Short answer:
Half way there, living on a prayer.
Long answer:
HALF WAY THERE. Within the last week I’ve had the most varied experiences since entering the calm chaos of India only six weeks ago. On 13th February the village celebrated Shrivratri. The story tells of the sleepless god Shiva who rests for one night a year– Shiv-ratri (ratri=night). On that morning, we offered fruit to the Shiva temple and fasted throughout the day, with the exception of fruits and chai after 4pm (of course). My roommate Usha was really proud that I fasted with her. On the same day the other Dadu Ram temple held a buffet feast. I managed to resist my biggest temptation: Pori. I still don’t fully understand the logic of holding a feast on the day of fasting. LIVING ON A PRAYER.
In the same week I accidentally broke the safety and security rules of Pravah VSO ICS. As code of conduct, volunteers are forbidden to exit the village, which includes the community’s white temple on the hill 600m above Kardala. With permission, Rajat and I left the village with the intention to search for worker 10 minute’s walk away. However, we found ourselves guided by goat grazers around the mountainous desert, and unintentionally reached 1000m high – above the forbidden temple. As Team Leader I was internally conflicted with guilt for breaking the code of conduct. But, I was simultaneously grateful to have the unexpected opportunity to explore the deserted hidden tracks up to the forbidden temple with our Savour goat grazer.
Other highlights of the week, includes close relationships and bonds with the children. So close in fact they displayed their love by sharing their nits with me. It’s been an itchy week. On the topic of pests, I was pleasantly surprised to meet a politician at district level who actually portrayed passion and empathy about the discrepancy between the government schemes and grassroots level. He innocently questioned if I had ever visited a village in the UK, and continued to voice that the main difference in development between UK and Indian villages is awareness. Thus that key word has melded into my mind for the next half of my time in India.
Today we continued our Clean Kardala campaign, the morning opened with a rally of chanting children “Swachh Kardala”. By creating a rivalry between the proud and gossiping housewives of the village, we aimed to encourage each house to clean the street outside their house. We set example by diving elbows deep in the human debris of the non-existent sewers. We litter picked the endless sweets and tobacco wrappers, and dug deep to establish more structured sewers. After the morning scrub, I wondered through the village and saw five different households cleaning and digging outside their house. I am so proud and impressed…sustainability? The next step will be to campaign to the governance officials about constructing paved sewers. I’ll hit up my new politician pal next week.
And now the volunteers are off on a mini break retreat (reflective training sessions) to Mount Abu. SPRING BREAK!
Dr Daniella Watson 