Learning Journey 2008 - an unforgettable experience

On 13 September 2008, 11 participants embarked on a transformational voyage to experience a different side of India. An experience to open their eyes, ears, hands and hearts to what it means to be a human being. To understand the challenges facing developing India and see how certain individuals had decided to stop talking and actually do something about it.

Laxmi Chhaya and I, had stepped up 8 months before to take on the opportunity to create this experience for willing participants. I was a participant the previous year, when Learning Journey was piloted - sitting here writing this today is testament to its long term impact. Laxmi, whom I consider the more experienced half of this partnership, had previously spent 4 months volunteering at Manav Sadhna (MS), one of the host NGO's for Learning Journey based in Ahmedabad.

Without sounding too 'cheesy' (which most sayings in India seem to be!), I have to proclaim that my 'Learning Journey' started back in January when I first spoke to the team (Meenal Sachdev, Dharmesh Mistry & Laxmi Chhaya). Laxmi and I went away and spent many hours simply pondering the purpose, vision and outcomes of what and how we wanted to shape the Learning Journey.

And so we did. Marketing kicked off quite quickly - getting a poster made up, creating a YouTube Promo Video and pulling together a list of contacts/events to attend. I certainly enjoy speaking to anyone about something I feel passionate about and so this was very enjoyable... on the phone, in person, on stage, on live radio, in the press... I was keen to make a very loud noise to make awareness about such a refreshingly new exciting concept.

As I was making my way round universities and corporate events, Laxmi was working hard setting up our days and nights in India - liaising with organisations and contacts in Ahmedabad and Kutch to ensure we would be as organised as possible (which will never be 100% in India - we learn the hard way!).

It just so happened that, as we sat our room at the Bharitya Vidya Bhavan for a Learning Journey 'Orientation', the clock had struck midnight in India on 15 August as she entered her 61st year of Independence. The room was buzzing as people walked out after 3 hours in which the scene had been set, expectations considered and new faces met.

I felt a deep sense spiritual welcome as my feet landed on the soil of Sardar Vallabhbhai Airport, Ahmedabad. It made sense to me to touch the floor to head and heart, as I mentally bowed down to Bharat Mata in a manner which felt like I was respecting a second mother. Looking back, she clearly picked me up and in loving embrace, said 'welcome, son, fear not for I am always here'. Now, as a reader, you may find this a little strange - but this to me is the most clear part of Learning Journey - the underlying spirit found everywhere, from Jayeshbhai (one of the key people who hosted us at Manav Sadhna) to the energy and enthusiasm generated by the participants - there was always a motherly feeling surrounding us that removed (most!) anxieties.

We had arrived a few days before the start of the Learning Journey to prepare final plans and meet organisations. A benefit we realised after is that this also helped us settle in to India (which you need a few days for) before hitting the ground running with the Group.

Bonding time - I get to speak to leaders and locals alike - hearing their story and being coached on how to make Learning Journey reach its full potential. Laxmi and I re-work several times, our detailed schedule with the benefit of several people at MS. Jayeshbhai was like a father to us and ensured we both felt comfortable and fully supported! It was a daunting prospect coming to India to lead a group having not had much experience myself and therefore this was very reassuring. I also see a new side of Laxmi - this quite retro (her trade mark Converse trainers!) young lady became a local in a matter of seconds... to which I followed suit! As we traded t-shirts for Kurtas, Trainers for Champals, we got ourselves mentally prepared for the coming week.

Before Learning Journey started, a few of the participants who came early, me, Laxmi and local friends went for a true indian bollywood experience - we went to watch the film "Rock On" - about a hindi rock band who go their separate ways and decide 10 years later to get back together and rock on. Actually very good movie.. catchy tunes! I stayed the night at Sunilbhai's house which is their family home (2 rooms inc Kitchen) on the outskits of the slum (referred to as 'Tekra'). It was quite an experience sleeping on the floor with a whole family and their dog! the dog happened to be sneezing next to my head which was a startling way to wake up!

Saturday 13th September
Learning Journey begins with an introduction to India by Jayeshbhai at the Environmental Sanitation Institute (ESI) in Sughad, located on the outskirts of Ahmedabad.

[to be finished...]