Finally the main destination has been reached; all the way to Jammu & Kashmir State to Lal Mandi, Srinagar's Mushroom Village.
The late Dr. Agha with cap to the left, husband Pieter, Coen van Beuningen from The Netherlands and Dr. Parimoo, Pieter's long time friend.
Rain has left wet spots on the fields... The ever present snow capped Himalayan Mountains in the back.
Flooding caused holes...
Mushroomfarms Village it reads...
Men are NOT pregnant in Jammu & Kashmir State but I will explain that in a later chapter!
Husband Pieter entering the Mushroom Demonstration Cum Training Centre
Department of Agriculture Lal Mandi Srinagar...
Mushroom Cultivation
Dr. Parimoo left and the late Dr. Agha on the right...
It feels so miserable and cold... Dr. Parimoo again to the right.
In the mud, instead of on a concrete slab, they have to make their compost...
BUT it never happened in real time because of frictions between Hindu and Muslim powers!
Women washing their dishes at the communal water spout.
News Papers are used for covering the compost during spawn run...
It is all such a primitive sight and than again back to thinking that part of the Dutch delegation was in favor of adding a wing to the University in Delhi; for mushroom research. Gee, these poor souls need some basic help and no scientific publications that often only serves as self promotion!
Well, the answer was that most likely it was NOT going to yield anything.
He broke down in tears and was granted some money to try again.
Tough for Pieter to be fair in his answers...
They all look so desperate at the expert, my husband Pieter... How is it?
This grower has been using a kind of an oil drum for creating some heat...
No electricity, no water and no heating...
She is barefoot and one can only imagine how that feels!
Hope this did give you some insight as to what Pieter did experience there.
Next chapter we will show you more about this Mushroom Village's People!
{Part VII of Husband Pieter's Trip to India - Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir} | previous post by me
{Part VI of Husband Pieter's Trip to India - Shimla, Himachal Pradesh} | previous post by me
{Part V of Trip to India - Chail, Himachal Pradesh & Highest Cricket Ground in the World} | previous post by me
{Part IV of Husband Pieter's Trip to India - Solan, Himachal Pradesh} | previous post by me
{Part III of Husband Pieter's Trip to India - Maharaja Amarinder Singh, Patiala Punjab} | previous post by me
{Part II of Husband Pieter's Trip to India - Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh} | previous post by me
{Part I of Husband Pieter's Trip to India - Arrival in New Delhi} | previous post by me
{The Mission of H.R.H. Prince Claus - Husband Pieter's Trip to India} | previous post by me
oh, those poor folks, trying to scrape out a living and a place to live!
ReplyDeleteDearest Theresa,
DeleteIt has made a tremendous impact on Pieter, as there are no words for describing this!
Hugs,
Mariette
Hello Mariette, This was a real eye opener about how these people have to cope with primitive conditions, requiring huge amounts of labor and sacrifice in exchange for very uncertain results. It does however appear that if some help is forthcoming, then a relatively small space could produce a lot of mushrooms.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Dearest Jim,
DeleteYou bet how this was an eye opener to husband Pieter as well! Sadly so that help never came about due to those age old frictions between Hindu and Muslim powers and even worse...
With relatively little effort, so much could have been done for helping those desperate people.
Kindest regards,
Mariette
It is interesting seeing how they hoped to grow mushrooms, Harsh conditions, and hard back breaking work.
ReplyDeleteHugs Kay
Dearest Kay,
DeleteIt sure is heart breaking too! Most of the back breaking work in vain...
Hugs,
Mariette
Liebe Mariette,
ReplyDeletedas sind nachhaltige Eindrücke.
Herzlichen Dank dafür.
Alles Liebe
Elisabeth
Liebe Elisabeth,
DeleteJa das stimmt und so nachhaltig sind die Eindrücke das die für immer auf die Netzhaut bleiben...
Liebe Grüsse,
Mariette
Dearest Mariette； Your husband's visit must have give them some insights for their hard work! Yor pictures sure gave us some ideas how they were working for growing mashroom. So sad to read one of the growers broke down in tears. What a unbelievable living condition they were (I hope it got better even a little now).
ReplyDeleteSending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my Dear friend in America, xoxo Miyako*
Dearest Miyako,
DeleteInsights yes but if you are not able to make compost on a concrete slab to begin with; what can you do? And how can you change the growing conditions if you cannot reach the optimum temperature either? Heartbreaking to watch anyone struggle that hard, trying to make a living...
Hugs and love,
Mariette
Dit ziet er erg droevig uit, al dat water en modder en daar tussen te moeten leven in zulke primitieve omstandigheden.
ReplyDeleteBeste Marianne,
DeleteJa, in en in triest en zéér droevig! Koud dat het was en al die nattigheid en modder. Je zegt het goed: 'en daar tussen te moeten leven'... er was geen andere keus voor die mensen.
Liefs,
Mariette
Liebe Mariette,
ReplyDeletediese Armut ist erschütternd! Vor allem frage ich mich, wie man als Europäer mit den hygienischen Bedingungen dort klarkommt. ;-)
Leider kann ich im Moment die Bilder nicht gut erkennen, mein Monitor hat irgendeinen Fehler - sie sehen bei mir extrem dunkel aus.
Zu Escada noch - für mich wäre diese Marke dann nicht dir richtige, bei mir liegen die Proportionen auch anders. Ich "kenne" sie zwar vom Hörensagen, aber in den Läden habe ich sie hier noch nie gesehen. Allerdings besuche ich auch keine Edelboutiquen. Das Wenige, was ich brauche, finde ich in unseren Kaufhäusern oder über Katalog-Bestellung.
Den Post wegen der Schuhsohlen suche ich bei Dir mal. Im Augenblick ist das ein wenig schwierig, weil er Monitor sehr auf die Augen geht.
Liebe Grüße
Sara
Liebe Sara,
DeleteJa solche Armut ist erschütternd und wir sollen uns nicht als eine Art von Übermensch bezeichnen um zu sagen wie man als Europäer dort mit allen Bedingungen klarkommt. Auch für die Menschen da ist es genauso schlimm und Krankheiten können entstehen. Die Welt kennt leider keine Gerechtigkeit und die meisten Menschen aus dem Westen gehen daran vorbei und besonders die Media.
Der Prinz Claus hatte es gut vor um grad diesen armen Menschen zu helfen... er zeigte wenigstens Herz! Und mein Mann wollte unbedingt nicht mit den anderen in der Nähe von Delhi bleiben um dort an der Uni einen Forschung-Flügel hinzufügen. Das war sicher nicht die Absicht vom Prinz Claus, da er sich entschieden hatte, wie seine Mission über Entwicklungsprojekte, die wirklich die Armen in ihren Lebensunterhalt helfen würde!
Aber ja, es ist ohne Glanz zum Wandern im Schlamm und Interaktion mit den ärmsten.
Was die Escada betrifft, die habe ich immer vom Outlet und da kennst du aber schlecht eure eigene deutsche Outlet: OUTLETCITY.COM in Metzingen!
Liebe Grüsse,
Mariette
Liebe Mariette,
Deletedas sehe ich auch so. Nur mit dem Unterschied, daß die Menschen dort es "gewöhnt" sind, während wir da schon extrem empfindlich reagieren können. Nicht ohne Grund sollten wir kein ungewaschenes Obst im Ausland essen. Die Einheimischen vertragen das durch ihre Anpassung eher - so war das gemeint.
Schade, das mit Prinz Claus ... er hätte sicher noch einiges bewirken können. - Dann wart Ihr, Du und Dein Mann dort mittendrin.
Ja, Du hast recht, Mode ist nicht so mein Metier. Ich trage das, was mir gefällt und meist sind es no names! Ich brauch' das nicht, habe es noch nie gebraucht. Früher nähte ich ganz schlichte Dinge sogar selbst, wie Leggings, als es noch gar keine gab. :-) Ansonsten war ich immer sehr bescheiden in Sachen Kleidung. Wenige Stücke, kein Riesen-Kleiderschrank und fast alles wurde aufgetragen. Mich macht es nervös, zu viel im Schrank zu haben, was ich nicht wirklich ständig brauche/trage. Im Winter sind das nur wenige Teile - meine Fleece-Pullover, die warm und pflegeleicht sind. Jeden Tag ein sauberer ... da kannst Du Dir ausrechen, wie viele ich brauche, wenn ich sie regelmäßig wasche. :-) In der Jugend war das noch ein wenig anders, als man noch Zeit hatte zum Tanzen oder auf andere Veranstaltungen zu gehen. Doch jetzt sind wir sehr eingespannt und froh, abends ausruhen zu können.
Für Escada habe ich sicherlich nicht die richtigen Maße, wie Du ja schon geschrieben hst, da unterscheiden sich unsere Figuren, auch wenn ich auch schlank bin.
Liebe Grüße
Sara
First of all the photos are awarding winning in my eyes. But, the deplorable living conditions make me feel guilty sitting here in my beautiful, new, warm home. I am headed to a lecture at the University this morning and couldn't decide which pair of shoes to wear. Me oh my ...certainly opens my eyes!...Janey
ReplyDeleteDearest Janey,
DeleteThank you and yes, my husband has chosen the less glamorous path of putting into action what H.R.H. Prince Claus' noble idea was for helping the poorest of the poor through his Mission about development projects that would really help the poor in making a living! Sadly, most Media people also walk away from this harrowing reality so those poor souls are left on their own!
This very trip has changed my husband's outlook on life so much and also mine and you are right about your shoe selection. Once a Royal Dutch Airline purser said it so well: 'We only have problems because of prosperity!' How right she was... You learn that after living and working in countries like India, South America and also certain areas of Indonesia, even though they have always food enough and that's not so for India.
Hugs,
Mariette
Liebe Mariette,
ReplyDeletewie oft vergessen wir, wie gut es uns doch geht. Diese Fotos lassen erschauern.
Aber die Menschen geben nicht auf und machen weiter - auch unter ganz primitiven
Umständen. gut, dass es Menschsen wie deinen Pieter gibt.
Einen schönen Rosenmontag wünscht dir
Irmi
Liebe Irimi,
DeleteJa es stimmt das solche Fotos uns erschauern lassen und es soll auch ab und zu.
Die westliche Welt im Allgemeinen will nicht damit konfrontiert werden und einfach bequem dreht sich weg von diese harte Welt. Meinen Pieter hat immer schon für den Außenseiter gekämpft und ich auch.
Rosenmontag gibt es hier in der ganzen USA leider nicht... und ich sage dazu fast Gott sei Dank!
Liebe Grüsse,
Mariette
It's too bad concrete compost slab couldn't be built due to Hindu and Muslim frictions. I feel like they are wasting opportunity but they have their own philosophy.. It's sad to see poor living situations as well. I hope things are better now.
ReplyDeleteDearest Tamago,
DeleteOh, it is heart breaking to know that got never realized! And why always at the cost of the world's most poor inhabitants? Sadly the media does not even pay attention to that part of the world! It is not glamorous and it does not add to their own honor and glory when fighting for the underdog.
Sending you hugs,
Mariette
My dear friend Mariette:
ReplyDeleteTo see these pictures and read this story is heartbreaking. Just to see the living conditions of these poor people is very sad, lack of earnings prevents them from securing even minimum comfort far less having clean water running in their homes or electricity. That makes me think about the children and the lack of security that may put their lives at risk.
It must have been very difficult for Pieter go through all these problems they had and try to find a solution to help them. I really I admire people like him, because I'm not strong enough to see what he saw without crying and get depressed. This world needs more people like him.
God bless you both.
Love, Laura
Dearest Laura,
DeleteOh yes, you do sum it up all as it is... no security and not even having minimum comfort; let alone any warmth!
As for Pieter, it did leave a lasting impression on him in a heavy way too. There is so much injustice in this world and there are far too few people that really care! The media does not even give those poor souls fair attention as to bringing their problems to the world. The western world is just too busy with all their commercial holidays and yes, on blogs I often get a big sick from looking at all the home decorations for the many 'invented' themes throughout the year. Always having these poor souls in mind! It doesn't make any sense.
Thank you for your visit and love.
Hugs,
Mariette
Dear Mariette it sounds so strange those people had to learn to grow mashrooms!
ReplyDeleteThe condition that they lived are terrible!They nead other things more necessary for living!
Wishing you a lovely week!Hugs!
Dimi...
Dearest Dimi,
DeleteIt is very hard for making a living in that area and those people tried everything; just desperate to make some money for being able to put food in their mouths.
It is heart breaking indeed and makes any of us in the western world feel very guilty!
Enjoy your week.
Hugs,
Mariette
Lieve Mariette ...
ReplyDeletehet ziet er nogal droevig uit ...
wat hebben we het eigenlijk goed ,
ondanks al de problemen die hier in griekenland zijn ..
een fijne week ..veel liefs
Lieve Nieneke,
DeleteJazeker ziet het er erg droevig uit; heel triest om mee te moeten maken.
Ja, in de westerse wereld hebben we eigenlijk alleen maar welvaartsproblemen!
Heel veel liefs,
Mariette
For people who haven't traveled much, this picture might be a surprise. The reality is that far too many people live in such poor conditions even today. Thank you for sharing Mariette.
ReplyDeleteDearest Daniela,
DeleteExactly, all those that have lived a very sheltered life, find such a sight a surprise. You are so right that far too many people still live like that!
It is a pleasure for sharing this, the world needs to know about it and see it as the media does not pay any attention to their fate!
Hugs,
Mariette
Very harsh living conditions for those poor people!!!! It must have been heart-breaking for Pieter not being able to provide more help to them!
ReplyDeleteI wish you a happy new week, dearest Mariette!!
Dearest Marie-Anne,
DeleteOh yes, that has been very heart-breaking and that's the main reason he has used his slides for presentations for Rotary clubs and such. This is something the entire world should see as there has been no media attention for these poor people in Jammu & Kashmir State.
Seeing things like this has forever changed Pieter's life and also my life.
Happy week to you as well and hope spring is coming soon to your region.
Hugs,
Mariette
A good man doing good work
ReplyDeleteDearest Jo-Anne,
DeleteThank you but it almost too overwhelming... We would need people like Princess Diana who would get the media involved and make it into world news!
Hugs,
Mariette
Dearest Mariette,
ReplyDeleteYour husband Pieter's with Dr Parimoo was long time friend when rain has left wet sports times.
and the mushroom currivation Dr parimoo left but Dr Agha on the right to the right.
In the mud,instead of on a concrrte slabe they have to make heir compost.
I was very happy with both of your now!
Hugs and both of you always!
Michiko
Dearest Michiko san,
DeleteYes, a very dreary looking day, in the mud after heavy rains...
Hope your days have been good for you.
Sending you hugs and love from both of us.
Mariette
I'm chocked looking at those pictures. Although it's commonly known that the conditions of living in India are terribly harsh for most people, it's always a surprise to rediscover it...
ReplyDeleteHope you are doing fine both of you
Regards
Olympia
Dearest Olympia,
DeleteGuess to Pieter this entire visit was quite shocking too and it did make a tremendous impact on both our lives. This is not the routine tourist destination as most travelers never ever will get to see real life. Staying only in hotels and kind of tip-toeing your way around in any country leaves you still with an incomplete impression about daily life.
Yes, both of us are doing fine; thanks!
Wishing you a blessed mid-week.
Hugs,
Mariette
I was thrilled to revisit the pages and felt proud about the potential of my birthplace, I was overwhelmed to see my younger brother, Mr H L PARIMOO as one of the architects of Mushroom development programme. He has retained his passion for Mushroom cultivation and research even after his retirement.
ReplyDeleteDearest brother of H.L. Parimoo,
DeleteA surprise to read this here and yes, your brother has been a lifelong friend of both of us.
Sincerely,
Pieter & Mariette