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The White Revolution To The Milky Way – 2nd Part (Kathy- New Delhi – December 2024)
French version below A Legacy of Cooperation and Innovation Picking up where we left off, AMUL’s story is far more than its delicious dairy products. It’s a tale of resilience, empowerment, and transformation that has shaped India’s economic and social fabric while becoming a model for cooperatives worldwide. From Dairy to Delight AMUL’s success isn’t just about empowering millions of farmers; it’s also about transforming how Indian people experience dairy. From fresh milk (Amul Taaza, Amul Gold) to indulgent treats like ice creams, curd and yogurt, AMUL’s product range is as diverse as it is iconic. Whether it’s the buttery goodness of Amul Butter, the authenticity of ghee, the innovation of nutritional drinks like Amul Pro, or the versatility…
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The White Revolution To The Milky Way – 1st Part (Kathy- New Delhi – December 2024)
French version below Amul: A Story of Empowerment and Transformation As we approach the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, with the theme “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All,” I want to share how AMUL, India’s iconic dairy cooperative, embodies this powerful idea. During the recent ICA Global Conference in New Delhi, I had the privilege to meet the people behind AMUL, a movement that changed the lives of millions of farmers while transforming India into the largest producer of milk and dairy products in the world. AMUL’s journey began in 1946 in Anand, Gujarat, when local farmers, led by Tribhuvandas Patel, united against the exploitation of the Polson Dairy monopoly. Farmers were being paid unfair prices for their milk, with…
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SEWA Women: Rising Strong and Empowered ( Kathy – New Delhi – December 2024)
Tote bag made by SEWA
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Circles and Lines of Stillness – 2nd Part ( Kathy – Jaipur – December 24)
French version below At the heart of the JKK branch is Arun Ramakrishnan, a proud, human, and generous manager who has dedicated 20 years to the cooperative, with 15 years spent at the JKK location. Arun’s journey from the kitchen to leadership epitomizes the cooperative’s ethos: every employee is an owner, and the structure is built not on profit but on creating permanent jobs. The team at JKK’s ICH includes 30 workers, 20 of whom work in the kitchen, and they serve between 200 and 400 customers daily. Open seven days a week from 9 AM to 9 PM, this branch is a lifeline for many, offering crispy dosas, strong filter coffee, and other South Indian delights at affordable prices.…
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Circles and Lines of Stillness – 1st Part – (Kathy – Jaipur – December 2024) – Revisited version
French version below Jawahar Kala Kendra and the Indian Coffee House: A Cultural Oasis in Jaipur The Indian Coffee House (ICH) at Jawahar Kala Kendra (JKK) in Jaipur provides a peaceful escape from the city’s constant rush. While Jaipur’s historical significance is undeniable, the city often leaves me feeling disillusioned. Its streets, chaotic and filthy, obscure the beauty of its cultural heritage, and the visible poverty and aggressive pace of life can be overwhelming. Yet, amidst this turmoil, JKK and its Indian Coffee House branch offer a calm refuge—a cultural haven where community and serenity come together. JKK: A Cultural and Sustainable Landmark Designed by the acclaimed architect Charles Correa and inaugurated in 1993, Jawahar Kala Kendra is…
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Echoes of the Past, Sips of the Present ( Kathy – Jaipur – December 2024)
French version below Indian Coffee House in Jaipur Imagine this: instead of spending a week in Goa, I’m here in Jaipur, continuing my journey through the legendary Indian Coffee Houses. After walking through Jaipur’s dusty streets, I arrive at an ICH that leaves me speechless. I’ve never seen one so lifeless. https://g.co/kgs/Cysqfhf Just four customers. Can you believe it? The place looks rundown. Even the staff seem drained. The laminated menu is uninspiring, and the vibe is equally dull. But, as they say, don’t judge a book by its cover. I order a cold coffee with cream—it’s delicious—and start talking to the people around. Soon, the familiar joy of documenting…
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Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All – #IYC2025 – 1st Part ( Kathy – Udaipur – November 2024)
French and Dutch versions below A Movement Rooted in Values The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) https://ica.coop/en/our-work/cooperative-mission defines a cooperative as: “An autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise”. At their core, cooperatives are more than just organisations—they’re communities driven by shared values like self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. These values are reflected in the ICA’s seven principles, which include voluntary membership, democratic control, economic participation, autonomy, education, cooperation among cooperatives, and concern for the community. Together, these principles empower members, foster inclusive decision-making, and drive sustainable development. I am a proud member of SmartCoop https://smart.coop/countries and this…
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The Tale Of the United Sands – 2nd Part (Kathy – Abu Dhabi – November 2024)
French and Dutch versions below Part 2 : Shadows and Light in the Land of Dreams The United Arab Emirates was a place where wonders met realities less radiant. The desert, once silent and endless, had been transformed into a land of modernity, dreams, and ambition. The cities gleamed under the sun, full of skyscrapers and sparkling shopping centres, but beneath this shining surface, there were far more complex challenges than met the eye. The country, in its pursuit of a bright future, also battled against invisible shadows. While prosperity was evident, there were struggles to manage the fragile environment. Resources were scarce, and water, this precious treasure, was a…
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The Tale of the United Sands- 1st Part (Kathy – Abu Dhabi – November 24)
French and Dutch versions below Part 1: A Vision of Unity in the Desert Once upon a time, across a vast, golden desert where the sands kissed the shimmering waters of the Gulf, there were seven proud and fiercely independent lands. Each was a sheikhdom, ruled by its own wise leader, bound together by shared culture but separated by the silent spaces of the desert. Life was tough under the blazing sun; families carved out their living from the sea and the scarce treasures of the earth—fishing, pearling, and trading along distant shores. They lived by nature’s rhythm, telling tales beneath the stars and dreaming of a brighter future. Yet,…
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What’s More Precious? (Kathy- Brussels – Oct. 24)
English version below Quoi de plus précieux Que le temps merveilleux Que je te donne Que je reçois Quoi de plus gâché De ne pas s’ le partager De ne pas se rencontrer De ne pas se raconter S’ignorer Ignorer Qu’entre la vie et la mort Il a sombré Qu’entre la vie et la mort Il a sombré Quoi de plus précieux Que d’encore voir tes yeux Quoi de plus gâché Que ton sang qui s’est figé S’ignorer Ignorer Qu’entre la vie et la mort Il est tombé S’ignorer Ignorer Qu’entre la vie et la mort Il est tombé Dans son canapé Petite fille Il ne t’avait pas oubliée Petite…
