Day 11 - Monday 20th Nov

Submitted by Siobhan Crossan on November 22, 2006 - 07:48.

First official visit in Bangalore and I suppose first real chance to see the city in action.

Association for Physical Disabilities (APD) is our first official visit – this organization is truly amazing. Their main centre comprises of training courses for people with disabilities of all kinds. It has wheelchair access which is pretty uncommon in India. The centre empowers the disabled to get a trade and/or qualification which in turn enables them to seek and gain employment in the private sector. It also has on-site facilities for the repair of wheelchairs and making/fitting calibers etc.

I think we in Britain can learn a lot from this organization and it certainly one I will be keeping in contact with. APD’s second site is relatively new (it is only 6 yrs old). It’s an agricultural centre for the disabled which is also open to the public 6 days a week, now this is a garden centre (B&Q please take note) the staff here are inspirational, they have a real pride in their work are so friendly and willing to help and give advice. Their knowledge of all the plants and different species of flowers, trees etc was captivating. There is a new accommodation block which is almost complete and this will eventually house up-to 40 students who will live and train on site. This truly is an organization which I feel would be very valuable in any society. Also, the empowerment and sense of worth the participants evidently receive is unmeasurable.

After a long day we now have the chance for some retail therapy!! - MGM road watch out here we come.

This is an amazing place, a buzz of constant activity, the traffic is crazy I don’t think I’ve seen so many people. Bought too much as usual but ‘what the hell’, I’m refueling the Indian economy (at least that’s what I keep telling myself). Jonathan and Sarah arrived from England today for the last part of the journey great to see then again – new faces and lots to talk about. We also met Murray Culshaw and his wife who are hosting this part of the Journey I found him a very interesting man with some very different views and opinions its very refreshing listen to a variety of intelligent people and organizations who aren’t afraid to voice their own opinions.

india