The mail is posted to BoSF by Rakesh. ------------------------------------ Dear All I am writing to just a few of you who I think might be interesting in supporting this cause. We do not have means to fund through AID for Shiv babu as yet since he is not involved directly with an NGo, but are collecting personal funds for this. Many of might be aware of an unfortunate event in Bihar to one of the RTI activists there. (you can read more in the mail below to AID Jeevansaathi Kamayani). We are trying to collect some personal funds through individual donations to meet the immediate medical expenses of Shiv Babu. People interested in making personal donations please write to me for the amount you are pledging and send your checks to Sunita Mani 6953 Aspen Creek lane, Dallas, TX 75252 -Sunita " Dear Kamayani, I think that Reetika has already mentioned to you the sad incident that happened recently in Shankargarh (Allahabad), when Shivbabu, a local activist who has done very good work there with stone breakers from the Kol community, nearly lost his life. Shivbabu has been working there for many years, helping stone breakers to free themselves from the clutches of local contractors and lead a dignified life. Initially he was working with Sankalp, a well-known local NGO, but more recently he started his own work, with very little support. I have spent time with him in villages of Shankargarh and Rewa, and felt he had a strong potential, and we were looking forward to working with him. Unfortunately, just a few weeks ago he was the victim of a suspicious 'accident' that may well be, in fact, a premeditated attack instigated by local contractors. According to Shivbabu's version of the events, he had antagonised one of the most powerful local contractors (one Deepak Chaurasia, who seems to be well-known for his heavy-handed methods) by refusing a bribe of Rs 3 lakhs Chaurasia had offered him to ensure that stone workers withdraw a mining lease application. He suspects that this is the reason why unidentified men intercepted him one night when he was returning home on his motorbike, and left him for dead after a severe beating. He sustained serious head injuries and was in a coma for 18 days. His life was saved by the Divisional Commissioner, Shri Prabhas Jha, who arranged for Shivbabu's initial medical treatment (Mr. Jha seems to be a compassionate person, Arundhati Dhuru knows him and thinks well of him). Since then Shivbabu has been struggling to survive and find money month after month for his medicines, which cost Rs 4,800 a month. We recently met Shivbabu and his family, and it was a harrowing experience. His wife had to quit her modestly-remunerated job (in a local teaching centre) to look after him, and the family has no source of income for the time being. If Shivbabu gets better he may be able to work again, but at the moment he has severe problems of confusion, memory loss, and also physical impairments. Every month he is struggling to collect money from here and there to pay for his medicines. There is a good chance that Shivbabu will be able to recover in due course, and to resume his good work in this highly deprived area. But the immediate need is for medical care and survival. Anything you can do to arrange some support for Shivbabu's medical treatment would not only contribute to his and his family's welfare but also help him to continue the good work he has started in Shankargarh, at great personal risk (economic and physical). With best wishes, Jean (also on behalf of Reetika)"
********************************************************** Compassion wherever there is suffering. Conviction that the compassion is strong enough to eliminate suffering. Courage to make this conviction a reality. This is AID... www.aidindia.org www.aiddallas.org
