Countless Indian families with handicapped children cannot afford crutches for them, let alone a walker, wheel chair, callipers or an artificial limb. This situation would be considered scandalous in more affluent nations.
For this reason, the TOS within India has made ‘mobility aids’ a national priority over the past ten years or so. Walking sticks, special shoes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs and hand-propelled tricycles are distributed by many TOS groups throughout the country.
Here are some photos typical of the kind of equipment distributed. They were sent to us by Mr Jatindra N. Patowary, the President of the TOS in the Assam and Arunachal Region (situated in the easternmost part of India). Mr Patowary is dynamic in his work for the TOS and is one of our most faithful correspondents.

Mr Jatindra N. Patowary making the presentation

One of the social highlights of the Melbourne TOS’s year was their annual picnic in the beautiful Melbourne Botanical Gardens. During the picnic, they held a peace and healing meditation under the trees and raised awareness of the Australian Conservation Foundation which their TOS group supports.

One of the Melbourne TOS members, Gloria Keh, even finds time to volunteer in Singapore. Since September 2007, she has held regular sessions on Colour Therapy at the AWWA Community Home for Senior Citizens.

During the sessions, residents work on specific designs on particular themes, working with colours on the concept of a ‘circle’ format, to promote One-ness and develop one-pointedness.

Residents of the AWWA Home in Singapore with their artwork from a colour therapy workshop.

A group of young beneficiaries of the educational sponsorship program

One of the longest running activities of the TOS in Pakistan is the organisation of educational sponsorships for students of primary, secondary and college levels. The TOS has been working to provide opportunities for bright young people who are unable to afford an education. The applicant is interviewed and the case is investigated. After the necessary investigation a sponsor is found.

All the students are from poor and needy families and this program enables them to get an education. Many finish their schooling and go on to get a university degree and are able to better their lives and those of their families. To date, several thousand students have benefited from sponsorship. Because of this help, many have gone on to become productive, successful members of society and include doctors, nurses, engineers and other technical professionals.

For information about sponsorship email the Pakistan TOS : tospakistan@gmail.com

TOS members in Tanzania commemorated Foundation Day by opening up a huge box of teddies made by Italian TOS members and friends. The teddies are given to children suffering from trauma and illness.

TOS Members cut the Foundation Day cake