Tales from the Island of Serendip 4 4

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Let us hope for a brighter tomorrow.

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[Flex Mentallo]

The court hearing denied bail to the hooligan, and for now the family are back home and under police protection. Shahina is by nature an activist and evidently finds it hard to back down from this situation.

However, I have suggested that this might be a good time to take a break for reflection, gather in her group and maybe take them away from the pressure for a while.  If by taking a break her opponents are deceived into thinking she has given in, so much the better. I suggested to her that it is the long term that matters, and that requires a thoughtful strategy. She is smart, she is resilient, and most importantly, she seems to be listening.

 

I think the best thing I can do for her now is launch the fundraiser. With resources comes the option to relocate, or make possible other options as yet unexplored.

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26th January, and today is Republic Day in India, which marks the introduction of the Indian constitution in 1950 as the biggest democracy in the world.

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A public holiday.

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And Shama raises the national flag in Rajabazaar.

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At least one thing is heartening - not all men there are hateful.

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Here we go.

 

Good vs Evil - a second annual sales thread for Roshni

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This photo came today. Pleased to see that the girls have begun to make their way back to Roshni after an understandably nervous week.

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I'm delighted to announce that our second annual sales thread was overwhelmingly successful, raising over $7000. Roshni is financially secure for another year, perhaps two, all depending on what fresh challenges they encounter in the coming year. A big thank you to all who have supported Roshni last year and this. In that two year period you've helped raise over $10,000 - far beyond my wildest dreams.

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Meanwhile, quite unfazed by recent events in Rajabazaar, Shahina yesterday attended a learning exchange program involving 8 countries on countering extremism. She really is a remarkable person.

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Every january there is a huge book fair in Kolkata.

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Bengal has a tremendous love of books and it's hugely popular.

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Hundreds of thousands of books of all kinds are on display.

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And who should be performing there this year but Roshni?

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Here the girls are, performing a drama in protest against child marriage.

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They are irrepressible!

Edited February 3, 2018 by Flex Mentallo

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And it's great to see them getting away from the oppressive hothouse of Rajabazaar.

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The plucky heroines of our story.

Edited February 3, 2018 by Flex Mentallo