India journal - Great Lakes Leadership Academy - Michigan State ...

2011 GREAT LAKES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 2012 

In February 2012, the Great Lakes 

Leadership Academy — Leadership 

Advancement Program (LAP) Cohort 

III traveled 8,000 miles to spend two 

weeks of 95-degree weather in India to 

develop a global perspective on 

leadership for the common good. The 

twenty-seven participants also included 

GLLA Director Vicki Pontz, coaches 

LAP IN INDIA 

International Experience in India 

Jerry Jennings and Brenda Allston-Mills, 

GLLA Board Member Ellen Kohler, and 

MSU CANR Study Abroad Programs 

Assistant Director Dan Dutkiewicz, 

who served as our guide. The 

memories created, the knowledge 

gained, and the relationships that 

developed between new friends will 

have a significant impact on members of 

“EACH OF US MUST BE THE 

CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN 

THE WORLD” 

the Great Lakes Leadership Academy as 

we grow into true leaders who are 

focused on the common good for 

Michigan, the United States, and the 

world. This document was put together 

by the cohort and includes photos and 

descriptions of our shared experiences 

in India. 

MAHATMA GANDHI 

Cover photos by Michael McClellan 

SHANTI ASHRAM TNAU ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY 

1

Fourteen Days 

NEW DELHI AND AGRA 

CHENNAI 

CHIDAMBARAM 

COIMBATORE 

COCHIN 

We experienced India through 

interactions with residents, 

professors, students, and community 

leaders involved in agriculture, 

environment, natural resources, 

economic development, education 

and health care. Participants 

traveled to both urban and rural 

locations to engage in cultural, 

academic and civic activities, and 

learned how local practitioners in 

agricultural development to early 

childhood education work together 

across sectoral, religious and socio- 

economic differences. 

Photos by Michael McClellan and 

Christy Roman 

2 

Agra and the Taj Mahal.......................3 

Tree Planting.........................................5 

Madras Crocodile Bank.....................6 

Youth Water Conservation...............7 

Anamalai University............................8 

Visit with Self-Help Groups..............9 

Thillai Nadarajar Temple..................10 

Yoga Session at Pondicherry...........11 

Thiruvakkarai Tree Fossil Park.......12 

Uzhavar Sandhai, Market.................13 

TNAU e-Extension Centre............14 

Pollachi Field Visit..............................15 

Intro to Shanti Ashram....................16 

Bala Shanti Kendra Visit...................17 

Women-Led Enterprises.................18 

Food Security Program....................19 

Young Indians.....................................20 

ASHA Immunization Clinic.............21 

Panchayat Raj.....................................22 

Women Impacted by HIV................23 

Perur Temple......................................24 

Inter-Faith Prayer...............................25 

Shanti Ashram Gift Allocation........26 

KIDS....................................................27 

Screwpine Center.............................28 

Kerala Backwater Boat Tour...........29 

India Debrief/Final Check-Out......30

Agra and the Taj Mahal 

February 19, 2012 

“I believe that which separates action 

from inaction is not indifference. It is 

distance. May it fall away.” –James 

Maskalyk, Six Months in Sudan 

(modified) 

The quote above went through my 

mind several times as we traveled from 

New Delhi to Agra and the Taj Mahal. 

The drive for me was very intense. To 

see the volume of garbage with people, 

cows, dogs, goats, chickens and pigs 

living in it was a feeling I never want to 

forget. 

I am sharing these feelings because I 

believe the drive to Agra framed both 

my view of the Taj Mahal and my view 

of the entire trip. The Taj Mahal is a 

masterpiece and yet I could not help 

but have conflicting feelings about its 

beauty and the ingenuity it took to 

build it with what I saw on the drive. 

When we arrived at the Taj Mahal we 

waited in a short line because we had 

paid a premium price for our tickets, 

750 rupees ($14.00 dollars). While 

next to us was a long line of Indians 

waiting that had paid 25 rupees (.47 

cents) for their tickets. The cohort had 

a lot of discussion over the next few 

days of the trip about money, privilege 

and how it felt to move quickly into the 

Taj Mahal while the majority of Indians 

had to wait. 

Inside the Taj Mahal grounds a tour 

guide shared with the group about its 

architecture and history. The Taj Mahal 

was built by Shah Jahn, the Mogul 

Emperor in memory of his third wife 

Mumtaz Mahal who died after giving 

birth to their fourteenth child. 

According to historians building the 

mausoleum was the final request of his 

wife. The Taj Mahal was constructed 

between 1631 A.D and 1653 A.D on 

the Yamsua River of white marble. It is 

estimated that over 20,000 laborers 

constructed the mausoleum. The 

mausoleum is a part of a large complex 

of buildings and gardens. 

In 1658 Shah Jahn was removed from 

the throne by his son and was 

imprisoned as a result of the damage to 

the Mogul Empire because of his 

extravagant lifestyle. Shah Jahn lived the 

rest of his life imprisoned in the Agra 

Fort across the river from the Taj 

Mahal. When he died he was buried at 

the Taj Mahal next to Mumtaz Mahal. 

3 

The four towers, minarets, one on 

each side of the Taj Mahal, appear to be 

standing vertical, but they actually lean 

outwards. This engineering feature also 

provides protection to the Taj Mahal in 

the event of an earth quake because 

they are designed to fall away from the 

Taj Mahal protecting the structure. 

The inlay design used with precious 

gems is a European technique called 

pietra dura. The design uses the 

principal of self replicating geography. 

The interesting part of the pietra dura 

is that it is still being used in Indian 

architecture and many of the artists are 

direct descendants of the original 

labors of the Taj Mahal. 

The guide also noted several optical 

illusions in the architecture. The Taj 

Mahal appeared to be moving further 

away from us or looked smaller in size. 

The Taj Mahal was built to appear as if it 

was floating. The Taj Mahal was built to 

face the south and so the white marble 

appears to be different colors 

depending on the time of day. 

I feel my description cannot compare 

with the incredible technology and 

design used in building the Taj Mahal. 

This was a once in a lifetime experience 

and I was very thankful for the 

opportunity. 

Christy Roman, photos by Michael 

McClellan

TAJ MAHAL 

4 

“THE TAJ MAHAL 

IMMORTALIZES ONE MAN’S 

LOVE FOR HIS WIFE AND THE 

SPLENDOR OF AN ERA.” 

– REZA POOTRAKUL

TREE PLANTING AT CYCLONE 

THANE IMPACTED COMMUNITY 


In India, there is a tree for each individual in our group 

and each tree is labeled with our name. We had the 

great opportunity to plant these trees while traveling in 

Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. It was an amazing 

experience, and a memory that will be forever 

cherished. This is yet another way that India will 

forever be in our hearts. 

Andrea Boughton 

We planted the trees with survivors of 

Cyclone Thane, which ravaged their community in late 

December of 2011. Women gathered to tell us about 

their children and husbands, who had passed on as a 

result of Cyclone Thane. The community leader spoke 

about the lack of aide they’d received despite the 

severity of Cyclone Thane’s destruction, noting 

worldwide relief efforts for communities impacted by 

tsunamis and earthquakes less acutely destructive 

than Thane. Our time with this community was so 

short- too short to feel as though the women who 

came to talk about the cyclone, their lives before and 

after it, had been heard- too short to come to any 

resolve about how to help this community, which feels 

the impacts and losses afresh from Cyclone Thane 

today, halfway across the world. We were blessed 

with the opportunity to plant those trees as a tiny 

step in rebuilding the ecosystem destroyed by Thane 

and to share in the hope, resilience, and dedication of 

this community and its leadership. 

Robin Clark, photos by Sandra Yu and Robin 

5

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust 

and Center for Herpetology 


Established in 1976, the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Center for 

Herpetology focuses on promoting conservation of habitat and educating to 

lead towards sustainable conservation. Started by Romulus Whitaker, the 

Crocodile Bank has built a gene bank of three species of Indian crocodiles for 

breeding, research, and veterinary work. They focus heavily on breeding 

endangered animals. The Croc Bank currently contains crocodiles, turtles, 

tortoises, snakes, and lizard species. Currently there are 2,003 crocodiles at 

the Croc Bank. The Croc Bank collaborates with the Forest Department to 

help reduce human crocodile conflict. When a villager spots a crocodile on 

their property, they will contact the Croc Bank or Forest Department, who 

will come and retrieve the animal. Due to their extensive emphasis on 

education, human crocodile conflicts have reduced as fewer villagers are likely 

to attempt to kill or harm crocodiles themselves. All villagers surrounding 

Chennai are in some way involved in the Crocodile Bank. The Crocodile Bank 

has also trained volunteers as the Irula snake catchers. These snake catchers 

used to collect and eat snakes and Romulus Whitaker trained them to capture 

snakes and collect their anti-venom. The volunteers are primarily international. 

MADRAS CROCODILE BANK TRUST CENTRE FOR 

HERPETOLOGY, MAMALLAPURAM, TAMIL NADU, INDIA 

COLIN JAMES STEVENSON, DIRECTOR 

Sonia Joseph Joshi, photos by Michael McClellan 

6

ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY CHIDAMBARAM YOUTH 

WATER PROGRAM 

WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM PLEDGE 

February 21, 2012 Photos by Michael McClellan 

1. I UNDERSTAND THE ILL EFFECTS OF WATER POLLUTION AND HENCE, I PLEDGE THAT HEREAFTER I 

WILL NOT TOLERATE THE FACTORS CAUSING WATER POLLUTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL 

DEGRADATION 

2. I WILL USE THE BASIC NEEDED QUANTITY OF WATER AND ALSO CREATE AWARENESS AMONG MY 

CLASSMATES ON THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER AND NEED FOR ITS CONSERVATION 

3. I SWEAR TO UNDERTAKE RAINWATER HARVESTING STRUCTURES IN MY HOUSE AND PERSUADE 

MY VILLAGE PEOPLE FOR PROPER CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF RAINWATER 

HARVESTING IN THE VILLAGE IN GENERAL AND IN THEIR HOUSES IN PARTICULAR 

4. I FURTHER PROMISE THAT I WILL USE WATER, JUDICIOUSLY BESIDES, TRY MY LEVEL BEST TO 

REDUCE THE EXHAUSTION AND COMPLETE AVOIDANCE OF PLASTICS. ALSO, I SHALL PLANT MORE 

TREES TO THE BEST POSSIBLE EXTENT WHICH WILL BE MY LITTLE PART IN REDUCING THE 

GLOBAL WARMING 

5. I USE AND RECOMMEND OTHERS TO USE JUDICIOUS WAYS SO THAT TO ENSURE AVAILABILITY 

OF WATER TO MY FUTURE GENERATIONS 

6. FINALLY, I STRONGLY TAKE AN OATH TO STRICTLY ADHERE TO THE WATER CONSERVATION 

MEASURES WHICH I COME TO KNOW THROUGH THIS WATER AWARENESS PROGRAM 

7


Voices of Leadership and Academic Study 

We had an opportunity to talk with and listen to Dr. Sundar 

as he explained his approach to leadership within the 

Department of Agricultural Economics which is one of the 

49 departments at the Anamalai University. 

Dr. Sundar’s leadership focus is on providing high quality 

content-based education while ensuring that the 

department and thus the students are connected to 

external resources that provide real experiences for the 

practical learning of content. The department’s learning 

opportunities include traditional classes, e-learning, 

seminars, conferences, workshops, a focus on practical 

projects and research. 

Dr. Sundar is very practical in his mission. He framed the 

question the department struggles with: “What can the 

department do to help make sustainable agriculture in India 

a reality?” He stressed to us that if the department, “could 

help farmers to increase their income from one rupee to 

three rupees” this would be highly significant. 

We also heard directly from undergraduate students sharing 

their research projects with us. Their topics were female 

at Anamalai Universty 

8 

infanticide, the realities of farmer suicides and the impact of 

urbanization on agriculture. Each of them clearly addressed 

the complexity of these issues in their setting. The 

presentations were informative and comprehensive. 

The female infanticide research project included a proposal 

for a research intervention for working with 6 schools (600 

students) through a 4-stage process to see if education can 

change student attitudes and beliefs related to the serious 

status quo thinking that sees girls as being considered 

useless and as an economic burden to the family. 

All three of the student research projects were obviously 

very serious topics in India and these students were 

exploring them with academic integrity. 

The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Anamalai 

University also spoke with us. His vision is for the 

university to produce graduating students of “very good 

quality and who are doing beneficial work for society.” His 

advice to all of the students at Anamalai is to, “know your 

goal and plan strategies with stakeholders to achieve the 

goal.” 

Jerry Jennings, photo by Michael McClellan 

“WHAT CAN THE 

DEPARTMENT DO TO HELP 

MAKE SUSTAINABLE 

AGRICULTURE IN INDIA A 

REALITY?” -DR. SUNDAR

VISIT WITH SELF-HELP GROUPS 

FEBRUARY 21, 2012 

B.S.P. FISH SEED FARM AND SWAMY NURSERY GARDEN 

A BUSINESS TO TEACH LOCAL PEOPLE NATURAL 

RESOURCE RELATED TRADE/SKILLS, INCLUDING: 

-BOWL AND PLATE MAKING FROM ARECA PALM 

LEAVES 

-INDOOR AND OUTDOOR AQUACULTURE FACILITIES 

THAT RAISE DECORATIVE FISH 

-GUPPIES, MOLLY'S, BLACK MOLLYS, SWORD TAILS 

-ORGANIZING SALES TO LOCAL BUYERS AND 

EXPORTERS 

-GARDENING OF COCONUTS AND ORNAMENTAL 

PLANTS 

-RAINWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM THAT STORES 

RAINWATER FROM THE MONSOON SEASON THAT IS 

LATER UTILIZED FOR AQUACULTURE AND THEN FOR 

HORTICULTURE IRRIGATION 

-MAT WEAVING 

JEFF KALA, PHOTOS BY KEVIN BESEY 

9

Thillai Natarajah Temple 


The Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the town 

of Chidambaram, East-Central Tamil Nadu, South India. 

The temple is known as the foremost of all temples to 

Saivites and has influenced worship architecture, 

sculpture and performance art for over two millennium. 

The place where the temple is located is the center point 

of world's magnetic equator. The temple has nine 

gateways, and four of these have gateway towers each, 

seven storeys facing East, South , West and North they 

also signify the nine orifices in the human body. The 

legend of the temple begins with Shiva strolling in the 

forest known as the Thillai Vanam. In the Thillai forests 

resided a group of sages who believed in the supremacy 

of magic and that GOD can be controlled by rituals and 

magical words. Thousands of people come to pray and 

worship at this tempel from the region. 

10 

We observed the Natyanjali Dance Festival- dancers from 

across the country performed at the Temple to pay their 

respect to Lord Nataraja, who is also considered to be 

the lord of dance. 

Worship (Puja) is done 6 times in a day at the temple we 

were fortunate to experience the last puja of the day and 

is believed that the entire divine force of the universe 

retires into the deity, when he retires for the night. 

Amna Osman, text and photo

11 

Yoga Session at 

Pondicherry 


Program participants had the 

opportunity to attend a yoga session 

led by a Guru while staying at the 

Hotel Ocean Spray. We woke early in 

the morning and gathered on the lawn 

outside, surrounded by palm trees and 

the risen sun. The Guru led us 

through a wide variety of poses that 

stretched our minds as well as our 

bodies. 

Robin Clark 

photos by Jerry Jennings 

“A CREATIVE PERSON IS A 

POSITIVE FORCE, A FORCE 

FOR PEACE” DR. M. ARAM

THIRUVAKKARAI TREE FOSSIL PARK 

12 

THIRUVAKKARAI, NEAR PONDICHERRY, IS THE 

ONLY VILLAGE IN INDIA BEARING PETRIFIED 

TREES. WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WALK THE 

PATHS WITH DRS. JAGAN AND SUNDAR, WHO 

TALKED ABOUT THE PETRIFIED TREES, LOCAL AND 

NATIONAL EFFORTS TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE 

THE PARK, AND THE SMALL TEMPLE ON THE 

GROUNDS. 

ROBIN CLARK, PHOTOS BY SONIA JOSEPH JOSHI

Uzhavar Sandhai, Banana Market, and Flower Market 


Farmers Market 

Farmers Markets are being sponsored by 

government to facilitate the small farmers to 

sell their fruits and vegetables directly to the 

consumers. There are more than 200 

markets formed in urban and semi urban 

areas. This helps the producers and the 

consumers. 98% of the products are being 

sold retail and about 22% sold to whole sale 

buyers. A large variety of products are sold 

depending on the season. 

Banana Market 

This is the only auction type market. It was 

only banana’s being sold here. Commission 

agents are organizing auction similar to 

whole sale markets. 

Flower Market 

All types of commercial flowers are being 

sold in the flower market. Prices are being 

fixed by merchant/ traders based on the 

arrivals/ demand/ festivals. This changed 6 

years ago from a buyer-set price type 

market. 10% of commission is being 

collected by producers. 

Abbey Dorr, text and photos 

13

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University e-Extension Centre 


Dr. E. Vadivel, Project Officer e- 

Extension & Precision Farming, 

talked with the group about the 

farming in India and the 

development of farmer 

associations. With the help of TNAU 

and MSU, farmers have been able to 

improve the quality of their 

product, learn about marketing 

techniques, and target the 

international markets. The net 

income for farmers has increased 

due to increased knowledge and by 

partnering with others that are 

selling like products. A larger group 

has a larger voice in developing 

policies, finding markets, and getting 

better prices. 

One example of TNAU helping the 

farmers is by training banana 

farmers about growing and 

preparing their commodity for 

market. The farmers are making use 

of technology and education. The 

quality of the bananas has improved 

in uniformity and bugs/diseases have 

lessened due to using a different 

technique for bagging the bananas. 

Dr. E. Vadivel explained the other 

farmer associations and how they 

have helped the farmers. We learned 

about the Flower Producers 

“EXAMPLE IS LEADERSHIP.” 

ALBERT SCHWEITZER 

Association, Ayakudi Guava 

Growers Association, Betel 

Growers Association, and the 

Pollachi Pandal Vegetable Growers 

Assocation. 

For each of these associations, the 

doctor discussed how many farmers 

are involved and how the prices are 

set (many are set “fixed” by the 

association). For the Flower 

Producers Association, farmers do 

not receive a commission and they 

harvest multiple times in one day, 

making 7-8 trips a day from the 

farm to the market. 

Precision farming was another topic 

of discussion while we were at the 

e-Extension Centre. The Centre 

implemented this project to train 

farmers and empower them to be 

more technical and economical. 

Water, fertilizer, and pesticides are 

measured, and with the help of 

TNAU, farmers are using a location 

specific, field specific and crop 

specific approach. 

The one problem that the Centre is 

running into is dispersing the 

training. Men attend the training, but 

then they do not return to the 

fields. Women never attend the 

training. 

Andrea Boughton 

Photos by Sandra Yu 

14

POLLACHI FIELD VISIT: WOMEN 

ROSEMARY GROWERS 

ASSOCIATION 

15 


AT THE TOP OF A MOUNTAIN, WE 

VISITED WITH THE WOMEN'S 

ROSEMARY GROWER'S ASSOCATION. A 

GROUP OF LADIES BEGAN THE 

ASSOCIATION AND FOUND A WAY TO 

IMPROVE THEIR STATE OF LIFE. THEY 

HAVE AN ESSENTIAL OIL EXTRACTION 

FACILITY RIGHT ON THEIR SIGHT 

THAT WAS ESTABLISHED IN MARCH 

OF 2006. THE GLLA GROUP HAD THE 

OPPORTUNITY TO BRIEFLY MEET 

WITH THE LADIES AND LEARN ABOUT 

THEIR ASSOCIATION. IT WAS NICE TO 

EXPLORE THE AREA AS THE GROUP 

WALKED OUT TO WHERE THE 

ROSEMARY IS PROCESSED. 

ANDREA BOUGHTON, 

PHOTOS BY ANDREA BOUGHTON AND 

ROBIN CLARK

Introduction to Shanti Ashram 


A beautiful 40 minute drive from our hotel - mountains in the distance to arrive 

at Shanti Ashram. From the moment we arrived you can feel the respect, trust 

and deep relationship that has been forged with Dan for years and Vicki in her 

recent visit. I write rough notes as we continue our rich full days. At Shanti 

Ashram we arrive and gather for a beautiful interfaith prayer - glorious voices 

rising together intermingled with individual voices sharing Gandhian ideas and 

diverse interfaith prayer and thoughts. Shanti Ashram staff provided a warm, 

open, fully informative introduction, orientation and welcome to our group. I 

have a sense our time here will be very rewarding and impactful. 

We then moved to the big hall (as there is a power shortage in Tamil Nadu and 

the big hall has a source of uninterrupted power) for a more in depth 

understanding of how Shanti Ashram came to be. We were introduced to the 

Gandhian concept of sarvodaya; of lifting the whole of human society to the 

highest level of existence. Gandhi coined this term from the Sanskrit roots sarva 

(all) and udaya (uplift) - "The uplift of all." Dr. Aram, a leading member of the 

peace movement (I'll have to learn more as I write this, I cannot capture all that 

this man has done and meant for so many people), founded Shanti Ashram and 

his wife and daughter play pivotal roles. His daughter, Dr. Kezevino, serves in the 

role of director. Clearly the staff have deep respect for each other, their 

capabilities and their work. The idea of evolutionary leadership plays a key role in 

the work and vision of Shanti Ashram - as leaders we evolve (thank you GLLA) 

and that at the same time the community continues to benefit. 

Lisa Brush, photos by Andrea Boughton 

16

BALA SHANTI KENDRA VISIT 


The Bala Shanti program was started 15 years ago. It 

reaches hundreds of rural children. As a result of 

the program, the school enrollment rate of Perur 

Block as well as childhood development indicators are 

higher than the national average. We visited two 

schools -- one that was only a week old and one that 

had been established for five years. The schools 

follow a Montessori framework and work with 

children ages 3 to 5 years old. At the age of five, the 

children are eligible to attend public schools. 

In addition to standard educational opportunities, the 

schools serve as a locus for other programs that reach 

the entire family and village, such as childhood 

immunization; nutrition education and supplementation; 

and personal savings education (supported with 

individual savings banks). We learned that it costs 

Shanti Ashram $5000 to start a new school and $1000 

to continue operating the school each year. Shanti 

Ashram works with local contacts and interested parents 

to identify opportunities for the establishment of new 

schools. 

ELLEN KOHLER, PHOTOS BY JEFF SANDBORN 

17

WOMEN-LED ENTERPRISES 

Rural Women of Perur Impacting Climate Change 


Shanti Ashram is using Women’s Self Help Groups to act as 

a catalyst for the adoption of eco-friendly technologies at the 

village level. This project promoted the use of locally available 

low-cost technologies like smokeless chulha’s, solar cookers 

and solar lanterns. The Women’s Self Help Group members 

were trained in the construction and installation of 

smokeless chulhas, solar lanterns and solar cookers. This 

initiative links poverty reduction and health to environmental 

issues for a reduced carbon emission. 

18 

The conventional method of cooking requires about 8 kgs of 

firewood to cook food for a family of five. The introduction 

of smokeless chulhas reduces firewood consumption by 

almost half. This saves about $27 (USD) per month, per 

family. Similarly the use of solar lanterns and solar cookers 

will reduce the use of kerosene in the households saving 

about $10 (USD) per month per family. 

Christy Roman, photos by Michael McClellan

Food Security Program, Shanti Ashram 


Food Security and its Dimensions, presented by Dr. SR 

Subramanian. 

Food security exists when all people at all times have 

physical and economical access to efficient food to meet 

their dietary needs and food preference for an active healthy 

life. 

The key factors of food security are food production, access 

to food and proper absorption of food. India has the second 

largest population in the world with 30 Million people living 

in hunger. Approximately 46% of Indian children are 

undernourished. 

The Public Distribution Centers were initiated by the British 

government in 1939. The Food Corporation was established 

in 1965 as a result of the food act of 1964. One of the 

objectives of this program is to provide public distribution of 

food at an affordable price. 

The challenges of the current public distribution system are 

that 58% of the subsidized food grains do not reach families 

below the poverty level. In addition 43% of the people 

below the poverty line do not have Public Distribution cards 

and cannot afford to pay for the food offered through the 

Food Distribution System. Women have to pay for subsidized 

commodities up front each month, which presents a financial 

obstacle for running the distribution centers. Most women 

have to take out private loans at 60% 

interest at the beginning of each 

month to pay for the their food. 

Dr. Aram shared that the solution to 

a macro problem must come from 

the micro level. As a result Shanti 

Ashram and Michigan State 

University partnered to use the 

structure of the Women’s Self Help 

Groups to address this problem. 

Shanti Ashram currently supports 40 

19 

women-led public food distribution centers. The food items 

are sold at the original government subsidized price. 

However, the financial benefit the government provides to its 

own shops is replaced by a loan for working capital. 

Replacing the high interest loans with loans from Shanti 

Ashram made their enterprises more viable and prevents 

them from paying exorbitant interest to local money lenders. 

Many statistics were used during this presentation, but it was 

noted that India currently has no formal system to track 

people, like social security numbers. So statistics vary. There 

are other variables, such as population calculations because 

many babies are born in homes and not in hospitals. The 

Indian government is currently trying to develop a method 

to track the population. 

Christy Roman, photo by Michael McClellan 

“THE SOLUTION TO A MACRO PROBLEM 

MUST COME FROM THE MICRO LEVEL” 

DR. M. ARAM

Discussions with Young Indians: how can we use these 

relationships to further the common good? 


The days continue to fly by each one 

12-15 hour days full of tremendously 

rich presentations, interactions and 

amazing places. At last I’ve caught 

up in my writing and get back to 

today. We headed off to meet with 

business people of India – a 

wonderful, breezy, open-air setting 

on a porch with stimulating 

conversation and delicious food. I 

spoke with the head of the business 

school, a woman in that position for 

the last five years; a retired energy 

“NO BUSINESS CAN NOT BE 

TOUCHED BY WORLDWIDE 

EVENTS” 

global CFO – talking about America, 

our place in the world and our 

future. I also talked with several 

entrepreneurs – IT, web platforms, 

vehicle weight and tracking 

automation – and professor of 

agronomy among others. We then 

headed out for an engaging session at 

the Confederation of Indian 

Industries with the Young Indians 

(yionline.org) followed by one with 

business people 10 – 20 years their 

senior. YI folks an incredibly 

thoughtful group talking about how 

to bring the entire country along and 

how to have wealth accumulation 

happen in a socially responsible 

context. Other thoughts I capture 

briefly as I listen and take notes: “It’s 

not a responsibility, it’s an 

opportunity – it’s not about a single 

business, an industry, a business 

owner, it’s about the nation.” “While 

we may be living in comfort and with 

certain privileges we know that there 

is another Indian in need.” And then 

some of the lessons learned from the 

entrepreneurs who now have 

significant experience: “Manage your 

dreams. Balance your dream with the 

resources you can mobilize.” “When 

do you professionalize – don’t seek 

or get comfortable with a comfort 

zone.” “You can’t do it all yourself. Be 

flexible.” “No business can NOT be 

touched by worldwide events.” 

“Finding the right talent – senior, 

middle and fresh is key. Employ the 

unemployable.” “In your first ten 

years you are growing your base.” 

“How knowledgeable you are gives 

you an edge.” “Financing from banks– 

problem is that being based on track 

record or collateral is not ideal. It’s 

typically been a problem and that 

system is starting to change.” “Vision 

and targets might be very personal. 

You need to set it up in a way that 

will be exciting for everyone you 

want to bring along. That vision must 

be exciting and authentic.” 

Lisa Brush 

Photos by Michael McClellan 

20

ASHA MMR IMMUNIZATION CLINIC 


AS PART OF SHANTI ASHRAM’S COMMUNITY HEALTH 

PROGRAM, ASHA HAS PIONEERED A SUCCESSFUL 

IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM BY SEEING THE SERVICE 

VILLAGE AS THE UNIT AND ESTABLISHING A 

COLLABORATIVE FRAMEWORK OF HEALTH CARE 

PROVIDERS, PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS, 

COMMUNITY LEADERS, AND CHILDREN THEMSELVES AS 

STAKEHOLDERS. ASHA AIMS TO IMPROVE THE 

IMMUNIZATION STATUS OF EACH SERVICE VILLAGE 

TO 100%, WHERE EVERY CHILD IS IMMUNIZED 

ADEQUATELY FOR THEIR AGE. ASHA IS A GLOBAL 

COLLABORATIVE, WITH PARTNERS AT THE MASONIC 

MEDICAL CENTRE FOR CHILDREN, MICHIGAN STATE 

UNIVERSITY, GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTHCARE 

CENTRES, AND THE SCHOOL OF NURSING IN 

COIMBATORE. THE GROUP ATTENDED A MMR 

IMMUNIZATION CLINIC AT A COIMBATORE HIGH 

SCHOOL AND HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK 

WITH SHANTI ASHRAM STAFF, HEALTH CARE 

WORKERS, COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP INCLUDING 

TEACHING STAFF, AND THE CHILDREN 

PARTICIPATING IN THE IMMUNIZATION CLINIC. 

21 

ROBIN CLARK, PHOTOS BY ANDREA BOUGHTON

Panchayat Raj and its Special Institutions 


Presenter: Thiru S. Panneerselvam 

Presently has trained 2,500 elected representatives 

and is now facilitating the Child Friendly Panchayat 

Initiative, supported by UNICEF. 

What is the Panchayat Raj? 

System of Self Governance 

“Panch” means five; denotes a body of persons whom 

the people reposed their confidence for a “just” 

settlement of inter-village disputes. 

The Panchayat Raj in Tamil Nadu goes back 2-3,000 

years. 

The Traditional Structure 

Elected by the people 

1941 collapse after British Control 

1947 freedom from the British 

1958 Revival of Panchayat 

1992 Panchayat as a National subject with additional 

powers 

1992 73rd Amendment 

Panchayat as the Institution of Self Governance 

3 tier system 

Gram-Sabha (Village Parliament) 

Direct Election Consensus Vote 

Impacts 

Improved infrastructure improvements – Roads, 

water, street lights, community hall 

Improvement in sanitation 

Emerging leaders and new leadership 

Women as a larger part of leadership 

“MANAGEMENT IS DOING THINGS RIGHT; 

LEADERSHIP IS DOING THE RIGHT THINGS” 

PETER DRUCKER 

Dave Carpenter, photos by Andrea Boughton 

22

MOTHERS AND GRANDMOTHERS 

LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS 


Late in the afternoon the LAP III cohort engaged 

in a dialogue with women and children living with 

HIV/AIDS. Learning about life with HIV/AIDS 

through firsthand accounts served to provide a 

greater understanding of the diseases and its 

impact. For those living with the disease family and 

social links stood out as being the most important 

supplement to treatment. Having a family network 

that accepts, understands, and is able to help 

throughout treatment enriches the lives of the 

affected women and children. Chris Sadler 

We returned to Shanti Ashram (from a village on the edge of the Western Ghat 

Mountains to visit a women's self-help group - truly inspiring! and the head of a 

village panchayat) to a place teeming with people. As it was a Saturday as well 

as a time for the monthly HIV support group gathering, there were young folks 

and women of all ages about. We all enjoyed lunch and staccato conversations - 

the easy ones we could all understand: What's your name? Your ages? Brothers 

and sisters? Beyond that the communication relies on smiles and gestures. We 

then had an informative presentation on Panchayats to ground us in a more 

formal understanding of their structure. From there we moved downstairs to an 

incredibly open, frank, honest and moving interaction with the HIV support group 

- mothers (most infected), children (many infected) and grandmothers (most not 

infected, but are the caretakers as their children have died of HIV/AIDS and 

they are left to care for their grandchildren): a deeply feeling and humanly 

inspiring interaction. The session together (GLLA and the support group) was set 

up as a place for conversation. It started with them sharing their stories - of 

grandmothers scared about what will happen to their grandchildren; of the 

women shunned for their disease; of losing their husbands to the disease and not 

knowing of what they died until they and their children were diagnosed. The 

space was such that some of the children shared things about their being scared 

to share with their classmates when or why they felt ill, to Shanti Ashram folks 

saying that some of these women haven't shared the depth of these stories 

before. We all expressed our deep acceptance, love and admiration of their 

courage in not only dealing with the virus, but in sharing with us, as well as in 

seeking support through the group. There are so many affirmations for me that 

we as a people need each other. We won't be able to tackle the pressing issues 

we face as a society unless we embrace the side of ourselves that we all have 

for compassion, connection and cooperation. 

Lisa Brush, photos by Sandra Yu, Michael McClellan, Jeff Sandborn 

23

Perur Temple 


This afternoon / early eve we had a very special tour of a nearby 

temple by a priest who also works on HIV/AIDS awareness. Shanti 

Ashram has an intimate relationship with the temple. As a result we 

were allowed into two of the inner sanctum santorums and given 

the special blessing with ash and sandalwood. A thousand year old 

temple, the sacredness radiates from the walls. (A note to remember 

the white circle painting on the ceiling with the spirit who follows 

you no matter from which angle you view it. Very amazing.) 

Lisa Brush, photos by Andrea Boughton 

24


INTER-FAITH PRAYER 

SHANTI ASHRAM 

WE GATHERED WITH THE STAFF OF SHANTI ASHRAM AND SAT IN A LARGE CIRCLE ON MATS, 

WHICH ARE ROLLED OUT EACH DAY FOR INTERFAITH PRAYER. WE CLOSED OUR EYES, BOWED 

OUR HEADS, OR OTHERWISE OPENED OUR MINDS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PRAYER. THIS WASN’T 

A SINGLE PRAYER, BUT AN EBB AND FLOW OF PRAYER FROM DIFFERENT FAITHS AND DIFFERENT 

VOICES IN THE ROOM, EACH WITH AMPLE SPACE AND TIME TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMON 

PURPOSE OF PURSUING AND ACKNOWLEDGING PEACE. THE PRAYERS INCLUDED SONGS, THE 

MOST BEAUTIFUL AND MOVING OF WHICH WAS SHARED BY DR. S. R. SUBRAMANIAN. QUOTES 

FROM MAHATMA GANDHI AND BIBLE PASSAGES WERE READ. FOLKS WITHIN THE GLLA CREW 

CONTRIBUTED SOME OF THOSE READINGS AND SONGS, WHICH WERE SUNG BY INDIAN AND 

AMERICAN VOICES ALIKE. AT THE END OF THE PRAYERS, WE SHARED SILENCE. THE TIME AND 

SPACE THAT THE STAFF AT SHANTI ASHRAM CREATE DAILY FOR INTERFAITH PRAYER IS AN 

INSPIRATION AND SERVES AS A PROFOUND REMINDER OF THE POSSIBILITIES AND DUTIES 

SHARED BY HUMAN-BEINGS. 

DAVE CARPENTER AND ROBIN CLARK, PHOTOS BY SANDRA YU 

“I SUPPOSE LEADERSHIP AT ONE 

TIME MEANT MUSCLES; BUT TODAY 

IT MEANS GETTING ALONG WITH 

PEOPLE” MAHATMA GANDHI 

25

Shanti Ashram Gift Allocation 


It seemed unreal that it was already "decision time" as we sat 

in the upstairs room with our group and the representatives 

from Shanti, with the fans moving the warm India air, these 

representatives who had became friends and will forever be 

part of our lives and memories just days before we had never 

met seemed surreal. Sipping our water, this scarce water, and 

the amazing tea and cookies we realize how lucky we really 

are in the world and how wasteful our lives are. It is hard to 

fathom that it is snowing at this moment in Michigan and that 

soon we will be returning to our normal routines, yet be 

forever changed by this country, these people.... The slap in the 

face of reality and home has already started. 

Two years ago our GLLA group may have debated at length 

just where we should put our support, today it seemed we all 

realized that any decision would make such a profound impact 

here, we all knew it was far greater a decision than each 

person individually, my how we have grown. 

We all sensed the emotion of the moment...not just in the 

decision, but the reality of the trip. As Luke opened his mouth 

to speak, in a way only Luke can, the room is captivated. He 

states that, " We don't have a leader in the group, we are all 

leaders in training.... But today I will represent the group...." 

He goes on and eloquently tells the group how much our time 

with them has made an impression, knowing that there aren't 

words for the change we are all feeling in ourselves. As we go 

through the options he makes a statement to the room that is 

powerful..."Is there something that is on your hearts that we 

did not discuss yet today..." a beautiful way to ensure all 

options are on the table. GLLA LAP III participants agreed to 

target the funds we had raised to the developing Gandhi 

Leadership Institute. 

We again realize any vote can help and move into something 

none of us want to do... Say goodbye. We move to a circle on 

the stage area and all express one by one our gratitude and 

appreciation for our experience... Shanti...a place that will 

remain in our hearts forever! 

Stacy Welling, photos by Andrea Boughton 

26

Kottapuram Integrated Development Society (KIDS) 


On February 29 the cohort of the Great Lakes Leadership 

Academy had the honor and privilege to take part in 

"EVOKE 2012" a Decennial Celebration and International 

Seminar. The seminar was held at the Off Campus Centre of 

MG University on the KIDS Campus in Kottaporum. The 

seminar topic was "Entrepreneurial Business Management: A 

Global Perspective" 

Introductions from Dr. C. D. Sebastian, Principal, JDV, Fr Joby 

Kallarakkal, Manager JDV, Father Johnson Panketh. Executive 

Director and Jerry Jennings, GLLA challenged the full hall of 

academia to look and move forward toward the next 

decade as to what the world and India may and could be. 

GLLA speakers spoke about their personals victories and 

challenges as entrepreneurs in the United States. Jeff Kala 

and Luke Meerman spoke directly to growing and marketing 

agricultural businesses. Dave Carpenter covered the 

importance of the relationships between Greenstone Farm 

Credit and Michigan producers, which Luke acknowledged 

and the audience supported. Ritchie Harrison talked about 

the economic challenges currently present in the City of 

Detroit, but also talked of hope and the future of Detroit as 

well as some well placed comparisons with our journey 

to India. Lisa Brush gained the audience attention when 

she used her non-profit experiences to emphasize the 

importance of being flexible, courageous and having vision as 

a business owner. Jerry did a very nice job of summarizing 

each of the GLLA speakers. 

The closing ceremonies had some similarities in length and 

pageantry to those of the Olympics, as we all were treated 

as celebrities and felt very honored to be part of this event. 

Jeff Haarer, photos by Andrea Boughton 

ENTREPRENEURIAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE 

27

SCREWPINE CENTER 

THE FIBER RESOURCE CENTER STARTED 

IN 1987 TO ASSIST IN THE DEVELOPMENT 

AND SOCIAL WELFARE OF POOR AND 

NEEDY IRRESPECTIVE OF CASTE. 

PROGRAMS INCLUDED WATERSHED 

MANAGEMENT, RAIN WATER RETENTION 

AND BACKWASHING OF WELLS WHERE 

THE WATER TABLE WAS HIGH. OTHER 

PROGRAMS INCLUDED MEDICAL CAMPS, 

ORGANIC FARMING AND PRESERVATION 

OF TRADITIONAL CRAFT MAKING 

THROUGH THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF 

ARTISANS TO PRODUCE AND SELL 

CRAFTS AND PASSING ON CRAFT SKILLS. 

THE ADVANTAGES OF FIBER PRODUCTS 

INCLUDE THE POTENTIALS OF HIGH 

EMPLOYMENT, LOW CAPITAL 

INVESTMENT, LESS PLASTIC, NO 

FERTILIZER, AND LIMITED WATER USE. 

DR. SUNDAR GAVE US SOME HISTORY ON 

THE KERALLA REGION INCLUDING HOW 

THE MONSOON WINDS BROUGHT SHIPS 

INTO KOCHIN PORT FOR SPICES AND THE 

HISTORY OF RELIGIONS AND THEIR 

COLLABORATION IN THE REGION. WE 

HAD A TOUR OF THE FACILITY WITH AN 

OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE PURCHASES AT 

THE GIFT SHOP. 

JEFF HAARER 

PHOTOS BY ANDREA BOUGHTON 

28

29 

Kerala Backwater 

Boat Tour 


On the south-western shore of India lies 

Kerala and its palm-lined backwaters. The 

cohort boarded a boat in the afternoon 

and toured the backwaters with Dr. Sunny. 

The tour provided a welcome respite, 

with time to sit and watch silently, listening 

to the water and Dr. Sunny share their 

wisdom of the magical place. The tour 

was educational, as we traveled in the 

same waters as folks had for millennia in 

search of fish and spice, past historic 

encampments, modern fishing industry 

fleets, and small water-side 

neighborhoods. 

We saw first-hand the Muziris port in the 

Bay of Bengal, to which the famed 

monsoon winds have carried boats to 

India on quests for spices, as well as the 

shoreline along which traders have 

gathered for business for thousands of 

years. We saw crews aboard their ships 

either readying for or returning from 

fishing trips in the Arabian Sea. Smaller 

fishing vessels were guided by sole 

fishermen or pairs setting nets or diving 

to the bottom of the water to gather sand 

and muck for inland construction. As the 

sun lowered, we prepared for our return 

to land and our last night in India. 

Robin Clark, photos by Abbey Dorr

INDIA DEBRIEF / FINAL CHECK-OUT 

MARCH 1, 2012 

THE COHORT MET AT 9 AM IN THE RECEPTION AREA 

OF CHERAI BEACH RESORT. VICKI PREPPED US TO 

THINK ABOUT A MEMORABLE LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAY 

FROM OUR TRIP AS WE WALKED ACROSS THE SUN 

CRACKED ROAD AND OVER THE ROCKY STEPS TO THE 

ENCHANTING CHERAI BEACH ON THE ARABIAN SEA. 

DUE TO SOUNDS OF NATURE WE GATHERED INTO A 

CLOSE CIRCLE WITH THE VAST MAJORITY ALLOWING 

THE WAVES TO ROLL ACROSS OUR METATARSALS. THE 

CIRCLE HAD A LIFE OF ITS OWN AS IT ANTICIPATED 

THE DISTANCE OF EACH WAVE TO PROTECT THE SHOES 

OF THOSE THAT DECIDED TO RETAIN THEM. AFTER 

EACH COHORT PROVIDED A STATEMENT TO THE FIRST 

RESPONSE, WE SELECTED A PARTNER TO WALK AND 

TALK WITH FOR TEN MINUTES SO THAT WE COULD 

EXPAND ON OUR LEADERSHIP AND CULTURAL 

EXPERIENCES THAT WE GAINED ON OUR INDIA 

JOURNEY. WE WALKED SOUTH ALONG THE BEACH. 

30 

AFTER RETURNING FROM OUR WALK, WE ONCE 

AGAIN GATHERED IN OUR CIRCLE AND WERE ASKED 

FOR A SHORT STATEMENT OF OUR DREAM ABOUT 

HOW A BETTER WORLD COULD LOOK FROM WHAT 

WE EXPERIENCED. AND THEN IN CLOSING WE WERE 

ASKED TO GIVE A SHORT STATEMENT ON WHAT WE 

WILL DO TO MAKE THE DREAM LIVE ON. UPON THE 

DISMISSAL OF THE CIRCLE, VICKI LED A FEW 

BRAVE AND SWEATY SOULS FOR A SPLASH INTO 

THE ARABIAN SEA. WHICH IS A STORY BOOK 

ENDING FOR OUR GREAT JOURNEY TO INDIA. 

JEFF HAARER, PHOTOS BY SANDRA YU 

A

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