Does it exist? We live in an evil world. I was coming from safe little Australia and all anyone had to say about India was “Don’t trust anyone. They’re all out to get you. JHARKHAND…are you crazy?” Truly comforting. Especially since I found Dak through a random link on a random website.And yet all of a sudden I had $600US dollars (I went with a friend) strapped to my stomach and had placed all my trust in this mysterious ‘Siddharth’ character I’d only spoken to via email.
And I’ll be grateful for throwing caution to the wind for the rest of my life…but none of that soppiness…He really does organise every single aspect of your travel – which was the most daunting thing for me…jumping on a 12 hour bus after a strange man approaches you with a mobile phone and Siddharth’s voice tells you to do what he says…it felt like some kind of movie and I couldn’t help but inwardly farewell my organs. Clearly I was a tad dramatic. But coming from my safe little bubble, Kolkata literally blew my mind.
Is it worthwhile? Please don’t have any doubts about the value of your time on the project (as I did most days). Siddharth is one amazing man. But that’s the problem. He is just one. Not enough for the 85 children that attend his school.
And don’t think that your role is a small one either – you are a teacher. No ‘cutesy’ bullshit, taking photos of children and gushing to your friends back home about how adorable and sad they were. Siddharth is heavily dependant on volunteers to supply these kids with the only education they may ever receive.Teaching. It seems simple enough…but when there are 20 children who speak minimal English staring at you blankly, it is slightly unnerving. Yes they are left solely in your care for the school day. I couldn’t believe it. I’m not qualified to teach! I’m 23 and still a student myself…then I realised what I had to offer was me. My language. My culture. And somehow the lessons just unfolded. The difference between
Australian kids and these little gems was they were DESPERATE to learn.
In Australia school is compulsory and most of a child's time is spent figuring out how to avoid it. It is a fight for some of the kids in Roldih (the village) to even attend school...and they thrive on every minute they're there. There is nothing more rewarding than teaching someone who wants to learn. And it's amazing how much they do learn in such little time. There's no mucking around and certainly no lack of respect - this is what makes it so special because it is real. You have a major impact on their lives.OK so I'm rambling...Every day life: peaceful, relaxing, carefree...FREE of all the bullshit...do you like reading? writing? pondering the world? yoga? meditation? I wrote every day. And I treasure the thoughts that came out on the page. It is absolutely beautiful there. The sunrises/sunsets and BRIGHT moon make you appreciate the natural wonders we have been given - don't get me wrong I'm not the sentimental romantic type - but that place will bring out the cliché phrases in anyone...We weren't pressured to do much more than teach...but there are always things to do...and we loved being involved with the day to day activity. So after school we painted school benches, watered the plants with buckets, helped Suman cook the dinner etc. There's always something going on and I actually wish I didn’t hold back so much waiting for an invitation to join in. Siddharth will go out of his way to help you...if you want it. 
He is a natural teacher. I don't know how old you are, but his wisdom left me in awe.
The kind of wise man that doesn't dictate or alienate those he talks to - he's a man of the world and very open and easy going with a GREAT sense of sarcastic humour. Because I was interested in Hindi, he taught me. I was interested in meditation, so he taught me. I asked him a simple question about the water pumps and he sat me down and gave me a full lesson in a classroom. He told me Hindu mythology...and I actually found myself intrigued! Strange for Miss Cynical me...Someone that has given up their life for a cause and spent decades segregated from 'normalcy' has an extremely unique and valuable idea of the world.
The food is simple, but there is plenty of it and I gained a great appreciation of spice and home grown flavours. Definitely join GORGEOUS little Suman in preparing the meal. He and Banshi (the other worker/teacher on the project) are 2 of the warmest hearted, most positive characters I'll ever meet. Their appreciation of life left me envious and ridiculed my initial impression that they had nothing compared to me.
We also went on a trek to one of the project's old schools, now run by the villagers there in Cheo...through the incredible Indian rural land...once again, you'll just have to see it to appreciate it.Hrm...other possible concerns...contact with the outside world? You are given your OWN mobile phone...credit is cheap as could be and even if you don't want to call people, they have a number to contact you (handy for an irrational mother).
I can't really think of anything I can say that won't make you want to vomit...but it has changed my life.
I believe all humans have the innate desire to aid those less fortunate and share their love with the world...and because of this, there are plenty of phoney 'volunteer' programs...when you find something you truly believe in and see the impact you have first hand through the keenest, brightest, delightful little children...it's hard to ever see the world in the same light...PLEASE email me any questions...and add me on facebook to check out my pictures.
I guess the best evidence is that I'm heading back in January. While travelling through India left me dizzy, overwhelmed and helpless on many occasions (among many more positive reactions), Dakshinayan was my home. It still feels like my home. The people and the atmosphere do that to you. So I'm studying hard and working harder to save enough for my return. Nothing else seems important in my life at the moment…it’s all about India.
Hi Dani,
ReplyDeleteI dont know how I got to this post. But its really heart warming to read your post. Though I was fortunate myself to have a good education in India and migrated to Australia soon after to pursue my career I longed to give back to the less privileged. I havent had a chance to have an experience as you have had teaching those kids, I plan to give back to the world someway through my skills & success in my professional career. You can say I am facing the quintessential midlife crisis. Anyways, keep up the good spirits and good luck on your journey. I am sure you would have inspired some of those kids to strive for a better life.
Cheers,
Durga