Assignment 4... My little contribution to “Our Om Ashram”

I am so called Trustee at Om Ashram but I hardly find time to go there... Proud of Geeta Shankar who single handedly manages the show with support from our dedicated staff members:)

I had decided to dedicate last week of my Sabbatical to Om Ashram... It was so happy feeling to get so many blessings and My Baba accompanying was a huge topping. I took few biscuits for each Elderly and am remembering how every Granny Grandpa were asking if it was my Birthday on distribution of the same. Surprised to see this misconception that we only go to Old Age homes etc to celebrate special occasions and not otherwise... It’s only when more and more people join hands and volunteer regularly that this misconception would be cleared. Nothing wrong in it but it’s strange that mostly it’s only on special occasions that we take this special step...:) I had lovely time chatting with all Granny and Grandpa’s... All were very happy to see me visiting and were curious to know when I would visit them next. Unfortunately due to All India Bund and ill health I couldn’t go for 2 days and when I went there the next day again everyone had so many questions and stories to shareJ Everyone wanted me to have lunch with them, checked if I ate breakfast and cameJ I spent some time with Geeta understanding some future plans for the organisation. Based on our discussion we then decided to start a project in partnership with iVolunteer... And the project was “Grandparents Wish Collection and Fulfilment” We hadn’t yet finalised dates but just felt why not do a Grandparents Wish Collection and Fulfilment not just for collecting or fulfilling wishes but also so that then many of us will go there, spend time with them and chat with them for a whileJ Next day I decided to be in Om Ashram office to understand ECS system and any other urgent requirements of the organisation. I am happy to have taken a step to enrol for ECS where once we give standing instructions automatically some amount (we commit) would get donated to the organisation (hassle free at the same time some commitment to the causeJ)... I thought many a times we spend so much on movies/pop corns/food at restaurants (do waste food too and end up paying much more than required;)), so why not commit a small sum to organisation where I can’t give as much time as required.... Today while I am blogging this I checked my Bank Statement and saw that my first transfer is done todayJ What a day to blog thisJ

While on my way in bus to understand more about requirements I thought why delay the Wish Collection and Fulfilment because life is so unstable and we mustn’t regret for have unfulfilled few most cherished wishesJ We rolled out the email to volunteers and got good responseJ This was my last day of Sabbatical break... There were many who showed interest and turned for the event. Grandparents were sleeping as soon as we reached so I took this opportunity to brief volunteers on collecting wishes. Few wanted to leave bit early. Very interestingly the Auto Driver Murali (about his story on how I met him could be found at Experience of kindness from strangers (Super Auto Driver Murali)) And to my surprise he infact collected more wishes than any of usJ Also at end I found that all those who wanted to leave early were so engrossed in their discussions with Grandparents that they totally forgot they had to leave earlyJ Finally we collected and compiled all wishes and believe me wishes were as simple as sweets like (Chirote, Doodh Pedha, laddoos, orangeJ) fruits like (jamoon, banana, pineapple, Watermelon etc), headphones, a Telgu movie, a walk to temple or garden close by and so onJ What a lovely end to the Sabbatical break of one month with many small little take aways like learnings and loads of blessings and happinessJ J Thanks a ton Geeta and all staff for your dedicated service and passion to the cause of Elderly... Not many can do it...

Few captured memories:

My Sabbatical’s little contribution to “Our Om Ashram”

Wish Collection Part 1

Wish Collection Part 2

Thanks again to Shalabh Sahai and Rahul Nainwal for allowing me to take break to Volunteer for whole month and to all who were part of this super memorable journey actually or by giving moral supportJ J Thank you!!! Means a lotJ

Assignment 3 Value of Small little things ignored for in life!!!

My journey with Jeevarathni angels along with Poornima where I learnt value of small little things we ignore or don’t care for much as and how we move in life and  to smile from heart (Dil se haso, giggle from heart), bread, butter and jam and a small little sticker... It was super worth travelling 100+ kms on the day with Poornima Muniraj and being her pillion:) Visited 2 extreme places and with 2 extreme causes... Our journey to one extreme Jeevarathni at Nallur (in Tamilnadu:)) post Sarjapur for spending time with little ones to Vishranthi Trust at Hoskote that works on 2nd Childhood, the Elderly WelfareJ

Learnt to value "the so called taken for granted things in our life" While I am writing this blog after a month of visit I am remembering those lovely memorable moments and lessons learnt during those days... We started our day by engaging kids in games, storytelling using puppet (finally inaugurated my little hand and finger puppetsJ) How excited the little ones were to hear stories and speak to the little finger-puppet. We did some drawing after storytelling and not to forget here the happiness on everyone’s face when they received 3D stickers as gifts, just can’t forget those smiling facesJ Those were smiles and happiness from heartJ Especially Kavya’s just check her Smile (Poornima is her major fan) We then did face painting on little ones faces, this was my first experiment of face paintingJ Our artist Poornima was in super demandJ Wow, all kids enjoyed the day just like we did... Left the place by 4 pm with lots of memories and many Chikoo’s and beans that were grown in their gardenJ J And ya just before we left we decided and planned a picnic for next dayJ We were super excited and eagerly waiting for next day. On our way back home we decided to visit Vishranthi Trust at Hosakote that works on 2nd Childhood, the Elderly Welfare and also works on Community Development. They go get youth from surrounding areas and the elders at Ashram engage themselves in teaching the youth and children on various topics like life skills, spoken English etc etc. They also are self sustainable wrt food as they grow all vegetables and fruits in their compound itself. Lovely concept and great work. I would soon volunteer there. Happy that we could visit the place and know more about themJ We were gifted diyas made by rural peopleJ

Memories of Colourful Day

Next day we went to Jeevarathni for a small little picnic planned in Chikoo farms close by. Meena said she wuld make and get juice, bananas and bread butter jam and bread butter chatniJ Wow, it was super yummieJ J I suddenly remember every now and then, how a kid Sanjay was super happy seeing bread butter and jam, sitting on my lap he ate the sandwich and was opening the 2 breads and seeing butter and jam in between them and giggling and smiling so much as though he found heaven and I just can't express that moment in words... Poornima and I just became so emotional seeing his happiness... How peacefully another kid who had just come into the organisation a day back, slept off as soon as we reached our spot under the shadow of trees:) How all kids were happy playing games and being part of picnic that was few miles away from their home Jeevarathni:) I for sure learnt to "Value things and people I have in my life" And ya not to forget none of the little one cried asking to lift him or her or cribbing about leg pain.... They walked more than 2 kms enjoying every step and doing masti at each step by either pricking small jungle fruits or by climbing small mountains or by murmuring little rhymes and songs I had taught them...:) Super super super time spent with  the kids who have gone through hell in life as major as suffering from eye cancer and beatings at home and selling them... Am happy that now they are getting a little privileged lifeJ Will try my best to visit them as and when possibleJ

Memorable picnic day with little angels

Thanks so much to all little ones Poornima Muniraj, Meena Prochaska and Roland Prochaska for making my 3^rd assignment so memorableJ J

Smiles,
Prarthana

Assignment 2 Bringing Inclusiveness with Enable India and a short little one day activity with Makkala Mane...

Pre-story... Why I chose Enable India:

It has been over 2 years that I have been volunteering for Enable India by 1.) Teaching 2 subjects “Basic Accounts” and “Volunteering” to the Hearing Impaired students who are part of non voice BPO training for past 3 batches. 2.) Have been interpreter for a couple of times:) Today I can proudly say that along with Hindi, English, Kannada and Marathi I also know one more language that is “Sign language”:) I am proud of myself to have worked closely with Visually Challenged by reading books for them, People with Mobility problem or a Hearing Impaired or a Mentally Challenged... All this wouldn’t have been possible if I wouldn’t have taken that step to sensitize myself to this issue of DISABILITY...

My 2 week journey:

As part of my Sabbatical Break of Volunteering for 4 weeks I chose to volunteer for them for 2 weeks with them... I completed my 2 week assignments and as part of my Volunteering journey with them I was part of Registration process of candidates (Disabled where I was specifically working with HI’s), I did post placement survey for 1 week of Physically Disabled candidates and their line managers at 2-3 Corporates and had a memorable end of my 2 weeks by doing a Disability Awareness Workshop.

While writing this blog I am just recollecting those moments especially the week where Kiran (Volunteer manager) and I as part of Post Placement process interviewed 9 Hearing Impaired candidates and 3 Physically Challenged and their Line Managers. It was such a different experience altogether to hear different views, the challenges they faced, their happy moments at work, help the candidates receive from co-workers and see things from everybody’s point of view. We were moved to hear few stories of struggle the candidates had gone through to reach where they are today in life, especially the Physically disabled candidate who was carried by her Mother till her 7^th standard and how she is independent today, earning her living by working hard in a big Corporate company and very important supporting her family as well... Other story was where I spoke to a girl from Indore who was so so enthu and positive in her approach and told me that I was a crawling candidate, wasn’t even aware of usage of Mobility devices like wheel chair, today she has won few awards in her Company for Excellent Performance, so was the case with few HI’s who have been performing well at the same time are part of team work, a good oneJ  I have always loved the work Enable India does and the values they believe in... They are doing excellent work on providing employment opportunities and consulting for persons with disabilities and am proud to be associated with them and would love to involve more and more as a Volunteer and am already committed to be part of few opportunities based on my availabilityJ

I suddenly remembered One of Hearing Impaired girl whom I met for first time during the Retention process volunteering work and how she was curious to know why I am helping and Working with Hearing Impaired or on Disability Issue? Is it that I have someone in my family who is/was disabled or if I had any vested interest in it??? Why??? why this question aroused, why do we need a reason to do something good, why can’t we just do something good  and change that mindset of everyone.... Have you ever noticed that We generally don’t take any step to even go and say “ Hi” to a Disabled around and have been major reason for them to create their own separate world or society away from ours.... I am sure many of you too would love to join me by working closely on Disability issue. Enable India with an objective to bring awareness about DisAbility and in turn build inclusive society conducts Disability Awareness Workshop. And I was lucky enough to do one for 5 participants on last day of my Sabbatical journey with EI, where I myself along with participants got to know our own InAbilitiesJ Individuals interested in knowing and spreading awareness about Disability to Public at large and enhancing their own knowledge can be part of the short training of 2.5 hours and know more how you can bring an inclusiveness around by contacting me anytime and I can in turn connect you with Enable IndiaJ

These 2 weeks taught me a lot personally, to never give up and the is the only thing what any DisAbled will be expecting and hoping  “Where there is a belief in my ability and Where I stand proud and independent”.... We must respect and include people with disability, actually respect and include everybody... Let us walk together and make it a reality. I am sure there are many alike who would want to join me in this journey of bringing Inclusiveness...

One day’s memorable activity with 15 angels of Makkala Mane while Volunteering with Enable India...

I wanted to spend each and every moment of my Sabbatical super actively to my best, so as one day there was not much to do at Enable India, I decided to go to a place where not many volunteers reach J Pavithra suggested that we go to Makkala Mane where we been planning to go since long time... had gone here almost 2 years back when I had great time with little ones and have been supporting them offline post that. Took few mins to decide whether to go or no at this place as place was far away... But then thought that we can anytime go to organisations inside city, will be different/hatke to go and do something different at some place where not many usually visit... We remembered our Shimoga trip and the colourful class rooms, so decided to go and make kids room little colourful (thanks to our idea master Pavithra) Reached there after a long travel by 11.30 – 12 types... Lovely day with 15 little angels in City Outskirts.... Played few games and segregated older ones with little ones below 5th standard... Below 5th were engaged in drawing whatever they felt like and over 5th with us in decorating room by making few charts on A-Z, Colours, Animals and Birds, Common Words, About Me, Month, Year, week etc and then pasting them... Wow, how happy we both were  seeing that “Before And After of little angels room”....  Pavithra then spoke to older ones on Health and Hygiene and then we played few more games and left the place with “Loaddddsssssssssss of Lovelyyyy Memoriessss”... Truly Lovely day with 15 little angels in City Outskirts.... Can’t express in words how it feels when you see bringing smiles around especially where people hardly reach to them as they are in outskirts of city and add on happiness on hearing from Care Taker that, “ Our kids are on vacation past 1 month, hardly anyone visit them and the kids did nothing much but sleep or play, but today was most fruitful and resourceful day with lots of creativity and learning, thanks to you both, can you plsss come again soon”

Few memories captured:

Lovely day with 15 angels of Makkala Mane

Disability Awareness Workshop

My first weeks' Rich volunteering experience at WOTR, Ahemadnagar!!

Firstly I am not very sure if I would do justice to this blog when compared to the Rich experience I had in May 1st week... 2 weeks up and I been so wanting to write this blog and capture those memories but due to some or other reason couldn’t. Finally am starting to write this blog before I miss blogging any of those lovely moments...

Story Before Going on Sabbatical break, how it all started:

Where do I begin.... Back in December while I casually had a chat with my Directors Shalabh and Rahul, during a Workshop in Chennai, I mentioned my interest to take Sabbatical break and Volunteer full time for sometime... Shalabh did say that we were planning to have a policy where employees who completed 5 years can take a break for a month and volunteer at NGOs of their choice but didn’t put it in Policy, but if you want to do we can surely add it. I took this casual discussion seriously and decided I should use this opportunity. Few days later I wrote a mail to Shalabh, Rahul and HR Aparna and was happy to see that they considered to discuss on this and actually came up with a format to process my request... I did fill the form and Shalabh readily agreed and approved a 1 month sabbatical for me to volunteer asking me to fix my plans as suitable, discuss the final dates with me and then freeze. Everything went as instructed, considering my work commitments I chose to volunteer from April 20th to May 19th. I decided to choose few NGO’s in Bangalore itself and volunteer whole month here, until few of my colleagues and frens (Ashima, Pavithra, Emal and Roopa) suggested why not use this opportunity to volunteer in Rural India atleast for few days. I remembered 2 years back we had done one day workshop on Volunteer Management in Ahemadnagar with our Partner NGO WOTR and I had loved it (that was my first workshop in MarathiJ), checked with Dipika and finally blocked 30th May to 4th or 5th May to volunteer with WOTR. Dipika and Kishore from iVolunteer helped to get reconnected with Mr. Kishore Telang from WOTR... My plans were – volunteer with Enable India for a week then move to WOTR then come back and volunteer again for a week with Enable India followed by 1 week volunteering at Jeevarathni (which is again in outskirts of the city, where hardly any volunteers reach). Due to some immediate official requirement of being a resource at Volunteer Management workshop at Pune along with a session at a Corporate followed by event I postponed my Volunteering by a week... So now my journey would begin with WOTR, Ahemadnagar now and not with Enable India as per initial plans... And ya BTW before I reached to Ahemadnagar which I decided to go directly from Pune, I sprained my leg on my way to Pune at Bangalore Airport..... Not a fracture but a ligament tear which I got to know after 12 days and on my return to Bangalore, like my Doctor here said Fracture is better than Ligament tear... To add here if you read anything about my illness like this at any point in my blog it’s not to gain sympathy but it’s just so that I would like to capture both good and bad memoriesJ Leaving aside all this let me begin to write my journey and it’s memories...

Here begins the journey!!!

Prateek and I left to Ahemadnagar on 30^th early morning by 6 am, reached there by 9 am. We were welcomed by 40 degree temperature and Mr Kishore Telang who briefed us about the organisation and their different projects. As it was off on 1^st May they had given compulsory off on 30^th April and 1^st May. That day we went through few documentaries and presentations. We were inspired by their work and were curious to start the assignment. Mr. Telang informed us that my first assignment of 1.5 days starts at Ghulewadi village near Sangamner which was closer to Shirdi, and I can go directly over there without coming back to Ahemadnagar. He gave me all details on how to reach this place which was in outskirts of Sangamner along with contact person Vandana Patekars’ no. who heads 30 villages tribes in and around Ahemadnagar and informed that my assignment here is to “Train Vasundhara Sevikas from some 25 to 30 villages on Effective Communication and Social Mobilisation”... After going through many documentaries, we decided to leave to Shirdi. Left on same day evening stayed at Bhakinivas, took darshan on next day and as I was down with migraine/sun stroke decided not to leave in night but on next day early morning. I was down whole night with headache and stomach infection, by  5 am I made up my mind to just forget the illness and leave. Thanks a ton to Prateek who was there with me to support me and took super care of me, what would I do without himJ Have got this habit of depending more and cribbing more to him after he came in my lifeJ We left the place by 6.30 am, by then I was feeling better. Reached Sangamner bus stop, luckily Vandana had arranged for auto guy who dropped us to Ghulewadi village. A small plot where WOTR does lot of trainings for Village leaders and their Staff members. The Women leaders in Villages are called Vasundhara Sevika. Meena Tai and her Mom does cooking for all the participants. They stay there and her husband works with WOTR’s Sangamner branch.  We ate yummie poha soon after we reached. Slowly all Vasundhara Sevika’s started coming in, they usually have 2 days training but as I was coming in they all were called for 4 days i.e 2 days my training followed by 2 days of their routine training on various topics like Women Rights, Health, Mal Nutrition etc which they in turn speak at their respective villages. Few of them coming in with their kids a baby and a elder sibling to take care of baby while their mothers are in WorkshopJ Wow, I was so moved to see how the elder sibling took care of little one, also how Meena Tai’s kids helped her in serving food to all participants!!! I decided I would bring some happiness to these little 6 angels post my workshop at night who at this age are so so kind and helpfulJ As there were only Women crowd and no other assignment that Prateek could work on he decided to go back to Pune giving me his inputs on the training I had planned in my mindJ His inputs did help to change some structure of my Training I had initially planned and add more interaction to it by adding few Role Plays in it. Initially I was little sceptical on how I would manage, what I would do and over that I had to train all in MarathiJ This was my life’s second workshop in  Marathi (I am sure my Dad/Baba would have been too proud to note thisJ Aai and Baba did help me with few Marathi words too pre workshopJ) ) My session started at 11 am and went on till 6.30 – 7 pm on day 1 and next day started at 9 am and went all till 2 pm... I was super happy to see myself managing workshop in Marathi, of course Vandana who has been with Social Sector with over one and half decade now and manages her Role sooo wellJ, adding few energisers after every session, making it fun filled, interactive and knowledgeable... Finally to hear those feedbacks of how this workshop helped them, how it was hatke and to hear those few take aways by every Vasudhara Sevika, their 3 Reporting officers SDO (Social Development Officers) and their leader VandanaJ They promised they would use training learnings in bringing awareness in their villages and will communicate right message using right mode” 1^st day night from 8-10 pm I spent time with my 6 little angels, made them do something of their choice like few chose to write essays, few to draw whatever they liked and few to do bothJ My God, you must check out the essays written on My School, About Myself, My Mother, My Cat... Although they might not be Grammatically correct but “the THOUGHTS” put in were just WOW... Felt so good when a Vasundhara Sevika came and said, “Madam hardly any trainers interact with our little ones but you have taught them so much” The little 6 year old Chaya coming and asking me while having dinner on Day 2, “Madam will you come back again to meet and spend time with us?” I said Sure, I’ll try my best. Next question... “Madam will you come for my wedding?” (6 year old haan;)) I was like yes if you invite I would, “Yes madam I’ll surely invite youJ” She was so fond of my hair that she started doing some experiments, when I told her you can become a beautician and start your Beauty parlour when you grow she was like OK Madam, I’ll MadamJ Taught few kids photography too and you would see few clicks in midst of nature shot by little ones...  Slept on that charpai outside seeing cloud and tress around, chatting with kids and ya at night planned for my Ahemadnagar Workshop... Had informed few Vasundhara Sevikas to wake me as soon as water is heated for all for bath (U would see how it is heated in pics)Slowly a Vasundhara Sevika comes in at 4.45 am and says Madam the water is heated. Going there with a bucket getting it filled and walking back towards room with hot water, all these little little moments were so moving... We at times don’t value of things we get easily in life at our door steps... Anyways, here ends my Sangamner journey, thanks to Vandana and team for lovely coordination and Meena Tai and her mum for lovely yummie foodJ Click and check out The fun I had with little ones (don’t miss reading those essaysJ)and Workshop I did for Vadundhara Sevikas on Effective Communication and Social Mobilisation

6 am SDO Shubhangi dropped me safely to Sangamner Bustop. I drove her two wheeler from Ghulewadi to Sangamner in midst of cool breeze and nature.... Reached WOTR office at Ahemadnagar by 9 am where Sushma accompanied me to have breakfast and Mr. Telang briefed me on few challenges faced currently at organisation w.r.t to Communication and requested me to cover those in my Workshop. First I decided to do one day training and leave to Pune late evening but seeing enthusiasm of around 25 participants from WOTR and it’s sister concern SAMPADA to learn more and more, the need after hearing to Challenges faced by them and on public demand, I thought it was highly needed to extend it till next day lunch breakJ I assured them that I might not resolve all challenges but teach them few techniques which might be helpful... Felt really nice to see people taking each technique taught so seriously and learning  from each session... Again it was filled with lots of energisers, group activities, interactions, interviews, games etc etc and end obejective was how to work as a team and communicate effectively and ya Rediscover Their Passion (Yes I used Techniques from My personal Initiative Rediscover Your Passion Workshop For... the staff members/care takers who are tirelessly working for the organisation development… With Objective  To give them a break and enrich their work and value themselves personally and to Build a more committed, engaged, creative and energetic workforce by helping them rediscover their passion to work in the organisation) In fact on Day one of workshop itself by EOD by 6.30 we saw that most of Challenges mentioned by team were resolved and the best part was everyone together coming up with solutions for the Challenges faced and not me giving gyan on them. Infact we did few Role Plays to see if our solutions worked and must say end results were just Superbbbbb!!!! Was happy to see few people who were having stage fear coming and speaking up through different activities done. While discussing take aways/feedbacks both at end of day one and and day 2 it was really nice feeling when few assured that they would implement few techniques seriously in day to day life, few came and said how their stage fear had vanished, how their confidence level had increased, few realised they were working together for more than ten years but didn’t know many things about each other, they learnt to listen and appreciate and also a participant from Aurangabad said it would be so nice if we just went back and practices what you taught, most of the problems will be solvedJ And many more take aways. I just felt so so so happy to hear them all and see those positive changes in them already, cannot express them in words... And ya while one participant, my memory loss but I think she was Pallavi, who’s doing part time work along side studying came to drop me to Bus stand said, “Madam I have lots of ideas and feel like sharing when in college but didn’t have courage to, but now I am confident I will share them and go and speak to public at large confidently” Also when Srinivas said, “Madam truly my confidence level has increased”... It just made my day!!!! Aare haan how can I forget as I hadn’t introduced myself I was interviewed at end of the training where they would interview me for 5-10 mins and hearing to few of my volunteering stories the 10 mins went on and on for 40 minutes, I was actually feeling like a celebrity J he he How can I forget the other celebrity. The Bhau who delivers Chai to all staff, he so wanted to be in workshop but couldn’t... We did interview him and ya I was the Interviewer and he was feeling so privileged, infact one of his stories gave solution to one of the Challenges faced...:) And ya under non workshop stuff enjoyed the kulfi and Sugar Cane juice, saw that hatke sugar cane juice gaddi which is not to be seen much in citiesJ

How can I forget our intelligent environmentalist cum Research Guy from Pune office Girish, he was so knowledgeful and asked me during lunch break on day 1 how to speak to 100s of people to next day playing a lead role in Role Play to we had few discussions on his career at night... Just check out his mail to me few days back that said, “Respected Madam, I hope you and sir rich to Bangalore comfortable and carefully. Mam heartily thanks to you for great and life changing training in Maharashtra. Please try to understand my bad English because I know my English language is not good and fluent but I can try to write and send mail. Student, Girish S. Jagtap Maharashtra.”  Happy to see Girish took my little advise seriously and has started using internet activelyJ Loved to check Thank you message mail on behalf of all participants from Sushma:  “Dear Prathana, A BIG THANK YOU from all of us for your time,  special efforts taken and sharing excellent inputs with our team. The training was very enriching and interactive with relevant illustrations related to daily working.  Especially, the energizers/interviews etc. were very enthusiastic/filled with fun ; in real sense boosted and energized us.  The feedback received from our team (Sampada & WOTR) is  exemplary.  Each one of us convey our special thanks and best wishes to you. Do keep in touch and we look forward to  welcome you.  Take Care ! Warmly, WOTR & SAMPADA, Training participants team”

My God, feeling so so honoured and happy!!! I just can’t express it, how fruitful was that May 1^st week… Thanks to Mr. Kishore Telang, Sushma and Datta for lovely arrangements and to all participants for their enthusiasmJ Here ends my 3^rd Workshop in Marathi and my First Assignment of my Sabbatical to volunteerJ…

Check out Memories of “Rediscover Your Passion at WOTR and SAMPADA, Ahemadnnagar”

Wait and watch for the further 3 weeks story shortly!!!J

Warm regards,
Prarthana Unkalkar Kaul

Regional Head – East and South

+91-99803 50180
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