No Future for Temple Slaves

While traveling in India, I have encountered many behaviors and practices considered unusual by many Westerners.  The strangest I have come across are the lives of the Devadasi, or temple dancers.  Historically, Devadasi were considered second spiritually only to the Hindi...

The Voice of the Unheard Speaks Telugu

Throughout my adventures in India, I have come across many inspiring individuals. Of the people I have met and heard of, my knowledge of Rajesh Wari will leave a lasting impression on my mind.  Rajesh Wari is a hyper local community reporter from Addateegala Village. This...

Police Stand Idle as Mirjpur Burns

"Do the poor have no right to live?" exclaimed Jaswant, a local Indian of the village Mirjpur.  Over a month ago Mirjpur had 20 houses burnt to the ground by the Jat Community and experienced zero support from local officers.   In fact, local officers were seen that night...

India Dams Itself

India is known for its poor drinking water, but there are several things worse than a dirty water supply.  For instance, no water supply.   Dang, a district of the Indian state, Gujarat, has the largest amount of annual rainfall in Gujarat.  It would only make sense that...

"What Else Should I do Besides Beat Her?"

When asked about domestic violence, one man replied, "What else should I do besides beat her? Worship her or what?".  This repulsive mentality is far too common among many Indian men.   In the same report done by Samvad, a Video Volunteer's correspondent, another man...

Infrastructure in India: A Personal Experience

I am William Watt, a student journalist and visual communications major living in Goa, India for the summer. I recently had a personal experience that helped me more clearly realize the importance of proper Infrastructure in developing countries. A week ago I was involved in...

Education is Neglected in India, Yet their Youth Will Lead World?

In India, schooling ranges from advanced degrees in colleges, to children being forced to study in one-room schools with no drinking water or toilets.  In Daliganj, an area of India, there is a school where this is just the case. This school is not new.  It has been around...

Rajasthan, India: Celebrity Hot-Spot with Unsafe Water

Rajasthan, India in recent years has become a celebrity hotspot.  With big names such as Julia Roberts, Madonna, Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie passing through the state, Rajasthan has become a desired location for many high-end travelers.  Elizabeth Hurley even had her...

A life of Discrimination: India's Gays and Eunuchs

What makes a man voluntarily castrate himself? In India, there are over one million eunuchs known.  Some, but not many, are born this way.  Others have their genitalia taken forcefully, often by other eunuchs wishing to increase their numbers.  But many of these people...