2011 G R E A T L A K E S L E A D E R S H I P A C A D E M Y 2012

In February 2012, the Great Lakes Leadership Academy — Leadership Advancement Program (LAP) Cohort

III traveled 8,000 miles to spend two weeks of 95-degree weather in India to develop a global perspective on leadership for the common good. The

twenty-seven participants also included GLLA Director Vicki Pontz, coaches

Jerry Jennings and Brenda Allston-Mills, GLLA Board Member Ellen Kohler, and MSU CANR Study Abroad Programs

Assistant Director Dan Dutkiewicz, who served as our guide. The memories created, the knowledge gained, and the relationships that

developed between new friends will have a significant impact on members of

the Great Lakes Leadership Academy as we grow into true leaders who are focused on the common good for

Michigan, the United States, and the world. This document was put together by the cohort and includes photos and descriptions of our shared experiences

in India.

Cover photos by Michael McClellan

International Experience in India

“EACH OF US MUST BE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD”

MAHATMA GANDHI

SHANTI ASHRAM TNAU ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY

LAP IN INDIA

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We experienced India through

interactions with residents,

professors, students, and community

leaders involved in agriculture,

environment, natural resources,

economic development, education

and health care. Participants

traveled to both urban and rural

locations to engage in cultural,

academic and civic activities, and

learned how local practitioners in

agricultural development to early

childhood education work together

across sectoral, religious and socio-

economic differences.

Photos by Michael McClellan and

Christy Roman

Agra and the Taj Mahal.......................3

Tree Planting.........................................5

Madras Crocodile Bank.....................6

Youth Water Conservation...............7

Anamalai University............................8

Visit with Self-Help Groups..............9

Thillai Nadarajar Temple..................10

Yoga Session at Pondicherry...........11

Thiruvakkarai Tree Fossil Park.......12

Uzhavar Sandhai, Market.................13

TNAU e-Extension Centre............14

Pollachi Field Visit..............................15

Intro to Shanti Ashram....................16

Bala Shanti Kendra Visit...................17

Women-Led Enterprises.................18

Food Security Program....................19

Young Indians.....................................20

ASHA Immunization Clinic.............21

Panchayat Raj.....................................22

Women Impacted by HIV................23

Perur Temple......................................24

Inter-Faith Prayer...............................25

Shanti Ashram Gift Allocation........26

KIDS....................................................27

Screwpine Center.............................28

Kerala Backwater Boat Tour...........29

India Debrief/Final Check-Out......30

Fourteen Days

NEW DELHI AND AGRA

CHENNAI

CHIDAMBARAM

COIMBATORE

COCHIN

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“I believe that which separates action from inaction is not indifference. It is distance. May it fall away.” –James

Maskalyk, Six Months in Sudan (modified)

The quote above went through my mind several times as we traveled from New Delhi to Agra and the Taj Mahal.

The drive for me was very intense. To see the volume of garbage with people, cows, dogs, goats, chickens and pigs

living in it was a feeling I never want to forget.

I am sharing these feelings because I

believe the drive to Agra framed both my view of the Taj Mahal and my view of the entire trip. The Taj Mahal is a

masterpiece and yet I could not help but have conflicting feelings about its beauty and the ingenuity it took to

build it with what I saw on the drive.

When we arrived at the Taj Mahal we waited in a short line because we had paid a premium price for our tickets,

750 rupees ($14.00 dollars). While next to us was a long line of Indians waiting that had paid 25 rupees (.47 cents) for their tickets. The cohort had

a lot of discussion over the next few days of the trip about money, privilege and how it felt to move quickly into the

Taj Mahal while the majority of Indians had to wait.

Inside the Taj Mahal grounds a tour guide shared with the group about its architecture and history. The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahn, the Mogul

Emperor in memory of his third wife Mumtaz Mahal who died after giving birth to their fourteenth child.

According to historians building the mausoleum was the final request of his wife. The Taj Mahal was constructed

between 1631 A.D and 1653 A.D on the Yamsua River of white marble. It is estimated that over 20,000 laborers constructed the mausoleum. The

mausoleum is a part of a large complex of buildings and gardens.

In 1658 Shah Jahn was removed from the throne by his son and was imprisoned as a result of the damage to

the Mogul Empire because of his extravagant lifestyle. Shah Jahn lived the rest of his life imprisoned in the Agra Fort across the river from the Taj

Mahal. When he died he was buried at the Taj Mahal next to Mumtaz Mahal.

The four towers, minarets, one on each side of the Taj Mahal, appear to be standing vertical, but they actually lean

outwards. This engineering feature also provides protection to the Taj Mahal in the event of an earth quake because they are designed to fall away from the

Taj Mahal protecting the structure.

The inlay design used with precious

gems is a European technique called pietra dura. The design uses the principal of self replicating geography.

The interesting part of the pietra dura is that it is still being used in Indian architecture and many of the artists are direct descendants of the original

labors of the Taj Mahal.

The guide also noted several optical

illusions in the architecture. The Taj Mahal appeared to be moving further away from us or looked smaller in size.

The Taj Mahal was built to appear as if it was floating. The Taj Mahal was built to face the south and so the white marble appears to be different colors

depending on the time of day.

I feel my description cannot compare

with the incredible technology and design used in building the Taj Mahal. This was a once in a lifetime experience

and I was very thankful for the opportunity.

Christy Roman, photos by Michael McClellan

Agra and the Taj MahalFebruary 19, 2012

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TAJ MAHAL

“THE TAJ MAHAL IMMORTALIZES ONE MAN’S LOVE FOR HIS WIFE AND THE SPLENDOR OF AN ERA.”

– REZA POOTRAKUL

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TREE PLANTING AT CYCLONE THANE IMPACTED COMMUNITY

We planted the trees with survivors of Cyclone Thane, which ravaged their community in late December of 2011. Women gathered to tell us about their children and husbands, who had passed on as a result of Cyclone Thane. The community leader spoke about the lack of aide they’d received despite the severity of Cyclone Thane’s destruction, noting worldwide relief efforts for communities impacted by tsunamis and earthquakes less acutely destructive than Thane. Our time with this community was so short- too short to feel as though the women who came to talk about the cyclone, their lives before and after it, had been heard- too short to come to any resolve about how to help this community, which feels the impacts and losses afresh from Cyclone Thane today, halfway across the world. We were blessed with the opportunity to plant those trees as a tiny step in rebuilding the ecosystem destroyed by Thane and to share in the hope, resilience, and dedication of this community and its leadership.

Robin Clark, photos by Sandra Yu and Robin

February 20, 2012

In India, there is a tree for each individual in our group and each tree is labeled with our name. We had the great opportunity to plant these trees while traveling in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. It was an amazing experience, and a memory that will be forever cherished. This is yet another way that India will forever be in our hearts.

Andrea Boughton

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The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Center for HerpetologyFebruary 20, 2012

Established in 1976, the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Center for

Herpetology focuses on promoting conservation of habitat and educating to lead towards sustainable conservation. Started by Romulus Whitaker, the Crocodile Bank has built a gene bank of three species of Indian crocodiles for breeding, research, and veterinary work. They focus heavily on breeding

endangered animals. The Croc Bank currently contains crocodiles, turtles, tortoises, snakes, and lizard species. Currently there are 2,003 crocodiles at the Croc Bank. The Croc Bank collaborates with the Forest Department to

help reduce human crocodile conflict. When a villager spots a crocodile on their property, they will contact the Croc Bank or Forest Department, who will come and retrieve the animal. Due to their extensive emphasis on

education, human crocodile conflicts have reduced as fewer villagers are likely to attempt to kill or harm crocodiles themselves. All villagers surrounding Chennai are in some way involved in the Crocodile Bank. The Crocodile Bank has also trained volunteers as the Irula snake catchers. These snake catchers

used to collect and eat snakes and Romulus Whitaker trained them to capture snakes and collect their anti-venom. The volunteers are primarily international.

MADRAS CROCODILE BANK TRUST CENTRE FOR HERPETOLOGY, MAMALLAPURAM, TAMIL NADU, INDIA COLIN JAMES STEVENSON, DIRECTOR

Sonia Joseph Joshi, photos by Michael McClellan

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ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY CHIDAMBARAM YOUTH WATER PROGRAM

WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM PLEDGE1. I UNDERSTAND THE ILL EFFECTS OF WATER POLLUTION AND HENCE, I PLEDGE THAT HEREAFTER I

WILL NOT TOLERATE THE FACTORS CAUSING WATER POLLUTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

2. I WILL USE THE BASIC NEEDED QUANTITY OF WATER AND ALSO CREATE AWARENESS AMONG MY CLASSMATES ON THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER AND NEED FOR ITS CONSERVATION

3. I SWEAR TO UNDERTAKE RAINWATER HARVESTING STRUCTURES IN MY HOUSE AND PERSUADE MY VILLAGE PEOPLE FOR PROPER CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF RAINWATER HARVESTING IN THE VILLAGE IN GENERAL AND IN THEIR HOUSES IN PARTICULAR

4. I FURTHER PROMISE THAT I WILL USE WATER, JUDICIOUSLY BESIDES, TRY MY LEVEL BEST TO REDUCE THE EXHAUSTION AND COMPLETE AVOIDANCE OF PLASTICS. ALSO, I SHALL PLANT MORE TREES TO THE BEST POSSIBLE EXTENT WHICH WILL BE MY LITTLE PART IN REDUCING THE GLOBAL WARMING

5. I USE AND RECOMMEND OTHERS TO USE JUDICIOUS WAYS SO THAT TO ENSURE AVAILABILITY OF WATER TO MY FUTURE GENERATIONS

6. FINALLY, I STRONGLY TAKE AN OATH TO STRICTLY ADHERE TO THE WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES WHICH I COME TO KNOW THROUGH THIS WATER AWARENESS PROGRAM

February 21, 2012 Photos by Michael McClellan

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February 21, 2012

We had an opportunity to talk with and listen to Dr. Sundar as he explained his approach to leadership within the

Department of Agricultural Economics which is one of the 49 departments at the Anamalai University.

Dr. Sundar’s leadership focus is on providing high quality content-based education while ensuring that the

department and thus the students are connected to external resources that provide real experiences for the practical learning of content. The department’s learning

opportunities include traditional classes, e-learning, seminars, conferences, workshops, a focus on practical projects and research.

Dr. Sundar is very practical in his mission. He framed the question the department struggles with: “What can the department do to help make sustainable agriculture in India a reality?” He stressed to us that if the department, “could

help farmers to increase their income from one rupee to three rupees” this would be highly significant.

We also heard directly from undergraduate students sharing

their research projects with us. Their topics were female

infanticide, the realities of farmer suicides and the impact of urbanization on agriculture. Each of them clearly addressed the complexity of these issues in their setting. The

presentations were informative and comprehensive.

The female infanticide research project included a proposal for a research intervention for working with 6 schools (600 students) through a 4-stage process to see if education can

change student attitudes and beliefs related to the serious status quo thinking that sees girls as being considered useless and as an economic burden to the family.

All three of the student research projects were obviously very serious topics in India and these students were exploring them with academic integrity.

The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Anamalai University also spoke with us. His vision is for the university to produce graduating students of “very good quality and who are doing beneficial work for society.” His

advice to all of the students at Anamalai is to, “know your goal and plan strategies with stakeholders to achieve the goal.”

Jerry Jennings, photo by Michael McClellan

Voices of Leadership and Academic Study

at Anamalai Universty

“WHAT CAN THE DEPARTMENT DO TO HELP MAKE SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE IN INDIA A REALITY?” -DR. SUNDAR

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VIS IT WITH SELF-HELP GROUPS

FEBRUARY 21, 2012

B.S.P. FISH SEED FARM AND SWAMY NURSERY GARDEN

A BUSINESS TO TEACH LOCAL PEOPLE NATURAL RESOURCE RELATED TRADE/SKILLS, INCLUDING:

-BOWL AND PLATE MAKING FROM ARECA PALM LEAVES

-INDOOR AND OUTDOOR AQUACULTURE FACILITIES THAT RAISE DECORATIVE FISH

-GUPPIES, MOLLY'S, BLACK MOLLYS, SWORD TAILS

-ORGANIZING SALES TO LOCAL BUYERS AND EXPORTERS

-GARDENING OF COCONUTS AND ORNAMENTAL PLANTS

-RAINWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM THAT STORES RAINWATER FROM THE MONSOON SEASON THAT IS LATER UTILIZED FOR AQUACULTURE AND THEN FOR HORTICULTURE IRRIGATION

-MAT WEAVING

JEFF KALA, PHOTOS BY KEVIN BESEY

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The Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the town of Chidambaram, East-Central Tamil Nadu, South India. The temple is known as the foremost of all temples to

Saivites and has influenced worship architecture, sculpture and performance art for over two millennium. The place where the temple is located is the center point of world's magnetic equator. The temple has nine

gateways, and four of these have gateway towers each, seven storeys facing East, South , West and North they also signify the nine orifices in the human body. The

legend of the temple begins with Shiva strolling in the forest known as the Thillai Vanam. In the Thillai forests resided a group of sages who believed in the supremacy

of magic and that GOD can be controlled by rituals and magical words. Thousands of people come to pray and worship at this tempel from the region.

We observed the Natyanjali Dance Festival- dancers from across the country performed at the Temple to pay their respect to Lord Nataraja, who is also considered to be

the lord of dance.

Worship (Puja) is done 6 times in a day at the temple we were fortunate to experience the last puja of the day and is believed that the entire divine force of the universe

retires into the deity, when he retires for the night.

Amna Osman, text and photo

Thillai Natarajah TempleFebruary 21, 2012

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Yoga Session at PondicherryFebruary 22, 2012

Program participants had the

opportunity to attend a yoga session

led by a Guru while staying at the

Hotel Ocean Spray. We woke early in

the morning and gathered on the lawn

outside, surrounded by palm trees and

the risen sun. The Guru led us

through a wide variety of poses that

stretched our minds as well as our

bodies.

Robin Clark

photos by Jerry Jennings

“A CREATIVE PERSON IS A POSITIVE FORCE, A FORCE FOR PEACE” DR. M. ARAM

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THIRUVAKKARAI TREE FOSSIL PARK

THIRUVAKKARAI, NEAR PONDICHERRY, IS THE ONLY VILLAGE IN INDIA BEARING PETRIFIED TREES. WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WALK THE PATHS WITH DRS. JAGAN AND SUNDAR, WHO TALKED ABOUT THE PETRIFIED TREES, LOCAL AND NATIONAL EFFORTS TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE THE PARK, AND THE SMALL TEMPLE ON THE GROUNDS.

ROBIN CLARK, PHOTOS BY SONIA JOSEPH JOSHI

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Uzhavar Sandhai, Banana Market, and Flower MarketFebruary 23, 2012

Farmers MarketFarmers Markets are being sponsored by government to facilitate the small farmers to sell their fruits and vegetables directly to the consumers. There are more than 200 markets formed in urban and semi urban areas. This helps the producers and the consumers. 98% of the products are being sold retail and about 22% sold to whole sale buyers. A large variety of products are sold depending on the season.

Banana MarketThis is the only auction type market. It was only banana’s being sold here. Commission agents are organizing auction similar to whole sale markets.

Flower MarketAll types of commercial flowers are being sold in the flower market. Prices are being fixed by merchant/ traders based on the arrivals/ demand/ festivals. This changed 6 years ago from a buyer-set price type market. 10% of commission is being collected by producers.

Abbey Dorr, text and photos

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Dr. E. Vadivel, Project Officer e-

Extension & Precision Farming,

talked with the group about the

farming in India and the

development of farmer

associations. With the help of TNAU

and MSU, farmers have been able to

improve the quality of their

product, learn about marketing

techniques, and target the

international markets. The net

income for farmers has increased

due to increased knowledge and by

partnering with others that are

selling like products. A larger group

has a larger voice in developing

policies, finding markets, and getting

better prices.

One example of TNAU helping the

farmers is by training banana

farmers about growing and

preparing their commodity for

market. The farmers are making use

of technology and education. The

quality of the bananas has improved

in uniformity and bugs/diseases have

lessened due to using a different

technique for bagging the bananas.

Dr. E. Vadivel explained the other

farmer associations and how they

have helped the farmers. We learned

about the Flower Producers

Association, Ayakudi Guava

Growers Association, Betel

Growers Association, and the

Pollachi Pandal Vegetable Growers

Assocation.

For each of these associations, the

doctor discussed how many farmers

are involved and how the prices are

set (many are set “fixed” by the

association). For the Flower

Producers Association, farmers do

not receive a commission and they

harvest multiple times in one day,

making 7-8 trips a day from the

farm to the market.

Precision farming was another topic

of discussion while we were at the

e-Extension Centre. The Centre

implemented this project to train

farmers and empower them to be

more technical and economical.

Water, fertilizer, and pesticides are

measured, and with the help of

TNAU, farmers are using a location

specific, field specific and crop

specific approach.

The one problem that the Centre is

running into is dispersing the

training. Men attend the training, but

then they do not return to the

fields. Women never attend the

training.

Andrea Boughton

Photos by Sandra Yu

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University e-Extension CentreFebruary 23, 2012

“EXAMPLE IS LEADERSHIP.” ALBERT SCHWEITZER

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POLLACHI F IELD VIS IT: WOMEN ROSEMARY GROWERS

ASSOCIATION

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

AT THE TOP OF A MOUNTAIN, WE VISITED WITH THE WOMEN'S ROSEMARY GROWER'S ASSOCATION. A GROUP OF LADIES BEGAN THE ASSOCIATION AND FOUND A WAY TO IMPROVE THEIR STATE OF LIFE. THEY HAVE AN ESSENTIAL OIL EXTRACTION FACILITY RIGHT ON THEIR SIGHT THAT WAS ESTABLISHED IN MARCH OF 2006. THE GLLA GROUP HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO BRIEFLY MEET WITH THE LADIES AND LEARN ABOUT THEIR ASSOCIATION. IT WAS NICE TO EXPLORE THE AREA AS THE GROUP WALKED OUT TO WHERE THE ROSEMARY IS PROCESSED.

ANDREA BOUGHTON,

PHOTOS BY ANDREA BOUGHTON AND ROBIN CLARK

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Introduction to Shanti AshramFebruary 24, 2012

A beautiful 40 minute drive from our hotel - mountains in the distance to arrive at Shanti Ashram. From the moment we arrived you can feel the respect, trust

and deep relationship that has been forged with Dan for years and Vicki in her recent visit. I write rough notes as we continue our rich full days. At Shanti Ashram we arrive and gather for a beautiful interfaith prayer - glorious voices rising together intermingled with individual voices sharing Gandhian ideas and

diverse interfaith prayer and thoughts. Shanti Ashram staff provided a warm, open, fully informative introduction, orientation and welcome to our group. I have a sense our time here will be very rewarding and impactful.

We then moved to the big hall (as there is a power shortage in Tamil Nadu and the big hall has a source of uninterrupted power) for a more in depth understanding of how Shanti Ashram came to be. We were introduced to the

Gandhian concept of sarvodaya; of lifting the whole of human society to the highest level of existence. Gandhi coined this term from the Sanskrit roots sarva (all) and udaya (uplift) - "The uplift of all." Dr. Aram, a leading member of the peace movement (I'll have to learn more as I write this, I cannot capture all that

this man has done and meant for so many people), founded Shanti Ashram and his wife and daughter play pivotal roles. His daughter, Dr. Kezevino, serves in the role of director.  Clearly the staff have deep respect for each other, their

capabilities and their work. The idea of evolutionary leadership plays a key role in the work and vision of Shanti Ashram - as leaders we evolve (thank you GLLA) and that at the same time the community continues to benefit.

Lisa Brush, photos by Andrea Boughton

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BALA SHANTI KENDRA VIS IT

FEBRUARY 24, 2012

The Bala Shanti program was started 15 years ago.  It reaches hundreds of rural children.  As a result of the program, the school enrollment rate of Perur Block as well as childhood development indicators are higher than the national average.  We visited two schools -- one that was only a week old and one that had been established for five years.  The schools follow a Montessori framework and work with children ages 3 to 5 years old.  At the age of five, the children are eligible to attend public schools.  

In addition to standard educational opportunities, the schools serve as a locus for other programs that reach the entire family and village, such as childhood immunization; nutrition education and supplementation; and personal savings education (supported with individual savings banks).  We learned that it costs Shanti Ashram $5000 to start a new school and $1000 to continue operating the school each year.  Shanti Ashram works with local contacts and interested parents to identify opportunities for the establishment of new schools.

ELLEN KOHLER, PHOTOS BY JEFF SANDBORN

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WOMEN-LED ENTERPRISES

Shanti Ashram is using Women’s Self Help Groups to act as a catalyst for the adoption of eco-friendly technologies at the village level. This project promoted the use of locally available

low-cost technologies like smokeless chulha’s, solar cookers and solar lanterns. The Women’s Self Help Group members were trained in the construction and installation of smokeless chulhas, solar lanterns and solar cookers. This

initiative links poverty reduction and health to environmental issues for a reduced carbon emission.

The conventional method of cooking requires about 8 kgs of firewood to cook food for a family of five. The introduction of smokeless chulhas reduces firewood consumption by

almost half. This saves about $27 (USD) per month, per family. Similarly the use of solar lanterns and solar cookers will reduce the use of kerosene in the households saving about $10 (USD) per month per family.

Christy Roman, photos by Michael McClellan

Rural Women of Perur Impacting Climate ChangeFebruary 24, 2012

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Food Security and its Dimensions, presented by Dr. SR Subramanian.

Food security exists when all people at all times have

physical and economical access to efficient food to meet their dietary needs and food preference for an active healthy life.

The key factors of food security are food production, access

to food and proper absorption of food. India has the second largest population in the world with 30 Million people living in hunger. Approximately 46% of Indian children are

undernourished.

The Public Distribution Centers were initiated by the British government in 1939. The Food Corporation was established

in 1965 as a result of the food act of 1964. One of the objectives of this program is to provide public distribution of food at an affordable price.

The challenges of the current public distribution system are

that 58% of the subsidized food grains do not reach families below the poverty level. In addition 43% of the people below the poverty line do not have Public Distribution cards

and cannot afford to pay for the food offered through the Food Distribution System. Women have to pay for subsidized commodities up front each month, which presents a financial

obstacle for running the distribution centers. Most women have to take out private loans at 60% interest at the beginning of each month to pay for the their food.

Dr. Aram shared that the solution to a macro problem must come from the micro level. As a result Shanti

Ashram and Michigan State University partnered to use the structure of the Women’s Self Help

Groups to address this problem. Shanti Ashram currently supports 40

women-led public food distribution centers. The food items are sold at the original government subsidized price. However, the financial benefit the government provides to its

own shops is replaced by a loan for working capital. Replacing the high interest loans with loans from Shanti Ashram made their enterprises more viable and prevents them from paying exorbitant interest to local money lenders.

Many statistics were used during this presentation, but it was noted that India currently has no formal system to track people, like social security numbers. So statistics vary. There

are other variables, such as population calculations because many babies are born in homes and not in hospitals. The Indian government is currently trying to develop a method

to track the population.

Christy Roman, photo by Michael McClellan

Food Security Program, Shanti AshramFebruary 25, 2012

“THE SOLUTION TO A MACRO PROBLEM MUST COME FROM THE MICRO LEVEL” DR. M. ARAM

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February 26, 2012

The days continue to fly by each one

12-15 hour days full of tremendously

rich presentations, interactions and

amazing places. At last I’ve caught

up in my writing and get back to

today. We headed off to meet with

business people of India – a

wonderful, breezy, open-air setting

on a porch with stimulating

conversation and delicious food. I

spoke with the head of the business

school, a woman in that position for

the last five years; a retired energy

global CFO – talking about America,

our place in the world and our

future. I also talked with several

entrepreneurs – IT, web platforms,

vehicle weight and tracking

automation – and professor of

agronomy among others. We then

headed out for an engaging session at

the Confederation of Indian

Industries with the Young Indians

(yionline.org) followed by one with

business people 10 – 20 years their

senior. YI folks an incredibly

thoughtful group talking about how

to bring the entire country along and

how to have wealth accumulation

happen in a socially responsible

context. Other thoughts I capture

briefly as I listen and take notes: “It’s

not a responsibility, it’s an

opportunity – it’s not about a single

business, an industry, a business

owner, it’s about the nation.” “While

we may be living in comfort and with

certain privileges we know that there

is another Indian in need.” And then

some of the lessons learned from the

entrepreneurs who now have

significant experience: “Manage your

dreams. Balance your dream with the

resources you can mobilize.” “When

do you professionalize – don’t seek

or get comfortable with a comfort

zone.” “You can’t do it all yourself. Be

flexible.” “No business can NOT be

touched by worldwide events.”

“Finding the right talent – senior,

middle and fresh is key. Employ the

unemployable.” “In your first ten

years you are growing your base.”

“How knowledgeable you are gives

you an edge.” “Financing from banks–

problem is that being based on track

record or collateral is not ideal. It’s

typically been a problem and that

system is starting to change.” “Vision

and targets might be very personal.

You need to set it up in a way that

will be exciting for everyone you

want to bring along. That vision must

be exciting and authentic.”

Lisa Brush

Photos by Michael McClellan

Discussions with Young Indians: how can we use these relationships to further the common good?

“NO BUSINESS CAN NOT BE TOUCHED BY WORLDWIDE EVENTS”

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FEBRUARY 27, 2012

AS PART OF SHANTI ASHRAM’S COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAM, ASHA HAS PIONEERED A SUCCESSFUL IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM BY SEEING THE SERVICE VILLAGE AS THE UNIT AND ESTABLISHING A COLLABORATIVE FRAMEWORK OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS, COMMUNITY LEADERS, AND CHILDREN THEMSELVES AS STAKEHOLDERS. ASHA AIMS TO IMPROVE THE IMMUNIZATION STATUS OF EACH SERVICE VILLAGE TO 100%, WHERE EVERY CHILD IS IMMUNIZED ADEQUATELY FOR THEIR AGE. ASHA IS A GLOBAL COLLABORATIVE, WITH PARTNERS AT THE MASONIC MEDICAL CENTRE FOR CHILDREN, MICHIGAN STATE

UNIVERSITY, GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTHCARE CENTRES, AND THE SCHOOL OF NURSING IN COIMBATORE. THE GROUP ATTENDED A MMR IMMUNIZATION CLINIC AT A COIMBATORE HIGH SCHOOL AND HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK WITH SHANTI ASHRAM STAFF, HEALTH CARE WORKERS, COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP INCLUDING TEACHING STAFF, AND THE CHILDREN PARTICIPATING IN THE IMMUNIZATION CLINIC.

ROBIN CLARK, PHOTOS BY ANDREA BOUGHTON

ASHA MMR IMMUNIZATION CLINIC

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Presenter: Thiru S. Panneerselvam

Presently has trained 2,500 elected representatives

and is now facilitating the Child Friendly Panchayat

Initiative, supported by UNICEF.

What is the Panchayat Raj?

System of Self Governance

“Panch” means five; denotes a body of persons whom

the people reposed their confidence for a “just”

settlement of inter-village disputes.

The Panchayat Raj in Tamil Nadu goes back 2-3,000

years.

The Traditional Structure

Elected by the people

1941 collapse after British Control

1947 freedom from the British

1958 Revival of Panchayat

1992 Panchayat as a National subject with additional

powers

1992 73rd Amendment

Panchayat as the Institution of Self Governance

3 tier system

Gram-Sabha (Village Parliament)

Direct Election Consensus Vote

Impacts

Improved infrastructure improvements – Roads,

water, street lights, community hall

Improvement in sanitation

Emerging leaders and new leadership

Women as a larger part of leadership

Panchayat Raj and its Special InstitutionsFebruary 27, 2012

“MANAGEMENT IS DOING THINGS RIGHT; LEADERSHIP IS DOING THE RIGHT THINGS” PETER DRUCKER

Dave Carpenter, photos by Andrea Boughton

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Late in the afternoon the LAP III cohort engaged in a dialogue with women and children living with HIV/AIDS. Learning about life with HIV/AIDS through firsthand accounts served to provide a greater understanding of the diseases and its impact. For those living with the disease family and social links stood out as being the most important supplement to treatment.  Having a family network that accepts, understands, and is able to help throughout treatment enriches the lives of the affected women and children. Chris Sadler

MOTHERS AND GRANDMOTHERS L IV ING WITH HIV/AIDS

February 27, 2012

We returned to Shanti Ashram (from a village on the edge of the Western Ghat Mountains to visit a women's self-help group - truly inspiring! and the head of a village panchayat) to a place teeming with people. As it was a Saturday as well as a time for the monthly HIV support group gathering, there were young folks and women of all ages about. We all enjoyed lunch and staccato conversations - the easy ones we could all understand: What's your name? Your ages? Brothers and sisters? Beyond that the communication relies on smiles and gestures. We then had an informative presentation on Panchayats to ground us in a more formal understanding of their structure. From there we moved downstairs to an incredibly open, frank, honest and moving interaction with the HIV support group - mothers (most infected), children (many infected) and grandmothers (most not infected, but are the caretakers as their children have died of HIV/AIDS and they are left to care for their grandchildren): a deeply feeling and humanly inspiring interaction. The session together (GLLA and the support group) was set up as a place for conversation. It started with them sharing their stories - of grandmothers scared about what will happen to their grandchildren; of the women shunned for their disease; of losing their husbands to the disease and not knowing of what they died until they and their children were diagnosed. The space was such that some of the children shared things about their being scared to share with their classmates when or why they felt ill, to Shanti Ashram folks saying that some of these women haven't shared the depth of these stories before. We all expressed our deep acceptance, love and admiration of their courage in not only dealing with the virus, but in sharing with us, as well as in seeking support through the group. There are so many affirmations for me that we as a people need each other. We won't be able to tackle the pressing issues we face as a society unless we embrace the side of ourselves that we all have for compassion, connection and cooperation.

Lisa Brush, photos by Sandra Yu, Michael McClellan, Jeff Sandborn

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Perur TempleFebruary 27, 2012

This afternoon / early eve we had a very special tour of a nearby

temple by a priest who also works on HIV/AIDS awareness. Shanti

Ashram has an intimate relationship with the temple. As a result we

were allowed into two of the inner sanctum santorums and given

the special blessing with ash and sandalwood. A thousand year old

temple, the sacredness radiates from the walls. (A note to remember

the white circle painting on the ceiling with the spirit who follows

you no matter from which angle you view it. Very amazing.)

Lisa Brush, photos by Andrea Boughton

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INTER-FAITH PRAYER

SHANTI ASHRAM

FEBRUARY 28, 2012

WE GATHERED WITH THE STAFF OF SHANTI ASHRAM AND SAT IN A LARGE CIRCLE ON MATS, WHICH ARE ROLLED OUT EACH DAY FOR INTERFAITH PRAYER. WE CLOSED OUR EYES, BOWED OUR HEADS, OR OTHERWISE OPENED OUR MINDS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PRAYER. THIS WASN’T A SINGLE PRAYER, BUT AN EBB AND FLOW OF PRAYER FROM DIFFERENT FAITHS AND DIFFERENT VOICES IN THE ROOM, EACH WITH AMPLE SPACE AND TIME TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMON PURPOSE OF PURSUING AND ACKNOWLEDGING PEACE. THE PRAYERS INCLUDED SONGS, THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND MOVING OF WHICH WAS SHARED BY DR. S. R. SUBRAMANIAN. QUOTES FROM MAHATMA GANDHI AND BIBLE PASSAGES WERE READ. FOLKS WITHIN THE GLLA CREW CONTRIBUTED SOME OF THOSE READINGS AND SONGS, WHICH WERE SUNG BY INDIAN AND AMERICAN VOICES ALIKE. AT THE END OF THE PRAYERS, WE SHARED SILENCE. THE TIME AND SPACE THAT THE STAFF AT SHANTI ASHRAM CREATE DAILY FOR INTERFAITH PRAYER IS AN INSPIRATION AND SERVES AS A PROFOUND REMINDER OF THE POSSIBILITIES AND DUTIES SHARED BY HUMAN-BEINGS.

DAVE CARPENTER AND ROBIN CLARK, PHOTOS BY SANDRA YU

“I SUPPOSE LEADERSHIP AT ONE TIME MEANT MUSCLES; BUT TODAY IT MEANS GETTING ALONG WITH PEOPLE” MAHATMA GANDHI

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Shanti Ashram Gift AllocationFebruary 28, 2012

It seemed unreal that it was already "decision time" as we sat

in the upstairs room with our group and the representatives

from Shanti, with the fans moving the warm India air, these

representatives who had became friends and will forever be

part of our lives and memories just days before we had never

met seemed surreal. Sipping our water, this scarce water, and

the amazing tea and cookies we realize how lucky we really

are in the world and how wasteful our lives are. It is hard to

fathom that it is snowing at this moment in Michigan and that

soon we will be returning to our normal routines, yet be

forever changed by this country, these people.... The slap in the

face of reality and home has already started.

Two years ago our GLLA group may have debated at length

just where we should put our support, today it seemed we all

realized that any decision would make such a profound impact

here, we all knew it was far greater a decision than each

person individually, my how we have grown.

We all sensed the emotion of the moment...not just in the

decision, but the reality of the trip. As Luke opened his mouth

to speak, in a way only Luke can, the room is captivated. He

states that, " We don't have a leader in the group, we are all

leaders in training.... But today I will represent the group...."

He goes on and eloquently tells the group how much our time

with them has made an impression, knowing that there aren't

words for the change we are all feeling in ourselves. As we go

through the options he makes a statement to the room that is

powerful..."Is there something that is on your hearts that we

did not discuss yet today..." a beautiful way to ensure all

options are on the table. GLLA LAP III participants agreed to

target the funds we had raised to the developing Gandhi

Leadership Institute.

We again realize any vote can help and move into something

none of us want to do... Say goodbye. We move to a circle on

the stage area and all express one by one our gratitude and

appreciation for our experience... Shanti...a place that will

remain in our hearts forever!

Stacy Welling, photos by Andrea Boughton

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On February 29 the cohort of the Great Lakes Leadership Academy had the honor and privilege to take part in "EVOKE 2012"  a Decennial Celebration and International

Seminar. The seminar was held at the Off Campus Centre of MG University on the KIDS Campus in Kottaporum.  The seminar topic was "Entrepreneurial Business Management: A Global Perspective"

Introductions from Dr. C. D. Sebastian, Principal, JDV, Fr Joby Kallarakkal, Manager JDV, Father Johnson Panketh. Executive Director and Jerry Jennings, GLLA challenged the full hall of

academia to look and move forward toward the next decade as to what the world and India may and could be. GLLA speakers spoke about their personals victories and

challenges as entrepreneurs in the United States. Jeff Kala and Luke Meerman spoke directly to growing and marketing agricultural businesses.  Dave Carpenter covered the importance of the relationships between Greenstone Farm

Credit and Michigan producers, which Luke acknowledged and the audience supported.  Ritchie Harrison talked about the economic challenges currently present in the City of

Detroit, but also talked of hope and the future of Detroit as well as some well placed comparisons with our journey to India.  Lisa Brush gained the audience attention when she used her non-profit experiences to emphasize the

importance of being flexible, courageous and having vision as a business owner.  Jerry did a very nice job of summarizing each of the GLLA speakers.

The closing ceremonies had some similarities in length and pageantry to those of the Olympics, as we all were treated as celebrities and felt very honored to be part of this event.

Jeff Haarer, photos by Andrea Boughton

Kottapuram Integrated Development Society (KIDS)February 29, 2012

ENTREPRENEURIAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

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SCREWPINE CENTER

THE FIBER RESOURCE CENTER STARTED IN 1987 TO ASSIST IN THE DEVELOPMENT  AND SOCIAL WELFARE OF POOR AND NEEDY IRRESPECTIVE OF CASTE.  PROGRAMS INCLUDED WATERSHED MANAGEMENT, RAIN WATER RETENTION AND BACKWASHING OF WELLS WHERE THE WATER TABLE WAS HIGH. OTHER PROGRAMS INCLUDED MEDICAL CAMPS, ORGANIC FARMING AND PRESERVATION OF TRADITIONAL CRAFT MAKING THROUGH THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF ARTISANS TO PRODUCE AND SELL CRAFTS AND PASSING ON CRAFT SKILLS. THE ADVANTAGES OF FIBER PRODUCTS INCLUDE THE POTENTIALS OF HIGH EMPLOYMENT, LOW CAPITAL INVESTMENT, LESS PLASTIC, NO FERTILIZER, AND LIMITED WATER USE.

DR. SUNDAR GAVE US SOME HISTORY ON THE KERALLA REGION INCLUDING HOW THE MONSOON WINDS BROUGHT SHIPS INTO KOCHIN PORT FOR SPICES AND THE HISTORY OF RELIGIONS AND THEIR COLLABORATION IN THE REGION. WE HAD A TOUR OF THE FACILITY WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE PURCHASES AT THE GIFT SHOP.

JEFF HAARER PHOTOS BY ANDREA BOUGHTON

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Kerala Backwater Boat TourFebruary 29, 2012

On the south-western shore of India lies Kerala and its palm-lined backwaters. The cohort boarded a boat in the afternoon and toured the backwaters with Dr. Sunny. The tour provided a welcome respite, with time to sit and watch silently, listening to the water and Dr. Sunny share their wisdom of the magical place. The tour was educational, as we traveled in the same waters as folks had for millennia in search of fish and spice, past historic encampments, modern fishing industry fleets, and small water-side neighborhoods.

We saw first-hand the Muziris port in the Bay of Bengal, to which the famed monsoon winds have carried boats to India on quests for spices, as well as the shoreline along which traders have gathered for business for thousands of years. We saw crews aboard their ships either readying for or returning from fishing trips in the Arabian Sea. Smaller fishing vessels were guided by sole fishermen or pairs setting nets or diving to the bottom of the water to gather sand and muck for inland construction. As the sun lowered, we prepared for our return to land and our last night in India.

Robin Clark, photos by Abbey Dorr

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INDIA DEBRIEF / F INAL CHECK-OUT

MARCH 1, 2012

THE COHORT MET AT 9 AM IN THE RECEPTION AREA OF CHERAI BEACH RESORT. VICKI PREPPED US TO THINK ABOUT A MEMORABLE LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAY FROM OUR TRIP AS WE WALKED ACROSS THE SUN CRACKED ROAD AND OVER THE ROCKY STEPS TO THE ENCHANTING CHERAI BEACH ON THE ARABIAN SEA.

DUE TO SOUNDS OF NATURE WE GATHERED INTO A CLOSE CIRCLE WITH THE VAST MAJORITY ALLOWING THE WAVES TO ROLL ACROSS OUR METATARSALS. THE CIRCLE HAD A LIFE OF ITS OWN AS IT ANTICIPATED THE DISTANCE OF EACH WAVE TO PROTECT THE SHOES OF THOSE THAT DECIDED TO RETAIN THEM. AFTER EACH COHORT PROVIDED A STATEMENT TO THE FIRST RESPONSE, WE SELECTED A PARTNER TO WALK AND TALK WITH FOR TEN MINUTES SO THAT WE COULD EXPAND ON OUR LEADERSHIP AND CULTURAL EXPERIENCES THAT WE GAINED ON OUR INDIA JOURNEY. WE WALKED SOUTH ALONG THE BEACH.

AFTER RETURNING FROM OUR WALK, WE ONCE AGAIN GATHERED IN OUR CIRCLE AND WERE ASKED FOR A SHORT STATEMENT OF OUR DREAM ABOUT HOW A BETTER WORLD COULD LOOK FROM WHAT WE EXPERIENCED. AND THEN IN CLOSING WE WERE ASKED TO GIVE A SHORT STATEMENT ON WHAT WE WILL DO TO MAKE THE DREAM LIVE ON. UPON THE DISMISSAL OF THE CIRCLE, VICKI LED A FEW BRAVE AND SWEATY SOULS FOR A SPLASH INTO THE ARABIAN SEA. WHICH IS A STORY BOOK ENDING FOR OUR GREAT JOURNEY TO INDIA.

JEFF HAARER, PHOTOS BY SANDRA YU

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