Mumbai, Maharashtra - 26th Jan 2011

We reach Mumbai after 16 hours on the road at 7am and by 8am we’re all at Juhu beach along with another set of youth from the Archdiocesan Youth Commission to help clean up the beach as part of a drive to keep Mumbai clean. We all divided into groups, spread out and picked up a section of the beach to clean. There was sooo much trash all over! Never realised just how much people smoke and chew gutka. The cigarette butts and gutka packets were everywhere! I think a majority of the rubbish we collected was just that only. And plastic bits and bags and broken glass and all.. People also na..

But one thing about physically going and picking up all this garbage and getting your hands dirty and throwing all of it away was very gratifying. It made you feel literally ‘hands on’ in making a difference in the world around you. We should have more stuff like this all over the country. And if a city doesn’t have a beach, then just fix up something to clean the city. Whatever. There just should be more.

After lunch we head out to the Nirmala Niketan College of Home Science at Churchgate.  Fr. Anthony explains that it is a special program with migrant youth from all over the country along with the K2K team with games and interactions and discussions and the works. Cardinal Oswald, Archbishop of Bombay Diocese enriched the occasion with his presence and his thought provoking speech. One thing of his message that really struck me was that everyone keeps saying the youth is the future of the country, but the Cardinal said, “You are not only the future, you are the present of the country. What you do now will make an impact in the future.”  How profound.. How come no one ever thought beyond the cliché before?

When we reached, honestly, I didn’t know what to expect, but the whole thing was soooooooo muuuuuuuuch fuuuuuuun! Fr. Anthony and Fr. Walter led us through the interactions and games and they were some of the most innovative and entertaining games I’ve seen in a long time.

One was where there were 2 decks of playing cards which were shuffled and everyone took one at random and you had to find the person who had the same card as yours and interact with them and get to know them.

Another one was where we were in groups and we had to learn everybody’s names and Fr. Walter actually quizzed people at random later. To see how much you were paying attention.

And there were action songs too. Normally, I’m not much of an action song person, but this time it was different. Fr. Walter and all the volunteers made you feel so comfortable and you could just let loose. The action songs were one of the funnest activities.

The last activity was the discussions. Everyone was divided into groups and given a ‘dilemma’ of sorts and they had to discuss it in the group and provide a solution. I really appreciate that so many topics like drugs abuse, alcoholism, domestic violence, feelings for another person, homosexuality, platonic relationships and the like were thrown out there to talk about. And the solutions were so creative and such a fresh perspective of thinking. And most importantly so positive. And Fr. Anthony was guiding this section of the evening and providing his inputs from his own experiences. It made everything so much richer.

I really liked how Fr. Anthony was so open to listening to what the youth had to say and accept it the way it was. And even if he disagreed with something, he could agree to disagree. That tolerance, especially towards the young people these days, is so needed. It was really cool to see that.

And I just gotta say - Fr. Anthony and Fr. Walter are by far THE MOST BRILLIANT priests we've ever come across! Their ability to relate with the youth, entertain them, guide them, counsel them, support them, and be there for them is exemplary and I feel fortunate that we got to meet them and treasure the time we got to spend with them . You rock!

Mumbai, Maharashtra - 27th Jan 2011

St. Andrews College was a noteworthy experience. We spoke to a classroom full of young people (Even the teacher looked like a student.. You know the kind) and they raised the issue of corruption. Being focused on peace and harmony and the environment and all for so long, it was nice to address something new. And Rakesh has a lot of knowledge on politics (the main topic concerned with corruption) and almost everything you can think of, that this turned into a friendly debate. I even stopped taking pictures for a little bit coz it was so interesting.

And then Monika led everybody into an action song that we learnt at the session with the Vaz Foundation. It was childish, yes, but the smiles showed how much people were enjoying it.

Then we put up our street play at the entrance of the college. I really liked the response. John spoke at the end about the whole message to the crowd and this was the first time that when he asked them a question, they shouted back a response on their own the first time itself.. And with full josh. And smiles. Gave a really happy feeling to everybody.

In the afternoon we went to Lady Of The Sea Church at Uttan, a rural area about a couple of hours outside of Mumbai. A whole bunch of people came, including fisher folk and even some physically challenged people, most of them children.

The program goes on and ya there’s the crowd, but this girl in a wheelchair right in front (We find out later her name is Lakshmi and that she was about 16) starts ‘dancing.’ She launches her hands and legs into the air as the beat of the music starts and there is such joy on her face as she watches the program.. We spoke to the Sister taking care of her after the show. I don’t remember the name of her condition, but she could understand everything happening around her, but she can't communicate. She would make appropriate sounds to say how she was feeling, but couldn’t speak in words. Sister told us just how happy she was to watch the dance and dance with the music too.

After the show was done, John left some music on to fill the silence. We approached Rohan, also in a wheelchair. He was looking sideways and Sister Julie, his caretaker, tried to get him to look at us, and then she told us that he was keeping his ear exposed coz he was listening to the music. He loves music, she said, and anytime anything plays, he ‘dances’ by putting his hands in the air and smiling. He had a condition called Dystonia, which is a neurological disorder in which sustained muscles contractions cause twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. His arms and legs were all bent and crooked. Sister Julie told us that his mother died at age 22 and his father used to beat him, once even breaking his arm. They couldn’t even put a cast because of his condition. And his arm had to heal like that only. Sister also said he still loves his father. Whenever they allowed them to meet, Rohan’s face would light up.

There is so much to learn from this special Soul. He really touched us with his story in a way no one else did. Like Lakshmi, he understood everything around him, but couldn’t speak. He was only 9 years old.

Rakesh asked to pick him up. Sister gently put Rohan in Rakesh’s arms and Rakesh started dancing with him, singing the song playing. Rohan’s arms go up in enjoyment and he presents the most beautiful smile to Rakesh. And Rakesh starts talking to him.

“Hum tumhe apne saath le jayenge. Theek hai na? Poore India ka darshan kara denge. Aur har jagah jaa ke dance karenge.”

The smile widens.

Sister says, “Mujhe chhod ke chale jaoge? Aise hi?”

The smile remains and Rohan’s eyes blink in approval.

“Very good then. You go with Rakesh uncle. You’ll forget about me also.”

Rakesh says, “Haan now to Rohan will come with us only. Hum log bahut masti karenge, music sunenge, dance karenge.. Aaoge na mere saath? Aa jaa.. Aa jaa..”

Then Rakesh starts rocking Rohan in his arms and singing the song that’s playing. I just stand back and witness the love that Rakesh has for this young boy. So many children like Rohan are spurned by society, with people afraid to face them, interact with them. And here Rakesh was showering truckloads of love on him. I saw the smiles on both their faces, and the understanding and connection they shared, beyond words. It shook something within, and it made me wish that people could just be open like Rakesh to everything around him and share an unconditional love that this world so sorely needs. He was truly exemplifying what we were here for on this journey. That was a very powerful moment.

After this, I thought we were done for the day, but we’re escorted to a place further inside Uttan. Here we put up a show on the side of the road. It was a completely unique experience. The audience was mostly fisher folk and their families. We spoke to them wondering how much they understood and if the message was getting across. Later at dinner, one of the people from there comes as a representative to tell us just how much they liked the performances and the message and that they wish us good luck for the rest of the journey. In fact, their appreciation was more than the urban areas.

Things really feel good when they come and you’re not expecting it.

Palghar and Vasai, Maharashtra - 28th Jan 2011

We reach St. John’s College of Engineering and Technology in Palghar and have a session with them, but this time there’s something different. It was a classroom of about 50-odd students and it was like the most intellectual session we’ve had. The issues were the same, but the approach to them by this lot was different from what we’ve heard. They spoke about corruption and women’s safety, and they spoke about making the change themselves. Right now. It was like it was important to them and one thing I’ve learned is that when something is important to you, you just get it done. You figure out a way. Inspiring.

The welcome at Vasai was the most spectacular we’ve seen! There were these really cool school kids who led us with great fanfare and drums and this whole procession. And then when we reached the gate of the building we had to enter, there was this whole row of kids holding flowers and they threw it all over us as we entered. And Rakesh takes some from them and throws it on them too! Hehehe.. He always has a way to make every situation light and happy.

They hold a welcome program where some kids put up this traditional Marathi dance and when it finishes, everyone starts shouting – Once more! Once more! And they actually start the song again and start dancing. But this time Rakesh, Shikha, Ravi and Jennifer get up on stage and join them and watch and learn and dance with them there. It was sooooooooooo funny!! But it was so cool too! Everyone felt a lot closer to them and to the team that way, because it kind of broke the ice and showed our team as informal, fun, approachable and open.

But really.. Watching Rakesh & Ravi dance Marathi style was hilarious!

We step outside and see the palm/coconut trees and the sand and breeze and the salt in the air and the vegetation and Solomon says, “I feel like I’m in Goa..”

I was thinking the exact same thing..

On the way to dinner, we stop at Allwyn’s house here in Vasai. Allwyn has been with us ever since Goa and been our guide all throughout. So selflessly he’s been with us helping us every step of the way. He takes us to his home and we get to meet his family and they make us feel as if we are part of them. They were completely informal and warm and simple and unpretentious and all smiles all. A couple of Allwyn’s cousins or nieces (I don’t know which) put up these dances and they are so talented! One was the traditional Marathi dance and the other was a contemporary kind of dance and she even used a hoola hoop! It was so cool!

After they performed, all our dancers were asked to dance something, and Jennifer suggested that they put on the Marathi dance again and that they all dance with Allwyn’s cousin/neice. I remember watching all of them dance watching the girl and picking up the steps and having such fun at learning something new. It gave a rising feeling inside to realize the spirit with which everyone on this trip has come. If you are rigid in your beliefs and routine of doing things, you’d never be able to survive. Each experience is unique and being able to swim that ever changing ocean of different languages, cultures, customs, religions.. And to be so welcoming to all of that was very touching and inspiring.

Vasai, Koliwada Beach & Gangangaon, Maharashtra - 29th Jan 2011

This morning was the first time we have a response unexpected. Or lack of rather. We reach Thomas Baptist High School Vasai and they’re also having their prom today and the Principal was kind enough to let us club our session with their program. But this time, the young people just weren’t keen to listen. They didn’t show appreciation for the dance our girls did and Rakesh got on stage and off stage within 5 minutes. They were more focused on the prom. They were quite a sight, the girls all pretty and decked up in stylish dresses and saris and the guys looking sharp in their suits and all.

But they were just not interested in anything happening on the stage and even booing some of the other stuff happening there.

Later we find out that the Principal actually cancelled their prom coz of their attitude towards the whole thing.

There was something to learn from here as well.. One was that what you put out there you get back. The students showed disinterest to the program and their own program got cancelled. And also, our message didn’t reach them. It is important firstly, to be aware of what the problems around you are, and then care enough to fix them.

It was a lesson on how not to be. All of us knew just how much potential, life force and energy all of these young people had and the unimaginable difference they could make if they cared. We can carry this experience forward and use it in a positive way.

After this we visit the Vasai Fort. The architecture is just a piece of beauty.. The church in fort premises was made in honour of St. Gonzalo Garcia by the Portuguese. Check out the photos..

 

 

 

Later we head out to Koliwada beach which is a fishing beach. After a boat ride to the island a little bit inward, we perform a street play on plastic eradication in the middle of the market here. It was cooler this time than others coz we’ve always had a scheduled program where we’d put up the street play and people would always be standing around. But this impromptu performance really brought the crowd to the streets out of curiosity to watch and learn. Awesome!

On the way to Gangangaon, a village in Maharashtra, the back tyre of one of our vehicles blew and you gotta hand it to Jaimon chetta our driver who kept control of the vehicle and kept everybody safe cautiously and gradually slowing down and stopping. It’s not easy manoeuvring these huge truck things and our drivers are the best!

Gangangaon, Maharashtra - 30th Jan 2011

We wake to a very simple, quiet and peaceful place, away from the ever moving ways of the city, here in Gangangaon village. We’re staying in a hostel where aadiwasi (Backward class) girls and boys stay and study in the schools nearby. They are all between the ages of 16-18 or so and soooo very bright! Everybody always talks about that flame burning so brilliantly in a person that it shines through their eyes and through the way they speak and whatever they do. Here we got to see that ourselves. In their movements, their actions.. The way they speak.. The energy and potential of these young people was phenomenal.

Being in a village, they were really simple, spoke mainly Marathi and Hindi, and very little English, but their ability to grasp and understand things spontaneously was amazing. Their intense desire to rise and become something was evident. And they were just ecstatic about learning stuff about the world outside.

What really stood out for me was that they were so hardworking. They did everything themselves and apart from that, when we were there, they did everything for us too. Fr. Joel was telling us about the system they followed in their work – They had ‘ministers’ for various things like there was a Home Minister and a Food Minister and a Chief Minister and all. Girls for girls and boys for boys. Each had their own responsibilities and coordinated with each other and got the work done. Like the Food Minister supervised the cooking process and informed the Chief Minister about the progress and the CM organised the lunch in coordination with the Home Minister by arranging the location. I really liked this exercise a lot because it helped these young adults learn responsibility and so many processes of life and coordination and collaboration and effective communication.. This was really inspiring. Doing all of these things really helps build character and makes them strong individuals and they are fortunate enough to have this system in place for them to imbibe while their minds are still moulding. Knowing all these life skills gives them so many opportunities to grow.

I spent some time with the girls while they were sifting through rice to clean out the stones and stuff. They were showing me the technique how to do it correctly and they kept asking about how things were in the city and about different kinds of technology and how it all works. And they had such vivid interest to learn about all of it!

I was so happy to spend that half an hour with them.. They were so chirpy and bubbly and so delighted to include someone else in their activities and share experiences. I realized later that joining in something that they do on a daily basis instead of just standing and watching from the outside made a whole lot of difference in relating with them and become closer to them on a deeper level. It broke that imaginary barrier between people of different places and cultures. Because you’re doing the same things, at that time – you’re not different. You become one consciousness. Will always cherish those 30 minutes.

At the program, everybody really appreciated the dances of our girls and they also put up their own, both traditional and filmy/contemporary. There was like a mutual respect going on and for each others talents and a very open acceptance of it all. Then the interactions started. One of them shared what life is like on their side with all the customs and traditions and it was interesting to note the differences in our lives and theirs. And just how many misconceptions we had about people who lived in villages. Someone actually stood up and said how important it was for girls and boys to spend time together and interact with each other. That they should go out and be able to be comfortable with each other, that's how they will learn to respect one another.That was an interesting eye opener. In cities, we hold such a narrow minded view of girls and boys spending time together..

And Rakesh spilt the regular stuff on the crowd about poverty, women empowerment, child mortality, the environment and all. It was routine for us, and almost everywhere we’ve been before this people were familiar with all of these things to some extent beforehand. I felt it was more effective here than other places because the awareness about these issues was less. The people learnt here about these concerns in a more informed manner and what they can do to change them. So this gave a very satisfying feeling..

At the end of the program, our hosts started dancing a traditional dance and just folded our team into it too! The steps weren’t hard to learn, and it was something else for everyone to just integrate like that and do the same thing..

Its stuff like that which creates this realization within that, in essence, we all are truly the same. We may look different or come from different places and cultures, but when we join together, we become one.

Even one of our drivers Swami chetta busted out a few moves!

Some of the youth out here showed us crafts they made here. Soooooo beautifully done! It was so expertly done and with such grace and finesse.. The youth were actually very shy to show it to us because they thought it wasn’t all that special, but we truly marvelled at it and spread it around and admired it. These brilliant artists were undervaluing themselves.Their efforts need to be encouraged more..

They gave us roses too, at the start of the program. These were soooo huge!! Dont know what variety it was, but haven’t seen such large flowers like this anywhere else. Savita’s hand was small in comparison!

I really enjoyed the peaceful pace of life here. Things moved at their own pace and nothing was rushed or hurried. It was a very stark difference that everyone felt, so far away from the city’s run-around-and-work-and-run-around culture. It would be nice to be able to stop, breathe and think without an agenda and have that comfortable easiness in the cities too, even if just for a while.

When were were leaving, it was the weirdest thing. We had barely spent half a day with the people here, and  they were actually in tears telling us not to go. They had grown so attached so quickly! It was really something... They were hugging us and telling us to stay and how much they're gonna miss us.. And that when we stay we teach them English and what the internet is and how things work and stuff. Their purity in their simplicity was really something beautiful. Coupled with their desire to learn and grow.. There is sooooooo much to learn from them. I wish we could have stayed just a little while longer.

Nashik, Maharashtra - 31st Jan 2011

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.

Aurangabad And On The Way To Amaravati, Maharashtra - 1st Feb 2011

We got up really early for breakfast and it was the sweetest thing – Fr. Savio came to me and handed me this nice bracelet which I had noticed on our teams wrists the day before. Apparently, they had gotten them at the beginning of the session with the seminarians when I was busy setting up. I didn’t ask much about it. But now, in the morning, Fr. Savio in his goodness came personally and gave me a bracelet. I was really touched.. It was so thoughtful of him..

Before leaving the seminary in Nashik I got to meet the cutest dogs Jack and Ginger who live on the roof. The building was not very tall, just about 15-20 feet or so. Father Savio was explaining that if anyone was observing their activities, they could easily attack at night time and climb the walls and enter. He said that the dogs were raised on the roof since their puppyhood and lived there all the time. If anyone new approached then they would bark and it would be like an alert system. That was so cool. Ingenious even.

Today we travelled a whole bunch. Around lunch time, we stopped at this school in Aurangabad for a program, and some of the kids had prepared a dance for us. There was such a warm welcome with garlands and flower petals thrown all over us.. They made our whole team feel like VIPs who’ve come as chief guests for their function. And their dance! Such young children, you’d think at that age they’d be uncoordinated and raw in their movements, but wow! What precision! And such synchronicity! Left us spellbound..

 We were taken to a place closeby for lunch. Met some really nice people there.. Normally it takes time to connect with people in the first meeting, but meeting Doncy, Jade & Teresa was like bonding right off the bat. And it’s not like we’re the same age or anything. Jade was in 2^nd year college, Doncy was in 1^st year and Teresa was finishing off with her 12^th. I’m a lot older than that, but it didn’t feel awkward or disconnected. Friendships like these are rare and I’m gonna make sure we keep in touch. This is one of the best parts of a journey like this – getting to meet some really amazing people, learning about them, learning from them.. Sharing with them.. Wish we had more time to spend there though, and see the place and meet people, but we needed to press on and reach Amaravati by night, so we left soon after lunch.

Snippets:

I was sitting behind Ravi in the bus and someone gave him a center fresh chewing gum. He was struggling with it trying to open the wrapper for like 5 minutes and it wouldn’t open. Out of frustration, he shoved the whole thing in his mouth, wrapper and all, and started chewing on it.

I thought he must have taken it out at some point, but it was like half an hour later that  he pulls it out of his mouth and says, “Plastic utaar dena chahiye.. Hai na?”

Once, on the way somewhere, we stopped at a roadside dhabba for dinner. Everyone ordered channa masala and naans. When the food came, Joice takes 2 bites and her face crumples up and she says, “I dont like..”

She calls the dhabbawala who happens to be a Malayali like her, so they speak in their native language and ho goes back to the kitchen and gets her some dal and vegetable. So Joice gets really happy and she shouts to Sister (who’s sitting on the other side of the dhabba), “See Sister, Malayali lowe.”

Sister says, “What?”

“Lowe lowe, Malayali lowe!”

“What you are saying?”

“Arre sister lowe!! Malayali lowe!!”

Sister asks Prashanth next to her, “What?”

“Sister, she is saying Malayali love.”

“Arre then she should say that only.. What lowe lowe she is saying..”

I lowe Joice.

Amaravati and Nagpur, Maharashtra - 2nd Feb 2011

We didn’t  get to spend much time in Amaravati. It was just a few hours, where we had a session with about 30 school children from Gyan Mata School Amaravati, and some college youth.

Most of them are more comfortable with Marathi, so this session has a different feel altogether as Allwyn, a Maharashtran local in our team, translated everything for us all. But I saw that language never stopped us is any session or interaction as there was always a local with us, and also because any idea or concept stays the same, regardless of which language it is expressed in. The young people here knew a lot more than we thought they did about different issues, but I know they also learned a lot today.

And they were very dynamic in expressing their views and one main highlight of the day was that they pledged to make their school plastic free by the end of the interaction! That spread a very happy feeling to everyone around..

And some of the college people asked us if we could arrange a camp like this session, which is longer and has more information and can help spread awareness among the people here, because they felt it was a really good thing for people to learn from and they needed more such programs. Deepika asked if they were locals. They said yes. Then she said that they could do it too. It doesn’t have to be just us doing anything, they could fix up something too. And all they had to do was ask for a little help from the authorities around and anything would be possible.

They promised to take this initiative us and arrange this camp for awareness.

This was probably one of the shortest interactions we had, but one of the most fruitful. We hit the road for Nagpur with happy hearts and minds.

Nagpur, Maharashtra - 3rd Feb 2011

Our first day at Nagpur is a more restful one, as preparations are going on for the General Body Council meeting. In the evening, we had a welcome session and an interaction with some of the Nagpur youth. They were so warm and welcomed us with oranges, which Nagpur is famous for.

After that they put up a skit/dance which was so innovative and so well done. I don’t know about other people, but for me, it was a depiction of the word ‘Faith,’ and just how strong it can be. It was all through formations and expressions, very touching and very beautifully portrayed. Check the video. Managed to capture some of it.

Sewagram, Maharashtra - 4th Feb 2011

Today we travel to Sewagram near Vardha, Maharashtra where Gandhiji’s Ashram is located. Just entering the enclosure a peace filled each one of us and the surroundings were just so serene and calm, adding to that peace.

We saw the simple and humble way Gandhiji lived and what few possessions he maintained. Everything had been preserved to beautifully. There were different houses and huts and all of them had the information of who lived there and how it was used. There was even a western style toilet, which the caretakers say Gandhiji maintained himself.

In the center, there was a prayer ground where everyday there would be a prayer service with Gandhiji, and prayers even held there today. We held our own prayer here for a few minutes with everyone. It felt like a very sacred space, to stand there and hold hands, recite verses from the Bible, The Vedas and the Quran.

Just before leaving, we met the president of the board that maintains the ashram, and he said the most profound thing –“ Mat bhed ho sakta hai, leking mann bhed nahi hona chahiye. Gandhiji  is hi me vishwas rakhte the aur ye hi seekh dete the.”

(There can be a difference of opinion, but there should not be a difference in heart and mind. Gandhiji believed in this and preached this.)

This very simple but deep saying touched all of us somewhere within and really influenced us. It was saying a lot of what our yatra is about and the message it carries. I’m sure we will also spread this message in our future sessions.

There is too much to write about this ashram, so here is the link you can check for more information:

http://wardha.gov.in/htmldocs/sevagram.asp

After this we head over to Padrithana about 20 or so kms from Sewagram. Here we are greeted by the sweetest children from the village closeby. They all must have been about 30 of them, between 6-12 years old and were so warm to all of us and were so eager to take pictures with us and talk to us.

We began the Way of the Cross,  which is a pilgrimage visiting 14 stations, each representing a step in the process of ‘Condemning Christ to death’ to where ‘He is being laid in the tomb.’ The erection and use of the stations were not in common use till the 17^th century, but now they can be found in almost every church.

Here, the stations were on a hill 20-30 feet away from each other. Stations can be of stone, wood, metal, sculpted or carved, or even paintings and engravings. In this case, they were engraved on stone blocks. The object of the stations is to help the faithful to make in spirit, as it were, a pilgrimage to the chief scenes of Christ’s suffering and death. It is carried out by passing from station to station, with certain prayers at each and devout meditation on the various incidents in turn.

Father Mathew and the children led as we followed. They sang hymns between each station and Father said the prayer at each. We reach the top station right at the top of the hill and adding to the beauty of the prayers was the view of Nagpur from this height. Dark had fallen by this time and you could see all the lights of houses twinkling across the plain. The whole experience was very enriching.

On the way back to Nagpur, Rakesh and some of the Fathers got into a discussion on the bus about states and their capitals. Rakesh felt that they were all haphazardly set and all the boundaries should be reset keeping the capital of each state in the center of the state.

“If all the other cities are 4-5 hours away from the capital, then anyone can go and do work there and then come back the same day also. Abhi they are all near the borders and so far away for so many places.. Kuch change karna chahiye.”

Fr. Franklin said, “When you become Prime Minister, then you do that 1^st thing.”

“Yes. I will do.”