Tigers in India: An Experience of a Lifetime

Through this group’s efforts to impact the lives of others, my own has been equally, if not more so, changed. Experiencing India has offered me a whole new perspective.

In a place where 10 rupees (17 US cents) can bring a smile to someone’s face, I’ve learned to appreciate all that I have. That includes my education at Darlington. So much of the Indian population is constrained by stifling poverty and, therefore, a lack of education. Before I begin complaining about homework during this school year, I’ll think back to the eager, inquisitive faces of the children at Sulabh—and reconsider.

Contrasting with the overwhelming destitution evident within the country are splendid palaces, breathtaking temples, and other magnificent works of Mogul and Hindu architecture. The first leg of our India experience consisted of experiencing many of these sights and mingling with the locals who lived in the area. Nothing can parallel seeing the gleaming Taj Mahal for the first time. However, the immense, ornate Amber Palace was enough to astonish any viewer. Visiting the Lotus Temple, India Gate, and the cremation site of Gandhi were unforgettable experiences.

Even more interesting than the sites we have seen are the locals. Throughout this trip we have had numerous encounters with the generous, kindhearted, welcoming, and sometimes very persistent people of India. Perhaps the most persistent fraction is the street vendors. A comical encounter occurred during an elephant ride in Jaipur, where a vendor ten feet below was attempting to entice me into buying an elephant-adorned quilt. After insisting I wasn’t interested, the blanket was thrown up onto my head: I countered by throwing it back on the vendor’s head. This vendor was not only a good aim, but also a polyglot. He shocked Brad and Ava with his marketing skills in Chinese.

With our week of tourism coming to a close, we began our work at Sulabh Public School for the urban poor and orphans. I was apprehensive at first. Would they like us? Would we make an impact on these children? I soon had my answers. Seeing such bright, disciplined and enthusiastic young children was heartwarming. Their willingness to accept us and dance along with our Michael Jackson and Indian pop playlist was truly adorable. In fact, it was so cute that I wanted to “bring a couple of kids home with me in my suitcase,” as Mrs. Barnes often jokes.

Our passion to make a difference in the lives of these children transcends any language barrier, or any societal differences. In the crafts group I am a part of with Julianne Baker and Shivani Singh, we have made balloon animals and beaded bracelets, which have been a big hit. It brings me much happiness to provide a fun outlet for these children to participate in, which they otherwise would not have the opportunity.

In these two weeks, my life has been profoundly impacted in terms of appreciation for my lifestyle and awareness of the world outside of Rome, Georgia. A special thanks to Shivani Singh for offering this opportunity to me and my fellow schoolmates; to Dr. Amar Singh for his planning that brought this trip to fruition; and to Shivani’s aunt, Anju, her cousin, Aditya, and their assistant, Kuwan, for all of their help.