Trade As One

Mention the name Bombay Teen Challenge (BTC) to anyone involved in social justice issues in India and they will recognize it.  Over the past twenty years, BTC has made huge strides in battling the complex and horrifying issues that plague the streets of Mumbai, dealing with sex slavery victims, their children, and street children and runaways. Lindsay, Mum, and I were privileged to spend four days with this organization and see firsthand the work that they are doing.

Our first three days were spent about two hours outside of Mumbai at BTC’s center, Ashagram, which means village of hope. Ashagram originated as a place for women who had been rescued out of the red light districts in Mumbai; it offered safety and rehabilitation, counseling and community, as well as a lifelong commitment to them. Ashagram now not only continues to serve these women but also young girls and boys who have been rescued from the streets so that they don’t get caught up in prostitution, drugs, and associated problems that permeate Mumbai. These girls and boys receive education, food, and a roof over their heads – three basic things that so many of India’s youth never experience.

Furthermore, the girls, boys, and women at Ashagram receive love in its purest form. Lindsay, Mum, and I were struck so powerfully by the amount of love and care that every person showered upon one another. These people, who have encountered adversity in their lives that we cannot fathom know how to love so much better than us, in our comfortable, sound, western environments.

We experienced this love from the women and girls firsthand. Living at Ashagram, we certainly felt like outsiders, not knowing exactly how to interact with the women and girls around us. Language posed a huge barrier, particularly with the older women, as most of them had never learned English. Interactions began with nods, smiles, and simple questions, such as “Hungry?” or “Hot?” on our walks to and from the dining hall. While wary of us outsiders at first, the women and girls gradually warmed up to us and we would sit making bracelets for hours, while teaching one another English and Hindi words. We were treated to delicious food at every mealtime, served on at a beautifully laid table. By the end of our last night at Ashagram, we were dancing around in our pajamas and laughing at ourselves as we attempted to learn Hindi dance from some of the girls.

We did not learn much about the stories or situations of these women and girls prior to their time at Ashagram, as we were not there long enough to gain their willingness to delve into their painful pasts. However, we were able to just share with and love them, and receive great love back from them. After leaving Ashagram, we learned some of their stories and will share them in upcoming posts.

To read more about BTC and the work they are doing, visit http://bombayteenchallenge.org.

As we tell these stories of our time in and around Mumbai, we cannot fail to mention the terrorist attacks that took place in Mumbai on Wednesday. Our thoughts and prayers are with our friends, those affected, and those in positions of authority in their decision-making.