Tag Archives: education

Work with Hasseris Gymnasium, Denmark

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Hosting “Real India”: A Field Journey with Students from Denmark

There are some experiences that stay with you not just because of their scale, but because of the responsibility they carry and the lessons they leave behind. Organizing and hosting an educational visit for a group of 56 students and 4 professors from Hasseris Gymnasium, Denmark, was one such experience for me : intense, challenging, meaningful, and deeply rewarding.This was not just another assignment. It was the first time I was handling a group of this size on my own, and more importantly, a group that had come with a clear intention to understand the “real India,” beyond monuments and postcards, and to engage with the social realities faced by communities at the grassroots level.

From planning and logistics to cultural sensitivity and crisis management, this journey tested me at every step. But it also reaffirmed why I do what I do.

 

Students at Lok Samiti

The Beginning: Excitement Mixed with Nervousness

When I first received confirmation about the group, my initial reaction was a mix of excitement and anxiety. Hosting international visitors was not new to me, but managing a group of 60 people : students and professors together was an entirely different challenge. The expectations were high. This was not a leisure tour. It was an educational immersion. The students were curious, observant, and eager to learn. Their professors were experienced and detail-oriented. I knew that every aspect of the visit had to be carefully thought through.

The biggest concern at the beginning was simple but critical: logistics.

The Transport Challenge: Solving a Complex Puzzle

One of the first major hurdles was transportation. The plan was to take the group to Nagepur village, where they would interact with the grassroots organization Lok Samiti and experience rural life firsthand. However, there was a problem. The streets leading into the village were narrow, too narrow for a large bus to navigate comfortably. Bringing a 60-seater bus into the village would not only be impractical but could also disrupt the local environment. After careful consideration, I decided on an alternative solution: instead of one large vehicle, I arranged 15 Toyota Innova Crysta cars.

This decision came with its own complexities:

  • Coordinating 15 drivers
  • Ensuring all vehicles arrived on time
  • Managing group distribution
  • Maintaining communication across vehicles

But it was the most practical and respectful way to access the village without causing inconvenience to the residents. Looking back, this decision set the tone for the entire visit, it was about adapting to the local context rather than imposing external convenience.

Planning with Lok Samiti: Designing an Authentic Experience

A key part of the visit was the collaboration with Lok Samiti, a grassroots organization working in the Varanasi region on issues related to community development, environment, and social justice. I worked closely with Mr. Nandlal Master, the convener of Lok Samiti, to design the structure of the visit. Our goal was clear: we did not want to create a staged or artificial experience. We wanted the students to feel the authenticity of rural India.

We discussed the flow of the day in detail:

  1. A traditional welcome
  2. Refreshments
  3. An introductory presentation
  4. A documentary screening
  5. Village visits and community interaction
  6. A plantation activity
  7. Lunch and discussion
  8. Open Q&A session

Every element was intentional. Every segment had a purpose.

Lok Samiti workers, drivers, Nandlal Master and I

A Warm Welcome: First Impressions Matter

When the group arrived at Lok Samiti, we began with a traditional Indian welcome. Each student and professor was greeted with:

  • A scarf (angavastram)
  • A rudraksha mala
  • A tilak (teeka) applied on the forehead

This moment was simple, yet powerful. It immediately created a cultural connection. For many of the students, it was their first direct experience of such a traditional form of hospitality. You could see curiosity, smiles, and a sense of openness emerging right from the beginning.

Welcome

Refreshments and Settling In

After the welcome, we arranged tea and light snacks. This gave everyone time to relax after the journey and adjust to the new environment. These small transitions are important. They create space for people to absorb their surroundings before engaging in deeper discussions.

Refreshment time

Understanding Lok Samiti: The Indoor Session

We then moved to an indoor session where the team from Lok Samiti introduced their work.

This included:

  • An overview of their mission and activities
  • Introduction to field workers and volunteers
  • Distribution of informational booklets

The idea was to provide context before taking the students into the field. It helped them understand the social, environmental, and political dimensions of the work being done.

Traditional way to inaugrate the program

The Documentary: A Powerful Story of Resistance

One of the most impactful parts of the session was the screening of a documentary about Lok Samiti’s struggle against Coca-Cola.

The film highlighted:

  • Issues of groundwater depletion
  • Environmental degradation
  • Community mobilization
  • Grassroots activism

The students watched with deep interest. For many of them, this was their first exposure to such a movement in rural India. It also sparked questions that would later shape the discussion sessions.

Into the Village: Real Engagement Begins

After the indoor sessions, it was time to step into the village. Managing such a large group in a rural setting required careful planning. To ensure meaningful interaction, I divided the students into five smaller groups.

Each group was led by:

  • Myself
  • Two additional guides
  • Members of Lok Samiti

This structure allowed for more personal and immersive experiences.

 

Community Interaction: The Heart of the Visit

My primary focus was community interaction. We organized visits to local homes, where students could:

  • Sit with families
  • Observe daily life
  • Ask questions
  • Understand challenges firsthand

These moments were not scripted. They were organic and often emotional.

The students encountered:

  • Simplicity and resilience
  • Resource limitations
  • Strong community bonds

For many, this was a transformative experience. It shifted their understanding of poverty, development, and dignity.

Community interaction

Plantation Activity: Leaving Something Behind

Another important part of the visit was the plantation program. The students actively participated in planting trees across the village. This was not just symbolic, it was a way of contributing to the community. We also requested the villagers to take care of the planted trees, ensuring that this act would have a lasting impact. The activity created a sense of shared responsibility and connection between the visitors and the local community.

Plantation

Lunch and Informal Conversations

After the village visit and plantation activity, everyone returned to the Lok Samiti office for lunch. This was a much-needed break, but it was also a time for informal conversations. Students discussed their experiences, shared observations, and reflected on what they had seen.

The Q&A Session: Deep and Meaningful Dialogue

Post-lunch, we organized an open question-and-answer session. We invited Lok Samiti workers and volunteers working on various issues to engage directly with the students.

The range of topics covered was extensive:

  • Coca-Cola and environmental concerns
  • Women’s rights and health
  • Education challenges
  • Gender issues
  • Community development
  • Social inequality

The students asked thoughtful and sometimes difficult questions. The responses were honest, grounded, and insightful. This session stood out as one of the most intellectually engaging parts of the visit.

Question and Answer session

A Joyful Ending: Music, Dance, and Connection

Before concluding the visit, something beautiful happened. The students from Denmark and the children studying at the Lok Samiti school came together in a spontaneous celebration of music and dance. There was laughter, energy, and pure joy. Moments like these go beyond language and culture. They create human connections that are difficult to describe but impossible to forget.

Students dancing

Acts of Kindness: Gifts and Support

The visiting students had brought gifts for the children at the Lok Samiti school. These were distributed, bringing smiles and excitement. In addition, they made a financial contribution. I later used this donation to purchase sweaters for all 550 children studying at the school. This gesture ensured that the impact of their visit would continue beyond a single day.

When the Plan Changes: Unexpected Challenges

Just when I thought the day had ended successfully, a new challenge emerged. The program coordinator informed me of sudden changes:

  • Their hotel had been changed at the last moment
  • Their train had been cancelled
  • They would now travel to Delhi by bus

This raised several concerns. From my experience, certain things did not add up. For example:

  • Booking 60 first AC train tickets together is highly unusual
  • Changing a five-star hotel after one night seemed suspicious

It appeared that there might have been some mismanagement or possibly a scam by their travel agent. However, at that moment, my role was not to investigate but to support.

Another Challenge: Arranging Dinner for 60 People

The group then requested packed dinner boxes for their journey. This was not a simple task. The key concern was food suitability. Many international visitors are not accustomed to spicy Indian food, and I wanted to ensure that the meals were comfortable and safe for them. I reached out to my niece, who runs a kitchen, and explained the situation. She prepared meals specifically tailored for the group : mild, balanced, and suitable for their taste. Coordinating the preparation and delivery of 60 meal boxes on short notice was challenging, but it was completed successfully.

The Final Stretch: Ending on a Positive Note

Despite the unexpected complications, everything was eventually managed. The group departed safely, well-fed, and satisfied. For me, it was a moment of relief and quiet satisfaction.

Reflections: What This Experience Meant to Me

This entire journey was more than just an assignment.

It was:

  • A test of my planning and problem-solving abilities
  • A lesson in adaptability
  • A reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity
  • A reaffirmation of the value of grassroots engagement

I started the day feeling nervous about handling such a large group. I ended it with confidence, experience, and gratitude.

Looking Ahead

This experience has opened new possibilities. I look forward to working again with Hasseris Gymnasium in the future and continuing to create meaningful, educational, and responsible travel experiences. Because in the end, what matters is not just showing places but creating understanding.

Real journeys are not about destinations. They are about connections, challenges, and the stories we carry forward.

 

Contributed 300 books to a library

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I have a friend in the US named Mr. Lane Rasberry, who is a social worker and data scientist by profession. I met him for the first time in 2007 when he was living in Varanasi to learn Hindi. We’ve been in touch ever since and have collaborated on many different projects. His dream was to establish a library in Varanasi for students. He contacted the Seattle Public Library to donate books for Varanasi students, and they generously provided almost 350 books covering a wide range of subjects, including science, math, geography, culture, and religion.

Books provided by Lane

He sent me a large consignment containing all the books and some other materials. The consignment arrived at the Kolkata port but promptly became entangled in a corrupt bureaucratic process. I received a call from someone at the Kolkata port office who informed me that my consignment could not be released because they had found offensive materials within it, violating Indian law. I inquired about the nature of these “offensive materials” and was told that they were materials related to sex education.

Books at the library of Lok Samiti

I laughed incredulously when I heard this. The irony was palpable: a country that gave the world the Kama Sutra and boasts erotic art in its sacred Hindu temples was now being told that sex education materials were prohibited. It was clear that this was just a pretext; there was something more sinister at play. He requested that I visit his office in Kolkata, but being preoccupied, I enlisted the help of my friends Babu and Marc.

They traveled to Kolkata the following day and met with the officer. The officer offered numerous excuses for withholding the consignment, primarily focusing on a few sex education chapters within a couple of books. It was astonishing to witness his meticulous examination of every page in those hundreds of books. If government officials consistently displayed such vigilance and integrity, India’s landscape would undoubtedly be transformed.

They excelled at their jobs when corruption and bribery were involved, but their competence vanished when it came to fulfilling their duties honestly. Babu and Marc contacted another officer who revealed that the “offensive material” was merely a pretext for a bribe. Seeking guidance on how to approach the officer, they were advised that a direct bribe request was unlikely and that they should instead contact the officer’s assistant.

Ultimately, they contacted the assistant who explicitly stated that the consignment would not be released without a bribe of Rs. 10,000. Despite Babu’s explanation that the books were destined for non-profit work, the assistant remained unyielding. Faced with no other recourse, they reluctantly paid the bribe, securing the release of the consignment. A subsequent courier service was engaged to transport the consignment to Varanasi, which arrived approximately a week later.

The next challenge was determining the library’s location. My home, with ample space and a ready demand, was a viable option. At that time, I was involved in an educational program for underprivileged children called “Chance India,” led by my Hungarian friend, Mr. Attila Csapo. As the program coordinator, I oversaw the education of 70 children—28 from the city and 42 from a village. These children were enrolled in the nearest English-medium schools to their homes.

Our village children were selected from an NGO called Lok Samiti, which operates a school named Asha Samajik Vidyalay. While the school has made significant progress, it still lacked many resources. Previously, it was merely a better alternative to no education at all. Despite having proper classes and teachers, the school required substantial improvements. We selected forty-two students from Asha Samajik Vidyalay and enrolled them in a proper English-medium school. Initially, I considered establishing the library at my home, but something held me back.

I realized that establishing a library at my home would limit the number of beneficiaries to perhaps the twenty-eight city children. Another potential location, Asha Samajik Vidyalay, lacked both a library and the necessary space. After discussing this with Nandlal Master, the coordinator of Lok Samiti, I learned that they were planning to open a library soon. Therefore, I decided to wait and donate the books to Lok Samiti once their library was operational.

Years passed without Lok Samiti realizing their library plans. Then came the Covid-19 pandemic, which brought everything to a standstill. My own health deteriorated, making for a challenging year. As normalcy gradually returned in 2023, Lok Samiti finally opened its library. The library was a collaborative effort, supported by individuals and organizations alike. Many former students of Lok Samiti contributed to its establishment.

I finally organized all the books and donated them to the library of Asha Samajik Vidyalay in Nagepur village, Varanasi, which is run by Lok Samiti. The school children had never seen such a diverse collection of books. Their enthusiasm for the new library was evident. Lane, Nandlal Master, and I were immensely gratified to see the books finally benefiting the community. Marc tragically passed away a few years ago from sudden liver failure. His joy at seeing these books become part of a proper library is undoubtedly immense, even in his absence. The library serves as a humble tribute to his invaluable contributions.

My next goal is to assist in establishing another library at an education center run by my friend, Mr. Amit Rajbhar. He operates special classes for children of kiln workers and also runs a school for children aged 5 to 15. I am hopeful about being able to contribute to this project as well.

Local newspaper also reported the story

Assistance for Children of Kiln Workers

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I have a friend who is a social worker by profession and works with the children of kiln workers in Varanasi. The laborers who operate the kilns primarily come from rural or tribal areas of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand. They migrate with their entire families to work sites in Uttar Pradesh and other regions. They reside at the construction sites in makeshift brick houses lacking cement plaster or a permanent roof. These homes are constructed by stacking bricks and using a tin sheet as a makeshift roof.

Mr. Amit Rajbhar with his wife

This is a seasonal job that begins in October after the monsoon ends and concludes in late June with the monsoon’s arrival. The work hours are demanding, with shifts starting at 10 PM and lasting until 4 PM the following day – an 18-hour workday. Workers typically take a short break, no longer than two hours, for meals during this period. Everyone in the family contributes, including young children as young as six or seven. While adults handle the primary tasks, children assist in various ways. With both parents working long hours, childcare and cooking fall primarily on the children.

Children of Kiln workers

Imagine enduring such grueling work hours under the open sky. The conditions are extreme. During March, April, May, and June, temperatures soar between 38 and 52 degrees Celsius (102 and 125 Fahrenheit). In contrast, December, January, and February bring frigid temperatures ranging from 35 to 5 degrees Celsius (95 to 40 Fahrenheit). The scorching heat, particularly in May, June, and July, is often accompanied by intense, deadly winds. Yet, these laborers are forced to toil under these inhumane conditions.

Look at their house in the background

My friend, Amit Rajbhar, has dedicated himself to working with the children of kiln workers. He strives to keep them engaged in productive activities. He runs a non-formal education center offering daily classes in basic subjects like math, Hindi, science, general knowledge, and hygiene. Amit’s goal is to create a brighter future for the next generation. He acknowledges that the immediate benefits for these children might be limited, but he believes his efforts will positively impact their children.

Brick making

Amit believes that educating these children will break the cycle of child labor. He shared a heartwarming story about a family he worked with in 2022. The following year, their children refused to return to work, expressing a desire to attend school instead. They asked their parents to continue working in Varanasi while they stayed with grandparents in their village to pursue education. This remarkable outcome exemplifies the positive impact of Amit’s work on breaking the cycle of child labor within a family.

Children of the kiln workers

I was familiar with Amit’s work but had never visited his site. When a guest expressed interest in helping underprivileged children, I decided to take her there. I was deeply shocked by the conditions and the children’s stories. It was late December, with temperatures around 10 degrees and cloudy skies. None of the children wore warm clothes or shoes, playing barefoot in the open.

Sweet distribution

I was heartbroken and struggled to hold back tears. Their stories haunted me, and I desperately wanted to help. Providing warm clothes and shoes seemed like an immediate need. I explored ways to raise funds for these essentials, including reaching out to my contacts. Unfortunately, despite promises from a few, I couldn’t secure the necessary funds. My efforts were met with constant setbacks.

I stayed in constant contact with Amit about the children. Their stories were constantly on my mind. I was determined to help them in 2023. The monsoon of 2023 finally arrived, and the families returned to their villages in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand. Amit informed me about the start of kiln operations in Varanasi and the families’ expected return in late September. I visited them in late October and began planning a cloth supply for them.

I was thinking about whom to ask for help and suddenly a name clicked in my mind Mr. Amit Marathe whom I met in Varanasi in September 2023. He was an IT professional from Pune but was living in the US. I met with him when he was touring Varanasi and I worked with him as his guide in Varanasi and Ayodhya. I get to meet new people from all over the world but his name clicked in my mind first because of the kind of experience I had with him.

He came from a lower-middle-class family in Pune. His father drove a tuk-tuk. After attending a regular government school and overcoming challenges, he eventually achieved success. His humble background gave him a deep understanding of poverty. He often discussed India’s problems, such as poverty and corruption. Despite living in the US, he actively participated in Indian cultural activities. He was a very proud Indian with a strong desire to help others.

I thought I should ask him if he knew anyone involved in charity work in India. I explained the situation of those kids to him. I didn’t expect him to fund the kids, but after hearing their stories, he asked how much money was needed. He asked me to wait a few minutes and then sent me a receipt for the money transferred into my account. Mr. Amit told me he often does charity work in India and that I should have mentioned the kids when he was touring with me.

It was incredibly kind of him to immediately provide funds for the children’s clothes and other necessities. Finding such a supporter made me incredibly happy and brought tears to my eyes. I imagined the children’s faces when they received the clothes and shoes. I called Amit, my social worker friend, to determine the age group and number of children. The next day, I went to the market to buy warm clothes and shoes, including jackets, warm innerwear, gloves, socks, shoes, and woolen caps.

Bag of supplies

Now I had enough money for all those kids; in fact, the money given by Mr. Amit from the US was sufficient to support even more children. I went to the work site with all the supplies. As soon as the kids heard I had lots of gifts for them, they jumped with joy. Their happiness was indescribable. I distributed everything among them and had also brought sweets and samosas that we enjoyed together. It was a truly wonderful experience that will stay with me forever.

Mr. Amit, his wife and kids

I had some money left from the fund, which I used to buy woolen caps for the children at Asha Samajik Vidyalay, another non-profit run by my friend Mr. Nandlal Master. The kids there were equally delighted to receive the caps. I hope to continue doing this every year or whenever needed. A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Amit Marathe from the US for his generous support and to Mr. Amit Rajbhar for his care for the children.

Kids at Asha Samajik Vidyalay

Bhopal

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The City

I visited Bhopal for the first time with a friend, and I really loved the place, especially the way Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department has organized tourism in the state. There was a small issue with the hotel booking, but it was fine in the end. We stayed at Ranjeet Hotel near the railway station. The hotel was nice for the amount I paid, but when I had tried to book it over the phone from Varanasi, they told me there were no rooms available. We reached Bhopal around 10:30 PM without any booking, but since we already knew about Ranjeet Hotel, we decided to take a chance and show up there. Surprisingly, even though they had told me earlier that no rooms were available, they still gave us one. Strange, but definitely good for us.

the city

Bada Lake

We had one important purpose in Bhopal, which was to visit Chingari Trust to learn about their work. We managed to do that the very next day after arriving. With plenty of time left, we decided to explore the city. On the suggestion of the people working at Chingari Trust, we went to see the two famous lakes of Bhopal: Bada Talab and Chhota Talab. Both were wonderful, clean, and offered several options for water sports. Chhota Talab is separated from Bada Talab by an over-bridge. We didn’t try any sports but enjoyed walking around and soaking in the calm atmosphere.

wetland for birds and crocodiles

Beautiful Kids at the Mosque

After visiting the lakes, we took an auto rickshaw back to the hotel. On the way, I asked the driver if there was any other interesting place nearby. He suggested the Darul Uloom Taj-ul-Masjid. I had already read about this mosque and wanted to see it, so we decided to visit before returning to the hotel. It turned out to be one of the best experiences in Bhopal. The mosque was grand and beautiful, and it is considered one of the largest mosques in Asia. Unlike many mosques in India, this one allows women, non-Muslims, and foreigners to enter, which I found very welcoming.

beautiful kids at the mosque

Meeting a Student

Inside the mosque, there is an Islamic school. I met a very nice student who showed me around. He shared his life story and even took me to his room. He told me that he had studied up to Class 12 in a regular school, but afterward, he chose to dedicate himself to Islamic studies. He showed me his books, but when I wanted to touch his Quran, he politely stopped me. He explained that since the Quran is the holiest book for Muslims, there is a specific process of purification required before touching it. I was really impressed by his respect for his faith.

We spoke for nearly two hours about many things, including politics and Hindu-Muslim relations. He told me that Islam strictly prohibits creating tensions between communities, so anyone who does it is not a true Muslim, no matter what they claim. I had heard this before, but it was refreshing to meet a young person who truly believed in it. For me, such people represent the real development of India. We exchanged contact information, and I hope to meet him again whenever I return to Bhopal.

Van Vihar National Park

The next day, we visited a small national park called Van Vihar, located near Bada Talab. It was a peaceful and well-maintained place. They had bicycles for rent, battery-operated vehicles, and of course, walking paths. The park was quiet and clean, with a wide variety of animals such as lions, tigers, leopards, deer, bears, hyenas, crocodiles, and monkeys. The animals seemed to be kept in good condition. The park stretches for about seven kilometers from one end to the other. Plastic bags were banned, and it was a no-horn zone, so it felt very different from the usual chaos of Indian cities. At the far end, there was a cafeteria serving snacks. We rented bicycles, explored the park, and really enjoyed the calm environment.

awesome place

One interesting thing I noticed was the urinal system. They had arranged a separate design for Muslims, since they squat while urinating. It was set up lower to the ground to allow this posture. Despite traveling across India, visiting Muslim friends’ homes, and experiencing many things, I had never seen anything like this before. Bhopal has a large Muslim population, which probably explains the arrangement.

look at the right side ones

More Sites Nearby

Later, we visited Bhimbetka, famous for its ancient cave paintings, and on the way back, we stopped at the Bhojpur Shiva Temple. The next day, we explored Sanchi, known for its Buddhist stupas. All of these places were fascinating, and I thoroughly enjoyed Madhya Pradesh. The weather was pleasant, the city was green and quiet, the sites were clean, and I never encountered touts.

Honestly, my home state has far better tourism potential than Madhya Pradesh, but because of politics and government negligence, tourism here is rarely given priority. If things continue this way, Madhya Pradesh will soon surpass Uttar Pradesh as a leading tourism destination. Visiting Bhopal and its surroundings was a truly memorable experience.