Bapu's Bathtub

There is a public service announcement that regularly plays on radio stations in Las Cruces—probably when they have a time slot with no paid advertising. It promotes Rotary and tells listeners that Rotarians believe what Gandhi taught: “We must be the change we want to see in the world.” On Monday evening, at the meeting of the Rotary Club of Nagpur North, we learned about a District 3030-wide project called “Heart-to-Heart” that provides surgeries to children with heart defects. The most recent group of patients had just returned to their homes in Pakistan. Rotarians are simultaneously healing the hearts of poor children and helping heal the relationship between these two neighboring countries that has been tense to say the least since they were separated in the tumultuous years following Indian independence from Britain in 1947.

Today, we were hosted by President Vijaylaxmi Diwale and the wonderful members of the Rotary Club of Nagpur Fort. The centerpiece of the day was a visit to the long-time home of Gandhi in Sewagram, about an hour’s drive outside of Nagpur. It was the perfect way to spend our first full day of club experiences, taking us to simple set of buildings where Gandhi spent many years growing his non-violent movement that changed the world. The buildings are beautifully preserved and contain many of his possessions, such as his walking stick, sandals, and the simple clothes that he made himself.

View of the simple house where Gandhi lived

Gandhi (or “Bapu” as he was respectfully known) understood how to make powerful statements through simple acts. He had snakes caught in the area put into wooden box and relocated far away rather than killed. When a misguided supporter bought him a porcelain bathtub imported from Europe, he responded by refusing to use it and instead had a copper bathtub made by Indian craftsmen. Dave and Mike both agreed that the copper bathtub looked like much more comfortable.

Michael and Dave unsure of how much seriousness is required in Gandhi's bathroom (he would likely have enjoyed the dilemma they faced)

 We were pleased when we were given the opportunity to eat lunch at the small conference center that adjoins Gandhi’s home. It was simple but very tasty, and eaten in the traditional way, while seated on woven mats on the floor.

Cristina eating lunch

We came away inspired by how one man, in such simple surroundings in an unprepossessing village in the center of India could have made—and could continue to make—such a difference in the world. Thank you, again, to the Rotary Club of Nagpur Fort for making this extraordinary day possible.

Meeting Our Host Families and Our First Presentation

     Yesterday we met our host families.  It is wonderful to see what a great part of Indian Culture it is to be hospitable to a guest. Right from the start I was received with a bouquet of roses and as I was taken to my homestay I was received with a lamplighting, incense and the traditional Bindi.   A prayer song my host family sang wished for enough food to be available to ensure the their guest was treated well. It is no question that the needs, convenience and comfort of the guest are assured  in an Indian household.  I was very fortunate to be hosted by a joint family in India. This is a houshold with several couples of the family live together as a unit under one household. It is common to see families living together this way in India, the sons and wives and children living together with the grandparents and other relatives, it forms large support group.  There is alot to be said about families in India, like how one could tell a families religion , diet, and even level of spiciness in food preparation,just by knowing the surname of the family. I look forward to exploring more of these differences between families in India.   My first day with my hosts was a great experience, and our first presentation later in the evening was unforgettable.

     After a warm cocktail hour at the  Rotarian Sati Khanna's home our team was lead to our first club meeting and presentation at a Masonic Lodge, a 100 year old "Ghost House" .  Here we met Rotary Club Nagpur North, a co-ed club, with President Rajiv Ashtikar.  Although our presentation ran overtime by a good 20minutes, were were nonetheless received with a nice applause and feedback from our friends, we then had the opportunity to exchange our club banner.The lodge served as a perfect backdrop to our first presentation, the symbolism of brotherhood that is represented by the  lodge that was built in the 19th century,  filled the room as the  Nagpur North  club broke into simultaneous song, of the National Anthem. In the end just before the president called the meeting to an end you could hear a vibration in the house as the men of the club with strong firm voices chanted " Bharat Mata Ki Jai ( Victory  for Mother India)". Our night ended with a wonderful Indian dinner , with Basmati, Chapati, and a  northern dish called Chole  made of chickpeas and spices. 

First Day in Nagpur (Michael)

An amazing reality of being a guest in India is the unending flow of spectacular, gorgeous food!  Always a fan of Indian cuisine since college, I often wondered if the food in America was somehow changed or watered down like so many fusion dishes.  I am glad to report that Indian food in America appears to be the real deal, just maybe not as spicy.  For the first time in my life I had the opportunity to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner all in the Indian style, but with a twist.  The food was in great supply, and it was ‘mild’ by all accounts by our gracious hosts.  The culinary landing pad was carefully designed to accommodate our American pallet, with assurances that the menu would step up by degrees, quickly.  This morning we had mildly spicy potato/onion cakes with smooth dal and basmati.  This afternoon an array of meat and vegetarian dishes, I mean dozens of unique dishes.  The spiciness ramped up slightly.  We were warned the spice builds up in the body, and that it must be balanced with the delicious yogurts that typically accompany these meals.  I can say this is absolutely true, as tonight’s meal was ever-so-closer to how Indians normally prepare their foods.  But still the chefs were asked to keep the fire low, gratefully at this point, as my mouth is still tingling from the rich, hot dishes.  I’m going to have to learn how to manage the spice, and eat much more yogurt, as eating just a little is not an option….the food is too good and our amazing hosts would have it no other way. 

So much has happened in the last 48 hours I’d have a difficult time accounting for all of it.  A few highlights though.  1) Meeting AJ who met us at the airport in Mumbai after 30+ hours of transit and got us set up at the BAWA Hotel, and was kind enough to give us the basics on what to expect and how to avoid creating difficult circumstances for ourselves, e.g. avoid fresh fruit and non-bottled water, and who escorted the District 5520 team to Nagpur. 2) Engaging District 3030 members in Nagpur and receiving a welcoming ceremony that included a colorful garland, sweets, a bindi and a blessing.  The members of the welcoming committee were overwhelmingly generous and helpful in getting us settled in Nagpur, and there is much more to go.  Tomorrow we will receive orientation training and meet our host families, which we are all excited about.  Many thanks to the District governor and members who made us feel so welcome. 3) Visiting the cricket stadium in Nagpur, where we got a personal tour of that facility by Bayal and Vinal were very knowledgeable about the art, sporting activities, and layout of the stadium building.  4) Ending the evening with full bellies and new friends with a sip of Kingfisher on the manicured open lawn in the cool evening, ready to go to bed.  The jetlag isn’t as bad as I thought it might be and I’m ready to hit the sack at 2:00 AM, when my body would normally be gearing up for a hike or an important meeting, which my colleagues in New Mexico are probably doing as I write this.  I think we all know we are beginning an exciting adventure, which, as with the spice level, is ramping up quickly.           

At the Airport in Nagpur

 

 

We made it! Despite lost boarding passes in Albuquerque (re-printed), computer problems in Denver (resolved), a lost cellphone in Newark (retrieved) and lost (but in fact just mislaid) name badges in Mumbai, we are in Nagpur.

 

Our smiles are exceeded only by the smiles of our Indian hosts.

Warm Arrival in Nagpur

After a 30+ hour journey that began in a chilly Albuquerque, very early on "Black Friday" (the day after Thanksgiving for our Indian and British readers), we arrived in Mumbai late last night (Saturday). We were met by Ajay Narakesari, the Indian GSE Team Leader who will be in District 5520 in April. He had traveled to Mumbai to meet us. The first of many kindnesses we have already been shown.

After a night in a hotel in Mumbai we were up early and caught the short, one-hour flight to Nagpur in the very heart of India where we were met by District Governor Sanjay, GSE Chair Sanjay Arora, members of the Indian GSE Team, and other Rotarians. Garlands and food were generously offered and gratefully accepted, and many photos were taken. (Come back soon and hopefully we'll have some to post here).

Then we were whisked to our hotel, had a enjoyable lunch with our hosts (Indian food!), and are now relaxing for a few hours before welcome dinner tonight.

After months of hard work preparing for the Exchange. It is only just beginning to sink in that we are in India. The Sikh festival in the street below, with its amplified music and (?) prayers, is helping to set the scene. But we're all ready for a nap, and no amount of background noise is going to keep us awake after the long and exillarating journey we've just had.

 

Official Photographs

 

The GSE Team met in Albuquerque and after a day of planning had its official photographs taken on a spectacular Sunday afternoon down in the Bosque. We're grateful to Juli Cardozo (fotodozo.com), who took some great photos for us and I'm sure would be delighted to do the same for you!



"End Polio Now"

We wanted our photographs to show the beauty of New Mexico and our timing could not have been better. The cottonwood leaves were golden, Canada geese flew overhead, and even a coyote paid us a visit.



We are now waiting for a call from Abercrombie & Fitch and look forward to some work modeling for their Spring catalog!