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I have recently returned from India, during the time there I became more aware of how the Hindu caste system has such impact on the lives a hugh number of people, about 250million, who are labelled as "untouchable". This term leads to behaviour which leaves them robbed of basic humanity, to the point where they have no voice and have little feeling of self worth. This can be sometimes be  through very subtle conditioning and sometimes through much more strong and violent action. Such forms of denial of another human being as a human being are as damaging and degrading, if not more so than the economic poverty that they endure. Karuna helps by by giving money to educational projects like the hostel I visited in Nagpur, and to cultural projects involving music and drama. I am going to be involved with The Buddha Festival next year and this provides amazing confidence and inspiration for so many who are moving out of caste-thinking and developing confidence and dignity in their lives. I would ask you to support them and in turn make my birthday wish be fulfilled by giving as much money as you can. Please remember that every little bit counts and your money really will make a difference. Even a small amout will do so much, and more would just be fantastic. My wish comes from a desire to alievate suffering and to make the world a more equal place without discrimination. I see us all living on this planet together.  I want to make a difference that will significant and meaningful so that these people will be empowered to take responsibilty for themselves and live life fully. Thank you.

The photographs below are at The Girls Hostel in Nagpur, with the young men from Kerela and at The Dharma Training Collage in Nagpur. I wish I could bring some of these lovely people to my party for you to meet.   You will be able to see more photographs that I took along my journey at the party.