We had a session at the Social Services Center here in
Nasik and interacted with some of the people who run it. They welcomed us in
such a unique way from everywhere else. They presented all the ladies of our
team with scarves and the guys with Nehru hats and handkerchiefs to tie around
their necks. Everyone looked like a neta!
It was so cool and funny at the same time!
Here they spoke about what issues there were and what
they were doing for the community here. They had built learning centers and
provided special support for women’s groups and education. It was really
wonderful to see the determination in these people’s faces to change what is
wrong around them, even if the change is a little bit. They understand the
concept of the sum being larger than the sum of its parts and how every piece
of change makes a difference. I really really appreciated that.
We ended the session by planting a couple of trees outside the hall. Adding to the whole, once again. Doing a little bit, piece by piece.
Passing through Nasik, it feels a lot like Delhi. The
wide roads, busy streets, traffic lights.. The active market places.. The
constant hustle bustle where everyone is always going somewhere.. Very
similar..
At Devlali, we got to interact with some of the local
youth and honestly, they were like some of the coolest young people we’ve come
across so far! Multi talented and so creative and so full of energy! There were
just about 10-15 of them, but it felt like there were 100. They just projected
a kind of confidence and willingness to do so much, it was really inspiring and
touching. They raised an issue about people who earn their living by washing
clothes at the river here and because it had increased so much its causing harm
to the water with chemicals and its making the water frothy. Elton from the
group asked this question and wanted to find a solution. This is the only way
to earn for their families so what can be done to save the river as well as
maintain the employment opportunities?
By the end of the session, we had discussed and decided
to take action on this, by raising awareness first and gaining support and then
taking this further with the government or authorities. The drive that these
young people had just ignited something to take action and we are going to
support them in whatever way we can.
In the evening we interacted with the seminarians at
Divyadaan Seminary. This time it was completely different from all the other
interactions we’ve had. Instead of us asking the audience what they know about
all the issues and what they can do, they started asking us what it was like to
be travelling all over the country for this cause. They asked how difficult it
was for us, with each place having different weather, food, people, languages
and everything, and what it was like to adjust. And then they asked what kind
of response we got from the places where we had sessions and interactions. It
was a unique session, where we were center of attention for the first time..
But stimulating and interesting nevertheless.
Ravi had been learning two lines in each new language that we visited. "Hello. I am very happy to be here and greeting you all. A very warm namaskar." It's all learnt by heart, so sometimes he forgets a couple of words.. But the funniest part is his accent changes and it very blatantly shows on his face when he forgets and tries to remember. Sometimes I think it's on purpose, just to entertain the crowd. But it's pretty commendable that he can pick it up so fast.
It's still pretty funny though.. I can't wait till we get to Punjab :D
As dinner was served, these two young seminarians came up
and started talking to me. Br. Denver and Br. Romero. What really struck me was
that they were so young.. And so sure in their minds about joining the seminary
and following the path to become a priest. They agreed with my view of priests
having a certain power to influence people, and that it could be used for a
good purpose. Apart from that, it was interesting to talk to them because they
had such diverse interests, loved reading, and most inspiringly, loved learning. They were mentioning
interesting facts over a variety of subjects and even asked me details about
some of the stuff I was saying. Stuff from Italian names to types of bread to
Rocky Mountains in Colorado to vegetarian food and probably some twenty other
things.. It felt nice to have a stimulating conversation with these bright
minds.
After dinner, Father Anton asks, “Is everything alright
with the rooms? Do you need anything more?”
John says, “Yes Father, everything is very good.”
“Water? Mosquitoes?”
“Oh no no Father! We dont need more mosquitoes in the
room!”
“Nahi.. Matlab.. Everything is alright na?”
Tee hee.
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