Last Post

My Pani Yatri is now over and, do you know, it is a little chilly back here, a little bit monochrome and the behaviour on the roads is positively antiseptic. I am missing the radiance of India – sun, sari, bougainvillea- and the vigour and cheerful chaos. The fortnight has been vivid, intense and rewarding and it has been a privilege to meet people whose lives are so markedly unlike my own.

I expected that I would feel gut wrenching pity for these people living on the edge, but to my surprise this has not been my experience. Conversations with villagers were all about solving problems and next steps; the theme of fruitful and sophisticated collaboration within communities was strong. I trusted the project workers insistence on “capacity building” and creating strong structures which had to go hand in hand with environmental development; I trusted their focus on empowering women and developing health and education; I believe I met hope and without doubt I saw progress towards a better life.

If anyone is willing to listen I can knock you out with my knowledge of WHSs (water harvesting structures of course – pay attention) and I could possibly ramble inadequately about some of the politics, local and global, which affect the lives of people on the margins. Just now, though, I am most conscious of the fact that I went a journey and met people who shared their stories – and as a result I am richer.

A couple of final points:

-If anyone is interested I will be uploading a few photographs before next weekend (21/22 Feb)
-I represent a number of donors to Wells for India including the congregation of St Mary’s Cathedral Glasgow and the Balmore Trust, and will be delighted to give more in depth feedback than is possible here.
-Thanks to many – to my friends who cheered me on my way when I was feeling anxious about the trip; the wonderfully wise and kindly group who followed the Pani Yatri with me, without whinging and with abundant humour; and last of all to my lovely family who sponsored me on my trip.
-AND, all of you pessimists out there- digestion was PERFECT!

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~ by imacnaughtan on February 13, 2009.