De Paix Yatra 2012

Man Phally – runs an organization called Mithsamlanh works for Children’s education, Meal and safety

admin — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 11:47:46 +0000

“It is estimated that there are 150 million street children around the world and unfortunately, this number is increasing. And I just want to see the day that each child of this universe gets childhood that I have not been able to live” said Man Phally. Phally runs an organization called Mithsamlanh. They work for Street children, Migrant children, Drug Using children, children in Prison, children affected by AIDS and children of Sex workers. Mitsamlanh was started in Cambodia in 1994 but after traveling in various countries, Phally realized that this cause and his care should reach to each child who is not safe. Now they are known as Friends International globally. Mithsamlanh runs various programs for Children’s education, Meal and for safety but one program which every country on this planet earth should have is the Child Safe Network. Via Child Safe Network, Mithsamlanh gives shelter, food, education and love to each child who is not safe in the streets or in the home. Phally- The Hero and Savior of Children around the world for De Paix Yatra.

Stephanie Cohen-The woman who respects each woman of this universe

admin — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 06:05:20 +0000

“Rapidly overtaking the trafficking of drugs and arms as the chosen market for organized crime in South East Asia, the trafficking of human beings has now become the third most profitable criminal industry.” said Stephanie Cohen with a long breath. Every year, according to UNICEF statistics, over one million young children and women are sold into sexual slavery and exposed to physical violence, abuse, rape and conditions of extreme physical and psychological cruelty. This element of organized crime has been encouraged by globalization and the inability to reduce poverty in developing countries. The situation of South East Asia, particularly the Mekong sub-region, is especially sensitive; and at such difficult time and at difficult region she is the one keeps trying every single day. Stephanie and her organization AFESIP help the victims in a numbers of ways; ; from outreach work with service women in bars, brothels and entertainment venues to victim rehabilitation, legal intervention, social enterprise-based job training and placement to community reintegration and follow-up. AFESIP is the only organization in Laos providing this type of support for victims, making our role in the fight against human trafficking for sexual exploitation a very important one. She is fighting and doing better in the battle against this horrific crime , every single day. The woman who respects each woman of this universe, Stephanie Cohen for De Paix Yatra.

Ludovic Branlant

admin — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 11:01:29 +0000

“Development, Development and just Development of the bottom of the pyramid, that’s what inspired me to move here from France.” said Ludo when we asked him why he moved to developing country like Laos from Super Developed nation like France. Ludo is working to create Renewable Energy sources. Laos has tremendous natural hydro-power resources. Till date, a lot of attention has been given to developing large hydro-power projects. Although these projects can yield macro-economic benefits for the country, these projects usually do not directly benefit poor people in remote rural areas and that’s where Ludo and his organization work. Working for the poorest of poor and working for the rural livelihood. He and his team have developed innovations for Hydro-power, Bio-energy, Solar- Water purification and waste water treatment so far. When we asked him what is his mission for this life. He smiled and replied- “A green Revolution in Laos.” Man who truly believes in Karma and in World is one family, Ludovic Branlant for De Paix Yatra.

Meghan Fortune – The girl who sacrificed her life and Youth to save other women’s respect.

admin — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 05:55:29 +0000

Meghan Fortune- who born and brought up in Washington DC, where everyone talks about change- But she is the one who is changing lives at grass roots, nearly 25000 Kms away from her home; because she believes that entire world is her home. Meghan works with We Women foundation- which has been dedicated to the empowerment of unrecognized refugee women from Burma. By providing educational and professional opportunities to women of Burma, she is trying to make strong Burma for tomorrow. She believes that each woman refugee’s personal story may differ but the reason for their fight for Burma is the same- Make it free from heavy social and political crisis. Meghan is the one who develops and teaches educational programs to these young unrecognized refugee women, so that they can participate in the struggle for human rights of the Burmese people, and can play an important role within their community. Meghan is the one who is fighting every single day for the ultimate peace for Burmese people. Because of security reasons, other people could not come forward to share their stories to the world but Meghan is the one who stepped forward and said that this cause should reach to maximum people of the world. We salute such spirit of real woman-ism. The girl who sacrificed her life and Youth to save other women’s respect, Meghan Fortune for De Paix Yatra!

8,000 Kilo Meters

admin — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 10:39:16 +0000

Gandhi ji’s 3 monkeys in Thailand. We follow Mahatma’s message everywhere.

Ryan Libre- Raised in California and making a difference in South Asia.

admin — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 10:22:33 +0000

Ryan Libre- Raised in California and making a difference in South Asia. 4 years ago he moved to Asia and then he never returned back. Couple of life turning events and he decided to help others; started an organization which supports documentary artists in Asia. He believes that Photograph is the only thing that can narrate story beyond words. He thinks that Art is the thing which you should keep
giving to community. Ryan’s organization does different workshops in Burma, Thailand and in Laos and teach art to local people. He just believes in giving, giving and just in giving whatever he has and believes that you don’t need to become millionaire to give back to the society, just start from where you are. Ryan Libre for De Paix Yatra!
More : http://www.documentary-arts-asia.org/

Recycle- Revse- Renew and that’s what she has been doing.

admin — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 05:47:01 +0000

She believes that everyone in the world needs a second chance to stand up again to live with dignity, to live again his/her dream and to believe again in his/her self. People like her make Bangkok more beautiful. She runs a program called- Second Chance Bangkok, where people come and donate whatever they want to donate, literally whatever
they would love to donate- From Computer machine to Cloths, Anything. Then they Recycle it, make it better and raise money for the community development. She born and brought up in the slum of Bangkok, but she believed that she can truly become example for others by giving back to society in whichever way she can. She deserved to get Second Chance and she converted that Chance into Change. Hachaya Tookohplook for De Paix Yatra
More: www.scbkk.org
— with Nitesh N Nitesh, Rekha Kumari, Sanu Verma, Chimera Doll and Anurag Sharma in Bangkok, Krung Thep.

DNA – Mumbai 20th October 2012, Page 10

admin — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 09:03:46 +0000

Our rider Nitesh Square column about De Paix Yatra’s experiences in DNA – Mumbai (After Hours) 20th October 2012, Page 10 (Photo credit: De Paix Yatra/Olympus OM-D)

‘Be humble to do noble’

Looks like things are happening for a reason. De Paix Yatra was meant to be in Bhutan. Now whenever I hear the word Bhutan, alag che (it’s different) comes to mind. Last Saturday (October 13) was the first wedding anniversary of the present king of Bhutan. Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Tarayana Foundation organised an art and children’s event for the same. As soon as we entered, the first thing we noticed was a cap collecting competition. Kids were asked to collect the caps of bottles which are used once. A smart way to reuse bottles which can go straight for recycling after their first use only. We were trying to find other interesting things and we heard the announcement of Bhutan’s Prime Minister Jigme Thinley arriving. Somehow I got a feeling that we were going to meet both the Prime Minister and Bhutan’s Princess Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck. We requested Chime P Wangdi, Secretary General, Tarayana Foundation to introduce us to the Princess if possible. Soon after Princess Sonam smiled and walked towards me. The first thing she said was, “We are honoured to have you guys in Bhutan and you are doing an amazing journey”. I started briefing her about the journey and objective and she said to me “Be humble, to do noble. And you guys are doing the same. I can feel it.”

We were about to leave when the PM walked towards us. Princess Sonam introduced him and he said “Wonderful work.” He was in a hurry so Parth requested him to give a 30-second message on camera about ‘Gross National Happiness’. He smiled as he walked away and came back to us 15 minutes later and said “You have earned my 30 seconds as you are doing good work.” We were so thrilled at that moment.

We went to Paro from Thimphu. One of the best places I have ever seen. the Tourism Council of Bhutan arranged for our stay in a 300-year-old village house so we could experience the countryside. Our host Om, receives more than 100 guests every day who come to see her house. It’s the only house in Paro left to give a rural experience of Bhutan. She was an amazing host and fed us like her own kids. So, we left Bhutan with an unexpected incredible experience.

By the way, we have to skip Myanmar. The Embassy of Myanmar informed us that entering their country by land is not allowed. You can just fly in and out. There are several restricted area within Myanmar where biking is not possible. We reached Kolkata on our bikes yesterday and by the time you will read this article we will be in our flight to Bangkok. Stay tuned to know what happens with us in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
— with Parth Vasavada and Nitesh N Nitesh.

Parth Vasavada, Areena Narang and Nitesh N Nitesh-Bangkok

admin — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 09:01:21 +0000

Our lovely host Areena with her super adorable dog Snoopy in Bangkok. — with Parth Vasavada, Areena Narang and Nitesh N Nitesh.

Chime P Wangdi, Secretary General of Tarayana Foundation – Bhutan

admin — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 09:31:09 +0000

Development and promotion of rural artisans- They are doing it. Microenterprises- They are doing it. Housing Improvement- They are doing it. Solar Electrification Programme- They are doing it. Livelihood Enhancement- They are doing it. Organic Farming- They are doing it. Reduction of Carbon foot printing- They are doing it. Promotion of Green Initiatives- They are doing it. Improvement in the medi
cal treatment- They are doing it. Corrective surgeries for hare-lip and cleft palates- They are doing it. Microfinance- They are doing it. School Club Programmes to promote Volunteerism- They are doing it. Scholarship Programmes for Youth- They are doing it. The doer of Bhutan- Tarayana Foundation Chime P Wangdi, Secretary General of Tarayana for De Paix Yatra.