Amazing India!

FGI began new work projects in India in 2009. It is the result of our expressed intention over the past three years to visit and work in this amazing country.

India, one of the four BRIC countries, will one day be the most populous country in the world, passing China. While per-capita income still lags that of China, like its neighbor, India is growing very rapidly. It is estimated that 100 million move into middle income each year. India has a marvelous multi-ethnic, multi-spirituality heritage that came as a result of multiple waves of traders and invaders.

Because of the economic potential, the strategic location, and the deep heritage of this wonderful country, Carol and Tim feel the need to increase their understanding of India and its role in the future of the world.

Our work in India has been for an Omaha headquartered firm, ProKarma, with a large presence in India. We have provided a version of our New Maps for Leaders Program to groups from India and the US in Hyderabad. This has been a wonderful experience for us and great opportunity for our learning in India.

Sexual Trafficking and Slavery

The issues of Sexual Trafficking and Slavery have been important topics for FGI for years. In all FGI programs we share information about this scourge which affects 28 million girls and women each year. The largest number of victims come from India and China and are taken to the United States and Western Europe.

Our work in India has allowed us to meet one of the most remarkable women we have ever encountered: Dr. Sunitha Krishnan. She is the Director of Prajwala, an NGO that rescues and rehabilitates girls and women forced into sexual slavery and trafficking. Based in Hyderabad, Prajwala reaches across the globe in its mission of rescuing victims of Sexual Trafficking and Slavery.

Prajwala and the issues of abuse of girls and women is one of the most important themes for the work of FGISpirit. Please see our Reflections on India which discuss Prajwala in depth.

Dr. Sunitha Krishnan was honored by the Vital Voices Organization in receiving one of the Tenth Annual Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards, April 12, 2011, in Washington, D.C. This annual award honors and celebrates women's leadership around the world. The nonprofit organization grew out of an initiative established by then First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and Secretary of State Madeline Albright following the U.N. 4th World Conference in Beijing to promote the advancement of women as a US foreign policy goal. Carol and Tim were honored by Dr. Krishnan who requested they attend as her personal guests.