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May 19, 2009
I have a ticket!
After an obnoxious amount of running around the Indian Embassy in Chicago to get my visa and several conversations with my parents' travel agent, I emerged victorious with a ticket to India. I'll be there June 30th through August 18th, and hopefully making at least one or two trips within the country related to the project while there.
Also, I recently got in email contact with a cousin who has a start-up business in Bangalore, the closest city to the Pavagada (where I'll be working), and he has offered his support and guidance with the project. It's been pretty amazing how generous people have been with their time and support, and I feel blessed to be in the position I am in.
Now it seems like I have all the pieces to make the project a success, and it will be a matter of putting in the time to make sure everything comes together. Right now, I am doing research for a professor while in Ann Arbor, and after that wraps up in two weeks, I'll be able to devote much more time to getting in contact with solar panel vendors, electricians, and people who have more experience dealing with designing power systems for rural Indian communities.
Finally, here is a link to the song I have been listening to a lot lately. It really conjures up just the right images for the beautiful weather we've been having, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zol2MJf6XNE
Raj Vable
Posted by avable at May 19, 2009 10:58 PM
Comments
What a sweet project. That's great that you've found so much support through your contacts. Can't wait to hear more!
Posted by: doud at May 30, 2009 03:13 PM
Raj, good luck with the solar project. Be sure to check out the Barefoot College in Tilonia (www.barefootcollege.org). It seems like a great example of what an NGO can be. Maybe you can grow one like it. And since it is near your other ancestral "village" (Ajmer) you can join the two. Faith
Posted by: fmorriso9@yahoo.com at June 2, 2009 01:38 AM
RAJ. I am doing a social media project at my internship this summer and had to explore mblog... unbeknownst to me, you have an account! I wasn't sure that it was you until I read, "I emerged victorious with a ticket to India." Then I knew. I'm now going to stalk your travels/project - have fun!!
-Ashley
Posted by: wiersag at June 3, 2009 09:33 AM
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