Michael Vincent Art Works
Shanthimalai Handicraft India
Experiencing India is one that lies beyond words: but experience it we must as it challenges all values, taken for granted comfort zones and expectations of we who live in the West. Of this I am sure: this is an experience that will colour one’s personal view of every aspect of life for a long time to come…….
One experience amongst many which has made a lasting impression on me is observing
women working on building sites, road repair and “sorting” the mountains of rubbish
filling the streets. In their colourful saris, barefooted, knee-
On enquiry I was told the women had little choice other than to beg. Many were destitute, abandoned by their families with young children to support.
The AshTat Project, in a humble but heartfelt way, will support a charity founded to help these women.
The SHANTHIMALAI HANDICRAFTS DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY in Tiruvannmalai provides training in craft skills and family support whilst helping women to earn an income. In effect women are taken off the streets and the backbreaking and demeaning work and given back their dignity. You can see their website here for more details.
On behalf of the AshTat Project I was able to present RS/14000 to this charity in January this year : a most moving experience for me. So gratefully received this money will provide training and education for these women.
My hearfelt thanks to all my friends in the UK who donated money to AshTat to make this possible.
If you would like to make a donation (of any amount) to this charitable organisation then please click the donation button. I use Paypal for this. You can donate without having an account with them using any of the popular cards too.
All Money donated here will be passed in full to the charity. Thank you.
Michael Vincent, Arunachala, India