Christmas season is upon us...once again. And Dilkusha Home Project in full swing.

Be a citizen of the world, not just a citizen of a country.
Be part of humanity, not just part of a religious sect.
               --- Rajni Mala Khelawan, Author


Last year, I travelled to Fiji Islands, located in the cusp of the Pacific Ocean. While there, I had the privilege of visiting Dilkusha Home, an orphanage that has been serving orphaned children for over 100 years.

This past Christmas, a few of my friends and colleagues got together and raised $300.00 to make the Dilkusha Home’s children’s Christmas a little brighter. This gift giving season, we were hoping to continue this tradition. And we needed your help.

Currently, Dilkusha Home is serving 29 children, mostly girls, who range in ages from 1 to 19 years. Recently, the Home adopted their first boy! The older girls remain in the home due to permanent disabilities and their inability to live independently. The Home’s policy is to keep the girls in the home till they complete all their education and are able to be financially independent and live productive lives.

So far this year, I have raised $60... And I would be grateful for any amount of support. I will also be sending them a Christmas Card and will have all the donators sign a personal message to the kids. If any of you are interested in corresponding with the girls in the coming year via handwritten letters or sending them birthday acknowledgements, please let me know so that I can match you with a child.

If you can and want to help, please come and see me.

Finally, wishing everyone a happy healthy holiday season! Thank you.

Regards,

Rajni Mala Khelawan

Inspiring Story

A heartwarming news article where one of the girls who grew up in Dilkusha Home ties the knot to her long time love: http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=134789

Praise for The End of the Dark and Stormy Night

"Khelawan's sense of humour is evident throughout, especially in small vignettes such as the scene in which Ravi's cousin Seema tells Reshma about her imagined sexual adventures, freely quoting from a romance novel, "He swept me into his strong arms..wrapping my strong lean thighs against his hard sweaty back.""
 -- Uma Parameswaran, Author and Academic (University of Winnipeg)

"To Khelawan’s credit, she imbues these characters with refreshing honesty. They’re colourful, multifaceted, and at times outrageously funny. Mrs. Anand may be a racist, controlling mother, but when she gets her hands on Mr. Anand (fed Viagra in the guise of a diabetes cure), the earthy sex scene reveals her as an emotionally complex woman with much more depth than simply a stock character."
-- Diane Gadoua, The Voice Magazine

"[Khelawan]has been praised for the characters she creates and the story features a multicultural cast that deals with issues of racism, sexuality and every day issues that come up in life."
-- by Bonnie Bryan, The Daily Townsman

"The best thing about the book is that it celebrates the Canadian life...The writing is racy and Rajni has the knack of creating funny situations and funny characters..."
-- Rajneesh Dhawan, Writer and Academic (University of Frazer Valley, British Columbia)

"Original and courageous."
-- Shyamal Bagchee, Academic (University of Alberta)

"Well written and entertaining."
-- Nalin Bakhle, Producer (Bollywood Boulevard)

Launching E Version of The End of the Dark and Stormy Night

Yes...finally. The End of the Dark and Stormy Night is on KINDLE. You can purchase an e version of the book and read a teaser on www.amazon.com. I have enclosed a direct Amazon link on the side bar for your convenience.:) Very happy. Let me know what you think!

Man Saves Dog in Fiji Islands (Aftermath of Cyclone Daphne)