From sameness to an appreciation for diversity

Nimna Wickramasinghe has been satisfied in her life in Colombo, till the time she did not meet fellow Sri Lankan citizens from the other part of the Pearl Island. A fortuitous joining of Future Leaders’ Conference presented her with an array of new beginnings.

“I did not know what was going to happen there,” Nimna said recalling her first day at FLC. She has participated in the 5^th edition of the FLC organized at Galle. But all of her apprehensions were allayed as the Conference progressed. “I made lot of friends just because of the FLC. Today I have friends in all parts of the country. Earlier my friend circle was restricted to only my class and school, but now I have friends from all walks of life,” said Nimna. Now whenever she travels to other places in Sri Lanka, she just puts up with her friends. 

The experience speaks volume about the hope that the present generation of the Island nation has, as due to the war that raged on for quarter of a century, there has been a generation that never had any contact with people beyond their own community. This isolation meant that the prejudices and hatred bred unabated. But no more, the present generation dreams of “One Smile, One People and One Sri Lanka”.

Her experience at FLC has been once in lifetime for her. “At the end of the 5-day conference, I had an emotional moment, when my team volunteer from Kalmune walked up to me said that he found a younger sister in her.”Nimna was the member of Batticoloa Bandits in FLC-5. It took her some time to break ice with other very young Tamil boy in the team.  “There was 9 year old Tamil boy in our team. He barely spoke but, over a period of time you saw the team changing and on the day of departures everybody was teary-eyed,” added Nimna.

Her biggest take away from the conference was the appreciation of differences and she understood that children from conflict zones had lot of pent of emotions and a lot needed to be done to bring them into the mainstream. “My mother, now when she cooks food for me for school, makes sure that the food is halal and it does not have pork, so that all my friends can enjoy the food together.”

Nimna’s dream run with the new found friends continued even after the FLC. She started a school project in Mullaitivu region of the country that once has been the hotspot for the war. She understood that to communicate one does not need the knowledge of the language, but the willingness to communicate. And she only has fond memories about it, “For the school project we partnered with schools in Mullaitivu. Even though I did not know the language but we could communicate. The people in the region were really hospitable to us.”

The conference was also a learning lesson in taking pride in being a Sri Lankan. “Before FLC, when I thought about my country I used to wonder why I am here as it was a messed up place. Now I do not doubt my country any more. I want to help rebuild this country. I had got rid of my racist idea as after knowing people I am not afraid of them any longer,” said Nimna.   

Her last message was – “We should give peace a chance." 

‘Today I am a dreamer, I have big dreams’

“Today I am dreamer, I am no longer afraid to have dreams. I have big dreams”. He is all of 22 years of age. But the confidence glinting in his eyes and his big dreams are way beyond his age. 

For the better part of his life, Benislos Thushan, hailing from Jaffna, has known conflict as the normal way of life, where bomb explosions and weapon firing was a routine during the peak times of the war. “I had got displaced even when I was in my mother’s womb as the war was going on. We got displaced again when I was eight year old and spent some months in IDP (Internally Displaced Person) camps,” he said, adding, “War was not a big thing because violence has been infused in my life so much."

The matter of fact tone in which he described the place of ‘normalcy’ that once war had in the lives of Sri Lankan is in contradiction to the hopes he exudes now. His journey towards hope began in 2010 when he participated in the second edition of the Future Leaders Conference (FLC) organized by Sri Lanka Unites (SLU).

“It (The Future Leaders Conference Season 02) was the beginning of the journey. Till then I only associated Sinhalese with hatred. But once I was there, for the first time Yohan, a Sinhalese came and hugged me,” said Thushan reminiscing about his experience at FLC. FLC gave wings to his dreams and he decided to come out of his cocoon. Today he has metamorphosed into a motivated youth aspiring to be an effective agent of change and become a multi-faceted young person. He speaks impeccable English, understands Sinhalese effortlessly and is aspiring to study medicine. “When I came to FLC, I did not know English. But then if I wanted to sustain my new friendships, I was under obligation to understand the language. And I started reading a lot in English.” Thushan’s perseverance paid off as he landed with a job at a leading Sri Lankan newspaper and started writing on socio-economic and political issues. He intends to study medicine and use it as a tool for post-conflict transformation in the society.

His passion was also sustained over a period of time by the doors of opportunity opened at SLU.  “I had small dreams. It was my dream to go out of Jaffna and then I got to visit 22 Sri Lankan districts and interact with more and more people.  Today I want to be a bridging factor between different communities and regions,” said Thushan speaking about his dreams. “Before FLC, I was only interested in academics. I had dreams which were self-centred, but nothing about society. But now I am a dreamer, big time. During the conference, I was able to see that absence of violence can lead to a prosper life.”  “When you hold grudge against somebody you are not going to make any progress. And during the conference I decided that I should not be doing that,” added Thushan talking about his transformation into a progressive and constructive youth.

Today he does not seek to counter people’s hatred with mere words but with loud actions. “One of my friends used to hate people from other community. I did not argue with him. But brought him to SLU and today he is a firm believer in the cause and sees social harmony as an achievable goal,” said Thushan with a blithesome smile.

Final Day of Sri Lanka Unites' Flagship Event

After 4 days of living with each other not many wanted to return home. The last day of the conference was not eagerly anticipated. Although everyone was looking forward to yet another day of FLC this would also be the final day they would get to spend precious time with their team. Spirits were high but emotions were mixed. A group of girls who had to leave on the 3rd day and return in the evening (as they were receiving prizes at their school prize giving) refused to do so as they couldn't stand the idea of leaving the conference even for a few hours. This is the level of enthusiasm with which each one of them embraced each new day at FLC.

Due to the spike in hate speech in the recent past we realized the need for informed information to circulate among people about the different religions. What better platform than FLC to do this? We had about 600 young student leaders all dressed in white eager to learn and make a difference. The first session comprised of a panel of four religious leaders representing each of the main religions in Sri Lanka. Each spoke of the the beliefs that their religion stood by. This was very significant as many of the pre-conceived notions and uninformed judgments of another's religion was broken down. The students were then able to ask questions and clarify doubts about another religion. The religious leaders were impressed as the students posed intelligent and timely questions. The leaders did justice to each question by answering without holding back. At the end of a powerful and excellent session many of the students and volunteers commented on how much they had needed an opportunity to participate in something of this calibre.

The teams returned to the hall now wearing their SLU FLC 5 T-shirts for the closing ceremony. Ambassador Jayantha Dhanapala spoke to the audience and thanked Sangamitta Balika and the principal for their immense assistance for FLC 5. This is the first time FLC has been held in a Buddhist, all girls, government school. That in itself has been a great achievement only made possible by the enthusiasm and encouragement of the Principal of Sangamitta Balika. He spoke further on SLU and its journey to where it is today. He encouraged the students and applauded their efforts and enthusiasm to be agents of change and appreciate the immense potential that each of them possessed. Following this we had the finals of the oratory competition where the participant blew our minds away by the content of their speeches and their ability to deliver them so well. The moment that always moves the heart of the people is when the students take the stage and apologize to each other for the hurts and injustices of the past inflicted by one community to another. Although many have criticized that this is only a feel-good element there is no denying that the students need this. forgiveness needs to be asked, hurts must be acknowledged. It is a vital part of the healing process. To this day even participant of FLC 1 recount how much they appreciated that act of forgiveness and of acceptance. Many say that that was the moment it all changed and that was the moment they cherish to this day. No doubt the students felt this way this time too.

Future Leaders' Conference - Season 5 : DAY 01

Preparations were underway long before the day of the most anticipated event of Sri Lanka Unites- The Future Leaders’ Conference. SLU reaches a five year milestone at this season of FLC. To say that our youth movement has come a long way is no denying. But the most encouraging element of it all is that that all the hard work, the effort and labour was entirely voluntary thus making this milestone all the more significant and meaningful.

A team from SLU and a Southern coalition made of SLU students in the Southern province and students in schools in the Southern province worked hard to create a successful event for the students. As we witnessed today the team had indeed put in a lot of effort and thought and had done it wholeheartedly. Although there was much still left to do only hours before the Opening Ceremony everyone regardless of age or position rallied round to make the event as perfect as possible.What was heartening was that no one grudged the responsibilities given to them but in fact asked for more.

The students trickled in slowly at first and registered themselves. Soon they were coming in large groups with excitement, nervousness and curiosity written all over their faces. For some this is their first experience of an SLU event. It still amazes me how pre-conceived barriers like language, ethnicity and religion all fall apart so easily when one has the chance to interact and get to know someone completely different from one self. Although this may not be the case with everyone I’ve found this to be true in numerous cases.

Finally almost 600 students and around 60 volunteers had arrived representing every district in Sri Lanka. It was time for the opening ceremony that would officially kick-start the Future Leaders’ Conference. Last year Jaffna took the opportunity to display the culture of the North and this year Galle did the same to display Southern culture and show Southern hospitality. The principal of SangamittaBalikaVidyalayaaddressed the audience and encouraged them to make use of the opportunities that is now theirs since the culmination of the civil war.  She applauded the efforts of Sri Lanka Unites and encouraged us continue with our efforts. Later a student from SangamittaBalikaVidyalaya made an impressive speech in Tamil to warmly welcome the Tamil students from across the country. Following this the Champions of Change award for 2013 was awarded to Methodist College and Hindu Ladies College for their project on standing up against harassment of women. 8 other schools were also acknowledged for the best COC projects carried out in the past 5 years. After briefing the students about the procedures of the Conference the ceremony ended with a loud and vibrant cheer for each team as their volunteers took the stage representing their teams.

Work is still underway for tomorrow. The tireless effort of the team has definitely paid. There are four more days to look forward to and work hard for but with an enthusiastic and hardworking group of people it seems an easy  and exciting hurdle to pass.

Press Release - Opening of the first Reconciliation Centre in Mulliyawalai, Mullaitivu

31^st January, 2013 – Mulliyawalai – 

The first ever Reconciliation Centre at Mullaitivu was declared open by Alistair Burt MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, United Kingdom, last month. 

It is the realization of a four year dream of ‘Sri Lanka UNITES’ to increase both academic and employment opportunities for the youth in Mullaitivu  – an area crippled as a result of the 30 year war.

The Center will be an educational hub providing opportunities to study recognized courses in Information Technology, English and Business Entrepreneurial skills. For the first time in Mullaitivu a center comprising of a well equipped library and a computer lab with internet facilities will also be available.  

“Sri Lanka UNITES is a youth movement that is committed to change; we are committed to be part of the solution. We may not have all of the answers but we are trying to be part of the solution, and that is how the vision for this reconciliation centre came in to being” said Prashan De Visser, President of the movement.

The Movement has been active since 2009.  Student leaders of different ethnicities and religions, from all 25 districts of the island have been brought together in annual conferences. These young leaders are working collectively to build a better future based on equality and meritocracy. 

 “How can we as fellow Sri Lankans, be cozy in our cities, have a very good education and ignore our very own brothers and sisters here in Mullaitivu?” De Visser added.

Speaking at the opening Alistair Burt said that “Reconciliation does not start top-down, it doesn't start with a stroke of a pen or someone writing a law; it starts in the heart and that's why it’s so important - because you can make it happen.

You will find lots of people who will find reasons to divide and say why division is the better way . . . but the important thing is that you are the future.”

He added that it is the youth with these opportunities and experiences who will build a prosperous future for the country.

Students who followed a three week Intensive English Programme (IEP) at the Reconciliation Centre were awarded with certificates.  Three of the students spoke during the Opening Ceremony showcasing their English speaking ability.

The event concluded with a cultural performance by students of Vidyananda College, Mullaitivu. 

The Mullaitivu Reconciliation Center will be used as a model to create similar Centres across the island, with the target of having at least one in every district.

Response to “Racing tanks with Bicycles: A parable of ‘Reconciliation’ in Sri Lanka”

The following is the response by Sri Lanka Unites to the article published in Groundviews, which can be found in the following link:
http://groundviews.org/2012/12/27/racing-tanks-with-bicycles-a-parable-of-reconciliation-in-sri-lanka/

Consequently, our response was also published in Groundviews and can be found in the following link:
http://groundviews.org/2013/01/11/response-to-racing-tanks-with-bicycles-a-parable-of-reconciliation-in-sri-lanka/

Response to “Racing tanks with Bicycles: A parable of ‘Reconciliation’ in Sri Lanka”

In the wake of a Project where essential school items, bicycles and other items were donated at the Seeniyamottai resettlement village in December 2012, much discussion has taken place in public forums as to certain concerns it raises including in the recent article in ‘Groundviews’ by Amal de Chickera. Sri Lanka Unites as a movement would like to reply and to clarify some of the mistaken assertions.



It must be stated at the outset, as indicated by Amal de Chickera himself, that his thoughts and ideas were spurred by browsing through images on a social media site. With all respect to the author’s best efforts and the website for their citizen’s journalism initiatives, it would surely have been better if the article was based on a wider and deeper level of information and the courtesy of a consultation with Sri Lanka Unites or connected groups involved in the project.



Sri Lanka Unites in Mullaitivu


Our journey with the people of Mullaitivu began in 2009. We gained access to serve the community at Menik Farm through Sarvodaya. At the time, the current Sri Lanka Unites National Director was a program coordinator for Sarvodaya - a position he took on because he wanted to serve his people during a very difficult period. He had been an IDP his entire childhood. He had lived in multiple IDP camps, been a student of 13 schools as a result of the war. He could be considered someone who understands at least a little of the people’s plight in Seeniyamottai.


He could have easily continued to live in Colombo, pursue his education and write an occasional article about the injustice to assuage his guilty conscience. Yet he chose the difficult journey of living among his people and responding to them in their time of need.


In his own words, “I spent the first 18 years of my life, since the day I was born, in a war torn environment, repeatedly displaced and leading the life of an IDP, without proper clothing, food, shelter, healthcare or a proper education, living in the worst places within the worst environments. Though these were bitter experiences, it did have some benefit. As a result of my experience, I was able to understand the pain and suffering of the people living in poverty and I became sensitive to their needs and felt an urge to help them and it also sowed the seeds for a lifelong commitment in service of such people.


As a result, after my A/Levels in 2004 I had the opportunity to aid my people in the North and the East who were in great distress as a result of the conflict. Till 2011 I was able to reach out to thousands of people by going from village to village and to IDP Camps and serving the people and alleviating their pain, until the time they were resettled. I consider this to be one of the greatest privileges of my life. Today my goal is that no one should endure a childhood of despair such mine. People should not suffer without their basic needs being met; they should have the capacity to fulfill for their social, economic and political needs through just means, and to this end I will work.”


The image of a top-down patronizing charity does not correspond to the reality of Sri Lanka Unites which rests on lateral relationships with the youth of Sri Lanka. One of our biggest strengths is the School Chapters Island wide. Vattapalai Maha Vidyalayam is one of our strongest school chapters nationally. The school has been part of numerous projects and produced some of our best student leaders over the years. These student leaders were instrumental in introducing us to the Seeniyamottai relocation site, which is situated a few kilometers from the school. It is our commitment to Vattapalai MV, and requests from our student leaders there that encouraged us to get involved here.


The People of Kepapilavu


In October 2012, 20 students from all across the country (including two students from Mullaitivu) visited Seeniyamottai during the Sri Lanka Unites School Relations Tour. Following this visit, the Sri Lanka Unites national team made two further visits to the area to meet the people and discuss what could be done. Our efforts were based upon their request, and the focus was on students. Since all the school-goers from the site attended Vattapalai MV, it made all the more sense for us to get involved.



Our student leaders in Mullaitivu carried out a survey in Seeniyamottai. Data as to the number of children, gender, age was gathered and their requirements were specifically noted and helped us to determine where we could get involved. We were not so arrogant as to second-guess the people’s wishes in establishing priorities.


Students living in Seeniyamottai have a few kilometers to walk to school with very limited public transport. Bicycles are not just a mode of transport but also help in their day to day activities. The distribution of bicycles and essential school items has everything to do with the academic future of the children which is of vital concern. Just because the situation is not life or death, as it was in Goma does not make children's education petty or secondary!


Our Approach


SLU has always acted as a non political, non partisan, multi ethnic and multi religious youth based movement.


‘Our decision to get involved is based upon humanitarian concern and the duty of a movement for reconciliation to be a ray of hope, however small it maybe, for the innocents who have been victimized by all parties. However, as a nonpartisan movement we do not endorse any decision made by any party in regard to this settlement. Our actions are meant to meet the immediate needs of the community.’ – Sri Lanka Unites Newsletter (November, 2012)


There are obviously broader concerns to be addressed such as the legal and political matters which are admittedly direct concerns for reconciliation to materialize. Within the mandate and long term objectives of SLU we have identified our role in this process.


SLU has its own approach to Reconciliation. As a non partisan youth movement we need not necessarily involve ourselves in discussing politics publicly. We need not necessarily be a political agitator. We need not necessarily challenge and agitate against the state. There have been enough youth movements in our country who used violence to further political agendas. We will not risk using our movement to politicize our students.


SLU’s approach is to invest in the next generation of politicians and leaders of Sri Lanka from every district, ethnicity, religion and economic background. We invest in the youth by implanting the seeds of altruism, leadership, and reconciliation which will lead to proactive and creative ways of achieving positive change in their communities and society.


In its brief existence SLU has connected youth from all over the island, creating a space for discussion, understanding and walking in one another’s shoes. It has created a youthful enthusiasm, a spirit of adventure culminating in ‘actual civil’ action - people to people and Sri Lankan to Sri Lankan: through the Future Leaders Conference, the School relations Tour, Champions of Change, SHOW You Care and our other activities. We have still a lot to learn including from our mistakes and are always ready to listen to constructive criticism.


We don’t believe in waiting for the government, military or political parties, international NGO’s or anyone else to initiate activity. By the time the political deadlock is sorted, grievances are heard , political and legal settlement of land issues are understood, another generation will lose opportunities for a proper education, employment and connectivity with the rest of Sri Lanka.


Our movement consists of thousands of individuals. Not for one moment do we suggest that we as individuals do not have personal opinions and convictions on these larger questions.


Working with the Military


SLU on principle does not work with the military. We have consciously not had them to be a direct part of any of our activities.


Our previous projects in the years before as well as other projects in the same area bear testament to that matter. For instance the ‘Shoebox Project’ connecting children from Colombo directly with a child in Mullaitivu was done without any military presence and this was fully organized by Sri Lanka Unites members and civilians of Mullaitivu.


However admittedly there was a military presence at the Project at the Seeniyamottai Resettlement Village where school supplies, bicycles, kitchen tools and the likes were handed out. The Foundation of Goodness organized this event and most of the items were provided by them. The SLU Chapter in Australia donated money for 80 of the essential school items packs. Bikes for Life Campaign led by Kumar Sangakkara along with the Foundation of Goodness donated the bicycles. SLU was invited to participate at this ceremony in the capacity of a donor and also because we were instrumental in bringing the people’s needs to their attention.


Our Future Plans in Mullaitivu


As noted above, Sri Lanka Unites has had a presence in Mullaitivu, and we intend to preserve it. Here we present some of our long term plans for Mullaitivu.


We believe that spreading the resources and opportunities for good education will pave the way for youth to become strong voices for their community. We will continue to push forward to ensure the next generation does not need to live dependent on anybody but can sustain themselves with a proper education.


By the end of the year 2013 we are committed to create 300 employment opportunities in Mullaitivu.


We have already begun to partner with corporate sponsors, Sri Lanka Unites Diaspora chapters and small business owners around the country to design a strategy that will create jobs for the community. We are ready to launch our educational and operational hub in Mullaitivu. The Reconciliation Center project - as we call it - aims to provide scholarships in IT, English and Business entrepreneurship.


To Help the People of Kepapilavu


A Sinhala member of the School Relations Tour registered her experience in Kepapilavu in the following words ‘The tragedy and suffering we witnessed is truly distressing and we're all deeply moved. We spoke to several families living there and found out that they've just been relocated from Menik Farm into what they've been told are their permanent homes. These 'homes' are basically shacks made out of wooden pillars with rackety tin roofs. The lands these people once had are no longer accessible let alone theirs. They have gone through so much and the stories they tell have you inspired by their moral strength.’


The plight of these people has not changed. The houses promised by the Indian government may well take another three years to materialize. In the mean time there are no proper toilet or sanitary facilities available, and a water tank to provide water to the people is still needed.


Sri Lanka Unites also tried to create awareness about the plight of these people at the student workshops held in 7 districts (namely Matara, Galle, Hambantota, Colombo, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy and Puttalam), through photos, videos and direct testimonies by the student members of the School Relations Tour (a team comprising of students from 7 provinces). A Sinhala Buddhist boy from a district like Matara, speaking of the plight and injustice faced by the people of Seeniyamottai at a workshop held in his own hometown is characteristic of what Sri Lanka Unites is all about.


We don’t believe that the reduction in the level of misery will delegitimize the inalienable rights of the people. You can stand back and watch, you can sit back and comment cynically - in which case the military will be the only body helping the people of Keppapilavu. Or you can do something about it. That is what Sri Lanka Unites has chosen to do.


Sri Lanka Unites believes in being transparent about its activities and making available information about our activities through our website, blog and periodic newsletters. However, a drawback in being a movement largely based on volunteerism is that at times we may have to sacrifice PR to have more hands on the deck for urgent and immediate action. However, if there are concerns or criticisms about the activities of Sri Lanka Unites, we are open to hear them, clarify and learn through them.


Please write to us at publicrelations@srilankaunites.org

www.srilankaunites.org

Future Leaders Conference is back on the Sri Lanka Unites drawing board!

Yes! Planning for Future Leaders’ Conference Season 5 has begun. Following an amazing conference at Jaffna this year, the fifth season of the Future Leaders' Conference has a lot to live up to. But a group of passionate young people have once again come together to take up the challenge of organizing yet another historic conference.

The venue of FLC 5 is yet to be decided upon. However, it has been confirmed that it will be some place in the Southern Province. And, this would possibly be the first time a conference of this nature takes place in the Southern Province, where students from all 25 districts will come together under the united identity of being Sri Lankan, and live together for 5 days, experiencing the rich culture of the South and being empowered to be leaders across and beyond ethnic and religious lines.

Planning has already begun at the Sri Lanka Unites national office, with the organizing process broken into different departments, each having their own plans drawn up. The Programme committee has already started discussing how best to improve the content of the conference, and to better deliver it to the students. The Public Relations team has drawn up plans for continued updates on the activities of SLU with special focus on the organizing of FLC. The School Relations team is gearing into action, as they start work on Champions of Change projects for 2013 and also the School packs for all member schools. A coalition of students from the South is being created to handle all activities on the ground. To put it simply, the SLU office is once again alive with activity leading to the conference next year.

There are many challenges that loom ahead, and the journey leading to Future Leaders' Conference Season 5 will definitely be one requiring commitment and dedication from all members of the Organizing committee. But this year's committee seems promising; with a group of passionate young individuals ready to take on the challenge, one could confidently say, "The Best is YET to Come!"

Keep following our blog for continued updates on the developments related to Future Leaders' Conference 5 and all other activities of Sri Lanka Unites at present!

Road Trip 2012 Day Three- Travel Tales

“What we stand for is a united Sri Lanka. A nation free from discrimination due to race, caste or ethnicity… a nation where all individuals are treated as equals, regardless of their background,” says Kalinda, a member of our Dream Team representing Kegalle, who is speaking at our morning assembly in Ratnapura.

“An example of what I mean by this was demonstrated here just this morning during the daily morning Buddhist prayers at your school. My dear friends, I myself am a Buddhist, but my fellow brothers and sisters present here, from all across Sri Lanka are of different ethnicities, religions and beliefs. And yet, as we made our religious observances, they stood here silently, their heads bowed, showing their utmost respect. However, as the national anthem began to play, we all stood proudly upright, united under one flag, singing from our hearts. And that, my dear friends, is what it means to be Sri Lankan. We might have different beliefs, we might have different ideas or different appearances,  but as long as we respect each other and remember our own identity as a Sri Lankan, we will stand strong as a nation.”
The hall is silent as a 100 young students, as well as the principal and teachers of Ratnapura Dharmapala Vidyalaya contemplate these thought provoking words. It could not have been put better.

The Rathnapura assembly ends on a good note with us being able to give them books for their library and a plate rack for their special needs class, and we, after spending some time singing songs with the children of this class, pack our bags and head for Monaragala. Having had a double breakfast due to the extremely kind, but unfortunately unforeseen hospitality of the Rathnapura School, we do not feel the need to stop for lunch. However,  this is where the trouble begins.  By six thirty, we still haven’t anything to eat since breakfast, and our chance of finding any food seems to be bleak as the road continues to wind on, seemingly devoid of any human existence (elephants are in plenty, however.)

An hour later, the effects of this lack of food are clearly beginning to present themselves. Prashan grabs his guitar and starts singing a song about his hunger pangs, which soon extends, as each person adds bits and pieces, to a full blown comical lament, with special mentions being made about a few of our road trip ‘characters’. Prashan seems to be on a roll with his lyrics when, out of nowhere Sangeeran bursts out- ‘Aiya, if we can’t find a place, can we at least food the cook?’  

In the midst of all these food related challenges and moments of questionable sanity among others, today we realized one thing. Sure, if life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But if it doesn't and there don’t seem to be any lemon shops to be found, don’t stress.. just food the cook.