In Munshi Prem Chand’s A Fistful of Wheat, Shankar – the main character - borrows a fistful of wheat from the local priest to show proper hospitality to a so-called ‘holy man’ who drops in suddenly. This single act causes Shankar to lose his peace of mind, his land, his income, his health (because he becomes an addict) and - most importantly- his freedom- in that order. Shankar spends the last days of his life working and living at the mercy of the local priest, and when he dies, his son inherits his debt, and his misery.
Today credit is one of the most glorified terms around. No matter which strata of society we come from our lives are emerged in credit, the rich have credit cards, commodity loans, this loan, that loan, while the poor have micro-credit. But has the life of an indebted person really changed that much since the times of Munshi Prem Chand?
The fact is most of the poor people who borrow from one source or another fall into a trap of perpetual indebtedness. They pay off smaller debts with bigger and bigger debts. Some of them take credit from one NGO to pay off the debt of another NGO. The cycle goes on.
There has been horror stories about what can happen if borrowers fail to pay the installments. There have been reports of borrowers having their legs broken by the employees of the organization because she could pay. Personal belongings like cows and nose rings have been forcibly taken away. One borrower had been in jail for 1 month because of a 319 taka credit. The poor don’t have Portias on their side to fight against the Shylocks.
There has also been reports of men marrying women, taking their credit money, and then divorcing them. And as Syed Shafiullah shows in his recently published ‘Shawpna o Shochetonota’ (Dreams and Consciousness), most borrowers’ dreams are in fact nightmares about not being able to repay their loans.
Borrowing may bring you a bicycle or a TV set, but it will take away your freedom. Your life will always be controlled by the lender. Is it really worth it?
Monday, May 26, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Quantum Social Service Programs
Safe Drinking Water
Setting up water tanks on street sides was the first social service program undertaken by Quantum. The first tank was set up in Dhaka in 1996. So far, 84 water tanks have been set up in Dhaka alone to ensure passers by have access to safe drinking water. Altogether, more than 100 water tanks have been set up in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi and Sylhet.
In addition, more than a 100 tube-wells have been set up Lama, Bandarban, and 7 in Sylhet to provide safe drinking water. Most of the tube-wells in Lama have spontaneously turned into natural springs.
Quantum Shishu Shodon
The Quantum Shishu Shodon was established in the Foundation’s Rajshahi Center in March 2004 to raise orphans as enlightened human beings. Shishu Shodon takes in abandoned babies and provides them with the necessary care. At present, 9 girls found abandoned in various parts of the country are being brought up under the direct supervision of Shahida Banu, retired Principal of Nursing Institute, the Honorary Director of Shishu Shodon.
An Akika or naming ceremony for the first 5 babies was organized in 26th November 2004. Almost 2700 guests, including Quantum family members from around the country, and people from all classes from the surrounding neighborhood, joined the feast and prayed for the babies
Circumcision Program
Initiated in July 2005 by the Sylhet Center, this program serves young Muslims who cannot afford to pay for their circumcision. Till March 2006, around 250 boys had been circumcised and provided with recuperative care. On average, a total of 20 boys, adolescents, and even young men turn up every Friday at the Sylhet Center to take advantage of the weekly program. The program was extended to Rajshahi, Dhaka, and Chittagong in 2006. In Dhaka, Taleya Rehman, prominent activist and Executive Director of Democracy Watch inaugurated the program.
Burial Program
The foundation has taken the initiative to bury or cremate dead bodies that cannot be identified or cannot be taken care of by the family. A total of 90 dead bodies have been buried or cremated with full religious rites since the initiation of the program in Rajshahi in 2004. The program also operates in Narayangonj and Lama.
Women’s Rehabilitation Program
The Women’s Rehabilitation Program has been operating since November 2005 with the goal of sheltering and rehabilitating destitute and abused women. Dil Setara Chuni, an advocate and Quantum Pro Master, is in charge of the program.
Free Medical Services
Dedicated physicians belonging to the Quantum family have been providing free medical services in various parts of the country. Veteran homeopath Dr. Mokhlesur Rahman, Principal Dr. Majedur Rahman, and Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed provide free medical services on behalf of Quantum in Kuril, Mirpur and Mohammadpur in Dhaka respectively. Quantum Foundation’s Mirpur Center regularly provides free medical services and medicine to underprivileged children at the local UCEP (Underprivileged Children Education Program) office.
Flood Relief
Quantum Foundation has stood by the grief-stricken people of Bangladesh during the devastating floods of 1998 and 2004.
In 2004, both Quantum family members and the public responded generously to our plea to donate to the flood relief fund and donated at least one day’s income or expenditure, dry food, medicine, clothes etc. A relief fund of more than 600,000 taka was raised. Quantum distributed relief goods in Dhaka, Sylhet, and Jessore. Special efforts were made to reach those who had been water locked for several days, had not been able to visit the flood shelters and thus were starving without food and water. Distributed goods included water purification tablets, dry food, chira, muri, rice, potatoes, bleaching powder, salt, biscuits, clothes, water cans, cooked food and vegetables, lighters and candles etc. Quantum members – aged from six years to above seventy, spontaneously participated in all phases of the program, including donation, collection, and distribution. To offset the effects of the spread of diarrhea in the aftermath of the flood, more than 200 volunteers dedicatedly worked to produce an astonishing 100,000 packets of oral saline in just 100 hours.
During the 1998 flood, Quantum produced oral saline and distributed them along with other relief goods, and provided support to rehabilitate the Poshchim Gao village in Rupganj area in Dhaka.
Mother Care
The matri mongol or Mother Care Program operating in Chittagong provides nutrition and care to expecting mothers, ensuring safe pregnancy and childbirth and a healthy infant. Since the beginning of the program in 2005, pre and post partum nutritional care and treatment has been provided to 10 mothers.
Setting up water tanks on street sides was the first social service program undertaken by Quantum. The first tank was set up in Dhaka in 1996. So far, 84 water tanks have been set up in Dhaka alone to ensure passers by have access to safe drinking water. Altogether, more than 100 water tanks have been set up in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi and Sylhet.
In addition, more than a 100 tube-wells have been set up Lama, Bandarban, and 7 in Sylhet to provide safe drinking water. Most of the tube-wells in Lama have spontaneously turned into natural springs.
Quantum Shishu Shodon
The Quantum Shishu Shodon was established in the Foundation’s Rajshahi Center in March 2004 to raise orphans as enlightened human beings. Shishu Shodon takes in abandoned babies and provides them with the necessary care. At present, 9 girls found abandoned in various parts of the country are being brought up under the direct supervision of Shahida Banu, retired Principal of Nursing Institute, the Honorary Director of Shishu Shodon.
An Akika or naming ceremony for the first 5 babies was organized in 26th November 2004. Almost 2700 guests, including Quantum family members from around the country, and people from all classes from the surrounding neighborhood, joined the feast and prayed for the babies
Circumcision Program
Initiated in July 2005 by the Sylhet Center, this program serves young Muslims who cannot afford to pay for their circumcision. Till March 2006, around 250 boys had been circumcised and provided with recuperative care. On average, a total of 20 boys, adolescents, and even young men turn up every Friday at the Sylhet Center to take advantage of the weekly program. The program was extended to Rajshahi, Dhaka, and Chittagong in 2006. In Dhaka, Taleya Rehman, prominent activist and Executive Director of Democracy Watch inaugurated the program.
Burial Program
The foundation has taken the initiative to bury or cremate dead bodies that cannot be identified or cannot be taken care of by the family. A total of 90 dead bodies have been buried or cremated with full religious rites since the initiation of the program in Rajshahi in 2004. The program also operates in Narayangonj and Lama.
Women’s Rehabilitation Program
The Women’s Rehabilitation Program has been operating since November 2005 with the goal of sheltering and rehabilitating destitute and abused women. Dil Setara Chuni, an advocate and Quantum Pro Master, is in charge of the program.
Free Medical Services
Dedicated physicians belonging to the Quantum family have been providing free medical services in various parts of the country. Veteran homeopath Dr. Mokhlesur Rahman, Principal Dr. Majedur Rahman, and Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed provide free medical services on behalf of Quantum in Kuril, Mirpur and Mohammadpur in Dhaka respectively. Quantum Foundation’s Mirpur Center regularly provides free medical services and medicine to underprivileged children at the local UCEP (Underprivileged Children Education Program) office.
Flood Relief
Quantum Foundation has stood by the grief-stricken people of Bangladesh during the devastating floods of 1998 and 2004.
In 2004, both Quantum family members and the public responded generously to our plea to donate to the flood relief fund and donated at least one day’s income or expenditure, dry food, medicine, clothes etc. A relief fund of more than 600,000 taka was raised. Quantum distributed relief goods in Dhaka, Sylhet, and Jessore. Special efforts were made to reach those who had been water locked for several days, had not been able to visit the flood shelters and thus were starving without food and water. Distributed goods included water purification tablets, dry food, chira, muri, rice, potatoes, bleaching powder, salt, biscuits, clothes, water cans, cooked food and vegetables, lighters and candles etc. Quantum members – aged from six years to above seventy, spontaneously participated in all phases of the program, including donation, collection, and distribution. To offset the effects of the spread of diarrhea in the aftermath of the flood, more than 200 volunteers dedicatedly worked to produce an astonishing 100,000 packets of oral saline in just 100 hours.
During the 1998 flood, Quantum produced oral saline and distributed them along with other relief goods, and provided support to rehabilitate the Poshchim Gao village in Rupganj area in Dhaka.
Mother Care
The matri mongol or Mother Care Program operating in Chittagong provides nutrition and care to expecting mothers, ensuring safe pregnancy and childbirth and a healthy infant. Since the beginning of the program in 2005, pre and post partum nutritional care and treatment has been provided to 10 mothers.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Quantum Meditation Resort, Lama
Quantum Meditation Resort was established in Lama, Bandarban Hill District to create a space for spiritual pursuit in natural surroundings. The magnificent and remote area was completely unspoiled by humans when it was first chosen. Seven years later the 15-acre resort is a harmonious blend of spectacular natural beauty and modern amenities. Because of this unique combination, Lama is now a favorite destination for Quantum family members- who go there to participate in Quantaions or other spiritual pursuits or simply to get away from the chaos of modern life and rejuvenate in natural surroundings.
The resort offers a diverse range of natural sites— serene, exciting, and often a little magical. Taking a dip in the two natural springs Abe Shefa (The Spring of Healing) and Abe Kudrat (The Spring of Glory) –rejuvenates the mind and body in seconds. Use of a special kind of clay found under the springs has successfully eradicated stubborn rashes and skin blemishes. Chiching Phak, or ‘Open Sesame’, is a narrow dark waterway between two sharp ridges that almost merge into each other and then surprisingly open up to a large enclosure– hence the name Chiching Phak! Jable Shams– or the Hill of the Sun– is the highest point in the resort and is the site of the very special meditation, the
The Meditation Resort is situated in the Bandarban Hill District, home to most of the indigenous people of Bangladesh. Visitors to the center can visit the nearby Murong paras, or villages peopled by Murongs– one of the largest indigenous groups of Bangladesh.
About ten stages or manchas are scattered all over the resort– and are perfect places to sit and meditate They all have appropriate names such as Bodhi (the enlightenment that the Buddha received at the end of his long spiritual pursuit) , Zen, and Prashanta (peaceful). Hawa (breeze) is another mancha where a gentle breeze blows all the time. There is a 1300 sq. ft. dhyanghar or meditation hall where 200 people can meditate together. The gentle murmur of the spring flowing by the side of the dhyanghar creates the perfect harmonic background for meditation.
Modern Facilities
The resort is complete with all modern facilities, including several bungalows to house organizers, staff, meditators and visitors; more than 60 modern toilets; brick stairways and pathways to facilitate walking; and bridges that not only make traversing easier but also add architectural beauty. At night, generators and solar panels illuminate this remote area where power lines are yet to be extended.
The center also houses Sishu Kanon, a school and rehabilitation center for impoverished local children. In addition, Lama is also the site of a variety of social service programs designed to improve the lives of the local people.
Quantum groups visit the resort throughout the year to participate in Quantaions and various other spiritual programs, to attend the meditation festival, to celebrate Eid-Ul-Azha, or simply get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. To them, visiting Lama is not like visiting a new place, but rather like coming back to their roots, the Moner Bari or 'Quantum Home' they visualize during meditation.
With prior permission from the head office, you can visit the Quantum Meditation Resort too. If interested, please contact the center, branch or cell nearest to you.
For More Info : Please visit
http://www.quanfey.org/content/pages/resort/MeditationResort.html
The resort offers a diverse range of natural sites— serene, exciting, and often a little magical. Taking a dip in the two natural springs Abe Shefa (The Spring of Healing) and Abe Kudrat (The Spring of Glory) –rejuvenates the mind and body in seconds. Use of a special kind of clay found under the springs has successfully eradicated stubborn rashes and skin blemishes. Chiching Phak, or ‘Open Sesame’, is a narrow dark waterway between two sharp ridges that almost merge into each other and then surprisingly open up to a large enclosure– hence the name Chiching Phak! Jable Shams– or the Hill of the Sun– is the highest point in the resort and is the site of the very special meditation, the
The Meditation Resort is situated in the Bandarban Hill District, home to most of the indigenous people of Bangladesh. Visitors to the center can visit the nearby Murong paras, or villages peopled by Murongs– one of the largest indigenous groups of Bangladesh.
About ten stages or manchas are scattered all over the resort– and are perfect places to sit and meditate They all have appropriate names such as Bodhi (the enlightenment that the Buddha received at the end of his long spiritual pursuit) , Zen, and Prashanta (peaceful). Hawa (breeze) is another mancha where a gentle breeze blows all the time. There is a 1300 sq. ft. dhyanghar or meditation hall where 200 people can meditate together. The gentle murmur of the spring flowing by the side of the dhyanghar creates the perfect harmonic background for meditation.
Modern Facilities
The resort is complete with all modern facilities, including several bungalows to house organizers, staff, meditators and visitors; more than 60 modern toilets; brick stairways and pathways to facilitate walking; and bridges that not only make traversing easier but also add architectural beauty. At night, generators and solar panels illuminate this remote area where power lines are yet to be extended.
The center also houses Sishu Kanon, a school and rehabilitation center for impoverished local children. In addition, Lama is also the site of a variety of social service programs designed to improve the lives of the local people.
Quantum groups visit the resort throughout the year to participate in Quantaions and various other spiritual programs, to attend the meditation festival, to celebrate Eid-Ul-Azha, or simply get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. To them, visiting Lama is not like visiting a new place, but rather like coming back to their roots, the Moner Bari or 'Quantum Home' they visualize during meditation.
With prior permission from the head office, you can visit the Quantum Meditation Resort too. If interested, please contact the center, branch or cell nearest to you.
For More Info : Please visit
http://www.quanfey.org/content/pages/resort/MeditationResort.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)