Life Lessons of India

Life Lessons of India

India, a land of vibrant colours, rich history, and unparalleled diversity, offers travellers an experience unlike no other. Yet, amid its breathtaking landscapes and bustling streets lies a stark reality: poverty. As a seasoned traveller in India I often grapple with the immense poverty that coexists alongside its incredible beauty. With everyone I travel to India with I am often asked how do I deal with this, is it too much, will I cope? It is a tricky and difficult question, and it is very personal.

For me shedding light on how to navigate this complex aspect of Indian travel, I draw on personal experiences, particularly my time spent working in the slums of Kolkata. I like to think of these experiences as life lessons to take with me while travelling and once back home.

Arriving in India, it's impossible to ignore the stark juxtaposition of opulence and deprivation. Towering skyscrapers stand mere kilometres away from sprawling slums, where families live in makeshift shelters with limited access to necessities. My first encounter with this reality was in Kolkata, where I volunteered for 10 years with a local NGOs (non for profit organisation) to understand and contribute to grassroots initiatives aimed at uplifting marginalized communities. This was confronting, challenging, tiring but at the end of each day it was truly one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Life lesson number one: Just by being born in middle class, white Australia we have won the lottery of life.  As I stepped into the slums of Kolkata, I was confronted with a reality that was both heart-wrenching and eye-opening. The conditions were harsh, the struggles were real, yet amidst the adversity, there was resilience and an unwavering spirit that left me in awe. I witnessed families living in makeshift shelters, children playing amidst rubble, and women persevering against all odds. The statistics painted a grim picture – over 500,000 unregistered children in the city – but beyond the numbers were countless stories waiting to be heard.

Working and staying in the slums was a humbling experience that brought me face to face with the harsh realities of poverty. Amongst the adversity, I saw resilience, strength, and unwavering kindness. Families welcomed me into their homes, sharing stories of hardship and hope. Children, despite their circumstances, exuded joy and curiosity, finding delight in the simplest of pleasures. Life lesson number two: Clearly happiness is not defined by wealth.  When visiting their homes it is customary to accept food, even in the poorest areas, when invited in I was always offered chai, a sweet biscuit or a curry, of course you cannot say no to these generosities that would be impolite.

However, transitioning from a volunteer immersed in the community to a tourist exploring the streets of Kolkata posed its own set of challenges. The sight of poverty, the persistent pleas of beggars, and the glaring disparities weighed heavy on my conscience. How does one reconcile the privilege of travel with the harsh realities confronting those less fortunate?

Life Lesson number three: acknowledge and respect the dignity of every individual you encounter. While it may be tempting to turn a blind eye or shield oneself from discomfort, confronting poverty head-on fosters empathy and understanding. Rather than viewing poverty as a mere backdrop to my travels, I strive to engage with local communities, listen to their stories, and learn from their resilience. Stop and just smile and listen.

On my first trip to Kolkatta over 10 years ago each morning when I left the train station a one-legged beggar would greet me with a toothless smile while he sat on the dusty corner of a very busy intersection.  Sometimes I gave him change other times I would buy him an egg roll (favourite Bengali breakfast item) which he just loved, he was always polite and friendly.  For 6 weeks we did this ritual and on my final day I gave him $10.00 (a month’s salary for many), he was beyond delighted and was crying with gratitude I held his hand, and we said goodbye.  2 years later I returned to the same intersection looking for him, he was nowhere to be found.  I was overcome with such sadness and just hoped he had found a better spot to sit or perhaps his soul has been reborn into a new life. Life Lesson number 4: we might not be able to change the world but maybe helping the plight of a few individuals is a good starting point.

Beggars, ubiquitous in Indian cities, present a particularly poignant dilemma for travellers. The instinct to alleviate immediate suffering by offering monetary assistance is often tempered by concerns about perpetuating dependency or supporting exploitative practices. I try and adopt a nuanced approach, guided by empathy and discretion.  Instead of indiscriminate giving, I prioritize supporting local initiatives and organizations that address the root causes of poverty. Whether through donations, volunteering, or patronizing ethical enterprises, I seek to contribute to sustainable solutions that empower communities and foster long-term change. My work at Kolkatta and now in Jaipur has given me first-hand experience with this.  My aim is to continue this with my business.

One of the most profound lessons gleaned from my travels in India is the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Life lesson number five: Despite their material deprivation, many individuals I encountered exhibited a profound sense of contentment and joy. Children, in particular, possessed an innate ability to find happiness in the simplest of pleasures – a game of cricket in the narrow dusty alleyway, a shared laugh with friends, or a moment of uninhibited curiosity.

Interactions with these bright-eyed children served as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of human connection. Despite our differences in circumstance and background, we are bound together by our capacity for empathy, compassion, and shared experiences.

As a traveller, navigating poverty in India requires a delicate balance of awareness, empathy, and responsible action. It entails confronting uncomfortable truths, challenging preconceptions, and engaging with local communities in meaningful ways. While the sight of poverty may evoke feelings of helplessness or despair, it also presents an opportunity for introspection, growth, and collective action.

The temptation is to beat yourself up with guilt for having been born on the right side of the world financially but after years of staying in the squalor of Kolkata I’ve learned life lesson number 6 that a bit of self love is OK… finishing the day with G & T while working in India is acceptable

Anyone wanting to travel to India should approach their journey with open hearts and minds, embracing the complexities of the human experience. Foster empathy, advocate for social justice, and supporting sustainable initiatives this can help play a small yet meaningful role in shaping a more equitable and compassionate world.

Pyaar se- Di

(with love)

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