Leave a reply

Attention: Volunteering Opportunites

Hello! I am receiving many inquiries into volunteering in Ladakh this year and thank you for writing to us!

At the moment we are busy planning and fundraising for some reading rooms in other areas of the Himalayan region. It looks like we’ll require some talented people with art and language skills September onwards.

So if you are interested, please email avalokitesvaratrust@avalokitesvaratrust.org with the subject: Volunteer 2016 and I shall send you a volunteer form if we are interested in taking it further. It’s difficult to reply to each individual, so please understand that we shall be in touch on a suitability and availability basis.

We also may require volunteers with a design or architectural background. More news on that soon.

Thank you!

P.S. The best and preferred way to be in touch is via email

Leave a reply

LITTLE BUDDHAS IN THE WOODS

Little Buddhas in the woods

Little Buddhas in the woods

On a magical sunny day, in the month of August (2015), we decided to spend a day with the young monks of  the Chemdey Monastery in the village of Sakti. Our friends, artist, Abhishek Singh, musician and drum-jammer Kumi Masunaga and her lovely daughter Aya, came with us to share their talents, their skills and to spread joy! We were also accompanied by my little daughter Samira, my husband, our Ladakhi friends and Sushil, a Mumbai-based photographer who captured some glorious moments!

IMG_0459

Assembling hula hoops

The young monks from Chemdey Gonpa school participated in ice-breaking musical activities that Kumi had designed for them. Abhishek introduced them to a few art activities, took them through the process of creating their group artwork and showed them stunning visuals from his comic book. Aya demonstrated how to ‘hula-hoop’! We also set up a book corner in the school.

The young monks were keen to learn and listened carefully to the process, enjoyed drawing and colouring, asked questions and at the end, proudly exhibited their artwork in the woods!

Kumi is a Japanese percussionist and a drum circle facilitator who lives in Hong Kong with over fifteen years of performing, teaching, and facilitating experience. She has worked with a range of ages and cultural backgrounds, designing, planning and executing programmes. For more- www.drum-jam.com

Aya is natural performer. She sings, dances and has lead her “Circle Game” playshop for groups of children at events. She has acted in youth musicals, theatre play and some TV commercials in Hong Kong. She speaks English, Japanese and basic Cantonese and Mandarin. Here engagement with the children we visited, has been both endearing very valuable!

Abhishek Singh is artist,animation film-maker and graphic novelist who currently lives between his studios in Brooklyn, New York and Mumbai. Whenever possible he retreats for a meditation trek in the Himalayas. For more – www.abhishekartstore.com

Photo courtesy, Sushil, Kumi and Abhigya

In the slideshow you will see- Chemdey Gonpa, the village of Sakti,  the monks at play and at work, receiving their Ladakhi copies of ‘Chuskit Goes to School’ , a group photo and more.

Leave a reply

Avalokitesvara Trust creates reading rooms for children so for International Book Giving Day , we decided to start a book-collection drive. We received an incredible response from all over India. Books were carefully chosen, ordered and shipped to Dharamsala for the young readers of Norling Creche & Kindergarten. We are happy to have enhanced their little library with good quality books. To have played a role in encouraging the joy of reading and bringing smiles to their faces!

We got together to open packages of delightful books and celebrate International Book Giving Day at the Norling creche and kindergarten. A group of 15 volunteers, aged 8 to 10 years were very eager to create a new library upstairs. They happily carried all the old books and categorised them into small, medium and large books. We had a little contest to see which group ( red, green, yellow, blue, white colours of the prayer flags) could count the most books in the least time. It was chao tic and so much fun!! And they finished counting the books in 9 minutes (they’d decided on 15 minutes as the target) After this exercise, they realised that their existing books needed to be categorised into levels and broader subjects. So we created colour codes for levels of reading, for Tibetan, science and for teacher reading material. After four hours of activity we finally displayed all the new additions on to the empty shelves.

The next day, we played a few games. An improvisation of ‘Simon says’, became ‘Norbu says, Sangmo says..’ and the library room was filled with laughter! To calm everyone down, we sat in a circle and concentrated on our breathing. This wasn’t any easy task as a few of them were curious to know what was to follow but we managed to bring back our focus and recollect the activities of the previous session and the task at hand. Setting up a library is no small job and the children once again, tidied up the piles of old books. After all this work, they had a tea break and then finally, chose a book each and sat in a corner or lay on their tummies to immerse themselves in their new book collection. It was very satisfying to see them enjoying the books with quiet rapture. We added a few finishing touches and called it a day by taking a group of books for the little ones downstairs to create a small toddler library. Now that we’re ready, we’ll be inviting ALL the children from ALL the classes to their new reading rooms. We can’t wait!!

Turbo Spin Casino Experience: A Closer Look at ThePokies.net

For Australian adults exploring fast online casino games, a turbo spin casino experience usually means quick loading times, rapid reels, mobile-friendly design, and a broad selection of slots in one place. ThePokies.net is presented as an English-language platform aimed at Australian players, with casino games, live dealer tables, bonuses, and several digital payment options.

Promotional information around the site highlights a claimed AU$50 no-deposit bonus, a larger welcome package, and a catalogue of approximately 1,600 games. These offers can make the platform appealing to players who want to compare providers, themes, jackpots, and gameplay formats before deciding whether to register.

As with any online gambling service, the details matter. Bonus terms, age restrictions, withdrawal conditions, jurisdiction, and responsible gambling tools should be checked before depositing money. This review-style guide examines the main features associated with ThePokies.net while keeping the focus on informed, adult decision-making.

What ThePokies.net Offers Australian Players

ThePokies.net is promoted as an online casino built for Australian users. Its content focuses on casino entertainment rather than sports betting, with a mix of video slots, table games, jackpot titles, and live casino options. A browser-based format means players can access the platform without downloading traditional desktop software.

The advertised game library includes around 1,600 titles, although the exact selection may change as providers update their catalogues. A large lobby can be useful for players who enjoy comparing paylines, volatility, bonus features, and game mechanics. It can also make navigation more difficult, so search tools and category filters are valuable parts of the overall casino experience.

The platform is also associated with mobile casino access. Responsive pages can allow players to open games through a smartphone or tablet browser, making the service suitable for short sessions when the connection is stable. Mobile users should still review data costs, device security, and account protection before playing.

Turbo Spin Features And Game Variety

The phrase turbo spin commonly describes a fast-paced approach to slot play, where users can move from one spin to the next with minimal delay. It does not necessarily refer to one specific game or feature. Instead, it can describe the broader experience of quick navigation, streamlined controls, and games that respond efficiently on desktop and mobile devices.

ThePokies.net’s reported selection covers familiar online casino categories, including classic fruit machines, modern video slots, progressive jackpot games, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and live dealer tables. Different titles may offer free spins, multipliers, expanding wilds, buy features, or bonus rounds. The rules and return-to-player information can vary considerably from one game to another.

Game providers are another point worth checking. Recognised studios generally publish information about game mathematics and technical standards, while independent testing arrangements may provide additional reassurance. A casino review should therefore assess the availability of provider names, paytable details, house rules, and responsible play information rather than relying on visual appeal alone.

Bonuses, Codes And Welcome Offers

A claimed AU$50 no-deposit bonus is one of the promotional points connected with ThePokies.net. No-deposit offers can sound attractive because they may provide a way to explore selected games without an initial cash payment. In practice, eligibility, wagering requirements, maximum winnings, restricted games, identity checks, and expiry periods can all affect how the promotion works.

The larger welcome package may involve multiple deposit matches, free spins, or staged rewards. Players should read the full terms before accepting an offer, since a bonus can affect withdrawal rules and may require a qualifying deposit. The value of any promotion depends on its conditions, not simply the headline amount.

For readers comparing current promotions, the thepokies.net codes page can provide a convenient place to review advertised bonus information. Details should still be checked against the official terms displayed during registration, because promotional codes and eligibility rules may change without notice.

Registration And Account Checks

Opening an account typically involves entering personal information, setting login credentials, and confirming that the user meets the minimum legal age. Australian players should provide accurate details and use a secure password that is not shared with other websites. Two-factor authentication, where available, can add another layer of protection.

Identity verification may be requested before a withdrawal is processed. Common documents can include proof of identity, address verification, or payment ownership. These checks are part of standard know-your-customer procedures, and an account with inconsistent information may face delays.

Players should also read the privacy policy and understand how personal data is handled. A clear account process should explain deposit limits, cooling-off options, self-exclusion, and the steps for closing an account. Gambling should remain an optional form of entertainment, never a way to cover regular expenses or recover losses.

PayID, Cryptocurrency And Withdrawals

Payment flexibility is a prominent feature for Australian casino users. ThePokies.net is associated with options such as PayID and cryptocurrency, alongside other possible electronic methods. PayID can appeal to users who prefer a familiar local transfer route, while digital currencies may offer different processing arrangements and price fluctuations.

A payment method can be convenient for deposits but less suitable for withdrawals, so both directions should be checked before play begins. Minimum and maximum transaction limits, processing times, fees, currency conversion, and verification requirements may differ by method. Cryptocurrency users should also consider wallet security and exchange-rate volatility.

Withdrawal speed is often a major part of the user experience. However, a fast request does not always mean an instant payout, since internal reviews and identity checks can take time. Reading the cashier page and terms before making a deposit can prevent confusion later.

Live Casino And Mobile Play

Live casino tables add a streamed, interactive element to online gambling. Players may find live blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and game-show formats alongside standard digital versions. Dealer quality, stream stability, table limits, betting timers, and available seats can all influence how enjoyable the experience feels.

A mobile casino platform should present readable menus, properly sized controls, and reliable game loading. A strong connection is especially important for live dealer games, where interruptions can affect the session. Players should avoid public Wi-Fi when entering account or payment details and should keep their device software updated.

The wider value of accessible digital services can also be considered through a different lens. In community projects, local farmers’ support helps expand learning opportunities, showing why transparency and responsible resource use matter across online and offline organisations. Gambling platforms should apply the same basic principle by presenting clear information about costs, terms, and user protections.

Licensing, Safety And Responsible Play

Licensing is among the most important points to investigate before using an offshore or internationally operated casino. Players should identify which company operates the website, where it is registered, what regulator oversees it, and how complaints are handled. A logo or general statement about security is not a substitute for verifiable licensing information.

Online casino safety also includes encrypted connections, secure payment processing, privacy controls, and sensible limits. No platform can remove the financial risk of gambling, and game outcomes remain uncertain. Random number generators determine many digital casino results, so previous losses do not make a win more likely on the next spin.

The most reliable approach is to set a fixed entertainment budget, choose time limits, and avoid chasing losses. Anyone who feels gambling is becoming difficult to control should stop playing and seek support through recognised Australian gambling-help services. Promotional material should be balanced with these cautions, particularly when discussing fast-play features and bonus incentives.

Feature What to review Why it matters
Game library Slots, table games, live tables, and providers Helps match the casino to personal preferences
Welcome offer No-deposit claim, wagering rules, expiry, and limits Determines the real value of the promotion
Payments PayID, cryptocurrency, fees, limits, and processing times Affects deposits and access to withdrawals
Mobile access Browser performance, security, and connection quality Supports convenient play across devices
Account checks Identity verification and privacy policy Reduces delays and clarifies data handling
Safety tools Deposit limits, time reminders, cooling-off, and self-exclusion Encourages controlled participation
Regulation Operator identity, licence details, and complaints process Helps users assess transparency and accountability

ThePokies.net may appeal to Australian adults seeking a broad casino lobby, quick-play slots, live dealer games, mobile access, and flexible payment choices. Its claimed AU$50 no-deposit bonus and wider welcome package are worth examining, but their usefulness depends entirely on the detailed conditions attached to them.

A practical takeaway is to compare the complete terms, verify the operator and regulatory information, test only within a pre-set entertainment budget, and treat turbo spin features as a convenience rather than a reason to play beyond your limits.