Coming back to Pune after two weeks of traveling is quite the transition. It allows for realization about the multitude of diversity contained within the boundaries of India. A single language, ethnic group, or cultural similarities does not define the country. It defies most of the common definitions of a country in the typical academic or vernacular language. Today India is at a crossroads of tradition juxtaposed to the rampant modernization and globalization its infrastructure. Still the history of the countless civilizations, castes and religions matters a great deal of the people of India.
Regardless of the apparent differences of language, region and customs, the people of India unite under the banner of democracy and allegiance to their country. The other night, during the time I showed photos from the two-week trip to my host family, my host father began to discuss the importance of having an Indian identity and what it means. We discussed how the varying states of India represent more countries in themselves than the typical definition of a country. The states of India represent much greater heritage and tradition than the states of America. The diversity contained within the states of India is more than the United States. My host father stated how each state was unique in its tradition, language, and customs but regardless of these differences, each state was unified and supportive in identifying as Indian. During the two-week trip, there were countless indicators of this diversity. Besides the linguistic differences, each state had its own style of dress, traditional industry, food recipes and architecture.
For a few days, we went to Amritsar and saw the Golden Temple. It is the equivalent to Sikhs as Mecca is for Muslims but within this sacred sight anyone, regardless of caste, status, gender, age or nationality, is welcome. Seeing the Golden Temple for the first time a night was an awe-inspiring reflection, to see the tranquility of the reflection, to hear the reverberating chanting of the hymnbook, and to wait in line with the throngs of devotees. The following day went to the cafeteria for a free meal, and came during the lunch rush so it made quite the impression upon the initial entry. Most days of the week, the cafeteria feeds about 10,000 mouths but during the weekend, this number can grow to as much as 100, 000 people. Volunteers do the entire process, and actually the entire running of the Golden Temple complex. It is part of the mantra of Sikhism to work earnestly and selflessly towards the end of the caste system and to remove the social barriers of status, gender and age that divides us. At the cafeteria, everyone eats as an equal. It is a amazing thing to see.
All that is needed to continually run the complex and feed the many mouths that come to the cafeteria are donations and volunteer time. On the second day, after another delicious meal, we had the possibly to volunteer in part of the cleanup process. A huge area with several rows of large sliver tubs for cleaning filled the room. It is a systematic process, each row represents a different stage of cleaning, first the scrubbing then the washing. Alayna, Aisha and I joined in washing the dishes to ensure the cleanliness of the dishes. The older Indian women across from else were as diligent and efficient in cleaning as a predator does in catching its prey. But they were full of slight smiles and congenial, acknowledging the language barrier but overcoming it in their demeanor. It did not take long to realize the process of washing the dishes and handing them to the next row.
It seemed like most people volunteered the entire day, presenting their time for the larger good of giving. So the hour we gave paled in comparison but allowed for insight nonetheless. Outside the Golden Temple, social constraints still exist. However, within the complex, everyone remains as one, which is somewhat analogous to identifying as Indian, allowing for a unified country regardless of the historic, political, and social differences. It creates a vibrant, diverse, and representative country with a strong democratic voice of the people regardless of their origins.
More pictures and stories of the two week break will come, but enjoy these for now:
