Half of the enjoyment reading Times of India is going through the classified matrimonial section where Indian parents place adverts for their children. Not to forget - divided according to caste (absolutely crazy).
AFFLUENT Hi-Status family seeks Beautiful, Educated, Cultured girl for the Highly Educated Intelligent Hi-Value GB NM Boy. 31/5’7 Salary US$ 6 Figure. Early marriage.
MATCH 4 Guar Brahim Veg. TT Boy 27/5’10/B.Tech/7LPA/MNC Hyderabad. Parents retired gazzetted offrs. Settled Gurgaon seeks B.Tech/BE/CA fair skin, working girl. Early marriage.
MARWARI Agarwal 37/5’8. Twice Divorcee Boy. Tea Planter, Real Estate, Fair Complexion. Require Educated, Intelligent, Business Background, Fair-looking Marwari Divorcee Girl.
Some however are a bit more “easy going” on the fair skin/caste issue..
HANDSOME Yayday boy M.S USA 30/5’11 working in USA. Visiting India Aug. Caste no bar.
PQM for Jain 25/5’5 NM Beatiful BE/MBA working girl. Status family. Father practicing Cardiologist.
Perhaps Match.com isn’t so bad after all…
söndag 23 augusti 2009
lördag 22 augusti 2009
Hurricane of thoughts
I must be the world's worst blogger.
Have had blog-thought-overload in my head the past few days and haven't been able to write a single word.
My apologies.
Sometimes there are just too many thoughts and ideas whirling around in my head, making it difficult for me to connect with planet earth and put it all down in words.
Hurricane of thoughts.
Plus some things are not meant for sharing to everyone. Even though I have a tendency not to live by that rule..
I think I am landing now. The storm is gentler and I can see the ground.
Have had blog-thought-overload in my head the past few days and haven't been able to write a single word.
My apologies.
Sometimes there are just too many thoughts and ideas whirling around in my head, making it difficult for me to connect with planet earth and put it all down in words.
Hurricane of thoughts.
Plus some things are not meant for sharing to everyone. Even though I have a tendency not to live by that rule..
I think I am landing now. The storm is gentler and I can see the ground.
torsdag 20 augusti 2009
Doing da Delhi
Back in Delhi. Feeling good (and properly clean for the first time in weeks..!)
Many things in the air right now. Have been busy writing and sketching ideas. Over heated in my head as well as outside. Well-needed and appreciated siesta this afternoon.
Now off to dinner with a friend of my father who is here for a conference with WHO. Will be fun to meet this man, hear all about what's going in the world of climate change as well as getting a Kiwi update (the man is Swedish but lives and works in New Zealand).
Lalala-later people!
tisdag 18 augusti 2009
Return to Delhi
Last day in Kancheepuram.
Went for a run this morning and almost threw up when I got back. Something with the air, food, heat here. I don't know, but I sure don't feel like a marathon runner anymore..
Will be sad to leave today, but am also looking forward to a proper hot shower, clean clothes and a big (although hard as always in India) bed. Not forgetting a weekend catching up with friends in Delhi!
Will most likely be back in the Hand in Hand village sooner than later. Many project ideas spinning in my head. More to come on that matter in the future...
Went for a run this morning and almost threw up when I got back. Something with the air, food, heat here. I don't know, but I sure don't feel like a marathon runner anymore..
Will be sad to leave today, but am also looking forward to a proper hot shower, clean clothes and a big (although hard as always in India) bed. Not forgetting a weekend catching up with friends in Delhi!
Will most likely be back in the Hand in Hand village sooner than later. Many project ideas spinning in my head. More to come on that matter in the future...
Auroville and back to Kancheepuram
After spending a lovely weekend in Pondicherry and celebrating Indian Independence day, I made a quick, one-night-stop in Auroville.
Can never keep myself from monkey business..
Indias new generation celebrating Ghandi and Independance Day
Auroville is a universal town where men and women of all countries aim to live in peace and progressive harmony, conscious of and researching into sustainable living and the future cultural, environmental, social and spiritual needs of mankind. I was planning to explore Auroville more but an exciting opportunity came up, making me change my plans and return to Delhi already tomorrow.
"the Canyon" created by Kireet in Auroville
Garden of Eden or Gaia's Garden, Auroville
Gustav, Ebba and I
Having still quite a bit to do for Hand in Hand, I made the close to three hour journey back to Kancheepuram in the traditional Indian Ambassador style last night.
Today I have visited and conducted interviews with several of the entrepreneurs stemming from the self-help groups managed by Hand in Hand. Focus of today’s visits was the so called Citizen Centers (computer/telecom centers) or amongst HiH employees, more commonly known as CCs.
The goal with the CCs is to offer entrepreneurs a microfinance loan that enable them to buy computer(s), printer, photocopying machines etc and create an income generating businesses as well as a venue where people come together and discuss important issues that will help increase transparency and awareness of the developmental works initiated by the local pantheist leaders (local Indian government).
After visiting several of the centers today. It is clear that it is a challenge and a half. The CCs we visited were most likely making some profit, however exactly how much was impossible to find out as the entrepreneurs had no idea themselves. When crunching them on figures they gave us answers that simply did not add up. No logbook was kept with amount of users or how much each user paid.
We eventually concluded that if they still existed after 1-2 years and were paying off the loan given to them by Hand in Hand – they must be making “some” profit.
Some of the centers were better managed than others; making use of the location being opposite a school and offering computer games, or if the centre was in area with many business offices and then offering photo, printing and copying services that are frequently sought for in India.
I am still gathering my data and will need even more before putting together a full case study. I have no doubt that the Citizen Centers carry huge potential but they need to be supported, controlled (by HiH?) and followed up in a structured way for the entrepreneurs to make them successful to their full extent.
Some of the services offered.
Great services but could do with some marketing skills..
Rue Dumas and naturally-the three Musketeers!
Can never keep myself from monkey business..
Indias new generation celebrating Ghandi and Independance Day
Auroville is a universal town where men and women of all countries aim to live in peace and progressive harmony, conscious of and researching into sustainable living and the future cultural, environmental, social and spiritual needs of mankind. I was planning to explore Auroville more but an exciting opportunity came up, making me change my plans and return to Delhi already tomorrow.
"the Canyon" created by Kireet in Auroville
Garden of Eden or Gaia's Garden, Auroville
Gustav, Ebba and I
Having still quite a bit to do for Hand in Hand, I made the close to three hour journey back to Kancheepuram in the traditional Indian Ambassador style last night.
Today I have visited and conducted interviews with several of the entrepreneurs stemming from the self-help groups managed by Hand in Hand. Focus of today’s visits was the so called Citizen Centers (computer/telecom centers) or amongst HiH employees, more commonly known as CCs.
The goal with the CCs is to offer entrepreneurs a microfinance loan that enable them to buy computer(s), printer, photocopying machines etc and create an income generating businesses as well as a venue where people come together and discuss important issues that will help increase transparency and awareness of the developmental works initiated by the local pantheist leaders (local Indian government).
After visiting several of the centers today. It is clear that it is a challenge and a half. The CCs we visited were most likely making some profit, however exactly how much was impossible to find out as the entrepreneurs had no idea themselves. When crunching them on figures they gave us answers that simply did not add up. No logbook was kept with amount of users or how much each user paid.
We eventually concluded that if they still existed after 1-2 years and were paying off the loan given to them by Hand in Hand – they must be making “some” profit.
Some of the centers were better managed than others; making use of the location being opposite a school and offering computer games, or if the centre was in area with many business offices and then offering photo, printing and copying services that are frequently sought for in India.
I am still gathering my data and will need even more before putting together a full case study. I have no doubt that the Citizen Centers carry huge potential but they need to be supported, controlled (by HiH?) and followed up in a structured way for the entrepreneurs to make them successful to their full extent.
Citizen Centre
Interview with Sathya, female entrepreneur
Some of the services offered.
Great services but could do with some marketing skills..
lördag 15 augusti 2009
The Pondicherry Musketeers
I have had the best weekend with my two new lovely friends, Ebba and Gustav,
Having only met the last week, we have now turned in to a great Musketeer trio - each and everyone of us having our defined role.
Gustav - the magic webmaster, photographer and midnight music radio channel
Ebba - the caring mother and sweetness itself, making sure that everyone has enough food and toilet paper..(!)
Kristina - the doer; ensuring drinks (includes dealing with Pondicherry big boss during Indian after hours for liquor) and ordering coffee (veeery strong and veeeery hot)
Will miss them a lot when we part today; they return to Kancheepuram and I continue to Auroville. Hopefully we will reunite back in the Hand in Hand village soon.
The Indians were pretty chocked when we checked in, 2 girls and 1 guy, all in the same room and one large bed..
Ready for Pondicherry by night
Gustav shaved off his beard into a moustache and played the character of a German in lederhosen for the night
The Lighthouse rooftop, Pondicherry
Good night from the Hand in Hand trio!
Having only met the last week, we have now turned in to a great Musketeer trio - each and everyone of us having our defined role.
Gustav - the magic webmaster, photographer and midnight music radio channel
Ebba - the caring mother and sweetness itself, making sure that everyone has enough food and toilet paper..(!)
Kristina - the doer; ensuring drinks (includes dealing with Pondicherry big boss during Indian after hours for liquor) and ordering coffee (veeery strong and veeeery hot)
Will miss them a lot when we part today; they return to Kancheepuram and I continue to Auroville. Hopefully we will reunite back in the Hand in Hand village soon.
The Indians were pretty chocked when we checked in, 2 girls and 1 guy, all in the same room and one large bed..
Ready for Pondicherry by night
Gustav shaved off his beard into a moustache and played the character of a German in lederhosen for the night
The Lighthouse rooftop, Pondicherry
Good night from the Hand in Hand trio!
fredag 14 augusti 2009
Hand in Hand, Kancheepuram
Kancheepuram (2 hrs south of Chennai) is the name of the village where Swedish NGO, Hand in Hand, has its main hub and where I have been hanging out the past week, absorbing everything there is to know about micro loans, women empowerment and child labour elimination.
For those of you who haven’t heard of the organisation, Hand in Hand is founded by Percy Barnevik (former CEO of ABB) and has been operating in Tamil Nadu (southern tip of India) since 1998. What started out as a small village project, has in just a few years, expanded into a global organisation (India, Afghanistan, South Africa) with over 22.000 employees and volunteers.
I contacted Hand in Hand (HiH) first thing upon my arrival in India. Knowing that I wanted to gain work experience with a NGO, I contacted MANY organizations, however HiH was the only one that after – ok, a lot of persistence from my side), invited me to visit the head office and the villages in which they operate in Tamil Nadu and do some case studies on the various programs that they run. Seems strange to me that it’ should be so difficult to volunteer. I mean that’s just it VOLUNTEER. I pay for my own travel and work for free. Of course once here in Tamil Nadu, HiH put me up with bed and board so I am very thankful!
But most of all I am thankful for the rich experiences and amazing impressions I am getting here. From the ever so beautiful and happy village children (whom many have been taken out of child labor and put in to school thanks to HiH), to the entrepreneurial skills and drive amongst traditionally unskilled and unenlightened rural Indian women, and last but not least the two lovely Swedish interns that I have gotten to know here, Ebba and Gustav. In fact the three of us are heading down to Pondicherry and Auroville for the weekend – but that is of course a different story all together..
By co-incidence I also met with HiH International Director, Leni Söderberg, who happened to be visiting over a few days. It turns out that it is indeed a very small world as over dinner when talking, it pops out that she is a friend of my boss (BTS CEO, Henrik Ekelund), whom she is having lunch this coming Sunday. Madness. Pure madness. There I am, in the middle of the nowhere fighting the heat and dust, having dinner with a few people I’ve just met and turns out that we already have friends in common. Small small world. Of course dinner turned in to a long spin of opportunities that perhaps I will be able to share with you in the future.. We shall see!
Pictures from the past few days!
Sheela recieved a micro loan and opened up a bakery - today very succesful with nine employees
For those of you who haven’t heard of the organisation, Hand in Hand is founded by Percy Barnevik (former CEO of ABB) and has been operating in Tamil Nadu (southern tip of India) since 1998. What started out as a small village project, has in just a few years, expanded into a global organisation (India, Afghanistan, South Africa) with over 22.000 employees and volunteers.
I contacted Hand in Hand (HiH) first thing upon my arrival in India. Knowing that I wanted to gain work experience with a NGO, I contacted MANY organizations, however HiH was the only one that after – ok, a lot of persistence from my side), invited me to visit the head office and the villages in which they operate in Tamil Nadu and do some case studies on the various programs that they run. Seems strange to me that it’ should be so difficult to volunteer. I mean that’s just it VOLUNTEER. I pay for my own travel and work for free. Of course once here in Tamil Nadu, HiH put me up with bed and board so I am very thankful!
But most of all I am thankful for the rich experiences and amazing impressions I am getting here. From the ever so beautiful and happy village children (whom many have been taken out of child labor and put in to school thanks to HiH), to the entrepreneurial skills and drive amongst traditionally unskilled and unenlightened rural Indian women, and last but not least the two lovely Swedish interns that I have gotten to know here, Ebba and Gustav. In fact the three of us are heading down to Pondicherry and Auroville for the weekend – but that is of course a different story all together..
By co-incidence I also met with HiH International Director, Leni Söderberg, who happened to be visiting over a few days. It turns out that it is indeed a very small world as over dinner when talking, it pops out that she is a friend of my boss (BTS CEO, Henrik Ekelund), whom she is having lunch this coming Sunday. Madness. Pure madness. There I am, in the middle of the nowhere fighting the heat and dust, having dinner with a few people I’ve just met and turns out that we already have friends in common. Small small world. Of course dinner turned in to a long spin of opportunities that perhaps I will be able to share with you in the future.. We shall see!
Pictures from the past few days!
Leaving Chennai (gladly..)
Hand in Hand's headquarters in Kancheepuram
First stop was visiting a resedential boys school, sponsored by HiH
Hyperactive children are tought yoga and meditation. Imagine a Western child sitting down like this during school hours? Don't think so. We may teach the Indians, but we also have plenty to learn from them..
Digital cameras are hugely popular
Sheela recieved a micro loan and opened up a bakery - today very succesful with nine employees
and yummy too!
HiH sponsors a 2 month tailor training for women between 18-30 yrs old
Tali -traditional south indian lunch
Training to become a beautician is also very popular amongst indian girls
fredag 7 augusti 2009
Me wants but no time..
I had all these great ideas and postings that I was planning to do today.
Being the time optimist that I am. Well.. I am not so optimistic anymore.
My colleague, Olof, is arriving for drinks any minute and then we are of for a lovely dinner with a big group of friends.
100% good night Delhi-delight dinner & drinks tonight!
torsdag 6 augusti 2009
Shaping up
My friend Linda has just come back after four weeks holiday in Sweden living the good life.
A little bit too much of the good life according to herself and her waist that apparently has expanded a bit over these weeks (not that I've noticed any of this).
Anyway.
Below you see evidence of Linda's serious attempt to get back in shape. This is what she calls "excercise".
Should I be concerned?
A little bit too much of the good life according to herself and her waist that apparently has expanded a bit over these weeks (not that I've noticed any of this).
Anyway.
Below you see evidence of Linda's serious attempt to get back in shape. This is what she calls "excercise".
Should I be concerned?
Swedish buns back in Delhi
Mail correspondance between Stina "the-Delhi-bun-baking-lady", Linda and I..
From: Stina Almroth [mailto:stinaalmroth@yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, August 06, 2009 5:18 Subject: Back in Delhi & BAKING Back in Gurgaon & baking
This is to let you know that I am back and ready to bake buns, cakes and breads when I am not working on my other business plans. Prices (attached) are still the same as in the spring.While I figure out some delivery system, you can always pick your baked goodies up at my place in Phase III in Gurgaon. If you are in Delhi, I do go to there often.
If you have friends and colleagues who may wish to try some Swedish home-baked buns, breads or cakes, please forward this email to them with a copy to me so I can add them to my mailing list for future updates.I look forward to baking for you, Stina TO ORDER, EMAIL: stinaalmroth@yahoo.com ; OR CALL: +91-98105 21347
From: Linda.Johansson@hm.com Linda.Johansson@hm.com
Subject: FW: Back in Delhi & BAKING Date: Thursday, August 6, 2009, 2:04 PM
Stina´s bread and cinnamon buns are amazing!
Worth trying and spread the word...
Linda
From: Kristina Elinder [mailto:kristina_elinder@yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, August 06, 2009 5:40 PMTo: Johansson Linda (INCOC)
Subject: FW: Back in Delhi & BAKING
Ok, so you think we need to fill up with MORE food??
Elsa's 24 around-the-clock-cooking is not enough for Linda lorangalady. I get it.
Najs.
FYI - steaming hot lasagna is waiting for you when you get home..
From: Stina Almroth [mailto:stinaalmroth@yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, August 06, 2009 5:18 Subject: Back in Delhi & BAKING Back in Gurgaon & baking
This is to let you know that I am back and ready to bake buns, cakes and breads when I am not working on my other business plans. Prices (attached) are still the same as in the spring.While I figure out some delivery system, you can always pick your baked goodies up at my place in Phase III in Gurgaon. If you are in Delhi, I do go to there often.
If you have friends and colleagues who may wish to try some Swedish home-baked buns, breads or cakes, please forward this email to them with a copy to me so I can add them to my mailing list for future updates.I look forward to baking for you, Stina TO ORDER, EMAIL: stinaalmroth@yahoo.com ; OR CALL: +91-98105 21347
From: Linda.Johansson@hm.com Linda.Johansson@hm.com
Subject: FW: Back in Delhi & BAKING Date: Thursday, August 6, 2009, 2:04 PM
Stina´s bread and cinnamon buns are amazing!
Worth trying and spread the word...
Linda
From: Kristina Elinder [mailto:kristina_elinder@yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, August 06, 2009 5:40 PMTo: Johansson Linda (INCOC)
Subject: FW: Back in Delhi & BAKING
Ok, so you think we need to fill up with MORE food??
Elsa's 24 around-the-clock-cooking is not enough for Linda lorangalady. I get it.
Najs.
FYI - steaming hot lasagna is waiting for you when you get home..
tisdag 4 augusti 2009
Words of Wisdom
Good morning!
I recently bought a book called "Wisdom, 365 thoughts from Indian Masters".
It's a wonderful book with beautiful pictures and a word of wisdom for each day.
Thought I'd start this morning by sharing the thought of the day, by Indian Nobel Prize winner in literature, Tagore:
August 5th
Wherever there is a touch of color, a note of a song,
grace in a form, this is our call to love.
- Rabindranath Tagore
With love,
k
Filth and food
Linda is back!
Hooraaay!!
Once she left for her first day in the office after four weeks of holiday, I am left alone in the house. Me, the computer, my coffee. Solo. Totalmente.
Actually this is not quite true as Elsa the maid is here, busy cooking in the kitchen.
Elsa should be called the cook instead of the maid. Because more than anything this is what she does. In fact I am prepared to take it as far as claiming that Elsa HATES to clean but LOVES to cook.
Sunday she came around (after several peaks from me that perhaps she should polish the windows, clean the bathroom etc before Madam Linda gets back). I know that being the "guest" in the house, I am not really in a position to tell her what to do, but I also know that she will hear it from Linda later anyway, so really - I'm doing her a favour.
Said and done.
Come Sunday and Elsa arrives. I greet her with a big smile. No returning that smile I tell you. I might as well had squeezed bitter lemon in to my mouth.
Elsa is looking very, very gloom. Four weeks (while Linda has been away) of happy cooking and experimenting with various culinary delights is now over.
Linda flew in this morning, showered, got dressed - Elsa swept the floors.
Linda leaves for the office -Elsa is back to cooking.
God knows our fridge is full of couscous, paner curry, aubergine paste, chicken, pita, donuts... How much can a fridge take??
We may be a little filthy in this house. But we are certainly not starving.
Hooraaay!!
Once she left for her first day in the office after four weeks of holiday, I am left alone in the house. Me, the computer, my coffee. Solo. Totalmente.
Actually this is not quite true as Elsa the maid is here, busy cooking in the kitchen.
Elsa should be called the cook instead of the maid. Because more than anything this is what she does. In fact I am prepared to take it as far as claiming that Elsa HATES to clean but LOVES to cook.
Sunday she came around (after several peaks from me that perhaps she should polish the windows, clean the bathroom etc before Madam Linda gets back). I know that being the "guest" in the house, I am not really in a position to tell her what to do, but I also know that she will hear it from Linda later anyway, so really - I'm doing her a favour.
Said and done.
Come Sunday and Elsa arrives. I greet her with a big smile. No returning that smile I tell you. I might as well had squeezed bitter lemon in to my mouth.
Elsa is looking very, very gloom. Four weeks (while Linda has been away) of happy cooking and experimenting with various culinary delights is now over.
Linda flew in this morning, showered, got dressed - Elsa swept the floors.
Linda leaves for the office -Elsa is back to cooking.
God knows our fridge is full of couscous, paner curry, aubergine paste, chicken, pita, donuts... How much can a fridge take??
We may be a little filthy in this house. But we are certainly not starving.
måndag 3 augusti 2009
To happiness, business & good health
Krazy k izza back in da buzinezzzz!
Just got home after a looong day in the heat. Within five minutes after stepping outside I was drenched - in my own sweat. My apologies for giving you those details, yet this is the sweet n' sweaty Delhi truth. Whatever thin slice of monsoon Delhi was served last week - it's definately gone now.
Monsoon rain is "shining" with its inexistence. At least that is what you would say in Swedish - regnet lyser med sin frånvaro.. All you Swedes out there know what I'm talking about!
I am in a very good mood, feeling happy and...oh, oh ok..I admit, slightly tipsy.
After ONE beer. And ONE beer only (as Indians would say - "only")!
Anyway..
Here are the reasons for happy:
1) Back and shoulders soooo much better. Only feel pain when waking up in the morning. For the rest - business as usual.
2) Speaking of business - received two of what can be percieved as positive/potentially positive answers from a couple of magazines today; Passion for Business and Omvärlden - two not so minor magazines in Sweden. Nothing 100% yet, but potentially my pitches could turn in to articles.
3) Continuing on the subject of business.. On Saturday I fly down to Goa to check out a friends business plan (for all your FOTC fans out there - you know what I'm talking about..). Continuing down south to Tamil Nadu where I've been invited to do a case study/writing project for HandinHand (Swedish NGO run by Percy Barnevik - former CEO for ABB).
4) Linda Johansson - H&M's Code of Conduct star and my lovely friend who has kindly let me stay in her apartment in Delhi all along whilst she has been on vacation in Sweden, is coming back tomorrow. She may not be as pleased about the fact that her holiday is over - but I am certainly looking forward to catching up with her!
5) My collegeue and friend, Olof, arrives on Wednesday for work. Plan to take him out and show him some good Delhi nightlife scene.
6) Soon enough September will be here when a dear, dear friend of mine, Tove Barnabo, comes to visit!! The India/Nepal tour that I'm planning includes the famous Swedish crayfish party in Mumbai, visit to Nepal and amazing Lamaguan with Dayan, Suresh and the rest, trekking in the Himalayas and tour of Delhi, Agra, Taj Mahal etc.
So here is to happiness, business & good health!
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