| Introduction |
There are few countries that offer
such a range of experiences as India. The people (more
than one billion), the landscape, religions and castes,
philosophy and culture, architecture and cuisine, occupations
and preoccupations, are as diverse as the land is vast.
21st-century computer and call centers coexist with folk,
tribal and classical cultures. As India emerges as the
world's largest democracy, the role of women remains paradoxical.
With increasing educational possibilities, women have
greater opportunities to be employed and gain economic
independence. At the same time, the importance of a male
heir guarantees the cultural devaluation of female children.
From a young age, girls are socialized into believing
that they are inferior to boys. Parents feel it is "wasteful"
to invest too much money in their daughters' education
and health. Arranged marriages remain the norm, and a
daughter-in-law is relatively powerless.
At the same time shrines, temples and churches honor the
feminine and monuments, such as the Taj Mahal, were built
to honor women. Hear from women around this vast country
as they share their stories of the "blossoming feminine".
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Cities to be Visited
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New
Delhi
Our trip begins in India's capital with the Red Fort,
an ornate palace of the Moghul Empire; Chandni Chowk,
the moonlight square, and a visit to the bustling marketplace.
Agra
Here we will experience the Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace);
revered as one of the eight wonders of the world, and
considered to be the world's most extravagant monument
to love.
Bangalore
Next we will travel to "The Garden City," capital of Karnataka
State and one of India's most charming cities. Originally
built as a mud fort in 1537, Bangalore now boasts of progressive
industrial development, luscious gardens and lotus pools.
Mysore
Finally, we will arrive in the city of silk and sandalwood.
Home to the Maharajah's Palace, renowned for its ancient
architecture and royal grandeur, we will discover the
beauty of this princely city. |
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Preliminary Itinerary
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Arrival August 29 - Departure
September 5
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| Day |
Activity |
| 1 |
Arrival in New Delhi & welcome
orientation. |
| 2 |
Sightseeing in New Delhi. |
| 3 |
Visit Agra (Taj Mahal); sightseeing;
evening travel by air to Bangalore. |
| 4 |
Bridging Worlds
Workshop; optional sightseeing/shopping; evening
social event. |
| 5 |
Bridging Worlds Workshop;
optional sightseeing/shopping; optional over night
visit to Mysore (additional charge). |
| 6 |
Bridging Worlds Workshop;
optional sightseeing/shopping; closing ceremony. |
| 7 |
Visit GOWA and other women's
organizations. |
| 8 |
Departure for Nepal. |
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The Work of Women's Organizations |
| Since the early 1960s, non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) have played an important role in
improving women's lives in India. The government's ineffective
birth control program of the 1980s (including forced sterilization)
led NGOs to work actively toward improving women's health
and lives. Issues of dowry, "acid attacks" (domestic violence)
and women's legal rights have led to the creation of many
new women's groups. The recent increase in HIV/AIDS has
exposed women, especially sex workers and the wives of
migrant workers, to enormous risk. As a result, women's
organizations are actively creating economic and legal
opportunities for women to protect and empower themselves.
Visits to local women's organizations will highlight their
important role as agents of social change in a rapidly
transforming society like India. |
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Bridging Worlds Workshops |
| Bridging Worlds workshops allow
our travelers to be a part of history in the making, observing
in just four days the power of women finding their own
voices. You will share in the excitement as young women
leaders, representing women's groups from around the country,
come together - - many for the first time - - to describe
their work, goals and dreams for women in their country.
As they share lessons learned, network and create women-to-women
bridges, a strengthening of the collective mission to
serve and empower women becomes tangible. The workshop
will also feature the democratic election of four Emerging
Leaders to participate in Jagriti's 2005 leadership training
program in the U.S. As witnesses to this election and
the women's stories, Jagriti travelers validate the courageous
efforts of local women to improve their lives and realize
their dreams. We will arrive as strangers and leave as
friends and global sisters. |
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Women's Groups |
Guild
of Women Achievers (GOWA), based in Bangalore,
India, was founded by Chaya Srivatsa, a Women's Development
Consultant who is committed to helping women maximize
their potential. Today GOWA serves and connects a unique
network of women by enabling them to access each other's
products, services, talents, and ideas. The organization
offers a free Family Counseling Center, Legal Aid Center,
market exhibitions, educational training programs, and
awards for exceptional women achievers.
Jagori, originally
founded in 1984, functions as a women's documentation,
training and communications center. Committed to the principle
of social justice and implementing change - both within
individuals and in society, Jagori is where feminist theory
meets practice. Health-literacy, sustainable development,
and legal rights only comprise a few of the issues covered
in training workshops and print media used to further
question women's subordination and break the silence on
women-related issues.
The Association of Women
Entrepreneurs of Karnataka (AWAKE), established
in 1983, is one of India's premier institutions for women
devoted to Entrepreneurship Development. As an affiliate
of Women's World Banking, New York, the organization is
able to combine the objectives of economic and personal
empowerment through global connectivity and economic growth
management. |
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Other Points of Interest |
- The Hare Krishna Mission in Bangalore feeds thousands
of hungry children daily.
- "Call Center" - learn first-hand about the impact
of "outsourcing" at a local call center where hundreds
of people (including women) answer American 1-800
calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Lalbagh Garden - Relax in Bangalore's famous botanical
gardens, housing the "glass house" conservatory, the
chosen venue for worldly dignitaries.
- Mahatma Gandhi Road - Enjoy shopping, dining or
walking along this memorable lane in the heart of
Bangalore.
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| Security and Safety |
| The Jagriti International will take
all necessary precautions to secure the safety and well
being of all participants. Working with local tourist,
government and non-government officials and accompanied
at all times by local experts, we will seek to provide
the maximum experience at minimum risk. The inherent risks
of travel must, however, be assumed by each individual
participant. |
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| Cost: |
$1,700 (not including international
airfare) Price Includes:
- Double room accommodations in 3/4 star hotels and
guesthouses (add $300 for single room)
- Two meals per day
- Local transportation
- All program activities
- Entrance fees
- Trip leaders and guides
- Translators
- Preparatory reading materials
- $100 tax-deductible donation to women's organizations
visited
- International airfare, visas, tips and personal
expenses are NOT include
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| How to Join an Awakening
Journey |
Please contact the Jagriti International
by e-mail, info@jagriti-international.org
or by telephone 805-969-9092 for an application. We must
receive your application and a deposit of $500, 45 days
prior to departure. A late fee of $50 will be applied
to late applications. Payments by Visa or MasterCard are
welcome. This trip will be limited to 15 participants
so please register early.
Sign-up
now |
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Web Sites of Interest |
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