It has been exactly two weeks since I have left Madhya Pradesh. In that time frame, I took a few days to visit Mumbai, London, and finally come back to the States. Additionally, I have been able to spend a lot of time reflecting on my experiences …

It is officially the last week of our internship with Samaj Pragati Sahayog in Bagli area of Madhya Pradesh. I’ll be honest, in the first few weeks during the intense heat – it felt like this internship would last forever. However, now that only 5…

The interesting thing I’ve noticed when visiting various women at their homes in villages is the apparent lack of privacy. My intention is to talk to an SHG (self-help group) member, 1 woman, about her income and expenditures or loan usage – prett…

Since we are in a pretty remote and isolated area, it is not easy taking extravagant weekend trips around India. The closet train station and airport is at least 3 hours away in Indore on really bad roadways which really limits travel options. The…

Kumbaya has to be one of my favorite Samaj Pragati Sahayog initiatives. Partially because they produce beautiful items, partially because it is a really innovative project to promote women’s empowerment, and partially because the staff is some of …

One of the main goals of SPS (Samaj Pragati Sahayog) is empowering local women, particularly their rights to sustainable livelihood. I’ve had the opportunity to meet with several women from a variety of backgrounds. Even though this is a rural are…

As mentioned earlier, the area of Madhya Pradesh that Julie and I are staying is known as the drylands. Only with monsoons does the area get any water that will help with the crops. Until the monsoons arrive, the landscape is very barren due to th…

Into my 3rd week in India and I’ve learned 3 very important things…1. Patience is key. Rural India runs on a completely different schedule and time frame. Everything requires a lot of coordination and patience. It is extremely hot which can make…

Julie and I have had a great introduction to Madhya Pradesh and Samaj Pragati Sahayog. For the next 7 weeks we’ll be working Samaj Pragatic Sahayog (SPS) in the Bagli block of Madya Pradesh. This area is known as the drylands. And right now, it’s …

The trip to India was surprisingly smooth and effortless. After hearing so many horror stories, I was prepared for some disaster to happen but very lucky to have an excellent transition to India. University of Pennsylvania has done an excellent jo…