It is 5 P.M. in Massachusetts right now and I have only just rolled out of bed a few minutes ago. My head as well as my heart are still in India. As I unpack as slowly as possible, I find myself reflecting the most on the people.
The first two days spent in Hubli were with our respective organizations or companies that we would be working with for the next two weeks. My group and I traveled to Dharwad to meet a woman by the name of Vani. She is an incredible woman running a non-profit organization called RAPID which offers Rehabilitative Assistance for People in Distress. The organization provides opportunities for women to become self-sufficient providers for their families through skill training and career placement. Many of the women excel in the art of bag making, and Indian handicrafts such as these are of extremely high demand on the world market. Vani told us that her dream is to expand production of these bags and in doing so she would be able to take on more women and give them opportunities they otherwise would not have. Over the next few days, my group explored RAPID’s business practices and at the end of the two weeks we expanded RAPID’s business model with practical solutions that can help make Vani’s dream a reality.
Being that not one person in my group, including myself, had any business experience, this project was at times extremely taxing. However as the course progressed, I saw the value in the reading assignments, guest speakers, and class activities. The most rewarding part of the experience was getting to work with such intelligent, intellectual, and inviting people. My group members, Anjali, Shrishail, and Rahul, were incredibly eager to tackle the project even before any of us knew what exactly that entailed.
I also really enjoyed visiting with the women employed at RAPID. Watching them sit in a circle, create beautiful handmade bags together, and form a sense of community within those four walls is a memory that will stay with me forever. It reminded me of the importance of non-profit organizations like RAPID and the value they bring to so many underprivileged lives.
India was one of the last places on Earth I would have imagined myself before going on this trip and now it is the only place I want to be. The students at B.V.B were without question the sweetest people I have met in my life. They are so welcoming and open to sharing anything and everything about their lives. Hanging out with them was like being their little pet; they want to take you everywhere and show you everything. It was also refreshing to meet so many vegetarians!
One thing I will simultaneously miss and not miss is the Indian head wobble. It’s the most frustratingly cute thing that they all do. It’s frustrating when all you want is a straight answer and they give you the wobble, but you also can’t get mad because it’s so goddamn adorable when they do it.
Coming home was certainly more bitter than sweet but thanks to social media and Whatsapp the Indian students don’t seem so far away. I love you all! Now come to the States!