Udaan_Dec 2024

UDAAN UDAAN a Maitri magazine December 2024

flight Soaring, fearless, like a bird in the sky

To a life with freedom and possibilities!

Maitri is a nonprofit organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Maitri is a federally tax-exempt organization as described in IRS Code Section 501(c)3 (tax exempt ID 94-3132087).

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Cover Artist: Silvia Reshmeen Copyright: All original materials are copyrighted and property of Maitri and the authors.

Editors: Zakia Afrin and Jaya Suresh Design by Shilpa Sachdev and Jaya Suresh

2023 Maitri

TABLE OF CONTENTS

page

topic

5

Editor's Note

7

Poems

15

Art

28

Recipes

35

Reflections

41

About Maitri

42

Maitri at a Glance

EDITOR'S NOTE

সারাদিনের ব্যস্ততা শেষে ক্লান্তি যখন ভর করে

After a long day of running around, when

শরীর আর মন জুড়ে, মনের কথা গুলো ইলশে

tiredness

গুড়ি বৃষ্টির মত ঝরে পরতে চায়। গোধূলির এক

embrace us like drizzles. The twilight alludes

চিলতে আলো প্রকৃ তিকে সাজিয়ে দেয়। ঠিক সেই

to nature with its magic. A hundred years ago

সময় শত বছর আগে সাজু নামের এক মেয়ে

Saju, a woman in love sat down in a remote

বুনতে বসেছিল নকশি কাঁথা হারিয়ে যাওয়া

village

প্রিয়তম রুপাইএর পথ চেয়ে।

embroidering the story of her beloved Rupai ,

creeps

in

East

in,

the

Bengal

emotions

with

her

often

quilt,

waiting for their reunion. জসিমুদ্দিনের সেই “নকশি কাঁথার মাঠ”* আজ রয়েছে বইয়ের পাতায়; প্রিয়জন ও প্রিয় সময়ের

That timeless story by Jasim Uddin found its

পথ চাওয়া সেই শূন্যতা এখনও আমাদের হৃদয়

place in the hearts of readers around the

জুড়ে।

world. The longing for beloved and healing hour remain in hearts of many.

উড়ান এর এইবারের সংখ্যায় রয়েছে সেই আকু তি, পিছু টান, একাকিত্বের মুহূ র্ত

ভরিয়ে

দেয়ার গল্প আর সোনালি দিনের পথ চাওয়া।

This issue of Udaan is filled with our yearnings for love, reminiscence of good times, tales of loneliness and the longing for a brighter day.

আপনাদের এই আয়োজন ভাল লাগবে, সেই আশা রইল।

Wishing you a pleasant reading experience.

-- Zakia Afrin

*https://www.jaijaidinbd.com/feature/literature/428396 **https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakshi_Kanthar_Math

5 5

POEMS

7 7

Beyond Loneliness

by Nemo The fading rays of the sun cast a shadow, A lone, dark cast that only grows with time.

As the night falls, it engulfs them, drowning them in the abyssal shadow.

It’s pulsating, suffocating, and ticks the time away, leaving them weary and tired in the depths of loneliness.

They run and run, never finding a way out of this darkness.

At the point of exhaustion, when there’s nothing more to lose, they realize one only needs to open their eyes, and one can see even in the dark.

Loneliness is fleeting, like the darkness of the night that leaves one stifling, only to be broken down by dawn the next morning.

The rhythm of darkness, light, loneliness, and the bright is the music we all dance to, don’t we?

8 8

Bright Shadow

by Radha

As we find the courage to meet ourselves in our greatest darkness, we will also find the greatest light Everyone’s personal shadows include those things about themselves that are too painful to acknowledge or that we will not accept about oneself.

But, we need to face our shadow and go deep into it.

We must bring those uncomfortable things out. Offer that part self compassion and kindness.

It is possible to get a lot of freedom from the powerful hook of the shadow.

Shine the light onto our shadow and our healing work begins.

9

Her Rebirth, in Freedom’s Light

by Balambigai Ramdurai In the ashes of silence, she stood still, Her heart a seed in waiting ground.

But the winds of change began to stir, As a circle of women gathered ’round.

They held her close with hands so kind, Spoke words that healed the broken seams.

In their strength, she found her own, Reborn, awakened from forgotten dreams.

She loves like fire, wild and pure, A flame that warms and never fades.

Her hands create with boundless joy, New worlds from light and shadow’s shades.

She works with passion, steady and strong, Her labor a song of fearless grace.

Each stride she takes, unchained, unbound, Now walking in her sacred space.

And in their arms, she found her wings, In their eyes, she saw her worth.

Reborn with freedom, fierce and true, She rises, radiant, to heal the earth.

Her heart is soft, her will is steel, Compassion woven in her soul’s design.

Empowered by the women near, She steps into her destined shine.

10

Rainbow Dancer

by Grace

The Rainbow Dancer is a sacred Zuni Native American guardian identified with the life-giving summer rains and the colors of the rainbows after the summer’s rain.

This desert land brought to me my first experience With a power so intense (nature) it has pulsed through my veins And underscored my thoughts for a lifetime, Bestowing upon me a higher meaning for existence And strength to live.

My eyes record forever the blooming colors of sunrise Which give birth to the desert’s morning skies.

I could be of any age, for the beauty of this time of day, This sacred place, inspires me throughout my life.

My memories of howling winds, thunder, wind chimes

Warning of an approaching storm and The patter of life-giving rain: all house the desert Within me, and when I am cold I reminisce about The all-encompassing heat of a sun That has the power and will of a thousand suns.

As I recount these, my most cherished moments, Through feelings the shades of that desert sunrise, I attempt to paint pictures of my life with words – My sunrises, droughts, storms, battles and Brief victories – in all their true tones and hues.

I, unlike the desert, Will not last an eternity.

And must savor to the fullest Each of my seasons 11

तन्हाई - Loneliness

by Mariam Ali अके ले अके ले जो बीते थे लम्हे वह खामोश पल मानो कोरे कागज़ के पन्ने अके लापन बना कब से साथी हमारा

These lonesome moments, the quiet times, sometimes seem like blank paper boats, swimming away in torrents.

वह दोस्त और वह ररश्ते, कहा है हमारा सहारा ? Since when has longing been my companion?

The friends, relations, where is my support system? वह चेहरे कहा​ाँ हैं जो बबसरी सी अब एक तस्वीर The laughter of friends, that had seemed sweeter than honey, मैं जमा है Are now just faces in pictures all stoic and stony. ये कहते हैं लोग खून सफ़े द हो गया है People say “your blood has turned white “, in यूाँ परदेस मैं रुख बदल सा गया है an alien country, they have turned their faces, just doesn’t seem यूाँ तस्वीर से जब मैं ने की दो बातें right.

वह शहद जैसी मीठी हंसी अब कहा​ाँ है ?

"दीवानगी, पागलपन" ये बमली कु छ सौगातें ये बदल चाहता है कभी खुद भी देखूं के आखखर है सफ़े द या लाल मेरा खून. बिर मैंने हाथ अपना जो आगे बढ़ाया मदद के बलए बिर जो मैंने पुकारा आगे बढ़कर जो हाथ को थामा मैंने लगा वक़्त मगर भी ये जाना मैंने

क्या होती है कीमत जब बहम्मत को उठ खड़ा हो कोई जो हाथ थामे हुए करदे मेहफ़ू ज़, नही ंहुई उदासी न बिर

When I started talking to this picture on the wall, I was gifted with names- delusional, crazy foolish and all.

Sometimes the heart desires of its own accord, To take a glimpse inside my broken wrist, Would my blood be red or white I wonder, Would there be a pulse?

And then I reach out, and call for help, And then I reach out and grab a hand, It took a while but I now understand, The worth of one that takes a stand, And is not afraid to hold you until you can safely land.

से कभी मैं रोई 12

Lonely light Asian lady

by Ayman’s Mom

In the soft glow of morning light A smile blooms, pure and bright.

Ayman, my heart, in your boundless play, You light my world in the sweetest way.

Each laugh you share, each game you win, Fills my soul, as joy pours in.

With every step, you chase your goals, A reminder that love fills our roles.

In the classroom, your brilliance shines, With every lesson, the future aligns.

No shadows of doubt, no fears to trace, In your success, I find my place.

With pride in my heart and joy in my eyes, I see a horizon where hope always lies.

A promise fulfilled, my spirit takes flight— For in your laughter, I find pure delight.

So here’s to you, my shining star, My son, my joy, just as you are.

With every goal you reach and embrace, Forever you'll bring that smile to my face.

13

14

ARTWORK

15

Feeling Blue

By Anamika

When I am Blue, I think of the Blue sky that meets the Blue sea and how beautiful it can be

16

If your heart is broken, make art with the pieces

by Trisha

No matter how bleak or menacing a situation may appear, it does not entirely own us. It can’t take away our freedom to respond, our power to take action.”

17

A Serene Night

by Allie

18

Free as the Birds

by Rani

19

Tree in Bloom

by Pinku

20

Her Quiet Revolution

by Anika

20

Jumping for Joy

by Vishali

21

Freehand Needlepoint

by Grace

22

Dancers

by Zakia

23

Modern Plastering

by Tina

Material : Gypsum Modern gypsum refers to the use of gypsum in contemporary architecture and interior design, where it is used to create various decorative elements such as 3D wall panels, cornices, and ceiling designs.

Modern gypsum offers a wide range of design possibilities for interior decoration. Some popular designs that can be created using modern gypsum include: 3D Wall Panels False Ceilings Cove Lighting Gypsum Mouldings

I learned this art in Iran and I was doing that for 3 years as an architect for my customers.

24

Modern Plastering

by Tina

25

26

RECIPES

27

Rataloo Ki Sabzi / Yam Curry

by Manu

Ingredients:

Ready in 5 m

2-3 Yam Oil 2-3 Green Chilies 1 Onion 1 tbsp Coriander Powder 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste 1 tsp Red Chili Powder 1 tsp Garam Masala (mixed spices) Salt to taste

inutes!

Preparation Cut yam into pieces according your choice Wash with salt water 2 3 times and keep aside Slice onion and chop the green chilies Take 1 pan and put 2 spoon oil Saute onion, green chilli, ginger-garlic paste for 3-4 mts Add all spice powders and cook for a few mts After 2 min add yam, low the heat and cover with lid.

After 3 min add some kasoori methi and mix.

Cover with lid & cook on low heat heat for a few mts Serve Hot with rice or rotis

28

Buckwheat Pulao

by Meeta

This is a very versatile recipe for buckwheat groats and can take in any combination of vegetables that you have with you at any time. Mushrooms add a very nutty flavor to it. It is gluten free too.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup buckwheat groats, soaked for 15-20 mins in one cup water 1-1.5 cups of chopped vegetables like carrots, zucchini, peas, spinach, celery, cabbage, bell peppers, beans, mushrooms 1/2 cup chopped onions Salt to taste black pepper Pinch of red chili powder if you like 1 tablespoon lemon juice Parsley or cilantro (optional)

Preparation Heat a tablespoon of oil in a saucepan. Add any tempering (cumin or mustard seeds) but it's optional.

Add chopped onions and fry till they are lightly brown.

Add chopped vegs, saute for a 1-2 mins. Add soaked buckwheat groats, salt, seasoning.

Mix together and then add the water they were soaked in.

Bring to a boil and then simmer covered (usually 3-4 mins is sufficient). The black kernels will open and the white grain will be exposed when all the water is absorbed. The groats will become soft when pressed between your fingers.

Turn off the stove, add lemon juice and fluff the pulao.

30 33

Billavakka (Spicy Flat Bread)

by Shailaja

Ingredients: 1 cup Wheat flour or Rice Flour or combination of both.

1 medium size cucumber or small Opo Squash ½ cup peanuts 4 cup sesame seeds ¼ cup Chana dal (chickpea lentils) soaked 4 spicy Thai chilies.

Teaspoon Cumin seeds Teaspoon Coriander seed powder Few curry leaves Coriander leaves Oil for making the bread Salt to taste.

Preparation Grate cucumber in a bowl.

Grind peanuts, grind green chilies, chop curry leaves and coriander leaves and add all these things to the grated cucumber, Add soaked Chana dal, sesame seeds, cumin seeds, coriander powder, salt and flour to this mixture.

Take a flat pan, add a teaspoon of oil to the pan spread it with a paper napkin.

Take the dough and flatten it thin on the pan.

Make holes in the middle and add little oil on top.

Cover it with a lid and heat on medium high heat for 2 to 5 min, Remove the lid and keep it on low medium heat until that bottom side becomes lightly brown.

Now turn the sides and add a bit of oil and do the same thing on the other side.

Remove it from heat and put it on a paper napkin and enjoy it plain or with yogurt.

29

Tomato Chutney

by Jaya

Ingredients: 4-5 ripe big tomatoes chopped 1 medium sized onion chopped 1 tbsp roasted chana dhal 1” cinnamon stick 3 cloves 1 tsp dhania 1 tsp red chilli powder 1 tsp tamarind paste 2 tsps oil Salt to taste Masala Powder 2 cloves 2” cinnamon 1 cadamom

Preparation Cook the tomatoes in 1 tsp oil Remove the tomatoes and fry all the ingredients except the tamarind Cool and grind to a fine paste along with the tamarind Powder the ingredients under Masala Powder Heat 1 tsp oil, add the ground paste, masala powder, salt & a pinch of sugar & let it cook for a few minutes Serve with idlis or dosas. Enjoy!

30

31

REFLECTIONS

32

Life is Beautiful!

by Nandini

It was a gloomy, rainy weekend, the kind that makes you want to curl up and escape into the world of a Netflix series. So I started watching a popular Netflix series that everyone had been raving about, but somewhere along the way, one scene hit too close to home. And my wounds opened up, and the pain flooded me. It was as if a second screen appeared in front of me, playing memories of my own helplessness, and my past tragedies. The walls felt like they were closing in, and the only thing I could feel was the hot tears soaking through my shirt, while the weight of all my painful memories pressed down on me.

The excruciating pain made me so numb that I didn't even realize it when my son entered the room. He must have come to tell me something, but when he saw me, he simply sat down beside me, gently holding my hand. "What happened, Mama?" he asked. I felt embarrassed but I couldn't lie to him. My voice trembled as I said, “Why am I the most unfortunate? Why do I have to suffer the most? What did I do wrong?” And in that moment, I saw a reflection of my own pain on my child’s face, which only deepened my sorrow.

After a pause, he spoke words that I will never forget. “Please don’t say you are the most unfortunate, Mama. Who are you comparing yourself to? Think of the child in a war zone, wounded and alone, searching for his parents or the child sold into slavery, or the parent watching their child suffer excruciating pain, knowing tomorrow might be their last day together. We all have pain and helplessness in our lives, but we shouldn’t compare or measure it. Most of the time, we’re so focused on what we don’t have that we fail to see what we do.

We only remember the stormy nights, but forget the sunny days we’ve had far more of.”

33

Life is Beautiful! Contd...

by Nandini

I was speechless. A quiet, introverted teen was showing a wisdom I never realized he had. I started thinking of all the beautiful memories—the first time I held him, his first steps, his first words, and countless other joyful moments that had filled my life. How had I forgotten those happy moments? How could I have let the storms overshadow all the sunny days?

As I sat there, the scenes in my mind shifted from darkness to light. I began to recall the abundance of love, kindness, and blessings I had received throughout my life. My son was right: I had so much to be grateful for. Why had I focused only on the thorns, when there were so many roses in my life?

I looked out the window and saw a rainbow stretching across the sky. It was a beautiful sight, the colors perfectly complementing the roses blooming in my garden. At that moment, the thorns seemed insignificant. The magical moment whispered to me, “Life is beautiful.

Cherish what you have”. And I promised myself that I would.

34

The Power of Songs

by Shabana

Growing up, songs and singing were part of our life. I remember that during my childhood, weddings were a big celebration for all of us, no matter if it was a family or a neighbor’s. We would call it "Rajjaka" which literally means "being awake the whole night”. The older community women would play dhol and sing. Their voices would get husky with singing and they would keep chewing paan, cloves and little salt to keep going. For us as children, it was just fun to sit around our friends and listen to all those songs. This tradition still continues today.

Aside from people singing in close social gatherings, my next exposure of the power of songs came in the feminist movement that I got to be part of during my teen years. These were social movement songs and we as young kids would sing when we were walking in the neighborhood on August 15 Independence day celebrations, singing while doing street plays, creating awareness in keeping our neighborhood clean, etc.

Over the years I learnt many songs while being part of many movements.

Of course, I enjoy Bollywood songs as well and my kids know lots of Bollywood songs that I sing as lullabies.

*Tu bolegi, moonh kholegi, tab hi toh zamana badlega Dariya ki qasam, maujon ki qasam, ye tana-bana badlega Speak up, only then will the world change I swear by the river and its tide.

This song* in particular has stayed with me till today. This was first introduced to me when I was in 12th grade. I remember that we were in summer camp with my community friends and we would have various speakers come and talk, we would do activities together.

35

The Power of Songs Contd...

by Shabana

This song was introduced where we were divided in two groups and we learnt the Qawali where each group would sing a few lines and the other group would continue singing. The song talks about empowerment, courage, and how to bring change and for that we have to bring change among ourselves. The song talks about not being silent, and speaking and raising your voice, talks about the old tradition and how the patriarchy is dictating what women should do and follow! The custom and tradition that has been designed for women and restricting what women should and should not do and at the end it talks about, speak up, walk and come and join from everywhere to break this culture of patriarchy, to change the world and bring the just and safe society!!

The change will happen only when we are willing to bring the change.

Singing just brings a different kind of motivation and compassion. It can be in any language and we see that people start humming, singing and as people often say, the world would be in a better place with poetry, stories, songs and laughter.

Till today, the more I sing this song, it brings all the strength, compassion, power and resilience of the survivors I work with. It helps me with the hope of justice that there will be a day where there will be peace, love and equality all around.

*Link: https://soundcloud.com/user-486185070/dariya-ki-kasam-maujo-ki-kasam)

36

Quotes from Sikh Gurbani, "Sri Guru Granth Sahib"

by Arshbeer

These quotes from Sikh scripture show how much women are respected in Sikhism, highlighting their important role in creation, society, and spirituality.

This quote highlights the importance of honoring women, associating their respect with divine presence.

"Jithai Nari Poojeeyanth Thithai Samaa(n) Vasai." "जिथै नारी पूजी जाती है, थिथै समा निवास करता है।" "Where women are honored, there the Divine dwells."Guru Amar Das Ji

This quote emphasizes that women are not inferior because they are the source of life and heritage, including those who become leaders and kings. ·

"So kyo manda aakhiyai jit jamme raajan." "सो क्यों मंदा आखिए जित जमे राजान।" "Why call her inferior? From her, kings are born."

---- By Guru Nanak Dev Ji

37

ABOUT MAITRI It all started in February 1991, when a

Since 1991 Maitri has done transformative

group

work

of

women

pooled

together

empowering

over

thousands

of

resources to set up a confidential phone

survivors and has become the go-to agency

line for South Asian women survivors of

for

domestic violence. That was the humble

trained volunteers, created an exhaustive

beginning for Maitri. The women founders

resource guide and services, partnered with

saw a need & a service gap that existed

South Bay legal organizations and other

for immigrant women from South Asia.

domestic

While there were many organizations that

started as a referral service expanded to

provided legal, medical, financial and

several programs and services to provide

counseling

holistic

services

to

mainstream

the

South

Asian

violence

help

community.

organizations.

though:

Helpline;

Maitri

What

Peer

survivors of DV, there were none that

Counseling; Transitional Housing Program;

women from South Asia facing DV could

Legal

turn

and

Empowerment Program; Individual therapy

language gaps. One of the major gaps

& Supports Groups, Community Outreach

was and still continues to be language

and

access. Maitri was founded to bridge this

Referrals.

to

on

account

of

cultural

Advocacy

Education,

Program;

and

Economic

Emergency

Shelter

gap. The phone that started ringing then, continues to ring at Maitri today.

Maitri firmly believes that the best human relationships are characterized by mutual respect, open communication and individual empowerment and to that end; all our activities are designed to help South Asians make an informed choice.

38

MAITRI — AT A GLANCE

Maitri stats as of June 2024 60,000+ helpline calls 8,000+ crisis intervention 8,400+ survivors empowered 3,200+ survivors assisted with legal issues 3,650+ months of safe, confidential, free housing at the Anjali Transitional House $1.42M client grants & loans for legal, medical, housing, education, empowerment & emergency expenses

Maitri Services

Maitri Services

Help Line Peer Counseling Housing Stabilization Anjali Transitional House Legal Advocacy Economic Empowerment Mental Health Support Community Outreach Prevention Policy Advocacy Maitri Toll Free Helpline 1-888-862-4874 39

THANK YOU! SUPPORT MAITRI Ways to Give

42 40