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Posted: Friday 23 October 2009

India Uncovered

Katie Fulton [S5] and Kirsten McIntosh [S5] report on a life-changing visit to Hutchesons' partner school in India:

Five intrepid travellers set off for India in September; Mr and Mr Clarke had visited previously and Miss Tomitaka is a seasoned traveller. We, however, could not have imagined the amazing experience ahead of us.

Traditional Indian welcomeTwo days at a beach resort introduced us to Mr Clarke's idea of relaxing - the nearest we got to the sun loungers was passing them on the way out! We travelled by houseboat, canoe and speedboat to experience a flavour of India. The riverside tribal settlements afforded views of ramshackle housing, women doing the family laundry and groups of wide-eyed children, as fascinated by us as we were by them. We shared the streets with cows, goats and even monkeys and we visited markets teeming with people and exotic products. At a paddy field a 76-year-old man nimbly scaled the towering trees to retrieve the delicious coconuts. We all dined out for £2.17, including drinks.

At our partner school in Nitte we were overwhelmed by the warmth of our welcome and the generosity of their hospitality. The community spirit, pride and contentment in the school were palpable. Whatever our hosts had they eagerly shared. We were showered with gifts and kindness and it was a very humbling experience.

Sharing coconut juice with a local farmer s familyEach evening we met children eager to hear of our lives and to share stories of theirs. No weekend socialising or cinema trips awaited them. They had few material possessions and yet which of our two cultures appeared more content with their lives? The visit certainly provided us with food for thought. The cashew nut factory process causes horrendous skin problems, yet women worked an eight-hour day for 80 rupees (£1), while at the spice processing plant, toxic fumes resulted in debilitating respiratory diseases.

We were privileged to be selected for this trip. We had the best of travelling companions and an opportunity to see an India that few tourists have. We both intend to return to Nitte and the school and its community will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Tags: Geography, India, International

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