There is no way to measure how my experiences have influenced my consciousness and my global perspective. But more importantly, there is no way to measure how they have influenced my heart. I have loved my time in India, despite its challenges and flaws, and I have loved the people who were a part of my life.  For me, studying abroad has become as much of a cultural teaching experience as it was a personal teaching experience. Learning to exist in a new way, in a new place, and having to adjust to a new set of expectations, gave me the opportunity to grow in ways that I cant even process.  Looking back on the last four months it does not seem like a vacation from “real life” but more like an extension of the life I have always had. Though I am back at home, I have also left a part of my home in India and someday, hopefully, I will be able to return.

The groom arrived on horseback with the traditional parade (complete with fireworks). In order to get into the building he had to bribe the brides family with his enormous money necklace. Other fun traditions included stealing the grooms shoes as he entered so that he cannot leave at the end of the night and has to stay with the bride. We enjoyed an excessive amount of food and enjoyed watching the exchanging of garlands. I personally believe that Indian wedding fashion is unparalleled by any other variety of formal attire. I was blinded by sequins, jewels, and bangles that covered entire arms. The garlands weren’t exchanged until around ten o’clock at night, and as we drove away just before midnight I had the feeling that the celebrations were only just beginning. The entire production of the wedding was unlike anything that I have ever experienced in western culture and I am so glad that I was able to attend!

Family photo!

The girls.

Roommates

Suchi, Atol, and Kaviya at the ceremony.

The serious bride and groom.

Exchanging of the garlands.

Lakshmi wrapping my sari.

Jayme's sari.

The most dressed up I've ever been.

We spent entire afternoons wandering alongs the ghats just people watching and sitting in the shade on the steps. One day was spent visiting the holy sites of the Buddha, including the location of his first sermon: Sarnath. Surrounding Sarnath, Buddhist sects from all over the world have build temples to represent themselves in this revered place. It felt like we were walking over the whole world as each temple takes on the architecture and culture of its origin. My favorite part of the weekend was our sunrise boat trip. For two hours we rowed in silence along the ghats and watched as sun brought a pastel brightness to the buildings.

Also- (The Mix-Tape of Titles Thus Far)

Kids on Holiday –Animal Collective

Golden Years –David Bowie

Picture From Life’s Other Side – Woody Guthrie

Party Pit- The Hold Steady

Our Life Is Not A Movie, Or Maybe – Okkervil River

Hazy Shade of Winter – Simon & Garfunkel

Oh and The Children’s Hour (a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

Since being in India I have become an intern at Prayas, one of India’s largest NGOs. The mission of Prayas is to empower and educate children and women who have been otherwise deprived of the opportunity. Their services cover an incredible breadth including a juvenile justice center for young men, vocational training, and rehabilitation centers for women who have been victims of the sex trade. I have been fortunate enough to intern at the Delhi center of Alternative Education for younger children. The children at this center attend classes with the intention of eventual enrollment in the state education system at the same level.

The first noun that the children of Prayas learn in Hindi and English is “Life.”  Above all else, Life is at the center of their education. “Prayas” – which means endeavor imbeds a new sense of agency in the lives of these marginalized youth. My initial project at Prayas has been to create a book of the art and biographies of the alternative education class. The experience has been overwhelming. I have never felt so entirely welcome, yet alienated. The language barrier leaves me unable to communicate both my excitement and frustration. Though the children hold my hands as we walk between various activities, they will also mock me when I try to give instructions. They have an incredible energy that manifests itself in both vivid art and wild tempers. Below I have included photos of some of the young girls of the class during our lunch break, as well as copies of some of the art that will be shown in the book. Though their supplies and training are limited – it is amazing to see what they have created.