From: anay_ss@uhura.cc.rochester.edu (Abhaya Nayak)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.indian
Subject: A BETTER TODAY; A BRIGHTER TOMORROW (Ref.  A Shocking Story of Love...)
Date: 22 Jul 92 02:10:07 GMT
Organization: University of Rochester (Rochester, NY)

Barbara has been tauched by the support extended to her by the readers of
SCI. At her request I am posting the following document in which she expresses
her reaction, and her ideas about a possible trust-fund, etc..



From:	IN%"BHIDALGO%BROCK1P.bitnet@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU"  "Barbara Hidalgo" 21-JUL-1992 17:26:05.54
To:	IN%"anay@db1.cc.rochester.edu"
CC:	
Subj:	

		*********Stuff deleted*********




		A BETTER TODAY, A BRIGHTER TOMORROW 
 			
			Barbara Hidalgo

         I' d like to thank those of you who reached me with your moral support
and concern regarding my situation.  Your succor and sympathetic words 
certainly DO make a difference in these hard times, giving me the faith and 
strength to keep on trying.  A friend from Stanfford even suggested to devise 
a trust fund on my family's behalf.  Although I value the thought, I'd prefer 
that if a trust were to develop at all, it'd be set up as a permanent 
emergency trust - a long- lasting endeavor - to assist members of the Indian 
community who may be facing hardships while in this country and abroad.
         I'd also like to suggest the creation of a "SOLIDARITY NETWORK" for 
the Indian and Indian-related community across the country.  I believe that 
by gathering all our skills, efforts, experiences and resources with 
determination and perseverance; the network could develop several projects to 
help newcomers and others in several areas, not just financially.  Sometimes, 
help in other ways, like with adjusting, dealing and coping with legal, social
and cultural intricacies of the host society, may prove to be quite 
instrumental in preventing future misfortunes.  All the modern technology and 
means available to the community could be used to set and start a sound 
network offering guidance and assistance in various areas, at different levels.
After all, we never know when we or someone dear to us may need such assistance
and support!  No one is immune to the turns life takes in today's world!  
Sharing our experiences, ideas, resources, skills, knowledge, and common 
concerns helps us help each other and enriches our lives.  Computers and 
modern communication systems are great means of information and resources.  
They could also be used to manage and monitor such projects.
         Most of us have had to learn the hard way the procedures of the U.S.'s
social, cultural and legal systems.  It's quite hard to preserve your culture,
pass it on to your kids while trying to survive and join the mainstream, when
you're going it alone, unaware of the way the system works in this society.  
The experience and guidance of those of us who have been here longer and have 
had to contend with several issues the hard way, could be quite beneficial to 
many new (and even old) members of the community.  Programs like: housing 
referrals, non-governmental family assistance programs to provide guidance and
support with particular Indian family related issues and needs.  Local 
cultural centers where our children could proudly learn cultural values, 
traditions, and beliefs through stories, productions, games and other 
activities.  Cultural exchange and adaptation through a mentor-type program 
could be made more smoothly as part of a "Solidarity Network".  Aid and 
guidance on immigration and immigration-related issues, financial, legal and 
educational resources could be made available in various part of the country; 
just as other immigrants have done: survive as a "group society" within the 
host's, taking the best of both cultures and making a harmonious symphony with
it.  That's, sometimes, the only way to overcome theobstacles imposed from the
"outside" and others.
 	 Indian and Cuban immigration, for instance, share the advantage that
the bulk of "first" immigrants have been highly educated and intelligent 
people; with experience and expertise in several professional, commercial and 
other areas.  Immigrant "enclaves" have been vital for the cultural and social
survival, and the upward mobility of many ethnic groups in this society.
         Also, since it's very hard to find scholarships and grants for foreign
college students, a "College Trust Fund" could be founded to assist Indian and
Indian-related students who may be facing financial hardships while in school,
and/or may be at risk...   This trust would also benefit future generations
since it would serve as a "backup" when our kids go to college.   I believe
that the best legacy we can leave our children is the best of our culture and
education, or at least the means and opportunity to get one.  Obviously, the
trust should be managed and monitored by the network through a "headquarters"
with chapters across the country working on a "check and balance" basis.
Applicants would have to prove financial need and that they meet other requi-
rements that may be established by the network.  Applicants may also be
required to contribute to the community in other ways according to the
needs of the community and the abilities of the applicants.  A referral system
could also be set up to provide job opportunities for recent graduates and
those working on their Ph.D. who have brought their spouses and children along.
Practical training and sponsorship could be advanced in various fields within
the community for those who qualify, especially foreign students.
         An Indian newspaper or newsletter produced and edited locally to deal
with community related issues and needs, and to promote different programs,
could be started at different locations.  These are just some of the objectives
that have come to mind to enhance each other's experiences and chances of
survival abroad using the network.   It is important to assess the overall 
needs of the community in different locations across the country and begin to 
set up programs that would help meet those needs.  God willing, I hope to be 
working in developmental and communication programs with the Ibero-American 
League here in Rochester.  I hope to learn for sure tomorrow.  If you are at all interested,
I would be super thrilled to help you out and give you some tips.  Others have
taken the initiative to start some needed programs in some parts of the 
country. For instance, I've recently learned that there's a Women's League in 
CA especially for the wives and partners of Indian men.  That's a commendable 
and long needed initiative; worth initiating across the country.
         Needs are many and in separate areas.  It's been my experience that a
united group has the ability and capacity to meet those needs and help one
another.  As the saying goes, "Where's a will, there's a way".  I'm sure that
with determination and a bit of research on procedures, most of these ideas
could materialize as a joint effort; beneficial to the whole community.  You
can certainly make a difference in your life and that of others, as you have
already in my and my son's.
         Please consider my suggestion.  I'd like to contribute in whichever
way I can and I hope someday soon I'll have the chance to.  I'll be very
happy to hear from any of you, exchange experiences and ideas.  My son and I
are very greatful to all who have so kindly taken their time to give us moral
support. A simple "thank you" is not enough.  I hope to have the chance 
someday to return the hand!  God bless you all.
Barbara and her wonderful son, Nicky (alias "coolman")