Embarking on my journey to India through the Prime Minister’s Scholarship has proven to be a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs. From language barriers to divergent viewpoints, every obstacle has become a stepping stone towards personal growth and a deeper understanding of India and me. In this post, I want to share my struggles with fellow participants and the disparities in our views, highlighting the transformative experiences in Dharavi and the Manav Sadhna Community Centre.
Upon arriving in India, the language barrier posed an immediate challenge. However, through the universal language of gestures and the virtue of patience, I discovered a way to connect with the locals. The real challenge, though, lay in navigating the differences in opinions among fellow scholarship recipients from various ethnic backgrounds. Recognizing that divergent perspectives are crucial, I’ve learned to appreciate the importance of varied thoughts and feelings. Yet, acknowledging and navigating disconnects arising from privilege disparities between myself and other participants has been an ongoing journey requiring constant adaptation and empathy.
Visiting Dharavi, located in the heart of Mumbai, challenged preconceived notions of any individual when envisioning a “slum community”. If you Google Dharavi, it is often described as “Asia’s largest slum”. However, Dharavi radiates, and very quickly, you view it as a vibrant community thriving on resilience, entrepreneurship, and a profound sense of belonging. Despite material scarcity, the people of Dharavi exhibited an abundance of spirit, love, and determination. It was a humbling experience that reshaped my perspective on what true wealth and community mean.
Photo of children in Dharavi (retrieved from Reality Tours & Travel)
Similarly, my visit to the Manav Sadhna Community Centre, located in a slum in Ahmedabad, is an experience I will treasure forever. Amidst teachers and children, participating in serving lunch and building connections offered an incredible opportunity to witness the resilience of this community. The centre surpasses all expectations and provides formal and non-formal education, nutritious meals, and community-based support programs. The strength and dedication of the individuals, particularly in empowering children, young girls and aiding widowed women, left me profoundly inspired. A concept, “Completing the circle,” emerged—a call to reciprocate experiences by serving and giving back to what and who has given to you. “Serve even if you have less” resonates, emphasizing the significance of time over money. This wisdom is imprinted on my mind and heart, destined to shape my personal and professional journey, driving a commitment to serve, uplift, and positively impact the communities that have supported me on my journey.
In terms of my future career goals, this experience has illuminated the path ahead. Aspiring to work in policy advisory and development, particularly for Māori and Pasifika communities, I have witnessed the effectiveness of community engagement and well-developed policies at NGOs like Manav Sadhna. Despite limited resources, their ability to connect and positively impact has inspired me to approach my career with a similar spirit of resilience and compassion.
So far, my journey in India has been transformative, marked by challenges turned into opportunities for growth. From breaking language barriers to understanding the true essence of community, each encounter has shaped me. As I continue to navigate differences and embrace the diversity of India, I am confident that the lessons learned will serve as a foundation for a future dedicated to positive change and community empowerment.