As I adjust in to the new life of no office, no 9-5 office hour, no sundays to wait for, there has been very little opportunity to reflect on this dramatic transition from that of a volunteer to a full-timer, let alone write the experience down. When I relocated suddenly back to Bhubaneswar, to re-occupy my parents's home leaving my job at JITM, Paralakhemundi behind, my parents as well as Babita's parents were perplexed with a tinge of concern as to what I was up to. I was not sure how to put it to them, other than saying that I am on a sabattical and will be working on social issues full-time. This was not very convincing for most of my family and well wishers and I had to make up some story like I am still working for JITM on their Bhubaneswar campus etc. Which turned out to be partially true later on any way!

A month ago about 800 people endorsed an online letter by AID expressing shock and dismay at two avoidable deaths on the IIT-Kanpur campus.  This week we heard back from the director.   Various committees have been set up to investigate the death of the boy due to snake bite when the health centre refused to admit him, as well as of the death by electrocution of contract labourer due to poor working conditions. However whether they will bring to light the shortcomings at IIT and make amends or they will serve as an eye wash is yet to be seen. 

The director has also sent us an office order reiterating the government norms for safety of contract workers and requirements of minimum wages act.  Clearly these norms haven't been implemented so far and despite electrocution of a worker no party has been punished.  We invite suggestions from everyone on how IIT-Kanpur and rest of the IIT's can better implement safety regulations as well as make their health Centres accountable to emergencies.