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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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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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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…
Writing workshops around the world
