Contributing Articles
Hell on Earth for Syria's Children
The atrocities that occurred in Idlib, Syria leave one to believe that humanity is nowhere on earth. Children have died in outrageous numbers, many among them being toddlers and schoolchildren while others are seriously injured. The images are seared into our brains, women and children are seen gasping for air, some already laying dead from the gas attack reported to have died from asphyxiation. There are visuals of lifeless children that are being sprayed down to alleviate some of the residue of the chemical attack released, believed to be nown as sarin, a "poisonous gas." What kind of world are we living in? How does one explain of this calamity? It is hard to imagine the pain and darkness that has surrounded these innocent souls, it is these very images that we see in the world that harken us back into the reality that we are guided. It is through their fearful eyes that we see the pain, every single day. The tears come quickly to our eyes, but what about their tears? A man holds his lifeless babies in his arms - still and silent, they look as if they are sleeping. They are children, children that should be laughing, playing and with their whole life ahead of them. Instead they awaken if they are lucky, only to see more attacks on humanity along with the horror, and the looming devastation that surrounds them.
Deepika Padukone in Short Film
Deepika Padukone appears in a short video film by Homi Adjania, showcasing 98 different women, depicting women empowerment. Whether you agree or disagree, there are prevalent topics to the generation today and it is important to address these issues instead of sweeping them under the rug. The only way to put us on a path to change is to ultimately create a dialogue for change.
A Humanitarian Crisis
Protestors are standing ready and chanting for approaching buses carrying women and children to turn away. These are the images that we see in the news. Immigration can incite many reactions. Border patrol are overwhelmed, while many people are less than empathetic to those seeking emergency funding. It is a humanitarian crisis, one that has people scratching their heads and clamoring to place restrictions upon their state. The 2008 Bill for Central American Children, allows for a child to have a hearing before deportation. The bill deals on a case by case basis. Most governors are turning down requests to house immigrants in their state, except for Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey. After this piece was published, we found that a Texas judge has since blocked President Obama's executive order on immigration.
Davis' Run For Texas
I had the opportunity to meet Senator Davis when she made her run for governor of Texas. She is gracious, soft spoken and knew what her fight entailed. Wendy Davis has the mindset for the equality of all Texans, while standing strong for educational values in schools for kids. At a time where key issues are pivotal, she is committed to women's health issues and safety for all in border issues. Many that I asked when writing this piece, said that they wanted someone that truly cares about Texas and in the best interests of all of its residents. Shortly after this piece was published, Davis conceded in the race to Republican, Greg Abbott.
Bullying, Friend or Foe?
National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month
You remember the kid that would threaten to take the more vulnerable kids' lunch money in the movies? Fights in the hallway with the smaller kid versus the stronger one? Classic bullying, right? So how has it changed? Well, first off the bullying isn't about just stealing lunch money these days. It's more often a vigorous cycle of using social media to humiliate and use to one's own leverage. In a selfie age, we live in a technological landscape that is hard to escape, with both good and bad elements. This means that bullying can happen on a 24/7 basis with comments made to intimidate online. There is no end to the bullying when coming home and shutting your door. It doesn't just happen to kids by the way. There are bullies in the workplace, in life when getting together and yes even with friends or frenemies (which means you may see them in social situations, so you're not the best of friends and keep a close eye on this person.) It may even be a friend that is a bully amongst your very circle. It happened to me at a time when I didn't feel very good about myself and my close relationships. I felt like this person picked up on that and they would use that to their own advantage to swoop into the cavernous hole. Swoop! They would then say something to cut you down so fast in front of strangers and your friends or family that your head is spinning, then you leave only to remember a quick comeback later (so George from Seinfeld) which drives you nuts because nobody else hears them do this! It happens to all of us. The best way to combat a bully is to be confident in yourself and life. It will make them speechless. Sometimes it's not that easy though and the journey to forgive and not totally forget is long. If you are getting depressed and feel lonely (which also happened to me) please confide in someone as soon as possible. This can lead to high rates of suicide and it is a serious issue in schools, work and life. As someone that has been an educator to help combat aspects of bullying, covering materials and presentations with violence and sexual assault prevention outreach to schools in my career, I made peace within my heart and don't give my power to anyone. I was thankfully able to repair some of those close relations. Remember, nobody can take your power away from you - unless you let them. This article is an opinion piece and was written in order to share and address National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month.
These are two of the more popular lines that I would refer. The second one is one I have primarily used to refer teens in my career working in schools, along with a blog and teen line available.
Helplines:
Dayahouston.org - 713-981-7645
Child Rape Outrage
Child rape in India is on the rise. A 5-year old girl was raped, tortured and nearly killed of recent. While she was being treated in the hospital, doctors were tending to another child rape victim in a nearby bed. Why is this happening on a regular basis and why isn’t there something being done to protect the victims and punish the offenders is the question. Sonia Gandhi, president of the Indian National Congress Party released a statement insisting that the Indian government focus on “actions not words” to stop rape.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that more needs to be done to protect women and children. “It is widely accepted that, as a country, we have vast improvements to make in this vital area,” he said on Sunday.
After the gang rape attack on a student in December, news reports were filled with acts of violence towards women, children and an epidemic of gang rapes occurring. These atrocities towards women and youth are leading thousands of women to the streets to rally and relay their anguish and dismay. Demands for stricter laws against sex crimes and more protection for women and children have gone unheard by law enforcement and the government. Reports are of children that have been raped from different parts of India, as young as the age of 4 years old. The Asian Center for Human Rights released a report that said that 48,338 cases of child rape were reported from 2001 to 2011 in India. Even though Parliament passed a law to improve and accelerate the prosecution of rape cases, the government has yet to pay attention to the fact that most police forces are not properly trained to handle these cases, are understaffed and highly politicized. In order to change the mindset of how women and girls must be treated, respect of women and girls must be promoted and they must not be devalued to its society. Education is essential, as strict laws enforced to deter these heinous crimes against women and children is the only answer.
Genocide of Female Children
There is an outcry, calling for Indian government to put a stop to female genocide. Over 50 million women and children have been taken out of India’s population. In many rural areas, infanticide and genocide of females are still practiced in India going far back into its historical roots. Female children are strangled, drowned and poisoned shortly after being born. The most outrageous part is that it is ongoing in our world today and we simply cannot fathom this taking place. It is the silent tears of mothers that leave an imprint, as they feel that they have no choice but to succumb to pressure of` bearing more than one female child, labeled as a burden and then thrown away. It is the worst genocide in human history.
Famine Relief to Malnourished Children
Millions of children are suffering from malnutrition and are being buried by their loved ones daily. It is with a single layer of leaves and branches that serves as a symbol of goodbye. Hunger has proven and shown its strength, as it has taken the lives of our most innocent and young in East Africa and impoverished nations. In trying times, we often take for granted the luxury of having food to eat and are seeing hunger and famine prevalent in our own nation, city and state. There is a product that is being used for famine relief called Plumpy’nut. It was formulated in 1997 by a French pediatric nutritionist and a French company called Nutriset. This is now being used for famine relief distributed to malnourished children that are suffering and dying on a daily basis. The product is comprised of peanut–based paste and holds enough nutritional value that is essential to treat a malnourished child. 92 grams of the paste can be given to remove the need for hospitalization and can be administered to children in their communities, allowing more children to be treated immediately as a result. Plumpy’nut is used for that of humanitarian aid relief and RUTF, ready to use therapeutic food for severe acute malnutrition of children.
CNN Hero Making a Lasting Impact
Anuradha Koirala, 2010 CNN Hero of the Year, was honored for her selfless social work with the women and children in Nepal. Koirala founded the organization, Maiti Nepal, whereby women and girls from Nepal are rescued and rehabilitated in order to end sex trafficking.
More than 12,000 women and girls have been rescued by the group, with a rehabilitation home in Kathmandu, as well as rescue groups and transit homes set up at Indo-Nepal border towns. Actress Demi Moore, traveled to Nepal to meet the founder and interview those rescued for the film. It is called "Nepal's Stolen Children: A CNN Freedom Project Documentary." It is amazing, disheartening and inspiring all at the same time.
http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2011/06/17/nepals-stolen-children/
Ifest 2011, Journey Across Asia
The Houston International Festival 2011, spotlighting The Silk Road, Journey Across Asia was one that was lined with many different highlights, as visitors made their exciting journey throughout East Asia.
Exotic pashminas, saris, wraps and dresses were on display hailing from the faraway land of rich silk, spices and delicious food from restaurants such as Chinese Yao, while Indian food was represented by restaurants such as Mayuri, Holy Cow and Udupi Cafe with samosas, chaat and tangy cuisine.
Everyone enjoyed the festival as adults and children could be seen swaying to and enjoying the music, cold drinks and food while people watching and viewing the fashions shown. Indian classical dancers and Chinese acrobatic dancers embodied the culture perfectly and enthralled the crowd with their beauty, pride and grace. Face painting and activities kept the kids busy, while henna was applied by artists to the hands of those inspired by the fashions and culture of the East. There were many lessons learned, as well as a sprinkling of imparting knowledge and wisdom bestowed upon visitors and locals. Community booths helped to offer information and educate the community of great leaders such as Gandhi and what his background and mission in life was. Ifest is a great event and contribution to the community in representing different parts of the world every year. The festival runs this year from the weekends of April 30th- May1st and May 7th-May 8th. Please go to www.Ifest.org for more information.1000 Lights For Peace
Houston paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi with a candle light vigil in the heart of Downtown Houston. Thousands came to show their support. The event was a true testament to the life and message that he conveyed.
"In the midst of darkness, light persists"---Gandhi
AADA- Masquerade BallAsians Against Domestic Abuse held its annual fundraiser to raise funds for the cause. We were there to present a project that we developed and produced in outlining the organization, with its mission and services provided to highlight the event through the stories told confidentially by survivors.
Daya "Hope Through Harmony"
Celebrating Daya's 10 year anniversary, the organization hosted their annual fund raiser featuring music by Penn Masala. It was a packed house, as people enjoyed the evening and helped to raise funds and awareness for the cause.
Daya was created in 1996 to serve South Asian families in crisis. The mission is to increase awareness through education and outreach, as well as serve as a hub for women seeking help through their helpline. They serve women that have been victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other issues. South Asian women feel more comfortable dealing with Daya, as there are many cultural and language barriers involved. One of the most important goals of the organization is to establish a shelter for those in emergency crisis situations and to make others aware through programs and seminars.
Support of Daya will continue to make a difference in the lives of South Asian women affected by violence and their families. www.dayahouston.org
International Festival of Houston, IndiaIn the 32 years that Houston has hosted Ifest, this was the premier year for India to be spotlighted.
The event was one of the top ten in attendance and featured food, traditional artifacts, fashions, as well as Bollywood dances and fashion shows. We interviewed the locals and the vendors that were eager to be a part of the event, as we soaked up a little taste of
India in the heart of Downtown Houston.Race for Cure
The Susan G. Komen "Race for Cure" took place on Saturday, October 4, 2010 at Sam Houston Park Downtown. The event is held every year to bring together thousands affected by cancer. The race is also to continue to build awareness through continued research and grants.
IHOP Pancake Day
Shriners Hospitals for Children and IHOP held an exciting event celebrating National Pancake Day, February 24, 2009 from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Patrons received a free shortstack, while donating to the children's hospital. IHOP and its patrons have raised thousands of dollars to help Shriners. They are the premier sponsor of this event.
Eric Winston from the Texans, was on hand as the celebrity "pancake flipper" from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the IHOP off of I-59 and Kirby, 2515 SW Freeway in Houston Texas. Proceeds of the event were donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Shriners continues to provide state of the art specialty pediatric care to children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. The children receive care at no cost to them and their families, regardless of financial need.
Cinco De Mayo at Shriners Hospital for Children
The child patients at Shriners Hospitals for Children got a rare musical treat on May 5, 2009. Lead singer of Santana, Andy Vargas stopped by the hospital to sing for the patients, their parents and the staff. A great time was had by all, it was such a nice release for the kids who were seen dancing and experiencing some fun. Channel 11 and the Houston Chronicle came out to cover the event.
Changing World Japan's Earthquake and Tsunami; the Aftermath
In the wake of Japan's devastating earthquake that shook the earth on Friday, March 11th, 2011, there are millions of children that are unaccounted for as a result of the 9.0 magnitude tsunami that formed undersea that followed minutes after. It is a heart wrenching scene for a once thriving society and family life, as parents now search the rubble of a school building for remnants and reminders of their children where thousands of school children once played, laughed and attended school. Many people are having to start from scratch as their homes were washed away, loved ones lost to the powerful surge of the water and now the radiation factor affecting the health of Japan and its citizens. Please log on to the following sites to see how you can help.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/savethechildrenusa/sets/72157626286350054/show/
Terror in MumbaiTerror unfolded in India as armed gunmen held hotel guests and staff hostage in Mumbai. The guests were staying at the Taj Hotel, Hotel Oberoi. There are at least 119 estimated dead and the numbers are expected to increase. A Jewish center was also bombed.
The gunmen wanted to know which guests held US/UK passports. President Singh said that the Indian government, "will find who is responsible and condemn them for the attacks." The attacks are definitely making for some interesting discussions and thoughts of all South Asians in the US and around the globe.
Myanmar Cyclone Emergency
Cyclone Nargis created havoc as mother nature slammed into Myanmar over the weekend. Thousands were killed, the death toll may hit approximately 100,000, according to the top U.S Diplomat. UN says that these numbers will continue to rise significantly. Approximately 10,000 people are homeless. "The situation is increasingly horrendous and there is a shortage of food and water in the region", said Shari Villarosa, head of US Embassy. Immediate needs include water purification tablets, plastic sheeting sets, emergency health kits and food. Unicef's Myanmar office has already delivered essential suppplies including first aid kits and oral dehydration salts to Laputta township, the hardest hit. Teams are now being deployed to Yangon and Irrawaddy. Foreign aid flights and Unicef workers are still not being let in by the Myanmar Junta, as they are forbidding any entry which would consist of delivery and managing operations. However, at this time they are allowing in one single US Military cargo airplane with supplies for victims, according to the Bush administration. There are great concerns that supplies, food and water will not reach the people that are suffering. Supplies and help are greatly needed. Children are always the most vulnerable in these times of disaster and susceptible to disease. Please log on today to see what you can continue to do to help the children and people of Myanmar.
AIDS crisis in India
The Aids epidemic is reaching epic proportions in India. It is estimated that between 20 to 25 million people will be infected with HIV, that's one in six people. The key to prevention lies in education.
www.gerefoundation.org
www.healingthedivide.org
www.pedaids.orgInspired by Randy Pausch
We lost the brilliant and inspiring professor, Randy Pausch to pancreatic cancer. His "Last Lectures" have become infamous as he often spoke at Carnegie Mellon on his outlook on life and the legacy that he would leave behind for his wife and children. His book, "The Last Lecture" was truly an inspiration, as his students and everyone were touched by his courage, diagnosis and life story."It's not about how to achieve your dreams. It's about how to lead your life. If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself"-Randy Pausch