Jain Spirit 2003 10 No 16

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 46

YOUTH
A Passage To India
A PASSAGE TO INDIA
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44
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Joy of childhood
T
bgh RAVELLING IS THE fulfilment of one of my dreams. Being able to observe cultural differences and to gain insight into another way of life is what I find truly inspiring. The best way to experience the essence of a country is to actually live there and work with local people: a live lesson in the Jain principle of anekantvada (multiplicity of viewpoints) if you will. So when the opportunity to go to India arose, I accepted it with relish.
Underprivileged children inspire Heena Gudka toward simplicity
I stayed in a children's care home in Tamil Nadu, where I helped to care for the youngsters. I also worked at a local school and a nearby hospital, teaching conversational English to the pupils and the trainee doctors. Upon arrival, I was overwhelmed by the enormous effort they made to welcome me into their home. The children's smiles were so warm that feeling unappreciated or not needed could never enter into the equation.
The accommodation was very basic but clean. I had to get over my squeamishness about insects as I was sharing my room with many six-legged friends! I did not have the luxury of having a western commode; instead there was a hole in the ground and a bucket of water for a flush. It was quite
an adjustment to get used to living without creature comforts but I realised that it was all about give and take and accepting that this is their way of life. I expected to feel homesick at some point, but actually I didn't at all. The staff and children looked after me very well and I found myself to be a constant source of fascination and amusement to the children, who would follow me around wherever I went within the home.
On a typical day, the children awoke at 5 a.m. and carried out their duties of cleaning and washing their own clothes. They slept on the floor in large communal rooms without beds or mattresses. Meals were simple and eaten off a banana leaf. Despite the fact that these children had very few privileges and material possessions, they were the happiest children I have seen. I could sense such a spirit and soul in them. They have so little by Western standards, yet are immensely grateful just to be there, realising that they are the fortunate few. Life was indeed simple, but it was infused with compassion, respect and happiness.
The children from the home were educated locally. They walked to school in the scorching heat with no feet protection. The school I was teaching at was very basic with no chairs, desks or fans. Yet, the students sitting in rows on the floor facing the blackboard looked enthusiastic and made my teaching experience most fulfilling. I learnt as much from these children as they did from me. I did not have any previous teaching experience, so walking into a classroom of forty pupils was daunting to say the least! At
Jain Spirit September November 2003
Heena's class
first I had serious doubts about my ability to cope but I soon discovered that the children were very eager to learn. I was settled in no time and merrily singing "If you're happy and you know it'. 302015
My time in South India was a wonderful opportunity to help a community in need and to fully immerse myself into a whole new world. Teaching was hard at times, but very rewarding. Staying and working with the local villagers gave me a special insight I would not have found otherwise. Though I never really got used to the poverty (and I don't think anyone brought up in the West really can), this experience made me humble and will put any hardship I have to deal with into perspective. It was a privilege to be with these children and an experience I shall remember for the rest of my life.
Heena Gudka lives and works in the UK and is passionate on about travelling.
Photos courtesy of author