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How America will collapse (by 2025)

Salon.com has an interesting article by Prof. Alfred McCoy at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Titled, How America will collapse (by 2025) , Prof. McCoy asserts the the decline of American empire has begun. While I largely agree that America is on inevitable decline, it is rather difficult to ascertain that decline will be as swift as it is predicted. Among many variables, one problem with projected rise of China as a major super power, discounts the fact that Chinese leadership will face equally challenging times. As the middle class population increases with significant economic power, it is likely that there will be pressure for more open and democratic norms in China. A failure to manage the political aspiration could lead China off the track from becoming the single most powerful country in the world. In addition, any weakening of Chinese State is definitely likely to invite simmering discontent among Tibetans and Ughuirs to the fore and create a huge challenge for Chinese author

We Win!

Thank you for giving your vote, time, energy, skill and love. Sarvodaya USA, with 15,784 votes, was one of the runner-ups to win US$ 100,000 on a month long Facebook competition that was organized by Chase Community Giving Program. Estimated 500,000 small non profits were eligible to compete. Our campaign was a global effort that relied on the dedicated supporters. Young high school students in Kathmandu, spent countless hours in front of their computers, on the street, and at schools, campaigning for us and collecting votes. Despite the fact that we competed with organizations, which have networks and visibility much larger than ours, our belief in your support paid off. We know we couldn't have made it without you. THANK YOU! Even though the grant will come from Chase, the school that will be built and communities that will be supported will stand as a testament to your compassion and willingness to believe in good that is around us. Thank you so much for believing in the possibi

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Their choice: either trek fours hours or no school. Your choice …?

Sarita Tamang, 13, is the first girl in her family to go to school. She might not have an option to complete even secondary education, however. She studies in grade seven in her village in Nepal, about 45 miles southwest of Kathmandu. Her current school offers classes only up to eighth grade. The nearest school is a four hour round trip trek from her village. “If I were a boy, it might be possible for me to continue school. As a girl child, I am expected to help in the household chores,” she said. “I simply cannot imagine that I would be allowed to go to school at such a long distance.” According to UNICEF, only 3 out of 10 girls are enrolled for secondary education in Nepal. ***** Donate today to help us build school. ***** Rohan Chalise, 18, is an A-Level student at Brihaspati High School in Kathmandu. He feels lucky to have been born in the choices and luxury of Kathmandu. “I feel very sad knowing students of the same age group as mine have to walk so far just to reach

For Land, Water, and Forest

“Ekta Parishad Jindabad,” (Long live Ekta Parishad) somebody shouted at a corner. “Ekta Parishad Jindabad,” a chorus followed. At a glance, people who were chanting the slogans looked feeble and powerless. Many didn’t have sleepers, showing cracks on their feet. Wrinkled on their faces told the story of hardships and struggles. When they chanted the slogans, their fist clenched, a sudden determination emerged on their faces. “Land, water, and forest must be under people’s control” another slogan emerged. They were the people of Ekta Parishad. A Gandhian social movement active in India. Championing the rights of marginalized communities (Dalits and indegeneous communities) in India for their land rights. Similar to Sarvodaya Movement in Sri Lanka, Ekta Parishad is a social movement and a federation of 11,000 communities spread over 12 Indian states. Like the Sarvodaya Movement, rooted in Gandhian values, Ekta Parishad is dedicated to non-violent social change. Their pr

Re-Birth In India: Experience at Gandhi's Ashram

“Dai (elder brother in Nepali), you know I thought I had done everything in life. I have a wife, two children, and have done many odd jobs. I have been active in politics and also in social service. I have done everything,” Astaman said. “I had thought that there is nothing for me anymore and would some how live this life for my children,” he continued. “But in these last few days, I have realized that I am so young and the world is full of possibilities, I have to learn so much and there is a lot can do.” “This is my re-birth dai,” he concluded. It had only been three days in India with us. Astman is young. Only at 23 years of age, he has become a father of two. He dropped out of school after fifth grade because there was no school beyond that in the village and his family couldn’t afford to send him to another school. “The choice was either for me to study or let my siblings,” recalled. Nine of us of Sarvodaya Nepal, including Astaman, had been to Sevagram in India at Mahatma Gand