize how meaning the pictures I have taken truly are to me.

Lesson learned. No more taking pictures in a moving rickshaw in India traffic. No more.

My Salwar Kameez

My journey proves to be one great experience after another. Remember I spoke of buying material for my Salwar Kameez? Well here is the end result. Can you believe it cost 5USD to make! I wore it to a wedding we were invited to.

What do you think?

More to come on the actual wedding I attended :)

For She's a Jolly Good Fellow

Last week, we gathered to celebrate and toast my cousin @PapparazziNady ("Nady") as she is going on a two month medical mission in India. The surprise, organized by her younger sister @Entelijan, was a great success. The Indian themed evening was simply perfect - culture, food, drink and great conversation. Who could ask for anything more?

Our honoree, Nady, was completely surprised and shocked to see the intimate group that had gathered to celebrate her success. She had absolutely no clue which made the surprise doubly enjoyable.

A bit of Indian culture was represented throughout the evening and especially in the decor. A Sari pattern was used to decorate various areas of the house. Upon the guest of honor's arrival, we were able to use pieces of the gorgeous fabric to make our own personal fashion statements. Some used their sari fabric as scarves, head wraps, belts and, oh yes, even bracelets. Nady and I wore ours as scarves.

As always, it's great to spend time with family and friends. It was especially entertaining spending time with her friends the lovely ladies of @HPDL. They are such a fun group and interesting conversationalists. For these tight groups to have kept the party tightly under wraps must have been so difficult. I know it was for me.

 It was an awesome evening filled with so much fun and laughter.  A celebration for a wonderful person truly deserving of only the best. While we will miss you terribly we are proud of you, Nady! Best of luck and best wishes for success in India. Show 'em what you've got!

Guest Post by: @Melis_B