Vanakkam from India!
I’ve been here for almost two months and I can hardly believe how quickly the time has flown by, or how much I’ve experienced and learnt. I know not everyone has the opportunity to travel so far or immerse themselves in a different culture, which makes me all the more grateful to have this experience. In the two months that I’ve been here, I’ve learnt a great deal about India, its people, and their culture. These experiences will surely stay with me for a long time to come.
I’m working at a girls’ school, and it’s fascinating to see how school life works here in India. There are many differences compared to Germany. Around 3,000 pupils attend the school, which I find quite impressive! There are also two hostels on campus where around 300 girls live during term time. They go home during the holidays or on public holidays.
During term time, the girls have a structured daily routine. My duties here consist of office work in the mornings and afternoons. For the past few days, I have also been teaching some of the hostel residents English in the evenings. I really enjoy that! Sometimes, however, it can be overwhelming when everyone talks to me at once. Many of the girls speak very little English, which sometimes makes communication difficult, but they try very hard to make sure that we understand each other.
Life here in India is very different to what I had imagined in Germany. From the moment I arrived, the people here put all my worries to rest. They showed me from the outset that I could turn to them at any time if I had any problems. They always make sure I’m well and have everything I need. This isn’t something I’m used to, but it’s a way of life here.
When I had my first minor problems, they were there for me straight away. They supported me, offered solutions and proved time and again that I can rely on them. Even though I am the only volunteer here, I never feel alone. The hospitality in this country is simply incredible.
It’s not only the people who inspire me daily, but also the country’s incredible diversity – its food, nature, religions, clothing, languages, weather and jewellery.
India is such a colourful, diverse country! I learn something new about the culture, the people or everyday life here almost every day.
For example, did you know that alongside English, there are officially 22 other languages spoken in India? I find that truly fascinating!
Religion also has a strong influence on the country. Hinduism is the largest religion, but when you walk through the streets, you see temples, churches and mosques, often right next to one another. I’m impressed by this diversity, and I’m excited to see what else I’ll get to experience in the coming months.
India is also truly a land of festivals – there’s always something to celebrate! Just a week ago, for example, Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, was celebrated. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil and of light over darkness.
Thanks to the incredible hospitality, I was invited to celebrate Diwali at a mountain hotel. From there, I could look out over the whole of Madurai and enjoy the breathtaking fireworks, which were a real highlight for me!
The food in India never fails to delight me. It plays a very big role here. At first, I had to get used to the large portions and the constant refills!
Here, we eat three times a day – breakfast, lunch and dinner – and everything is served warm. And of course, there are tea breaks in between! The question “Saapittirgal-aa?” (“Have you eaten yet?”) follows me almost everywhere, whether it’s the office, the hostel or the school playground. I must have heard it at least 15 times during my lunch break! It’s a bit like the Indian equivalent of “How are you?”.
I hope I’ve given you a little insight into my first few weeks here in India.
I’m already looking forward to telling you all about my experiences again next time!
See you soon!
Barbara from India
This text was automatically translated using an AI-powered translation system.
