New Hope - Part III (Paramedical Training)

May, 2005

Read Part I, Part II

Every student (affected by the Tsunami) receives Rs. 500 at the end of each month. Swamini Krishnamrita Prana distributed the first disbursements at the end of February when the students visited the Math. In a gesture of family responsibility in these hard times, many of the students immediately passed along their stipends to their families.

Fortunately, since everyone in the program was in the same situation of need, in the end the youngsters felt better about accepting the help that was offered. But for the people who found dependence difficult, the day that their education fits them for employment and they begin their new careers will have a particular sweetness.

The students talked about how the paramedical program came into being. Said one young man: “When Amma was sending food to all the relief camps, at the same time she was enquiring about the people there—those who have studied, those who can study, those who want jobs.” One of the young women students added what she had seen: “Amma sent brahmacharis and brahmacharinis (residents of the Math) to inquire if people wanted nursing classes or what… In that way Amma took some applications from each and every camp, and that is how Amma decided what to offer.”

Speaking of the keen interest taken in this program by Amma, head of the Amrita institutions, Mohanamma said, “For fifteen days, Amma was calling every other day, asking how the people are, and giving guidance.” Mohanamma paused, reflected, and continued: “She was giving me the courage, too—otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to do it!”

Not only Mohanamma had to make changes in her daily patterns. Life as a student is definitely different from life in a fishing village. “Previously, I was not punctual, but now discipline is there. We have to go to class on time, and to the canteen for meals on time—or miss eating! So we are very disciplined now,” observed one of the students. Others chimed in their agreement—and their appreciation as well, of this new way of living.

(to be continued)

- Janani
Correspondent from M. A. Math

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