As has been said (by some of the individual bloggers that write here) many times in the past, we don’t always have the time to blog all the wonderful news tips, events, causes, new blogs, etc. that are sent to us via the tip line, email, or the top secret phone line. It isn’t that your tip/cause/event isn’t worthy, it’s just that there aren’t enough hours in the day to blog everything and still pursue a normal, blog-free life. In order to be worth crafting into a post in the first place, some items take a lot more research and individual interest than others. We all attempt to add some value to any item we post. We encourage you to use the News Tab and Events Tab as much as possible.
That being said, I did want to draw your attention to three recent “tips” that I didn’t want falling through the cracks:
1) The fellowship application deadline for Indicorps is fast approaching and I know there are many SM readers who would make perfect candidates:
Who: You! Indicorps seeks to engage the most talented young Indians from around the world on the frontlines of India’s most pressing challenges; in the process, we aim to nurture a new brand of socially conscious leaders with the character, knowledge, commitment, and vision to transform India and the world.Why Now: We are currently recruiting soon-to-be college graduates and professionals of Indian origin for our August 2008-2009 Fellowship. There are over 50 exciting community-based projects ranging from educating tribal youth in Maharashtra to increasing production of natural dye based products in Karnataka.
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p>2) There is a new blog worth checking out called Out Against Abuse. It is a forum dedicated to issues surrounding domestic abuse in the South Asian community:
Out against abuse is an online blog based forum created to bring together activists, volunteers, survivors, and members of the community to encourage the discussion of gender related abuse and how it affects the South Asian community. We hope through constant dialogue and collaboration we can all learn from each other and work to educate our community on how to end gender related violence in our homes and lives. [Link]
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p>3) Finally, The Kominas have a new album out titled, “Wild Nights in Guantanamo Bay.” Taz featured them in a post back in 2006. I hope they get on to the new Harold and Kumar movie soundtrack with that title:
This is the highly anticipated debut release of quite possibly the most popular Taqwacore band in existence. The CD was recorded with the band fresh off the first US Taqwacore tour. The CD includes old crowd favorites like “Suicide Bomb the Gap” and “Sharia Law in the USA,” but also includes newer songs with a more punk edge, like “Blow Shit Up.” [Link]
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p>Keep sending in the tips. We won’t be able to blog each one but we do read them all.
Indicorps is an incredible organization — Everyone I know who has done it talks about it as a transformative experience. What I respect about the group is that it is committed to working with the communities with whom they partner and not in a ‘charity’ style. It’s a fabulous way to be able to not only gain a deeper understanding of India, but also to help bring about sustainable, meaningful change, both in the motherland but also in oneself.
I second that. I’m still in India, having finished my fellowship in Jan07. Just yesterday, I came back from visiting the tribal community and organization I lived with for the entire 2007 year. I genuinely felt like I was going home when I visited. To see how excited they were to see me. People came from far off villages to meet me and some postponed their return home, in spite of the onset of the biggest festival in local tribal culture, Holi. This truly hit home what service is in life and the sort of leadership potential that lies in all of us. Whether thats social service, service to your parents, service to your friends or any of many forms of service in life. The experience alters your thinking, gives you a picture of reality in regards to India’s development and a more real perspective on the world we live in.
As a current fellow, I encourage everyone out there to look into Indicorps. It is a unique experience that allows you to serve India through innovative projects that cater directly to the needs of local populations. As Anjali said, the experience is a transformative one. The organization does a spectacular job in facilitating personal reflection and growth during your time in India. Additionally, the program does a great job of cultivating leadership skills and pushing fellows out of their comfort zone. If you want to be a changemaker in India, apply for a fellowship…you will not regret it.
Thanks for the post Abhi.
I encourage all of you to check out the website Out Against Abuse and offer your thoughts through the different discussion posts. Also, please feel free to email us at info@outagainstabuse.com if you have any questions, suggestions, or want to learn more about the blog forum!
I am interested in talking with some current & past fellows.
I have been investigating possibly PeaceCorp or IndiaCorp as an adventure/avenue career wise. I am a 20-something attorney in Houston TX. I am married to a non-Indian, and I was born in Canada to Indian born parents. I have a very limited understanding of Hindi (my parents were big into assimilation) and I am interested to hear about the application process and the projects & work.
Please feel free to email me at shells62682@hotmail.com. Thanks 🙂
Say no to Indicorps! It is a Gujurati organization that is non-secular and supports Hindutva (Vishwa Hindu Parishad). My friend got rejected by Indicorps because he didn’t graduate from an Ivy League
Say no to Indicorps! It is a Gujurati organization that promotes anti-secularism and Hindutva. Indicorps is part of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a radical Hindu organization. My friend got rejected because he didn’t attend an Ivy league school!