Dr. Giri's Visit to the U.S.A. (Sep. - Oct. 2009)
My visit to the USA this time was a very exciting trip but also a very hectic one, more so as half of my journey I was in a great shoulder pain.
On 22nd September, Kerrin very kindly came to pick me from my hosts' house and drove me to the College of New Jersey where they had arranged the screening of the movie 'White Rainbow'. The Dean and the Heads of the Departments along with a curious and a lively bunch of students were present. A lot of enthusiasm was shown by the students towards the plight of the widows in our country. The dean promised to help us by sending us students here to volunteer and assist us in our services. Kerrin has promised to do the necessary tieups for us.
The college organized dinner as well, but I had to politely decline the offer as I was in great pain and knew of the hectic schedulethat was to follow the next day.
Shoba put me on the Amtrak train on the 23rd of September. The train ride from Princeton Junction to Harrisburg was a stretch of fall beauty with leaves turning from green to yellow to red. It was a breath taking view except for the sudden pain in the back shoulder which pierced and shook me whenever the train would shake. Shoba had very kindly bought the ticket for me.
Harrisburg, a very quaint station is the capital of Pennsylvania which is famous for the Hershey's chocolate factory, rolling mountains, green pastures - the abode of Lord Venkateshwara.
I got out of the station hoping to see the Limo driver but since I had a suitcase and I could not negotiate the stops I dragged myself in pain to the elevator and thereby I missed the Limo driver as he was waiting for me at the steps landing. I frantically phoned Carol (Eric's mother) and she assured me the car was waiting for me. Just as I finished calling, I found an elderly American gentleman coming towards me. A huge limosine equipped with water 7 drinks etc took me to Damsville where the Boker family lives. It was a two hour drive and my back was in a bad state.
Their house was very large and reminded me of Kashmir, except their house on the hill was surrounded by greenery and the entrance to the house had lovely colias - which were taken care of by John, Carol's husband and Eric's father.
The very exciting days followed. The programmes at the Bucknell University were organized by the "Women's and Gender Studies Program". On the 23rd evening, after a little rest in the afternoon we left for Eric's photo exhibition organized at the Arches Lounge. The exhibit "Widows of Vrindavan" photographic series were on display. It was an experience to see the widows of Vrindavan on the walls of an American University. It was followed by a lively discussion with the students.
Later that evening, there was a screening of Deepa Mehta's "Water" at 8:00 pm at the Gallery Theatre. This was followed by a discussion led by Professor Karline.
After a hectic day, I came back to our lovely hostesses' house and rested for the whole night.
Next day in the morning, I was scheduled to give a lecture to the Under Graduate class. I was driven down by Eric. The class consisted of about 35 students from various countries - youth at its best - with curiosity, enthusiasm and lots and lots of questions. The class lasted for about one hour and 45 minutes.
All these were programmes at the Bucknell University were co-sponsored by the University Lecturership Committee, the Samek Art Gallery, the Departments of Art and Art History, Religion and Political Science and the Centre for the Study of Race, Ethnicity and Gender.
The class finished at about 1:30 pm and Eric very kindly drove me to his home where I rested till 6pm and rushed back again to the college for my presentation on "Women Struggles"
My presentation was much appreciated and I spoke on various issues of Gender Equality, the role of women in the Indian National Movement, and the freedom movement.
A CD of the same was presented to me and we shall be showing it to the members at a later date.
After visiting these two universities, I rested at my daughter Amloo's place from where I even contacted the Michigan State University as they were very keen to have a series of lectures. I also visited the shop 'Kaboda' that buys our goods and enquired if they needed anything more. They told me that due to recession they hardly had any sale this season.
On the 23rd of October I flew to New York and was received by Supriya for the Hunger Project meeting. They had booked the Hotel Sheraton for me.
I hardly had any time as Ranjit had organized dinner for me at 7pm where I met several people. The next few days were hectic with continuous meetings and conferences at the Lighthouse looking the sea.
Ranjit's hospitality was tremendous and we were able to talk on various issues pertaining to the UN and the Guild of Service.
All in all it was a fruitful trip, both in terms of work and recreation.