in the air... and in the food...

Dear Friends,

A few days ago, one of the young law school interns described how at People's Watch (where I work) you seem to find Human Rights everywhere, in the air, the food, and all parts of daily life. Its a discourse that is alive and well and to be working side by side by those who have
beaten the odds to in turn to fight back for their communities is what makes working in a local NGO so inspiring and rewarding. It also makes it distinct from human rights world in the US which is generally comprised of wealthy and privileged white women and although I share many things in common with those people with my own background, i feel that many of my experiences set me apart. And don't get me wrong, there are problems here at an Indian NGO, there is still an ingrained patriarchy which pervades India even in the most progressive institutions which fuels a burning anger inside me and a system of hierachy that rules but that I generally don't buy mch into -- But all and all I still find myself extremely grateful to be here.

Yesterday was my birthday, and it wasn't full of a lot of high blown festivities or anything of the such, but I got many phone calls wishing me the best, a lovely gift from my roomate, and wishes "Happy Birthday and many good returns on the day" from all the people at work.. Many simple gestures, but coming from truly genuine people (the word my Aunt uses to descibe South Indians) -- somehow it meant so much, more than many of the bigger events I have put on in the past. And remembering some of the frusturations I had when I turned 23 in India, I feel like I have matured and found perspective in the love, caring, and friendship of the people in my life. I appreciate all amazing relationships I have been fortunate to have in my life.

I was casually chattin online with a friend of mine who is doing interesting work for his summer internship but says he is surrounded by the same type of arrogant people that are at law school, and it made me think about the kind of balance I am seeking in my life. So even though my work at times might be more sluggish, there is something about being amongst the genuine people, people who abide by the religion and faith of human rights as sincerely as I feel I do and that maybe that can help to fulfill me in the future where I am concerned about feeling a void for the lack of Western festivities and activities I may face. When I was in UP (Uttar Pradesh) in 2004, working at the child slaves/bonded laborers rehabiltation center, I remember the words of my director, who even though we could only communicate in Hindi, expressed a profound faith in me, telling me that I could be happy anywhere as long as I had a place to eat and sleep and was doing human rights activism. I remember his words often. I also remember the words of my career counselor and mentor at NYU law who told me she envisions me withstanding great pain for the causes I believe in. (Pascale Walker I will miss you!) Sometimes I question my own committment, but its always great to remember the faith of the many people in my life who believe in me.

I am 25 years old, but still love to blow bubbles and act like a young child. I still sleep curled up in the fetile position whenI fall asleep, and sit in strange positions ( I actually curled up in a red plastic chair to sleep through the night when we had to camp out for the Cultural night last weekend), I still laugh too loud and my hair never looks like its been brushed. But I am also my way to being a real lawyer and I am also incredibly independent and can and has travelled the world by myself and I also command respect from many people around me.

But I think the biggest accomplishment I feel for being 25 is generally feeling happy with who I am.

Love Reena