Hands on India

What is Hands on India? It is work to support the community around Siliguri, West Bengal, India. This community struggles with poverty and lacking education. There are many minority groups, tribals and illiterate people who live on $1-$2 per day. They work breaking river stones by hand to sell for road base  or on tea plantations picking 20kg bags of tea. This results in many health problems.

With 1 in 4 children in child labour the Hands On India (HOI) group was determined to fund schools and support women. HOI now provides financial support for over 700 children who had no schooling available previously. 200 women are part of the Women’s Empowerment Groups enabling them to purchase piglets and goats or sewing machines to build financial independence.

Annual trips to the region take groups of 30 chiropractors for 2 weeks to provide “hands on” Chiropractic and basic health care to these people. They travel daily  to make shift clinics in the slums, orphanages, rock breaking and tea picker communities. Attendees volunteer their time and fund 100% of their travel costs.

Dr Monika attended Hands On India in 2010 and says “It was one of the best experiences of my life”. The enthusiasm of these 2 amazing women got me thinking long and hard about this opportunity. I’ve discussed it with Jeff and he generously has given me his support. The next trip is in February 2017. I’m going to step out of my comfort zone and contribute to this cause. Aleta is going to come along to help with organization and be inspired by the life changing effects that are manifest in this environment.