OUTSIDER VIEW

International youth volunteers and trainees who visited India to work or teach share their experience and impression of the country

- Isha Jerath

PRABODHA FERNANDO

23, Sri Lanka

India, to me, is a very familiar so-ciety because I’m from Sri Lan-ka. What first struck me is that Indians are very good at driving – I think if you can drive in India, you can drive anywhere in the world. I love India’s traditions and festivals. Indians enjoy life very much, always dancing, singing and laughing – I love that! The street food especially is amazing. I love the many languages. I like the way Indian women dress and the colour combinations they wear.

As a volunteer in a Delhi school, I also saw some negative aspects of India. I realised that even little students marginalise others based on their parents’ jobs. I also found people in India to be more selfish compared with Sri Lankans! I don’t like aggressive people, but I did meet some in India. My experience taught me how to deal with people and how to spend my money wisely.

BRUNA OLIVEIRA BRAZ

27, Brazil

Before arriving in India in late 2019, I did my research on what to expect, but I tried not to have any preconceived notions. I wanted to keep an open mind and not disrespect anyone’s cultural values.

I had many experiences while travelling, many were remarkable. I noticed that things like noise, traffic and pollution – which usually disturb people from my country – didn’t really disturb Indians! By the end of my time there, even I got used to them. I wonder if this has to do with Indian religiousness.