Day 1`- Delhi
I landed in Delhi and was immediately relieved that the 16 hour flight was over. With no leg room, three crying babies in the row next to me and some uncle behind me that felt the need to put his hand on the back of my head rest every time he had to get up for the bathroom but being here has made it all worth it. I realize now how much I really missed the sights and sounds of India. The second I left the airport the humid, end of monsoon season air clung to my skin but I never enjoyed it more. Anything was better than a freezing plane.
After I arrived I realized how much was going on in the country and city. Anna Hazare, the leader of the movement against corruption here in India was just arrested last night here in Delhi. Kiran Bedi, India’s most famous female policeman and staunch supporter of Ana was also arrested for peaceful protests. The whole atmosphere makes you wonder what it felt like when Gandhiji was protesting against the British.
The protests are also something unique to India. In almost any other country I can imagine they would have become fierce riots by now but because this is India not a single finger has been lifted at all. Supporters of Anna Hazare have subscribed to complete peaceful civil disobedience. So I can quite easily say that because I am here I am seeing history in the making.
My friend’s new house is gorgeous and it’s nice to see some familiar faces. Tomorrow I will be left alone to do what I please. Let’s see what I come up with..
I landed in Delhi and was immediately relieved that the 16 hour flight was over. With no leg room, three crying babies in the row next to me and some uncle behind me that felt the need to put his hand on the back of my head rest every time he had to get up for the bathroom but being here has made it all worth it. I realize now how much I really missed the sights and sounds of India. The second I left the airport the humid, end of monsoon season air clung to my skin but I never enjoyed it more. Anything was better than a freezing plane.
After I arrived I realized how much was going on in the country and city. Anna Hazare, the leader of the movement against corruption here in India was just arrested last night here in Delhi. Kiran Bedi, India’s most famous female policeman and staunch supporter of Ana was also arrested for peaceful protests. The whole atmosphere makes you wonder what it felt like when Gandhiji was protesting against the British.
The protests are also something unique to India. In almost any other country I can imagine they would have become fierce riots by now but because this is India not a single finger has been lifted at all. Supporters of Anna Hazare have subscribed to complete peaceful civil disobedience. So I can quite easily say that because I am here I am seeing history in the making.
My friend’s new house is gorgeous and it’s nice to see some familiar faces. Tomorrow I will be left alone to do what I please. Let’s see what I come up with..
Day 2- Delhi
I woke up today to the sound of the Vedas, ringing bells and the sweet smell of jasmine flowers and incense. Due to jetlag this was at 6:30am and so after my morning puja and chai I did not have much to do until much later in the morning. Listening to bhajans in the morning I decided to go to the ISKCON temple in Delhi to see Lord Krishna. Though I am not a member ISKCON I have always enjoyed their temples because of their cleanliness and enthusiasm. Just as Adi Shankaracharya wrote:
Bhaja Govindam Bhaja Govindam Govindam Bhaja Mudamithe Samprapte Sannihite Kaale Nahi Nahi Rakshati Dukrijinkaare.
Meaning simply, worship the lord! Oh fools, grammar will not save you in the end. Though I do not totally agree with ISKCON from an orthodox standpoint I do admit that they have opened a gateway to those unlearned in the Vedas and orthodox scriptures by Bhakti. Which in my idea, devotion and purity, is by far more important than though proper performance of ritual. Though at the same time, I agree we must do everything to save those rituals in our mind as a base for our devotion.
Bhaja Govindam Bhaja Govindam Govindam Bhaja Mudamithe Samprapte Sannihite Kaale Nahi Nahi Rakshati Dukrijinkaare.
Meaning simply, worship the lord! Oh fools, grammar will not save you in the end. Though I do not totally agree with ISKCON from an orthodox standpoint I do admit that they have opened a gateway to those unlearned in the Vedas and orthodox scriptures by Bhakti. Which in my idea, devotion and purity, is by far more important than though proper performance of ritual. Though at the same time, I agree we must do everything to save those rituals in our mind as a base for our devotion.
I, being white and wearing a choti and saffron dhoti, was confused as being a pundit while I was there at least a dozen times. It was nice though to not be looked at twice because of what I was wearing or how my hair was tied, at least in the way people usually look at me in… utter confusion. After, I went on a quick shopping spree around Connaught Place, A market left over from colonial times. The architecture is purely British but the shops are incredibly global. You can find anything from Levi Jeans and KFC to hand woven Indian tapestries and French cuisine. Being mid-day the weather in Delhi had become stifling and so I headed home as soon as I could.
Day 3- Delhi
I awoke and went through my usual morning rituals; showering, waiting for my tea and talking to my parents. During the day I stayed at home visiting Sauravs Dadi Ma (Fathers mothers) and relaxing since I know soon I won’t have a minute to myself after the beginning of classes of my program. She is an amazing woman with stories to tell that could keep someone listening for hours. She could tell about her many international trips, the incredibly connected people she knows, her time protesting and being arrested only to be placed in Tihar political prison for years. Her sense of humor and he grace of speech bring to light many of the undercurrents of the situation now with Anna Hazare and the current state of affairs of the Indian governmental system.
Day 3- Delhi
I awoke and went through my usual morning rituals; showering, waiting for my tea and talking to my parents. During the day I stayed at home visiting Sauravs Dadi Ma (Fathers mothers) and relaxing since I know soon I won’t have a minute to myself after the beginning of classes of my program. She is an amazing woman with stories to tell that could keep someone listening for hours. She could tell about her many international trips, the incredibly connected people she knows, her time protesting and being arrested only to be placed in Tihar political prison for years. Her sense of humor and he grace of speech bring to light many of the undercurrents of the situation now with Anna Hazare and the current state of affairs of the Indian governmental system.
In the evening we left for bowling with Piyush… I bowled the worst I ever have…. And then went to the acclaimed best Panwalla in all of Delhi. It was a sight, the nicest cars and richest people all crowded around this tiny many in the city center of Delhi. He has been the only Panwalla I have ever seen to be able to change 500 rupee notes without complaining. I have to agree though that he does make the best pan I have ever had.
We also got a chance to stop by India Gate and see the protests in support of Anna Hazare and the anti-corruption bill. The atmosphere was infectious; so many people with a single goal. Indian flags were held by nearly everyone and those who did not carry flags danced or raised their arms in protest. Though this was a protest it was interesting to see that there was no air of animosity, if only toward the central government. There was no feeling of hate except at what was being protested. The feeling was so infectious I almost wanted to stay longer than we did.
We also got a chance to stop by India Gate and see the protests in support of Anna Hazare and the anti-corruption bill. The atmosphere was infectious; so many people with a single goal. Indian flags were held by nearly everyone and those who did not carry flags danced or raised their arms in protest. Though this was a protest it was interesting to see that there was no air of animosity, if only toward the central government. There was no feeling of hate except at what was being protested. The feeling was so infectious I almost wanted to stay longer than we did.
Day 4- Delhi
Today it was raining badly but I took the car to Khan Market to buy some topis in support of Anna Hazare… of course that’s the excuse I give but truly I’ve always liked the look of the Nehru topi. I then visited Qutab Minar; the largest free standing minaret in the world. The whole complex was amazing. I huge mixture of architectural styles as the complex existed from the 11th century on wards. The Ashok pillar stands in the center courtyard of the complex. A feat of engineering of which even today we cannot compete metallurgicaly. I had known that to build the complex a lot of stone was taken from Hindu temples that the Delhi sultanate had destroyed but I was surprised that one could quite clearly make out the carvings of Hindu deities on many of the stones. There were even a few stones which had complete “wall” deities on them, undisturbed and undamaged. I did have very mixed feelings about this. On one hand the architecture and feat of engineering for the complex was amazing but on the other the builders had defaced so many sacred temples I became slightly angry though of course nothing can be done now.
In the evening I met up with a few close friends that I hadn’t seen in months. It was great to see them and feel as if it were freshman year of college again. We danced the night away at a place called Shiro. An amazing club/ restraunt but I was surprised that as good as the music was and as strong the drinks were very few people were dancing. Let’s hope the clubs in Bangalore are different.
Day 5-8 Bangalore
I arrived in Bangalore amidst the hustle and bustle just before Krishna Janmashtami. I spent the first two days reacquainting myself with Bangalore and helping Poojas grandmother “Pathi” get ready for the festivities. I really missed Bangalore; easily it is one of my favorite cities in the world. The first puja for the holiday was meant for only family and so was very sweet to be a part of. Tomorrow evening Pathi will have nearly 30 people from her Carnatic singing group here to celebrate properly.
The orientation to Christ University has been fantastic. Everyone has been extremely helpful and the program seems to have taken every precaution for the participants of the program. We are required to wear formal clothes when the program starts officially on Monday
The orientation to Christ University has been fantastic. Everyone has been extremely helpful and the program seems to have taken every precaution for the participants of the program. We are required to wear formal clothes when the program starts officially on Monday
Tonight I am meeting Vamsi. It’ll be great to see him as it has been a year or two since I have met him. He will be here for the rest of the time that I will be here in Bangalore so I am a bit more at ease with navigating day to day life here knowing that if I have any real problem I can have someone my own age show me the ropes. I have also finally gotten in touch with Mana. One my Poojas best friends from high school. She seems extremely nice on the phone and says she will help show me around campus and the surrounding area.
So far a great beginning in Bangalore; good friends, good food and a good school, it looks like this will turn out to be an amazing experience.
