Magnificent views of the snow covered Himalayas seen in the evening from the Ridge in Shimla India

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.