Trips and countries
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Resilient, Brilliant, and Seriously Underrated! (Kathy – Brussels – March 2025)
French version below Cooperatives: The Future of a Resilient and Inclusive Economy At the event Fostering Europe’s Prosperity and Industrial Transformation: Cooperatives as Drivers of Change, organized in LaVallée, cooperative leaders, policymakers, and researchers gathered to discuss the role of cooperatives in shaping a sustainable future. LaVallée—a former laundry—has transformed into a thriving cultural hub, embodying the spirit of cooperatives: driving change, creating jobs, and building strong communities. Across Europe, cooperatives are proving to be key players in the social economy, fostering shared prosperity in energy, housing, agriculture, digital markets and more. Yet, challenges persist. Funding remains difficult, legal frameworks are lacking in some countries, and visibility is still too…
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Pauv’ Petite (Kathy – Brussels – January 2025)
Pauvre petite T’as pas vraiment une place d’honneur Au sein des top modèles en vigueur Même avec 12% de la population mondiale Qui sous ta forme travaillent Tu rames, tu rames, tu piailles Comme un moineau dans le nid T’es pas encore tout à fait sortie de ton lit Il visent les dollars, par liasses Nous visons le coeur Tentons le bonheur L’humain à l’honneur L’humain à l’honneur Ivox interroge la Belgique Sans surprise mais avec un hic Invisible et vieillotte Mal connue, mal aimée Mal jugée, pas un hit Dans les listes des modèles économiques Pauvre petite T’as pas vraiment une place d’honneur Au sein des top modèles en…
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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 – 4th Part ( Kathy -New Delhi – November 2024)
Attending the Global Conference on Cooperatives was an inspiring and thought-provoking experience. This summary focuses on my observations and reflections from Day 2 and Day 3, which were largely institutional in nature, showcasing the critical role of cooperatives in building a more inclusive and sustainable world. Inclusivity was a central theme, with a powerful intervention by Anne-Laure Degris, Co-CEO of SmartCoop, emphasizing the need for better representation of women within cooperative leadership. Her call to action highlighted a critical gap in gender equity that must be addressed to align cooperatives with their foundational values of solidarity and equality. I feel incredibly proud to be a member of SmartCoop, especially after Anne-Laure’s inspiring intervention, which underscored…
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Land of the Thunder Dragon – 3rd Part of Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All ( Kathy – New Delhi – November 24)
French version below You know, even at a congress like this one in New Delhi, there are encounters that leave a mark, that touch you deeply. There are smiles that stay with you, and countries that intrigue you. It all started during the official launch of the International Year of Cooperatives. The atmosphere was tense, security tight, every detail meticulously orchestrated. And then, suddenly, a man appeared on stage—slim, with a calm and dignified aura. He was wearing an outfit that resembled Tibetan attire, reaching just above the knees, somewhat like a Scottish kilt, with long black socks covering his calves. His smile and calm demeanor immediately captivated me. This…
