You may not see them physically at the race all that much, their creations however are always present. From the moment Nirjharini and her fellow cooks food appears at the race it vanishes quickly but not mysteriously.
It is tasty, it is wholesome, and it is the nutritional foundation for every step the runners take over many long hard, and now hot miles, that they do each day.
*Emily, Udbhasita, Nirjharini, Koojena……….Missing are Mandra, Hastakamala, and katya*
When I arrive at the kitchen this morning I am immediately offered a Japanese treat (Name eludes me) and it is of course great. Nirjharini says, “it is yummy.”
She along with Koojena, Udbhasita, and Emily are putting the finishing touches on the snacks that will soon be going over at 10. Previously breakfast and hot drinks were sent and throughout the course of the day the flow of food will almost be like an endless conveyor belt. Returning will be empty trays and the compliments of just how much their service has been appreciated.
Koojena has only joined the crew a few days ago. She says that being here has been very inspiring.
Nirjharini has been the head chef since 2004. “Since then I have done it every summer. I could not imagine not coming, it is part of my life. I am looking forward to it all year.”
“I like to be part of the race. I feel that it is a very special project and I love cooking, so it is a very good combination.” More importantly though she says that Sri Chinmoy personally gave her this job to do.
“So I feel it is a very important part of my spiritual life and of my spiritual progress.”
Udbhasita says she just loves being here. “I really feel that we have a dream team here. Everybody is so nice, and they are such good cooks. There is a very nice feeling all of us working together. This is my first year to help in the kitchen. It is a very good experience.”
Emily says she really likes thinking what the runners might like. “Things that will be healthy and also things that will give them joy.”
Koojena say she has been dreaming for a long time to be part of the race. “I am just happy being here and part of the team. It is really amazing. Not only for the runners but also for all the servers and helpers. They are transcending themselves in every way. So I am happy being here.”
My soul wants me
To spread its light
Everywhere
And offer it to
Everyone.
The board….. due to health concerns yesterday Shamita retired from the race after completing 39 miles. It is still yet unclear if she will be returning to the race.
The van arrives
Vasu arrives
Baladev works on his shoes
Checking the counting book
The girls
Ananda-Lahari brings a shirt
Start Day 20
First steps. The runners are smiling because Ananda-Lahari immediately sprinted off from the line.
Vasu did 64 miles
He has 1355 miles
He is leading by 32 miles.
Aklanta recommended supplement for the heat
Service road
Atmavir did 66 miles
He has 1323 miles
Another tried and true remedy for the heat
Yuri did 63 miles
He has 1294 miles
Marigold
Catching up
Ashprihanal did 65 miles
He has 1254 miles
Can’t drink too much
Latter
The board getting a work over
Surasa did 65 miles and 1 lap less than Ashprihanal
She has 1230 miles
She is 71 miles ahead of last year
Indomitable
A little blu
A little break
Kaneenika did 63 miles
She has 1208 miles
She is doing well
A joy to watch
Service road
Another kind of break
Stutisheel did 42 miles
He has 1116 miles
Close and far
Little bird landing
Big bird taking off
Baladev did 60 miles. His best day in 3 weeks. He has 1088 miles
Summer school
Sopan did 65 miles. Also his best day since day 1.
He has 1076 miles
He and Ashprihanal do a play.
The plot involves being lured from the race and going to Hollywood. Which in his honor has been changed to Sopanwood.
Little feet moving fast
Coming through camp
Ananda-Lahari did 45 miles yesterday
He is running very fast today. He starts with 1060 miles. He is 7 days away from half way.
Into the sun
Vinaya plays harmonica
Click to Play:
Nirjharini and her crew arrives
The snacks will not last long.
Absolute delight
“This season I am trying to do it every day.” Mahatapa is one of the many new faces who have sprung up to be part of Parvati’s Enthusiasm Awakeners.
“It gives me so much joy to start my day like this. To see the runners and sing for them, and actually to see their self giving. I feel they are trying to cheer us. They are trying to raise up our energy.”
“I think this is one of the primary drivers of happiness in my life right now. So if I wake up and do this then I am set for the rest of the day.”
Click to Play:
Poem of the Day
Click to Play:
Enthusiasm Awakeners
Click to Play:
My mind wants me
To go out
And be part of
The outer world.
My heart wants me
To come home
And remain a member of
The inner family.
Sri Chinmoy, Friendship-birds fly, Agni Press, 1992
Thank you so much for the video interview with the kitchen workers! Great job girls! 🙂
Shamita i pray for your health and strong return if it’s God’s Will.