Several friendly Somaiya University students accompanied us for the journey to the village. They wanted to show us first hand the children who were gaining from their University/village partnernship.
Even just the ride to Dahanu was a magical experience. Just as we began our 2 hour journey, and passed over the bridge linking the city of Mumbai to the mainland of Maharashta (a state in India) I began to drift off into a colorful dream.
When I awoke, I was quickly escorted out of the car. As I was still acclamating to my new surrondings, I peered around me to find myself in a small village... somewhere.. in India. A village.. in India? No. Am I dreaming? Or did I just wake from a dream?
Clap! Clap! Clap! I was quickly jolted into the reality of my dream with a brisk and uniform welcome from over 200 village students who awaited our arrival in the school's gymnasium. We sat with a panel of faculty at the head of the spacious room that opened freely to the farmlands surronding the school grounds.
The next few hours was a wonderful escape from the fast paced life of the bustling city of Mumbai. As every formal ceremony begans, the ornamental candle is lit (usually in front of a portrait of either Lord Krishna, Shiva, or Ganesha).
After the candle lighting ceremony, the school was led in prayer by 3 girls who were lead in their class. After the pleasure of listening to songs sung in their native tongue (which I believe is Maharati), the school principal guided the students through several inspirational stories to encourage them to do well in their studies. Each story held an underlying theme of determination, perservirance, courage, and a focused mind.
I was amazed to see that over 200 students ranging from age 6 to 14 held their attention better than 50 college students would in the same situation.
After the stories were shared, I was presented with a flower, and candy as a token of appreciation for just being at the school. One of my Indian collegues said it is a tradition to always hold a ceremony with flowers, candy, and prayer.
The decks pictured above are the classrooms for the children attending this school. As this school serves a very large surronding area too vast for daily commute to and from school, children and teachers live at the school.
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3 comments:
Josh-
you write of
'stories of determination and perservence and open mind' : all concepts which embody you. it is incredible reading this and revisitng you, seeing where and how you have been and changed and grown and yet remained the same. i miss you and i hope to touch base with you soon-- and crazy news- i have an interview to work in Mumbai tomorrow and will keep you posted. take care
Where in Mumbai exactly is the Chabad? I am from Mumbai originally and now live in Dallas. I know your Mom here. I am from the Bene Israel community.
You mention Somaiya University in one of your postings. I taught there for a year and a half before moving to the States. While I taught there it was Somaiya College. Bombay University is the big local University there and there are several colleges in suburban areas that fall under the purview of Bombay University.
It sounds like you are having a wonderful experience. Enjoy your stay!
June
Chabbad is located just South of the Gateway of India across the street from the Radio Club on the rooftop of the Shelly Hotel with an amazing view of the ocean.
Yes, it is Somayia College (not Somayia University) - you're right. And the campus is pretty big, too. That's neat that you used to teach there! I got to interact with the business students.
Mumbai University is a far reaching institution. Their popularity allows them to offer a degree course that sets the standards for others to follow (and often compete with).
It's amazing to know that the Bene Israel community of Mumbai is spread between 9 synagogues in and around the city. I have so far had the opportunity to see 3 in Mumbai and 1 in Pune:
1. The tzfardi shul in Churchgate
2. The Magen Hashem shul
3. The Tferieth Israel Shul
4. The Pune Synagogue (which the locals call, "The Big Red Temple," for its obvious physical characteristics)
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