Banglore

Having arrived in Bangalore we drove for two hours to the peripheral village: a world of no internet access, no electricity, no traffic, where monkeys and children roam around bare footed, singing and dancing traditional Indian folklores. We visited a local temple where the priest performed a welcome blessing ceremony before being allowed to walk around soaking up the pure ambience of simple living.

Everyday we would start the building work at 9am, laying bricks and digging foundations with the homeowners to create a home. Work was tough, emotionally more than physically. Team two picked the short straw, as an insecure mason drove us out of the house on many occasions to avoid our questioning of his skills. It was frustration, standing around not being able to begin what we came to do. We ended up doing a spectrum of tasks, digging foundations, transporting sand and pebbles, building bathroom walls for different homeowners. I leave the village feeling that I contributed, though very much envy the other two teams for having bonded with the families, as this would have intensified the experience to another level. I do not know whether or not to blame myself, for not having spoke sooner to the rep, and attended correctly to the delicate balance of being patient and being proactive.

The children were the loveliest. Looking at what they have, they are grateful, disciplined, and above all, refreshingly happy. Fascinated by the digital camera, they have learnt to say, ‘Annie auntie – photo photo!’ At the closing ceremony they effortless performed dances, and when given sweets they would not fight but happy to take one and pass the temptation on so that everyone gets their fair share. Comparing this to the relatively more fortunate kids at the care centre for quarry workers, the difference were evident. They started pushing and grabbing the stationary by the handful, and quickly took their victories to their own designated suitcase.

We also had our fair share of traditional culture, having been able to have Hanna done on our hands and wear a traditional sari to attend a dance gala performance. A quick visit to Bangalore Palace and the Minister’s residence on the last day we ended our IndiaBuilds Community Challenge. It was an excellent experience of self-discovery. Having been exposed to a tangible sociological problem we had the chance to get physically involved with the community to make a difference. Even though the difference may be small, we are incorporated as being part of a solution – Buidling homes, transforming communities, changing lives.

‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’ – Mohatma Gandhi