What's new ?
The Home-stay harvest
Since February 2009 when the first room was ready to receive visitors, until mid May 2010, we have had 109 visitors of different nationalities and ages who have all but one enjoyed the experience very much. So have the families, particularly the children. The four families have been able to earn 40 to 70% more than they normally do by providing accommodation and meals to their guests and, in addition, have repaid 18% of what was invested in their homes. We are therefore on track for full reimbursement in 5 years.
News of the association
The first meeting of the new committee of Friends of Orchha, India was held in Ganj on May 12, 2010. Dr. Anwar Jafri was elected President and the minimum annual membership fee for persons living in India was fixed at Rs. 50. We would like friends and well-wishers to register as members in India or with the international branch, if they live abroad. Please send us an e-mail if you wish to join.
Global Warming Demonstration
In response to the Awaaz initiative to draw attention to the urgent need for action on Global Warming and for firm commitments at the meeting in Copenhagen, we organised a demonstration in Orchha on September 21, 2009 with the members of our Youth Centre. Some of the practical ways of reducing carbon emissions suggested by our slogans were to use bio-gas as fuel in place of wood or dung cakes, to plant trees and to make bicycles one's favourite mode of transport.
Women's Day
The women of Ganj came together to celebrate Women's Day in the presence of the President of Orchha municipality who planted a sapling on the main road in Ganj. The women were able to talk to her and the other special guests about the problems their locality is facing concerning water supply and electricity and the importance of education for girls was stressed in all the speeches. Each of the special guests was presented with a picture of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, a woman of exceptional courage, who died in battle against the British during the mutiny of 1856.
