■◇■ラジャさんの原文■◇■
I can clearly remember the feelings I had on my flight to India
which is now more than one month ago.
There were many uncertainties like the different culture I would
have to cope with or the possibility of feeling homesick and lonely.
Besides,the question, if my idea of collecting medicinal plants in
the forests of Makaibari will succeed, occupied me.
As I think that it is very important that the knowledge of the old
village people won't get lost, I had decided to look for herbs and
to ask villagers about the treatment.
My wish is that especially the younger people would be more interested in traditional medicine as it doesn't have any side effects.
I'll press the plants,make a herbary and try to find out about the local
as well as the scientific name.So I hope that the result of my work will
be useful for many people.
Soon after I had arrived at Makaibari, I realized that there was no reason
to be worried.People welcomed me warmly and I knew that there were
several people whom I could contact, if I had any problems.
When I walk through the forests of Makaibari, I am again and again impressed
by the enormous biodiversity of plants and animals.It's really a fantastic
feeling to be at some remote places like in Naya Kaman or Chungey, where
the only sound you can hear is the one of rivers, crickets, monkeys and birds.Besides, I also get an impression of the life in the
villages.
People are always friendly and openhearted - they like telling
me about their religion and traditions.Then, there are the discussions
with Mr. Banerjee about the meaning of life or the philosophy of organic
farming which often give me a new idea of looking at things.
Moreover,it is very interesting for me to meet people who come from all
over the world to visit Makaibari.
I think Makaibari is a unique place with a great variety of aspects,and
I am glad to experience its atmosphere from so many different points of
view.
ULRIKE MUELLER/ STUDENT FROM HOHENHEIM UNIVERSITY/STUTTGART/
GERMANY-22 years old.
ULRIKE will be living with the community for 3 months, to create a herbarium with all local herbs.
This she leaves for future generations of Makaibari preople,
to enable us to use traditional herbs as an alternative cure
instead of allopathy.
She is unique to posess such wisdom for one so young.
All at makaibari are captivated by her being, for sweetening our existence.
She will write her experiences again ,just before her departure
In November to germany.
I hope all readers share and empathise her courageous stand to
support long term sustainable measures over short term ones.
