Jony visited us, years ago in Mysore, and I’ve now returned to him a few times at his home in SW England in Hilpertin village, near Bath.
He’s become a good friend and a place of stimulating political, insightful and personally intimate (family, relationships, grief) conversations.
Amongst his many activities and interests, he’s about to publish a second book of great photos from his travels. Profits from his first were donated a few years ago to Kaliyuvamane school where Kaveri now attends.
I’ll not bore you with full details. But I have to apply for another business visa and my status in India is not secure as MAnjula died.
Next day visa issued. Now relax!
Travel again, to SW England, to visit Jony, Ruth and Sally
One for Kaveri. The pavement (sidewalk) is smooth enough for skating unlike in Mysore.
Later that day, outside Poppy’s flat
The three police cars with flashing lights have circled a woman pedestrian who’s lying on the road, injured after an accident with a two wheeler. Three police are directing the traffic, one is interviewing the two wheeler rider and two more are giving First Aid to the injured woman.
It’s all calm.
Everyone did as asked and all went smoothly.
I didn’t take photos of the immediate situation or hang around, out of respect.
For friends in India.
Occasional photos to show what it’s like in England.
Step one London.
Ben, Alice and Poppy live in north London
The roads are busy
First impressions on arriving on Thursday. Manjula realised how diverse London is on her first visit. The local shop near our friend Gina and Angus’s house was run by Punjabs
Here on Haringay Green lanes it’s residents include people from Poland, Turkey and Asia, including India.
Next: Shopping locally.
Forty young visually impaired women took to the streets of Mysore in celebration of the life of Manjula on her 49th birth anniversary.
On Manjula’s Fun Day, sighted guides acted as ‘pilots’ steering and pedalling a tandem (cycle made for two) with the visually impaired young women acting as ‘stokers’ pedalling behind, enjoying the wind in their faces, the passing sounds and the sense of movement, like flying.
It was the highlight of the day of activities, that included games, music, storytelling, singing, food, drinks, cakes and cookies.
Tushar of MyCycle Tours said: “We could tell from their oohs and aahs that the young women, without sight, were having great fun. It reminded me of when I first rode a bicycle – they felt a great sense of freedom.”
Yamunavva said: “I was scared in the beginning, but the fear left. I felt very happy.” Gowri added: “The cycling experience was so good and I felt so happy that I asked for another ride.”
It wasn’t just the young women who benefited from the fun-filled day. “I began to understand the strength and courage that these young women need to be able to face life’s challenges,” said Meghana from Manjula’s Mysore “They taught us the value of a positive can-do attitude.”
Stephen, Manjula’s husband added: “That was just like Manjula. Together we remembered and celebrated Manjula’s life, her strength and kindness. With her radiant presence and infectious smile, like the sun, she magically brought life and warmth to all she met.”
Check out our video of the day.
“What a day. We all left feeling that warmth,” said Sarvesh who organised the day on behalf of Manjula’s Mysore.
The day demonstrated how organisations can come together to make a difference. Businesses such as SAPA, Aroma and Mysore Bed and Breakfast providing the cookies, cakes and meals as responsible businesses. Local community and art organisations of Mysore Storyteller’s Network, Vishnu Sharma Company, Divya Jyothi Charitable Trust, Faizan Baksh and MyCycle Tours gave their services.
Manjula and Stephen were partners for nine years after setting up their business, fell in love and got married. Unlike these young women, Manjula could see but she had difficult times throughout her life. She had to believe in herself and seize opportunities to create the life she wanted. She shared her home and is now known throughout the world for welcoming international tourists to Mysore until her untimely death three years ago.
What shall we do next to do good in Manjula’s Memory, in the year she would have been fifty?
Next in August 2023 will be artists providing a day of creativity for 100 school children.
Guests are helping fund and making suggestions making contributions for future activities, for Manjula’s Mysore.
What do you think we should do?
Manjula adored her flowers.
She …..
…… would thread the garlands since a child to supplement any income.
…… Loved the jasmine growing on our roof and in the drive.
But she saved a special place in her heart for what’s locally called Brahma Kamla but strictly speaking it’s ‘queen of the night’.
She’d excitedly spot the new buds coming through and accurately predict which night it would blossom.
On that night we’d open the back door and be hit by the overpowering aroma. It would be gone by morning
After she died, four years ago, the flowers didn’t appear until this year. Sowbaghya spotted a bud. It’ll flower as we approach what would have been her 50th birthday.
The flower is now featured on a tattoo on my shoulder and in a portrait of Manjula in our upstairs hall (lounge).
Lady at corner shop complained about Kaveri not calling me uncle. Honestly it’s ok!
If only she knew what my granddaughter Poppy called me🤔🤭🫣
It’s been a gas.
A challenge.
Kaveri stayed with me, for the summer school holiday, almost two months. We were ably assisted by the wonderful Ilaria, our workawayer from Italy
The idea was to engage her with a whole series of activities to see which worked.
They all did
Our second time in 2023
It’s June and a new book has arrived for Manjula’s library. After over four years you’d think I’d stopped buying such books but far from it.
It’s another refreshing look at this challenging new life.
It reminds and reinforces that yes I could and should invite people to come share their stories.
If you get to the end of this posting and no 1 you’re still awake and 2 it resonates with you experiencing something similar and you might want to gain and provide support, then join our meeting.
This book is just the catalyst I’ve needed.
The first bit explains it well.
Here it is…
I’ve your interested please write directly or follow the link to yet another boring google form.
Stephen.
PS I’m about to go on holiday to the disunited kingdom so I’ll get in touch on my return probably not before September.
We piloted an idea to introduce young dynamic artists to children at Kaliyuvamane who remained at school during the summer holiday.
Young people doing fab things.
In August 2023 on what would have been Manjula’s 50th birthday, the artists will return to the school with all the young people there for a full day of creativity.
Who knows where it might lead
Footnote
Kaveri is now attending Kaliyuvamane and living there most of the year.
Me and MYCycle 