Hi everyone! Today I'm bringing something other than a recipe. During my 14-day stay in India, there have been many highlights, and this day I'm going to tell you about was one of them.
As I have mentioned to you before, all elders and people you want to show extra respect to with ji at the end of their name are addressed as Gandhiji . Satyarthiji is clearly a person I look up to with respect and admiration for his courage and bravery. My stomach tingled a little on the way to his office which is located in West Delhi. The capital is a big city with about 20 million inhabitants! Just driving from one meeting to another takes 1-2 hours depending on the time of day.
In my mind I was back at the Peace Prize Center and the Nobel Prize concert, two of the most memorable days of my life. Once I arrived at his office, which was located in a non-commercial area, it looked quite ordinary. In the hallway it was simple and formal with registration and the purpose of the meeting etc. We were offered tea while we waited, in the waiting room we could see India maps with bindis everywhere.
We followed the custom of taking off our shoes before entering the office, a large office with a work area and half the room with simple furniture. He is just as you have seen on TV - tall and dressed in traditional kurta pajama (long shirt and loose trousers) with a vest. He smiles easily, is warm and welcoming. He quickly serves us tea (since we did not have time to go down to the reception).
The agenda for the meeting is the presentation of contributions collected via Masalamagic. Over the past few years I have organized several gatherings. This year's contributions were collected in collaboration with the parents of my daughter's class where Masalamagic has been responsible for the food and serving in our course rooms and the participant has paid a self-selected amount for the food and the project (at the time I did not know that I would be able to deliver personally). The amount was a full 8400,- NOK which Masalamagic rounded up to 10,000,- and it will benefit these child laborers.
He thanked me for the commitment among the Norwegian people, for the Nobel Prize and not least for the contribution. I got a pat on the back that was supposed to teach Norwegians how to cook Indian food, which according to him:
"….not at all a minor task"
The secretary points to the clock and reminds of the next meeting.
BBA has its office with active work and there are an impressive 32 locations! The projects of BBA are numerous and nationwide. BBA is a voluntary organization established in 1980 by a young professional group, led by Kailash Satyarthi which now has about 80000 members.
Divisions:
- rescue
- safe location (while finding family)
- family reunion
- rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is taking place at a home in Virat Nagar 60 km from Delhi where children under 14 years of age receive education etc. while waiting to be reunited with their families. This home is managed by Mrs. Satyarthi who was unfortunately busy in another meeting. The numbers were staggering and I was truly moved by the courage and effort of these people. Last year, 14,000 children were rescued from "slave labor" where they worked for only 15-20 rupees per day, that is 2-3 kroner!!
Not only do they work against child labor, but also with:
- information among indigenous people in the villages about having a maximum of 2 children,
- Promote good role models and promote children's right to schooling and prioritize girls, at least on an equal footing with boys.
- information against alcoholism among men and physical and psychological violence against girls/women.
- Child marriage and forced marriage.
Hope that these small funds will be of some use and will benefit those in need. A big thank you to the parents of class 9D at Kristelig Gymnasium who joined the project and not least the organization BBA who makes a heartfelt effort. HATS OFF!
Satyarthiji certainly knows how to win a chef's heart because in conclusion he said that he was looking forward to his next visit to Norway and to tasting my food, in anticipation I could have brought some chutneys he joked. His hobbies are actually cooking and traveling, so it was not unthinkable that we could cook together too!
Watch the video of the experience here
Thank you Masalamagic for a memorable day in Delhi! I really love having such a varied and rewarding job. I am truly grateful for that. Have a great day ahead, hope the sun is shining for you too!