Pictures of the Shilma Kolka Railway, India

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Engine pulls the train from Shimla to Kalka.

Shimla Kalka train passing over a viaduct

Shimla Kalka train rumbles over bridge no. 493

Beautiful countryside on the way from Shimla to Kalka

Huge multiple viaduct spanning one of the many gorges.

Cows wander blissfully over the rails at Kalka Station

Pictures of a Volunteer Managment Workshop held in New Shimla India

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We received a wonderful welcome from the parents and children at the ‘Udaan Parents and Guardians Society of Mentally Challenged Children

The Mayor of Shimla presents Allan and Margaret with traditional headgear and shawl at the opening cermony of the workshop.

The workshop organised by the Udaan Director, Mr Rana, was a great success. The children took centre stage at the opening ceremony with the distinguished politicians, academics and NGO Directors supporting them enthusiastically. This was all caught on camera by television crews and reported in the local press.

Each of our working sessions over the three days was chaired by a leading academic or eminent NGO  Director. Here Dr Soudi is presenting a challenging and informative paper on empowering children with developmental disabilities.

Over fifty delegates from all over the Shimla region attended. Some described children being carried on the backs of parents because wheelchairs were impractical in the mountainous villages. Over the three days we managed to speak with all of the delegates personally.

It was a wonderful conference attended by energetic, dedicated and compassionate people who work under difficult conditions to improve the lives of the children they care for.

Pictures of Shimla India

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Houses of modern Shimla build on the steep slopes of the mountain. Narrow streets packed with shops are linked with flights to steps, tunnels and alleys.

The bustling streets are filled with friendly, energetic and smiling people. Cargo is carried by porters on foot because the streets are too steep for wheeled carts.

The ridge, dominated by a traditional English Church, is a favourite place for people promenading in the evening. 

The Governor General’s Lodge with British Coat of Arms over the door. From here a third of the world’s population was governed in the heyday of the British Empire.

In this conference room the partition of India and Pakistan was decided by Nehru, Gandhi and Zia.