My journey as an India Fellow began on 11th Aug 2024 in Badgaon, Udaipur, Rajasthan. With an air of excitement and anticipation. Arriving with 24 other fellows from different states, I was ready to dive into the heart of the matter. My arrival was under the cover of night, and I was greeted by the enveloping darkness of the rugged landscape – which could be felt. The KVK hostel, my temporary home, perched amid the Aravalli, offered a unique blend of isolation and natural beauty.
The Dawn
The morning sun marked the beginning of my new adventure. As I woke up, I was greeted by a scene of breathtaking beauty. From the window of my modest room, I could see the sun casting its first golden rays over the peaks, painting the sky in hues of orange and yellow. The melodious chirping of birds and the gentle, cool breeze flowing through the open window punctuated the calmness. It was a perfect start to what promised to be a memorable day.
Our day kicked off with a team-building activity designed to help us know each other, bond, and work together effectively. This activity is a ritual in the fellowship, where we had to jog from the KVK to the Neemach Mata Temple. We were split into groups of five, with each group having a leader. The challenge was to reach there first, but there was a twist — every team member had to finish together.
Before starting, we discussed our strategy, deciding we’d mix jogging and walking to pace ourselves. Since most of us were strangers, the journey became a great opportunity to break the ice. As we jogged along the route, we introduced ourselves, sharing where we were from, our educational backgrounds, when we arrived in Badgaon, and how we got here. We also kept adjusting our approach to ensure our team stayed ahead.
By the time we finally reached the temple, we were completely exhausted, drenched in sweat, but the sense of accomplishment and shared joy made it all worthwhile. We were thrilled that we had completed the challenge together, as a team. The activity was engaging, and it was fascinating to see how quickly we, a group of diverse individuals from various states, came together with a shared sense of purpose and camaraderie. Once the activity concluded, we set out to explore the village and immerse ourselves in its culture.
The Immersion
Walking through the village, I was struck by its simplicity and charm. The village, with its rustic allure, seemed to be a world apart from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The narrow lanes, lined with modest homes and vibrant greenery, spoke of a life deeply connected to nature and tradition. As I roamed the village, I encountered a variety of wonderful people, each offering a unique glimpse into their daily lives.
One of the most memorable encounters was with a vegetable vendor. Dressed in traditional Rajasthani attire, she embodied the grace and authenticity of the region. Her presence was captivating, and after paying her a compliment, I struck up a conversation. She was more than willing to share her knowledge about the vegetables she sold and the farming practices that were integral to her life. She explained how different crops thrived in various seasons, and her passion for her work was evident.
The Buck Never Stops
As lunchtime approached, she graciously extended an invitation to join her for a meal. The hospitality was heartwarming, and I was eager to experience the local cuisine. The meal she served was a traditional feast of dal-baati-churma. The flavours were a delightful revelation—rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. As we enjoyed our meal, she began to share her story.
“Back in our time, girls were married off very young, and education was hardly considered important, especially for us.” She paused, her hands gently resting on the tiffin before continuing. “I never went to school, but when my daughters were born, I knew I wanted something different for them. My husband and I decided that no matter what, we would make sure they got the education we never had.”
Her eyes softened as she spoke about her family. “We worked on our farm, growing vegetables, doing what we knew best. It wasn’t easy, but we kept going. We have four daughters, and we wanted each of them to have opportunities we never did. So, we did everything we could to make that happen.”
After our meal, she offered me a glass of chaach, which was the perfect ending to the lunch. The cool, tangy beverage was a refreshing complement to the rich flavours of the meal. With a grateful heart, I bid her farewell and continued my exploration of the village. I visited several local kirana stores and fruit shops, each offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the villagers.
Returning to the hostel, I joined the other fellows, and we shared our experiences of the day. The discussions were lively, filled with enthusiasm and new found insights into the culture and lifestyle of Badgaon. Our shared experiences forged a deeper connection among us, enhancing our collective journey.
The City Of Lakes
As the evening approached, the group decided to venture out to explore a new location. After a brief but animated discussion, we reached a consensus to visit Fateh Sagar lake. We took a bus followed by an auto rickshaw to reach the lake, and the journey only heightened our anticipation.
Upon arriving at Fateh Sagar, we were greeted by a view that was nothing short of mesmerising. The still water of the lake, illuminated by a multitude of lights, created an enchanting ambiance. The calm and tranquility of the place were almost seductively beautiful, offering a stark contrast to the lively energy of the village. We spent the evening strolling around the lake, marvelling at its beauty, and capturing countless photographs to remember the moment.
One of the highlights of the evening was tasting the famous local chaat. The dish was a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavours, perfectly balanced to tantalise our taste buds. We also indulged in a variety of street foods, including kachoris and samosas, each bite a testament to the rich culinary traditions of the region. The street food experience was a culinary adventure, adding another layer of enjoyment to our evening.
Of Connections
Feeling pleasantly full after our street food feast, we decided to walk back to the hostel instead of taking the bus. The 2 kilometre walk was both invigorating and reflective, allowing us to digest our meal and enjoy the cool evening air. Despite our tiredness, we were reluctant to end the day on a quiet note. Back at the hostel, we chose to continue the festivities with some dancing and lighthearted fun.
As the night wore on, the exhaustion from the day’s activities began to take its toll. Around 12PM, we finally retired to our rooms, our spirits high despite our weariness. The day had been a whirlwind of new experiences, cultural insights, and shared laughter.
Reflecting on my day in Badgaon, I find myself deeply moved by the simplicity and authenticity of the village and its people. The serene beauty of the landscape, combined with the warmth and resilience of its inhabitants, created an unforgettable experience. The day was a blend of discovery and connection, offering a profound reminder of the richness found in everyday moments and the value of embracing new experiences with an open heart.
It’s such a fun article to read. It’s really exciting to read people experiencing the different cultures in different places and meeting new people to share the knowledge and experiences with each other. It’s good to know you are enjoying yourself and looking forwards to more articles.
Your writing is vivid and evocative, transporting me to the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of Badgaon. Your enthusiasm and gratitude are contagious. Looking forward to reading more about your India Fellow journey.