Attendees: Chandru, Kamal, Murali, Navin, Param, Sharmila, Subbu, Vidhi, Vineeta, Vishal Meeting was from 6.05pm to 7.45pm; 302C Union South Newsletter: -> Made some final decisions about the newsletter (content/size/name). -> Decided to retain the "Asha Kiran" name from the asha-wide newsletter since it appears to be very apt. Amartya Sen visit: -> Vidhi mentioned that Amartya Sen is visiting Chicago at the request of IDS-Chicago and will be speaking there. She suggested the possibility of us getting him to UW-Madison. Vineeta will be following up on this by contacting certain UW departments (development economics, Center for South Asia, etc.) Projects: -> It was decided to discuss a project (new project or projects being funded by other chapters) periodically (at least once every 2 months). This exercise will be serve many purposes: keep us informed about the projects that are funded by other chapters, keep up the motivation, serve as a good learning experience for everyone - especially the newcomers. Vidhi also suggested that whenever we visit India, we should make it a point to visit some project site. She felt that it is a very good learning experience. Towards this end, the project discussions will keep everyone well-informed. Navin suggested that these discussions be carried out in an informal setting like a potluck. -> Sharmila mentioned that her Rotary contact is currently out of town. But, she'll keep us informed and try and get her in touch with us so that we could interact with them. -> Murali mentioned that he received a report from Sujit Sinha of Swanirwar project. The midday meal scheme required funds to the tune of $5K for the coming year. It was decided to disburse $2K to the project this year. This includes the $1K donation from Returned Peace Corps of Wisconsin. WAH update: -> The voting for WAH '98 projects closed on Feb 28th. The votes favoured the Ballia (Asha center & Non-Formal Edn.), Astha (Delhi-based project that works with handicapped children) and Kanpur (works with the children of migrant labourers) projects. -> There was an open-ended discussion about the Ballia project, Asha center and our expectations from this project (with respect to plans, results, etc.). -- Visit ASHA at http://www.ashanet.org Visit ASHA-Madison at http://www.ashanet.org/madison