SRILANKA - INDIA FRIENDSHIP TOUR 2014
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SRILANKA – INDIA FRIENDSHIP TOUR 2014
by Rtn. Shankar Duraiswami
RC Madras Midtown
___________________________________________________________________________________
District 3230 Rotarians, 130 in number, on a visit to District
3220. In normal course this is an event of Rotary visit and
fellowship for fostering better relationship between the two
countries. But this was no ordinary visit. That District 3220
comprises of Rotary Clubs in Sri Lanka and that a widely
applauded project – Dhanvantri - is the focus of the trip gave a
different outlook to this trip. The 2014, “3230 to 3220” is a
Milestone visit !
Much has been written and informed about Dhanvantri. The
Northern and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka which has seen a
bloody war, has seen a whole generation needing help and assistance in practically all
aspects of life. The task is daunting and little by little and step by step the 'Dhanvantri
Leaders” - Past Governor Rtn. Sampath and the group of dedicated Rotarians – have
been carrying out a number of services, from providing clothes to the general public,
shoes for school children, support for vovatyioinal training and prosthetic limbs for those
without the limbs. This trip was for a large number of Rotarians to see, observe and
learn first hand about “Dhanvantri”, and also to form the bridge between the the two
Districts and two Countries in the unqiue Rotary Way – full of trust and goodwill for all
and Peace on Earth.
As we landed in Sri Lanka, the Emerald Island, and travelled through almost 1500 kilo
meters in a matter of 4 days, a number of different aspects of the country and that of
Rotary's role has been observed.
First about the country. Sri Lanka is a place of gentle
people, rich in culture, with a sense of cleanliness
and respect for the community's needs as much as for
the individual's needs. This semi tropical oasis in the
Indian Ocean, lush with its greenery, is home to about
22 million people. The entire length of the road we
travelled was good and well constructed, enabling
easy travel to all parts of the country. As one travelled
through I admired that there are no garbage on the
roads, nor on any street corner, there were no stray
dogs, the roads were well marked, and every one
seem to follow rules making horning unnecessary.
Other points – All on two-wheelers wore helmets,
including the one riding on the pillion : not only in the
city but out in the rural areas too. It does not require
fear of punishment to make one to follow rules; the
citizens seem to realise that rules are made to be
followed and not for breaking. Lot to learn for us from India.
The more impactful scene was that one rarely seen; no plastic bags, waste paper or tins
lying by the side of the road, and absolutely no garbage mountain. Nor did we see
anyone opting for a close encounter with a tree, a wall, or a side of the road, to answer
SRILANKA – INDIA FRIENDSHIP TOUR 2014
by Rtn. Shankar Duraiswami
RC Madras Midtown
___________________________________________________________________________________
nature's call. It is the same story whether in Colombo, Anuradhapura, Mullaitheevu,
Jaffna, Kilinochi or Vavunnia, or any of the little villages and hamlets one saw on the
way, whether on the tarred highways or the little gravel road into the villages. A story for
Swaach Bharat.
In it is a lesson we have to bring back to India; progress without cleanliness is no
progress, and it does not require much resources to keep the nation clean. Cleanliness
is a habit, and Sri Lanka practices it well.
The second aspect one noticed was the friendliness and desire to be liked. Presumably
the long war of 30 years has scarred many. And when one faces the reality of Peace,
the need for acceptance and liking becomes a paramount need. Between people,
acceptance comes only when there is trust. In our little conversations, with the
uniformed personnel whom we met in several places, and with many individuals, the
underlying query has been, “ Do they accept us and trust us. We would like to be
friend.” The other group has a question, “Can they be trusted? We have need, we
would like to move on, forget the past, but ...” The trust factor is not complete as a
community, though in individuals there is much more acceptance of each other.
As we talked to a senior military officer, we realised that the main role of Rotary –
specially Rotary 3230 – has been creating this Trust factor. The Rotarians from Chennai
were able to get acceptance with the local population by the humanitarian services.
Knowledge of Tamil was a major factor so as to converse directly with the individuals in
need. When a whole population had gone through a traumatic experience, to generate
a vision and of hope is possible only when there is a sense of trust.
I was happy to see this role of Rotary in bringing in a very vital factor in the lives of the
people. To look to the future with hope, and to plan the future, unmindful of the trauma
of the past. It is Team Dhanvantri which has been able to instill this, across all segments
of the Sri Lanka's diverse population. Team Dhavantri richly deserves to be applauded !
As we travelled through the highways to the north and also on to the eastern part of Sri
Lanka, one cannot but admire the well laid roads. On the way we could see the role of
the international community in building the much needed infrastructure. Roads have
been built by funding from India, China, Korea and Japan, to name a few. There were
houses built with the assistance by Red Cross – the name “RED CROSS” boldly
sprayed on the roof tops. The long railway line from Colombo to Jaffna recenly
completed by Indian Railways with a grant by the Indian Government, which is also
supporting the construction of 50,000 low cost houses, and a number of other projects
aided by countries like Australia, Canada, European Union, with participation from
UNICEF, UNDP and other institutions.
As part of the efforts of Dhanvantri's out reach program, the group of Rotarians had
several projects to attend. Clothing for the needy was provided in three locaitons,
stipend for students in a Vocational Center and the fitting of prosthetic limbs in another,
in addition to visits to a school, where Dhanvantri is providing assistance.
At the first location “Putharikuda” in Mullaitheevu district, a large number of residents of
SRILANKA – INDIA FRIENDSHIP TOUR 2014
by Rtn. Shankar Duraiswami
RC Madras Midtown
___________________________________________________________________________________
the village were given new clothing in view of the festive season. Approximately 250
residents queued up to receive the various items of fabrics. Looking beyond the photo
opportunities for Rotarians, when talking to the residents, a common thread that was
seen was the pecuniary circumstances they are now living in. The villagers were not
very forthcoming except to seek more aid and assistance for basic necessities. It was
seen that some appeared to have had a good and stable lifestyle in the past, but
reduced to poorer conditions due to the attrition of war. The local economy is based on
agriculture and the availability of jobs is inadequate.
While Putharikuda was a study in poverty imposed by inadequate agro based
vocations, in another part of Mullaitheevu district a solution is being found. At the
Vocational Center, where the young students are trained in certain skills – Tailoring,
Automobile mechanics, Aluminium forming,etc. - there is hope for a better tomorrow.
The students of this institute undergoing the 6 month course in a chosen vocation have
a bright future on procuring the certificate from this institute. The Rotary Club of Nallur,
Jaffna, is active in this institute, and the support to this institute from Dhanvantri is to
provide a stipend of SLRs. 1,000 each month to all the students. The institute which had
difficulty in attracting students and retaining them, now boasts of larger batches and
improved attendance. Creating skills for employment is the sustainable way for
providing assistance.
Talking to the students of this institute, one could see the extent of hope they possess to
pull their families out of difficult economic conditions. This institute is an excellent
example of the type of support that is needed, so that skills development can be
provided in all areas where there is shortage of skilled manpower. The visit to the
automotive training lab showed the clear program laid out for the trainees and the
method of instruction and course content in all the modules.
The visit to the second location to deliver new clothing to a rural setting, in a military
camp area, showed the people in this village need more help than those in the earlier
village. One resident said that the only business possible is to run a small shop selling
daily needs or a food stall, and that sort of business is, as it is, over crowded.
Identifying the vocational needs and economic potential of the area is to be looked in.
There would always be need to provide simple things like clothing and food items, as
long the local economy is not operating.
Traveling in this part of the country, and infact in much of Sri Lanka, showed, that
poverty need not be a reason for an unclean environment. Even in the remote parts,
the disposal of waste and unused items seem to be well cared. We, in India, have a lot
to learn about cleanliness from our friends in Sri Lanka on this score.
As we had a leisurely lunch overlooking the Mullaitheevu beach, there came a blue
autorickshaw. Dhanvantri at its best. The ever smiling Rotarian Dr. Joshi, the President
of Rotary Club of Vadapalani, smiled wider, almost jumping with joy. The autorickshaw
driver stood next to Dr. Joshi; then I noticed, protruding down from the bottom of his
pant was a plastic foot. I looked at the other leg. It too was plastic.
SRILANKA – INDIA FRIENDSHIP TOUR 2014
by Rtn. Shankar Duraiswami
RC Madras Midtown
___________________________________________________________________________________
In 2011, Dr. Joshi had fitted a set of prosthetic limbs, with a mechanical knee to a
person. He is now able to drive an autoriskchaw and earn his living. The absence of
knee was not a factor as he demonstrated the braking ability, and revealed the
mechanism behind his “knee”. The brave gentleman deserves our admiration and
appreciation for staying positive and the Dhanvantri team and the medical team of Dr.
Joshi deserving our respects for their professinal
efforts and providing the path to dignity for the
autorickshaw driver.
Other Dhanvantri projects included the
inaguration of the Waiting / Rest Hall for the Base
Hospital in Tellipalai, Jaffna , and a visit to the
Kopay Mahavidyalaya. The Waiting Hall was
donated entirely by Rtn. Jayakrishnan of Rotary
Club of Sun City in memory of his late wife. Ann.
Priya Jayakrishnan. As explained by the
Superintendant of the hospital Dr. Umashankar, this was a hospital that was razed in
the civil conflict and from what we learnt that a few years back there were none of the
structures; and during the past few years the generous assistance from many well
wishers, corporates and Rotary Clubs, has made the hospital a reality.
The cleanliness we have seen around in Sri Lanka is visible in the hospital itself. It is
said that the cleanliness of the Base Hospital can rival that of the best of the star
hospitals in India.
The motto “ Peace is Possible “, boldly written at the entrance to the hospital, shows the
hope of a populaton that had faced war. The commitment and the dedication of those
carrying out their duties in this hospital is a testament to their zeal and hope to make
best of all facilities and resources – as only they know what it is not to have the
resources!
The visit to the Mahavidyala at Kopay was a lesson in resilience. The lovely children
standing in a row applauding as the Rotarians walked in was too nice a gesture not to
respond to. As one walked into the spartan class rooms, one could see the Bullet holes
in the walls. There are bullet holes all around, next to the Black board, below it and
above it; the children in their smart uniforms standing unmindful of the terror that had
taken place inside the class room. Here is a place that has seen war in its ugliness and
there would be victims and survivors of it. It was all theoretical till I met the girl with the
blue ribbon – a child of about 10 years laughing and shreiking joyfully with her friends,
suddenly going silent – when the teacher said that her parents were killed right in front
of her eyes. Here is one who is making a comeback to tackle life after seeing the worst
of war... at an age that we will cuddle and pamper a child. Afraid of learning more dark
news, one moves away quickly, but the memory of the blue ribboned face lingers on.
If we thought that we have seen the worst of war, we were kidding ourself. More was to
come at Jeyapuram Mahavidyalaya, Kilinochi District.
At the school,a large number of villagers were waiting. Military trucks and vehicles had
SRILANKA – INDIA FRIENDSHIP TOUR 2014
by Rtn. Shankar Duraiswami
RC Madras Midtown
___________________________________________________________________________________
ferried a number of residents from nearby villages. A row of 16 villagers requiring
prosthetic limbs were waiting. And more were waiting in the meeting hall, and many
more in the open ground by the side.
As Dr. Joshi went about attending to those requiring artificial limbs, assisted by good
samaritan Rotarians, the rest gathered for a program involving students, with a cultural
show and a program to donate various items to the school children and the vilagers.
As one went around to get a chance to talk to the villagers gathered, there was an
obvious reluctance on the part of the villagers to talk. The children, some in their school
uniform and others in casual dress were more approachable. As one started to talk to
the children some of the villagers started to converse.
There does not seem to be a family that had not lost some one or something in the war.
We heard stories of how an elderly person saw a sharpnel from an exploding bomb
killing his wife. An elderly lady, who was there with a grand son, told about the father
being lost long back and the mother killed during last stages of war; and then another
girl in her 20s holding a photo told of her parents getting killedin the final stages of war
in Mullaitheevu. And now she has to find employment to educate and fend for her 3
sisters and a brother. And then she said - “ we have no means of employment here. We
used to earn when men folk used to go fishing and we will get work when the catch is
off loaded. Now that work is not happening.” How do they live now? - on the largesse of
relatives. It is an uncertain life. And we learn that most families are in the same
dilemma. More than freebies and material gifts, they need employment, and skills to
work. Another lady said, “Life is now better than what it was before the end of war. The
government is helping, but it is not much.”
Another talked about being lonely after his wife died in the war, and he earns his keep
by working as a labourer on daily wages. He looked quite elderly, and my natural
tendancy was to ask about his children. He looked and turned his face and did not talk
further.. There are certain things that will forever reside in their heart.
On the positive note we heard that educaiton if offered free to all, and medical care is
also avaiakble free of cost to all citizens. A nation that has a sizeable population yet to
stand up, before it can walk, but help is pouring in.
Meeting the Rotarians of Sri Lanka, in Anuradhapura, in Jaffna, and in Colombo brought
out the best in Rotary. The friendly atmosphere and a basis for picking up good
friendships. We met a Rotarian who was born just as the war was starting thirty years
back. His can remember nothing but war and trials from his childhood.
The fellowship meetings in Anuradhapura and in Jaffna and the one at Colombo were of
a high quality. The cultural dances, the commitment to serve for the needy were the
theme in all these meetings.
The pinnacle of the stay in Colombo was the Srilanka-India Friendship Agreement
2014-15. 56 clubs from both districts tieing the knot of friendship. As one who had
organised a similar event between 26 clubs from each district, I appreciate the scale of
SRILANKA – INDIA FRIENDSHIP TOUR 2014
by Rtn. Shankar Duraiswami
RC Madras Midtown
___________________________________________________________________________________
this arrangement and the organisers had planned exceptionally well to conclude a
wonderful trip.
Inspiring addresses by the Governors of the two Districts and by the Rotary
International Director Rtn. P.T. Prabhakar set the tone for the electrifying atmosphere of
friendliness.
As we sat in front of each other signing the Sister Club Agreement, PE Rtn. Shanthi de
Silva of Rotary Club of Nugegoda wondered– “What do we do as sister clubs.” Of
course we build our relationship by becoming closer friends, and then find out how we
can be of help to those in need. And hope to cherish and develop this relationship into a
sustainable form of Rotary International Understanding and work for Peace.
As we stood with the Governor of 3230 Rtn. I.S.A.K.Nazar and Governor of 3220 Rtn.
Gowri Rajan, we could sense that Sri Lanka is a country which is divided by a border,
but united with us in India, in culture, civilization and dream for a peaceful world.
*****
[ In the following pages are several photographs – It is not possible to do justice to the
entire trip with the few photographs, but it is a sincere attempt to bring out the most
poignant parts of the trip.]
What we saw in 4 days , among others
Clean river flowing through a city !
Cultural excellence
Only stray dog seen in 4 days !
SRILANKA – INDIA FRIENDSHIP TOUR 2014
by Rtn. Shankar Duraiswami
RC Madras Midtown
___________________________________________________________________________________
DHANVANTRI – LEADERS AND MOVERS
Rtn. K.Kandaraj , till recently a non Rotarian, initiated the desire to serve for the war
affected when he and Rtn. PP Dhanasekar met 4 years back. Talking about the plight of
the war affected regions, a proposal for action from Rotary was placed with the then
District Governor of D 3230 – Rtn. Sampath kumar. Rest is history. “Dhanvantri” was born.
Several other Rotarians lent their active support and various projects to assist the people
of war affected Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka . Mention the name Dhanvantri and the
names that spring to one's mind are : Rtn. Dr. Sai Prasanna, Rtn. Dr. Joshi, Rtn.
G.Balasubramaniam, Rtn. Dr. Nandakumar, Rtn. Dr. Sriram, the Past and present
Governors of 3230 who helped to have the project continue.
SRILANKA – INDIA FRIENDSHIP TOUR 2014
by Rtn. Shankar Duraiswami
RC Madras Midtown
___________________________________________________________________________________
DHANVANTRI'S PROJECTS
Distribution of clothes to residents at “Putharikuda” and in Mullaitheevu camp -
Residents assembled to receive the gifts and queuing up :
SRILANKA – INDIA FRIENDSHIP TOUR 2014
by Rtn. Shankar Duraiswami
RC Madras Midtown
___________________________________________________________________________________
Vocational Training Institute at Mullaitheevu
A far reaching intiative to provide training to the students in vocational training is giving
the youth of this region a tool for seeking employment which would help to take their
family and community for economic sustainable way of living. Dhanvantri provides
scholarship to all the students, each month which helps boost recruitment and
attendance.
SRILANKA – INDIA FRIENDSHIP TOUR 2014
by Rtn. Shankar Duraiswami
RC Madras Midtown
___________________________________________________________________________________
Leg for the Legless – Fitting of Prosthetic limbs !
Dhanvantri project is well known for the provision of limbs to those who lost during the war
or after the war. With the countryside still littered with anti personal mines, the number of
persons requiring artificial lims is considerable.
Story of the Autorickshaw driver :-
Base Hospital, Tallipalai, Jaffna.
Waiting hall donated by Rtn. Jayakrishnan
in memory of his wife, Ann. Priya
Clean surrioundings of the Base
HospitalSRILANKA – INDIA FRIENDSHIP TOUR 2014
by Rtn. Shankar Duraiswami
RC Madras Midtown
___________________________________________________________________________________
School with Bullet holes and the Girl in Blue ribbon
Meeting villagers at the Camp in Jeyapuram, Kilinochi
Awaiting prosthetic limbs and for other assistance an entire section of residents wait for
better times .SRILANKA – INDIA FRIENDSHIP TOUR 2014
by Rtn. Shankar Duraiswami
RC Madras Midtown
___________________________________________________________________________________
ROTARY INTER DISTRICT FELLOWSHIP & FRIENDSHIP AGREEMENT
at Anuradhapura, Jaffna and ColomboYou can also read
