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On
February 2, 2003, Prasad Chikitsa held its annual scholarship
awards program. This year, 26 new students have received
scholarships. Students chose to study fields such as information
technology, nursing, engineering, homeopathy and horticulture.
The length of the degree programs range from two to four
years. In addition, eighteen students who received scholarships
last year are continuing with their courses.
The Prasad Chikitsa team spoke to
one student, Nitin Patel, who received a scholarship,
and his mother, Jayshree. Nitin is one of four children
in his family. His father passed away two years ago,
and the family lives below the poverty level. This scholarship
is the only means by which Nitin can continue his studies
in his chosen field of horticulture. Both Nitin and
his mother are very happy about the scholarship. Nitin
said that receiving a good education is a means by which
he can do something good in life. It will enable him
to become financially independent and to support his
family.
This man's story illustrate how the
scholarship program supports students in continuing
with their education, so that they can realize their
aspirations and improve the quality of their lives and
the lives of their families. And, many graduates later
return to their local villages to serve the needs of
their communities.
Click here to read more about PRASAD's
Education program
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On
Valentine's Day, February 14, 2003, hundreds of festively-dressed
revelers celebrated together at St. Paul the Apostle Church
in New York, N.Y. The church had been transformed by a
volunteer committee into a gorgeous, romantic wonderland,
decorated in red, pink and orange, with abundant bouquets
of roses on the tables of the café area and a cascading
fountain in the center of the room. DJs Nicky P, Asa Neu
and Roy Robles spun eclectic global music, and behind
the dance floor a large video screen flashed an animated
version of the Dream Dance's colorful logo, with "Time
to Love" fading in and out in different languages-French,
Italian, Spanish, Hebrew and Hindi. At one point in the
evening, a group of African drummers took the stage, beating
syncopated rhythms while the audience clapped. And, Elliott
T. Sparkle made a special guest performance, twirling
on the dance floor and passing out toothbrushes.
Many people volunteered their time,
expertise and resources for the event. Volunteers at
three bars served sparkling juices and other non-alcoholic
beverages to quench the dancers' thirst. There was a
sumptuous buffet, laden with platters of pastas, salads,
fruit, cheese and vegetables from Mangia Restaurant,
and later in the evening, with decadent sweets provided
by Charles and Laurel Desserts. People donated auction
items such as gift certificates for hatha yoga classes,
massages, interior design consulting, dinners and business
services, with all proceeds going to The PRASAD Project.
There was such a generous outpouring of love and support
for PRASAD, and the evening radiated with warm-heartedness
and good will.
Special thanks to Christine
Kim and her terrific team for the months of preparation
and the time, energy, creativity and love they put into
this fantastic event.
To learn how you can participate in PRASAD events,
please visit How
to support
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