We are all connected

Being a teacher by profession, the summer break that lasts 6 weeks is something I look forward to.  This summer my plans for a vacation were spending time with a friend first and then going to visit family.  However, the best plans can be derailed.  The friend had a crisis and did not come as planned.  Family visit too looked dicey.  In the end I decided, instead of twiddling my thumbs waiting for things to happen why not make things happen?

I had some time back connected with Rachna Dushyant Singh, the moving force behind Ankuri, an acronym for agency for non konventional urban rural initiatives.  Based in uttrakhand, a state known for its natural beauty their literacy program and knitting program were of interest to me.  I wrote to Rachna asking if it would be okay for me to visit.  She wrote back promptly and said I should come and see how they work and stay for as long as I like.  The interns from university of Michigan and Clarke university were there and I could help with a summer school they were engaging in Dehradun.  

Tickets booked and en route to Dehradun, I must admit I had mixed feelings.  I didn't know what exactly I was going to do.  Very rarely do I do things without planning and this was one such no agenda project.  However, I had no fear, even as I was charting unknown territory, it was as if a higher force had taken control, the reins were not in my hand and I did not mind that.

Once there I was struck by the beauty of thikana, a rustic homestay, run by Rachna and her family at bharatwala, about half and hour away from Dehradun.  The warmth and care with which her family opened their home and hearts to me was something I will always treasure.

I learned so much from everyone I met there.  In Rachna I found the tireless urge to do something, a single minded determination to work for others, to make a difference and to speak her mind.  She always had a kind word to say to everyone, be it a young village lad who came looking for work at the homestay, the village folk or the knitters who were part ankuri's knitting program.

From the four interns I met I learnt how determined and focused young girls can be( rather they should be).  As young teachers their enthusiasm and energy was impressive.  Together we made lesson plans, brainstormed and worked on posters for the school.  Long chats in the gazebo and after meals gave me insights into the person behind each one of them.  I even ended up teaching 3 out of 4 of them crochet.

Teaching kids in their early teens is something I have not done.  But I enjoyed my time reading from the jungle book, playing games and indulging in craft with my class.  Assisting is different from being in charge and for a change not being in charge was liberating.

Eight days went by too quickly.  But at the end of it, left me richer!

Richer in terms of-

The friends I had made- Rachna and her family and the interns

The children I met and interacted with touched my life with laughter and pranks.

The knitters- women from the village with their faces etched with smiles and the lines that life had imprinted- reinforced my belief in the power of hand work. 

In knowing that we are all connected.  Nothing is an accident.  Everyone who comes in to your life is meant to.  A karmic connection as Rachna called our bond.