Calling Delhi's road transportation 'traffic' is somewhat of a misnomer - it's more like a vehicle scramble for any available tarmac. Like everywhere else in India, drivers of taxis, cars, rickshaws and bikes are blind to the existence of lane markings and mostly, to the existence of pedestrians. An Indian friend described it to me like this "In your country you drive on the left, in India we drive on what is left!" Read full article
I've visited three schools run by the JGI Group in India this week; the founder of these schools is Dr R. Chenraj Jain. An integral part of the Jain schools' philosophy is the development of the whole person and an intention to nurture in every student a love for learning, a strong sense of self esteem, personal integrity and a respectful, caring attitude towards others. Read full article
After three days of workshops at Kodaikanal International School, I received an unexpected invitation for a courtesy visit to Sholai School, located in a valley area 1000m below the Kodai hill station. My western-nurtured eyes saw a combination of paradise and hardship around me. Running the school looks like very hard work. All electricity comes from solar energy or micro hydro-energy; the school is also experimenting with the use of bio-fuel. Sholai School engages in organic farming and also runs its own dairy producing organic milk and cheese. Read full article
July 2010, I am in Kodaikanal, the highest hill station in southern India, (7000 feet above sea level). Kodaikanal is a town built around this amazing 100 year old school that features stone buildings, green lawns and spacious classrooms. It's situated in the Palani Hills of the Western Ghat mountains and has a year 'round beautiful temperate climate. Read full article
