Myself, along with
thirty-eight other delegates from ten different countries embarked on a life
changing journey to India recently. The group comprising of participants from
Fiji, Myanmar, South Africa, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Trinidad and
Tobago, Malaysia, Suriname and Israel were involved in the 28th Know India Programme.
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| 28th KIP participants at CCRT |
KIP’ ideal aim is to inform Indian Diaspora youth about growth and development
in India as well as to familiarize them with different facets of India with
which they can learn from, as well as become aware of, as they trace their
heritage and culture. However, the true experience we took away from the
programme was so much more and we returned with an extended family, which will
remain for eternity.
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| Road-side tuk-tuk repairs |
The 28th KIP
was held from 9 June-30 June 2014 and was organized by the Ministry of
Overseas Indian Affairs together with the Government of India. The group
comprised of individuals aged 18-26 and participants had already graduated or were
studying towards the completion of their degree.
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| Hanging out with the Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs |
Our journey began in
Delhi, where we spent six days. Here, we were hosted by the Indian Institute of
Public Administration and were lectured by various speakers whom shared their
knowledge on the different arenas of India, such as the Indian economy,
history, politics as well as contemporary India amongst many other discussions.
This ‘introduction’ to India allowed us to interact with academics and
understand on a surface level the goings-on in India today.
Art, colour and mystery,
make-up a great part of the Indian legacy and so later that week participants
gathered at the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, where we were
involved in several discussions around these and other topics. We were also
lucky enough to be enlightened on the beauty of Indian classical dance. It was
an eye-opening showcase as we witnessed the complexities and intricacies of
Kathak.
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Classical dance instructor
Before this interaction I was merely an onlooker, yet now I start to appreciate
the art form as a contributor to the shaping of dance and culture as we know
it. From the movement of the dancer’s hand, to the ringing of her ghungroo
bells as she stepped vigorously to the beat of the thabla expressing her
passion, our hearts were awakened to the art of classical dance. |
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| My attempt at rangoli painting |
CCRT then gave us the opportunity to express our
creative flare through the creation of different art pieces, including rangoli
painting, tie and dye, paper craft as well as bead and clay work.
And so the programme
pushed on and this time we travelled to the 28th KIP’ partner state
of Jammu and Kashmir. A day long journey by bus ride, from Delhi to Jammu
through some harsh terrain allowed us to see the natural beauty of India,
passing through several different rural and mountainous landscapes. It was not
an easy drive to endure, especially with the decaying roads and the lack of
lavatory facilities available on the way. However, reflecting on the moments we
shared whilst travelling communally, made it all worthwhile. Participants would
sing, dance and occasionally fall into silence as the beauty beyond those bus
windows took our breath away.
On route to Srinagar,
an overnight stay in Jammu was scheduled and an interactive session with
leaders of the Forest Department of Jammu, was held. Afterwards delegates moved
to Jammu Aquarium followed by Bahu Fort. The heat in Jammu at this time of the
year can rival that of Delhi’s as not a moment went by without us burning up.
On day nine participants travelled to Srinagar
where we spent six days, visiting Kashmir’s famous trio; Sonmarg, Gulmarg and
Pahalgam. The first of the two highlights that instantly stand out was the
horse-riding experience from Sonmarg into the Himalaya Mountains.
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| This guy took me up into the Himalayas |
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| Beautiful backdrop of the Himalaya Mountains in Gulmarg |
In Sonmarg we witnessed beauty beyond bounds as we
played in the snow, slid off ice glaciers and warmed our hearts to the
abundance of horses which resided there. The second highlight was meeting with Jammu and
Kashmir’ Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah at his residence. His welcoming nature
engaged us during a one hour Q&A session. The discussion was graciously opened
to the youth, allowing us the opportunity to ask questions and offer suggestions
based on the knowledge gathered over the duration of the programme thus far.
Each question posed was met with an answer and not before long the short
session had ended.
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At J&K Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah's residence
Srinagar’s magnificence is
encapsulated by the Dal Lake. It was unfortunately a hazy day on which we were
treated to a shikara ride but, even though Kashmir’ mountains were hidden beneath
the clouds; the local floating market on the lake kept us company. Be warned
though a fair amount of bargaining is needed before purchasing any goods. |
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| Shikara riding at Dal Lake |
Gardens
and open spaces were abundant in Srinagar and the Mughal Gardens was no
exception. More natural splendor had our camera’s buzzing. On a side note
though, be aware of garden keeper imitators whom try to make a few extra rupees
of tourists, by engaging you in their whimsical stories and taking your
photographs (with your own camera).
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| At Mughal Gardens |
The
cooling climate of Srinagar was quickly forgotten as we travelled to Agra. Here
the sole purpose being the viewing of India’s most beautiful piece of
architecture, and rightfully so, the Taj Mahal. I quote a few participants here
in saying, “If you have been to India and have not seen the Taj Mahal, then you
have not been to India at all”. I could not agree more as this towering beauty
was a sight for the senses which was an unforgettable experience for us.
A
guided tour provided us with a brief history behind the making of the Taj
Mahal. Following this we were sent on our way to see the building in all its
glory. My fondest moment was when I first set eyes on the white marble masterpiece.
As I walked through a red walled gate, all I could see beyond me was beauty
cascading over the morning sky, accompanied by its striking reflection in the
waters below. No other memory could ever replace that of the first sighting of
the Taj Mahal forever etched in my memory. The hundreds of photographs taken
collectively by the delegates could not completely capture the beauty of the
Taj Mahal which we were fortunate enough to see first-hand.
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| Taj Mahal, Agra |
Together
participants gathered and here we shared a moment we all never thought would
come so soon in our lives. I recall a conversation with a delegate from
Trinidad and Tobago, and how he said that he never imagined he would travel to India
before the age of 65, yet here he was, at 25, returning to the motherland in
all its glory. And that’s what KIP was and is for many of us, a dream realized.
So despite the sick spells, upset stomachs and some homesickness, it was the
‘Taj moments’ that made it all worth the while. It allowed us, the Indian youth
to find our heritage, roots and culture. It pushed us to appreciate our history
that much more and it brought together Indian youth from all over the world to
find our similarities and realize that no matter where our forefathers
struggles lead them, we are and always will be from one united place, India.
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| The group at Agra Fort |
Following
our Agra expedition we traveled back to Delhi, where we were further educated
on the past, present and future of India, by various organizations. What I
learnt and saw throughout this experience, was that as much as this programme
was organized to ‘know India’, it was also about knowing Indians. It enforced
our beliefs in our respective religions, cultures and family dynamics. KIP also
helped me appreciate how fortunate I am to be part of a special sect of Indian Diaspora Youth in
the world and how the universe ultimately connects us though our shared history
with India.
