Dalits Dancing

Training week was extremely enlightening. Not only was the setting conducive to personal, as well as spiritual growth (we were nestled by the Sahayadri mountains near Pune) but also very informative. We discussed some hard facts and had numerous guess speakers discussing topics ranging from tribal communities in India to Indian prisons. Comparisons were made between minorities in the U.S. and Dalits in India as well as the Black Panther movement and the Dalit Panther Movement. Prior to arriving in India, one of my tasks was to compile a presentation on atrocities committed against the Dalit, mainly statistics and graphs, but it wasn’t until I met the so called “untouchables” that the numbers became faces. These individuals were astonishingly intelligent (many of them holding masters and PhDs) and provided endless stimulating conversations. Their fervor for fighting for what is rightly owed to them as members of the human community is inspiring. Ensuring the basic rights of Dalits is not a burden for them, but a duty. One they accept with pride and vigor. The Indian participants were also excited that foreigners had taken an interest in their plight. Many people outside the country are not aware of the pervasiveness of untouchability in India and many upper-caste Indians, whether in the country or abroad act as if it is fictional.

Aside from conversations on Dalits and Women’s rights, we allotted time for cultural exchanges and FUN. We played charades and did the limbo and enjoyed various performances and DANCE parties. Indians are a vibrant and energetic people. This is evident through their dances and in the ways in which they express themselves; hands a-flaring, heads a-shaking, pitches rising. I look forward to learning more about Indian culture.

bird shit, slums, and the like

Finally writing from the subcontinent after an eventful week. While on the flight, one of the young leaders from the group had a seizure. Unaware of any medical conditions, myself and the One World director feared for his life. Panic made me dizzy as I put my head between my legs in order to avoid fainting. The occasion also made me do something I rarely do: pray. As an increasing number of inquisitive Indians gathered around the isle, some claiming to be doctors, I prayed for his wellbeing and our safe landing. Thankfully, he came to after puking and his untroubled attitude reassured us that he would be ok, at least for the moment (we would later see a doctor as a precautionary measure). But the incident would not have any ominous consequences, as we have spent a wonderful week so far. After a warm welcome by our Indian hosts, we made our way through pulsing Mumbai. A myriad of memories came rushing back as my senses were inundated by the sore sights, sounds and smells of India. The incessant honking left a ringing in my ears and the foul stench of latrines trounced the fainter smell of sweat and curry. Passing the great number of homeless sleeping on the concrete below a Virgin Mobile bill board and luxury cars passing rickshaws really highlighted the despair amidst development of this oversized city. Overwhelmed, we arrived at Summer Land Guest House in East Dadar well after midnight and fell asleep to the loud buzzing of the AC.

On the second day of my arrival, I got shitted on by a bird, an auspicious sign according to one of the young leaders. So with my lucky brand, I along with 7 of the 8 young leaders and the One World director, walked around to the bewildered stares of the locals. After breakfast, currency exchange, and some waiting and walking, we headed to the slums of Mumbai. Most of the people in these slumps are barefoot, hungry untouchables. Their skins toasted a dark almond brown by arduous work, smoke and sun. The undersized children with their hopeful eyes and dirty cheeks followed us around with smiling faces as we visited the homes of pottery makers. They spat back the few English words we had taught them and giggled confused by our responses. I am constantly amazed by the undying fervor of the human spirit. Despite all odds and atrocities, these people persist. I am truly looking forward to improving the lives of the Dalits and hope that I can make a change, albeit small.