I took this photo on a cold, misty morning when I was in Pai, Thailand.
An Indian couple have had their children taken away by Norwegian social workers because they were feeding them with their hands and sleeping in the same bed as them.
Anurup and Sagarika Bhattacharya lost custody of their three-year-old son and one-year-old daughter eight months ago after authorities branded their behaviour inappropriate.
The drastic measure led to intervention from the Indian government who contacted Norwegian authorities in an a desperate attempt to return the children.
Norwegian Child Protection Services removed the youngsters from their home in May, 2011, leaving their parents horrified with the outcome of the report.
Father Anurup told Indian television channel NDTV: ‘They told me ”why are you sleeping with the children in the same bed?’’.
‘(I told them) this is also a purely cultural issue. We never leave the children in another room and say goodnight to them.’
Anurup added: ‘Feeding a child with the hand is normal in Indian tradition and when the mother is feeding with a spoon there could be phases when she was overfeeding the child.
‘They said it was force feeding. These are basically cultural differences.’
Mrs Bhattacharya said: ‘My son was sleeping with my husband. They said he should sleep separately from your son.’
The parents have been told that they can only see their children twice a year, for an hour during each visit until the kids turn 18 when they will no longer be bound by the current restrictions under current Norwegian law.
Despite the Indian government’s intervention, Norwegian officials are refusing to meet the request for any further explanation.
(via edzloveschocolate)
It’s taken me ages to start writing actual posts about India… I was so touched by the place - I’d even go so far as to say it changed me in some way - that I just can’t seem to find the words that will capture your heart the way India captured mine. Nothing I write will even come close to describing India’s beauty and charm and I fear that each post I bring you will be grossly inadequate. Nevertheless, I will press on because the alternative, i.e. not writing at all, is unthinkable! Let’s start in Agra and see how we go from there. :)
Agra is home to the incredible Taj Mahal; the tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah also known as “Baby Taj”; the Agra Fort, and some other monuments that I didn’t visit. Actually, I only visited the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort both of which were amazing. The Taj Mahal was so amazing that I’ll dedicate a whole post to it… Next time.
The Agra Fort was built centuries ago and it is World Heritage listed. I spent many hours there just looking around and taking the odd photograph. The architecture is truly a sight to behold and if you’re ever in Agra please, please make time to visit the Fort. When you visit the Taj Mahal hang onto your ticket because if you present it to the ticket office at the Agra Fort you’ll get a discount on admission bringing the price down to only 250 rupees (less than $5 US). If you’re like me and you’re not too keen on buildings and museums etc. still try and get to the Agra Fort, even if just for a couple of hours, so you can wonder at the brilliance of the person who designed it and those who built it.
Hong Kong is a wonderful place to visit for shopping, sightseeing, and great food. Having been there a couple of times I can honestly say it’s a place I would return to again and again. I just love it! There’s such a great mix of shopping available from bargain-priced markets right through to high-end designer stores, all within walking distance of each other. Located on Temple Street next to the markets there’s a shop that sells great jeans at awesome prices and they’ll even hem your new jeans for free while you wait!
Hanoi is bursting with a wonderful, crazy energy and just by stepping out onto the streets you’re taking your life into your own hands! There’s more traffic there than I’ve ever seen in my life and the noise from the constant honking of horns is enough to have you reaching for headache pills but somehow it all just seems to work. Everyone goes about their day, nobody really bothers anybody, and the locals are warm and friendly albeit a little opportunistic sometimes! Tip: If you stand in one place for a few minutes, chances are someone will start repairing your shoes without asking you and they will demand payment. Don’t pay unless you wanted your shoes fixed! You do need to have your wits about you, but if you keep an open mind and a smile on your face you can have a brilliant time.
