Greetings from Dharma Puri

Hello. Vanacome.

We have arrived in beautiful India! After a few days in Bangalore sourcing beads and jewels in the tangled markets, eating delicious dosa & taking night-time auto rides, we left for the countryside.

MAT is set amongst the paddy fields with a backdrop of the Eastern Ghats, and is such a beautiful place – green & lushious despite there being little rain.

Yesterday morning we met the ladies that work at the production unit for VIA - they are elegant & resplendent in their beautiful coloured saris & matching smiles.  They are warm & welcoming despite us knowing next to no Tamil & them speaking little English (although they understand a remarkable amount).  

In this first week of training we will concentrate on learning basic jewellery making skills, to then develop designs & work with in the following weeks in our next visits.

Day One yesterday was spent learning how to make jump rings and linking them together to make a chain. The ladies are fast to learn and very enthusiastic.

Day Two today and they have learnt how to add beads to the chains using wire made into loops, they were very happy to have made themselves a lovely little bracelet. 

We are brought spiced or lemon tea for breaks and have wonderful food cooked for us made almost entirely from the food they grow on the farm here – including guava, rice, tomatoes, green beans & peanuts.

The internet connection here is limited so we have just picked a couple of photos to upload this week. 

Much love to all xx

Selvi