Team Reports |
India's Diversity & ConsistencyPat Tuddenham — Cambridge, ON What an incredible place India is. During our distribution we experienced not only the city environment but also a number of rural country villages. Everywhere we looked, new sights assailed us, but most impressive was the diversity. Modern interlaced with primitive, new and ancient worlds side by side, Muslims and Hindus each worshipping in their own way, and the rich and the very poor mingling daily. We saw not only modern stores and houses and the use of advanced technology but also fields plowed by oxen and small homes made of mud with thatched or tin roofs. Cows, goats, dogs, and pigs wandered freely between ox-drawn carts, motorcycles, cars, trucks, and bikes. The diversity makes driving an adventure. There is noise, honking, and confusion everywhere. Women in beautifully-coloured saris work not only as pathologists or computer specialists but also in the fields where they carry incredible burdens on their heads. There is no cost for women to go to school these days so more are going but their role remains subservient.
In this amazing place we experienced not only diversity but also consistency. City or town, young or old, the people around us were warm and caring and excellent hosts. We were greeted with smiles and kindness from all that we met: Rotarians and their families, friendly hotel staff, our super van driver, young people who worked tirelessly as helpers on the distributions, and, of course, the delightful children and their appreciative parents. We visited areas that were obviously poor where the people had a hard life. When we talked with the parents they were consistently overwhelmed and said that the bedkit contained much more than they had ever had. Everything was very useful.
They were pleased to get the school supplies and anything that would help their child in school. The children always laughed at our antics, joined in games and songs, and were charming and delightful. They often sat for hours waiting patiently for their turn. They too were quick to express their thanks. As we leave India it is the consistency that we remember. The smiles of the children and parents warm our hearts even now, and in turn we want to say thank you to all of you who have donated bedkits. Your thoughtfulness and generosity is consistently and truly appreciated by these hard-working, industrious, and very kind people. |
