Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu - 12th Jan 2011

So the day begins with idli-sambhar breakfast at the canteen of the Pillar hospital where we’re staying. Everybody is upbeat, looking forward to the 1^st day of our campaign and what it holds in store.

We visited the tip of Kanyakumari before the main program later. Oh wow! What a sight! The Indian Ocean sparkled in all its glory with a sprinkling of boats here and there. You could see Vivekananda Rock in the distance, towering over the waves.. We’d be going there soon.

There’s this beautiful church where we are. White and so exquisitely built. We’ve clambered on to the 1^st level to get the view of the ocean.

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But just standing there, drinking in the sweet n’ salty ocean breeze, you can help but forget about everything else. It just actually helps you live the moment coz staring out into the expanse, your breath is all there is. Sigh.. I could stay here for hours.

Now we’re on to literally our 1^st steps of the journey. We start off on foot to where the boats are to ferry us to Vivekananda Rock. Loooooong lines, but we’re given a little special treatment coz of our campaign. We get to jump the whole snaking part of it and head out with the front of the line. But what a crowd! Before boarding the boats, everybody has to take a life jacket and get on. Rakesh joked that he doesn’t need one because he knows how to swim and out of everyone, he’ll be the only one swimming for shore. Savita said that that may be so, but we’ll all grab his leg and it wont matter that we cant swim.  So the image would be like 20 people hooked on to Rakesh’s leg while he swims to land. You can’t outsmart us, Savita expressioned. You should have seen Rakesh’s expression.. It was such a quick response and he didn’t see it coming.Hehehe..

At Vivekananda Rock, we all went to the mandapas and looked around trying to take in the piece of history we were standing on. The whole place had a very peaceful vibe to it despite being so crowded. And the wind was something else, whipping on at top speed, especially in the center of the rock, probably because it was the most open space. But even that felt pleasant here. Enjoyable even.

At the main mandapa, everyone sat and meditated for a while on our campaign and prayed for its success and positive outcome. Those 15 minutes were very special.

We’re all wearing coordinated t-shirts of our campaign and it felt like a photo-op you couldn’t miss!

Community lunches are always fun. It’s never really about the food, but the company is what makes it so enjoyable. And here, most of us were having food we haven’t had before, or food we haven’t had here before (Like the original dosa or idli). It was fun to see people stuff themselves because they were served too much and didn’t want to waste food. Plus the coconut chutney was something else.. It’s probably so ordinary out here, but I really enjoyed it more than the normal person. Especially the khushboo of green chilli that came with every bite.

I hope, one day, we get into a food fight. Like all out. That would be the funnest.

After lunch, Rakesh got a few red bananas for us. We had seen them all over and kept wondering what they were like. Peeling them, Deepika, Joice & I were anticipating something kind of magical. And they tasted almost like regular bananas. But everyone was watching us holding the red skins, and we made all the appropriate faces, so it was still kind of cool.

The very first program of our campaign was in the evening. We had called all the locals in the area and it was encouraging to see they were a looooooot of kids. Our girls put on their dances and that was a wonderful kick-off to the event. We released some doves, as the ever graceful symbol of peace and liberty they are. Some of the kids also put up these really cute dances. All the while, everything stayed on the road of our message – Let there be peace.

There was this moment when some of the kids went up to Joice and started interacting with her. These young ones didn’t know anything else except Tamil, but it didn’t stop them from trying to forge communication with this new friend. It gave me a really happy feeling. There is no age to friendship, nor is there need to prescribe a language.

Towards the end, we lit a candle and handed it over to our compatriots here. It was the K2K candle, meant to spread our message and let the light of that message spread far and wide. This was one tradition we were gonna continue in each place.

Finally, Bishop Leo flagged off our campaign like people do when they wave a flag in front of cars when they’re starting a race. It was then that it truly felt like the beginning.

Trichur, Kerala - 17th Jan 2011

On the way to Trichur today, I sat in front and the 10 litre water dispenser was on the seat next to me. Joice was standing in the isle between Sister’s seat and the water cooler seat keeping her balance by cluctching Sister’s handrest and the water dispenser.

I didn’t catch the whole conversation, but I heard Sister say to Joice, “... Your husband will have a hard time with you if you keep doing these things.”

Joice – “Waat? Have a hot time?”

This was when the driver pulled the brakes and still in inertia everybody kind of flew forward. And the water dispenser fell in full glory splashing water all over the front of the van floor. And since we were on an incline it rushed all the way to the back of the bus. Ok, I’m not even going to pretend that that wasn’t funny. Hahahahahahahaha!

Later I remarked that since Joice was having such a ‘hot’ time, she probably had to cool off, so that’s they she spilt the water. Hahahaha..

And also, Deepika’s charge of keeping the van clean. Guess her work is done. Hahahahaha..

Today Ravi put on a lungi! I know we shouldn’t make fun of our friends, but honestly – Hahahahaha!

He just looked sooooooooo funny! Actually I think it’s a lot about the way you carry yourself and the clothes you wear. He made it really funny that he was wearing it. Jennifer was teasing him and kinda pulled it loose too. Hahaha Ravi!

Prashanth was wearing a shirt that had PARIS written on it and had a picture of the Eiffel Tower. Jennifer poked him in the chest where the tip of the tower was and said, “Have you been here??”

And Prashanth was like “Oowww!”

Then he said “Have you been??” and pointed his finger meaningfully at her.

Haha Jennifer! Being a dancer and being fit pays off in times like these when far away in the opposite direction seems like a good place to be.

In the afternoon, we had a program at St. Thomas College at Trichur, or Thrissur, whichever you prefer. An MLA and the Mayor or Trichur were also there adding their blessing and support for the Yatra.

In the evening we visited the Marymatha Seminary in Trichur. They had this large hall and a really awesome stage and one of the best sound systems I’ve heard. We put up a few presentations and dances and Rakesh took over to address them about our issues. All the people attending were Brothers, who were like Fathers in training. Or something like that. Rakesh did explain before that they study theology and everything for like 10 years before getting ordained. So these were Brothers who were probably 6-7 years into that.

They were pretty receptive. They didn’t say much but they’re expressions did say “Ya, what you’re saying makes sense. And maybe we could use it somewhere.”

Lets hope they do. As future Priests and when they become Priests they will have a lot of influence. They could really make a huge difference if they utilize that in spreading the message we forwarded them.

And by the way, Ravi’s lungi came open during his speech. Hahahaha! Luckily he caught it just in time. But not before everybody figured out what had happened. Hehe..

Raipur, Chattisgarh - 25th Feb 2011

Humara Chattisgarhiya Sabse Badhiya!

What a response from Bharat Mata School here in Raipur! They put up their dances and cultural program and when we had the interactive session they were soooooooo active in asking questions and challenging Rakesh for the answers! One student asked Rakesh how they could be good leaders. Rakesh smiled. He said that nowdays there are training camps and institutes and courses which teach leaderships skills and all, but the most important thing is to be aware. You should read a lot, especially newspapers and watch the news a lot. Also, a good leader always is open to learning. You should allow yourself to learn from any and every person, whether it is an IPS officer or a peon who works at a school. Everyone has something to offer.

I know there are so many things that make up a leader, but I feel Rakesh touched upon the most important points in that limited time. Learning and awareness. And all of that leads to understanding. The base of leadership. It’s not that much and it’s so much simpler than you thought.

Passing through the city, I notice that there are more scooters and bikes on the road than anything else. There were hardly any cars or buses. Interesting..

Later, a few of us visited the doctor’s office with Shalaka Jose, our local friend from Chattisgarh. A bit of the continuous travel and exertion got to us, so we felt it was better to get the right medication instead of the stretching the first aid kit to the hilt. In the waiting room, Shalaka started talking about the education system in her state. Everyone here is either a doctor or engineer. Mainly it’s because the awareness of other occupations and opportunities is so limited here. People don’t even know you can become a journalist or a musician or an IT professional or an accountant or a technician or photographer or an event manager or a professor and have a sustainable career. The exposure of courses and training is so low here, that people don’t even know they have this option. And because of this, they don’t even think of looking outside their state to anything else. Think of the potential enrichment in so many fields that can come from this area if people just know more..

Does anyone want to help and arrange an awareness camp or career fair?

In the evening there’s bike rally with about 30 bikes and the Indian flag waving high and proud leading us to the Swami Vivekananda Sarovar Udyaan where we had a special prayer service for peace and harmony and each member of our team lit a candle for the cause under this huge statue of Swami Ji which overlooked the lake. It was a unique experience to pray here out in the open with the bright sun and the calm water reflecting their serenity to us. But most special was the image of Swami Vivekananda and looking up at this magnificent tribute to this source of inspiration, especially of the youth. Standing there, at his feet, felt like receiving direct blessing from him, in that moment.

Sigh..

After the prayer, we all are told to sit for a group photo and everyone settles at the mini amphitheatre. All us photographers notice the sun directly behind them causing everyone to silhouette, so we’re telling Fr. Prakash that we need to shift everyone opposite to where we are now. Just as everyone stops fidgeting and is ready for the picture, Father says, “Yeh photo magical hai..” Points across to the lawn. “Par vahan pe aur magical ho sakta hai..”

The collective aaaargh! was soooooo funny! But the picture came out pretty neat.

In the evening, the cultural program is so spectacular! The dances and all! I know I’ve been saying this about every place, but honestly, every place is so awesome in its uniqueness and distinct culture and traditional styles and everything.. And most importantly everything is sooooo colourful! And complemented with the dances put up by our girls, it seemed to be enriched even more. Our girls performed the Mother Teresa Prayer Dance. After this we had the K2K Team introduction we were all like, “Hi I’m Rakesh” and “Hi I’m Solomon” and “Hi I’m Savita” and Jennifer said, “Hi, I’m Mother Teresa.” Haha.. That was fun!

In the interaction, someone asked how to make people understand that they should not drink. I actually started wondering how to address this if I were ever asked. It wasn’t so easy.. I looked up and watched. Rakesh thought for a bit and then said that we don’t have good role models. They don’t look up to the right people, choosing to go after film stars and the like whose personal lives are so different from what is projected on screen. If people choose people like swami Vivekananda or B.R. Ambedkar, the things would definitely be different. Also maybe we can be role models ourselves for these people by our beliefs and our actions. But it is important to understand that it is not done in one day. We should not give up hope nor patience. Perseverance pays.

Hmmm.. That's one way to answer it. And it's pretty valid too. But I know there are a lot more answers to this question too. When I thought about it some more, I felt it has to do with each individual and how strong they are in their own mind. No one can force another to do something or not do something. That right lies with each individual. The decision to drink, or anything for that matter, is up to each person themselves. It has to be the right thing to do in 'your' mind. That's what validates it. Yeah, Rakesh is right about all of that stuff influencing people in a lot of the wrong ways. But I guess for me, it's about your mental resolve, inner strength and will power. 

On The Way To Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh - 26th Feb 2011

While leaving Raipur, 30 kilometres out we reach Durg where Deepika’s house is there and she invited us for breakfast and we were welcomed sooooooooooo warmly by her family. She introduced us to each member and some of her close friends were also there, who were practically family only. The love in the air was so thick and smiles were floating all around.. It was a very happy time.

And her dog Veer! He was a cross between a lab and something else (I forget) was the cutest and most loving creature! I wish people weren’t scared of dogs.. Dogs are one of the richest sources of unconditional love..  I would have sat and petted and loved him all day if people hadn’t chased him out of the room. To all those people who ‘don’t like’ them – you don’t know what you’re missing.. (And if you say you know – you still don’t)

We have a most delicious and nutritious breakfast with puris, sabzis, chicken, bananas, grapes, home made cake and kadak chai. Like, yummmmmmm.. Our mouths still water when we think about it.. But I particularly loved the grapes.. They were deep purple, at least 50% larger than your average grape and sooo juicy.. And they were pleasantly sweet. Just enough to let you have a whole bunch of them and not get that sugar-saturated feeling later. There really is something about home grown stuff that makes you miss it elsewhere..

I really liked how Deepika’s family was so close-knit.. The bonds they shared were very tight and the mutual support and the being-there-for-each-other feeling was very strong. We had to leave just after breakfast to reach Jabalpur in time, but we just kept delaying. Not on purpose.. But no one took the initiative to start moving. We were having such a great time..

We hit the road again. Metaphorically. But we wanted to physically hit the road! It was sooooooooo bad!! Just so uneven and broken! It looked like they broke it up to rebuild it, but destroyed it and never got around to fixing it up again. God knows how long it's been under construction! Maybe it wouldn’t  have been so unbearable if we had to travel for just a few hours or so. But today it’s travel for the whole day pretty much. And it stayed like that for 150 km or so..  By the end of the day, everyone’s back and legs were silently screaming. But honestly, haven’t seen roads like this anywhere. And they’re supposed be our national highways.. It was appalling! If the leaders in our country ever want this great land to develop further, they should really do something about the roads. At least start from there. It’s just that none of them ever travel on these roads in between cities and towns, so they don’t even know that they’re in this state.  It’s just so wrong on so many levels..

There has to be something that we can do to make this right. But I know that one person can't do it alone. All or nothing. It’s either all of us, or we get nothing, right?

Jabalpur and On The Way To Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh - 27th Feb 2011

It was kind of like a day of surprises in a sense today. Firstly, we set up a program for the parishioners at the Sunday Mass at St. Aloysius Sr. Secondary School. They didn’t know that we were coming and all of them stayed after Mass to see what we had to say. It was kinda cool to get a positive response like this. In almost all our programs, they were organised beforehand and all the students and all knew we were gonna put up something and they were prepared. But here, it was completely out of the blue for them, and it was such a pleasant feeling to be received and appreciated. (Smile)

Today was travel for almost the whole day too. We stopped for lunch at some roadside dhaba and there were these fields behind it and after lunch Savita and some of the girls went and got some branchlets of the plants growing there. They had these green peanut-sized ‘fruits’ of sorts and we didn’t know what they were. Then Savita cracked the soft green shell to reveal channas! They were nowhere near ripe yet but without doubt, that’s what they were.. Green and tender, they tasted so sweet! For so many of us, this was a new experience.. It really puts into perspective how much you know and how much you think you know..

Continuing on, we passing all these fields of our agricultural countryside and when you keep watching that for a while, you sort of tune out of the age you’re living in. You forget momentarily about technology, about a fast paced life, about deadlines, about corporate offices and concrete jungles, about a lot of how we generally live life in the city. It’s like you’re in a different world, where life is much more simple, it’s slower and you feel you breathe a lot easier. Or more deeply, rather. It just felt more peaceful.. When you’re looking at this from the outside in, it doesn’t look remotely the same as when you’re actually there. I guess because when you’re not actually there, all you had thought about this kind of a place was still seen through city-life coloured glasses and all the perceptions that come with it.

We stopped for tea somewhere on the way to Bhopal in the evening and we noticed some people across the road and just approached a bunch of them sitting around. We spoke to them about our program and asked them what they felt about this situation in their area and what can be done. They were quite open and welcoming to the lot of us that stopped and just randomly came up to them and asked them stuff about them and their issues that surround them. They even agreed to record the message and the Village Sarpanch happened to be there and very willingly spoke in front of the camera. He spoke about stuff like there is lot of corruption and if anything, any action is to be taken it should be by the youth. They have the power to make that necessary change. They need to come together and only when they are united can they do something. That unity in the youth is very important. And he also spoke about how there is no difference in ability between girls and boys. Girls are just as important, hardworking and capable as boys and they should be considered no less. If we all supported this belief instead of considering girls to be liabilities, denying them education and an opportunity to work, we’d be a much much more prosperous nation. He told us how much he appreciated our efforts and then gave us his blessing and best wishes that our mission on this journey be successful.

It was cool in have this interaction with the Sarpanch and the villagers. It was truly understanding a part of India of which a lot of us haven’t had much knowledge of, interaction with or much of an inclination to learn about. Many of us have preconceived notions of what they would be like and don’t care to budge from there. We hadn’t expected them to be so open minded, so pro-growth for our country and so against corruption, a feeling we also held very strongly. It really changed our perception of them.

After this, we’re all getting back on to the bus and everyone who was standing there suddenly starts following us. They said that they were very inspired and they kept offering to give us tea and even to accommodate us for the night and be their guests for a few days. They wanted to know more about the program and how they could join. They were just so taken by these strangers from different parts of the country who came from out of nowhere and in the short span of 10-15 minutes that they were there spoke such positive things about how to make changes to help make our country a better place. They even started following us on their bikes for a while once we left, they were so enthused.

 This encounter with these people was different from any other that we’ve had. The program we had in the morning may have been impromptu, but this one here, also impromptu, in the middle of the villages with the true village folk had a completely different feel to it altogether. This audience we’ve had less of, and we didn’t know what kind of reaction to expect. But to see the way they took to us was so encouraging and it really gave us a renewed energy to continue on. John, in particular, was thrilled. This was beyond what he had imagined for the trip and it really raised the smile on his face even more.

To more surprises.. And new experiences.. How much there is to learn. Hai na?