There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer… Evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of a people who embrace life.
–John Lennon
Dear Friends,
My first trip to India blew my mind, and every flight since then, I’ve thought, “It can’t be as amazing as last time,” and every time I’m wrong. This time, arriving at St. Xavier’s Gurap, I couldn’t believe how much had changed in just a year!
The first person I ran into was Paromita, the counselor we’re borrowing from St. Xavier’s Burdwan. She shared that the students have really opened up, talking about their families, worries, and dreams. You’ve already heard about the great care the girls were getting from a St. Xavier’s alum gynecologist, but nothing prepared me for seeing a 12-year-old ask a Jesuit priest for the key to the closet to get more sanitary napkins. With a big smile, Paromita said, “There are no more taboos! We’ve talked to the boys too—we’re taking care of them as well! No. More. Taboos.” Another generational change that your support and the open spirit of our Jesuit partners has made possible in the lives of these young women and men.
On another day, Paromita was holding a therapeutic art class with the 6th graders, they were asked to draw something that represents how they see themselves in the future. The drawing here represents a young woman who wants to be a teacher and believes she will be a light burning brightly in the lives of her students. That, to me, says everything about what’s happening in Gurap.
Please read on for highlights of our two-week trip. I’ll cover more in Part 2.
Aima sarhau, Annette
Sports Day was the featured celebration of this trip! Long before the big day, the students showed off their confidence, skills, and determination—organizing trials, drawing the chalk track, and even waking up at 4:30 am to decorate. Honestly, I don’t think the Olympics had as much heart put into it as Gurap’s first-ever Sports Day.
The students are divided into four houses—red, blue, green, and yellow—and the competition was fierce. Many races were neck and neck, with one young man slipping, stumbling, and still managing to win! The event kicked off with a military-style procession, complete with a marching band as a concurrent celebration of Republic Day. Even the youngest marched with their heads held high. But winning never overshadowed kindness. The older kids constantly helped and cheered on their younger teammates, with some clearly assigned to support the smallest ones. There were strong arms in every color shirt lifting injured athletes off the track.
Then there was the 1,500-meter girls’ race. Eight laps around the track. For the first five laps, one 8- or 9-year-old girl was running at full speed, way ahead of the others. But as the more experienced runners caught up, she didn’t stop. By the time the older girls passed her, she was exhausted, but she kept going. After the race, the winners gathered around her, rubbed her back, gave her water, and cheered her on. That moment of sportsmanship, mentorship, and recognition for trying so hard was one of the most moving parts of the trip.
Over and over, I’m amazed by how these students come together as a community. They’re labeled “the least,” but they’ve got so much to teach the world about happiness, peace, and caring for one another.
Check out our photos for glimpses of the winners with their gold, silver, and bronze medals, but the biggest awards went to the “best boy” and “best girl” in each of the top classes. These titles were about more than just academics and athletics—they also recognized kindness, responsibility, and helpfulness.
During this trip, we made another dream come true: connecting our Gurap students with peers in California! Our amazing volunteer and blog writer, Prianca, and a group of students from the Tamalpais High School’s Interact Club* had a Zoom call with the 8th, 9th and 10th grade classes. It wasn’t easy—there were language barriers, different school systems, and cultural differences—but everyone pushed through and made it work. A shoutout to Emily, the Interact president, who kept the conversation going no matter what!
After the call, our Gurap students were eager to practice their English, the Tam students were excited for more calls, and Prianca is even planning to help with math tutoring. Not bad for a first meeting!
*(For context,Tam High is Mill Valley’s public high school, and Interact is a service club for ages 12-18 sponsored by Rotary International.)
And Speaking of Rotary…
the Rotary Club of Mill Valley awarded Tribe Rising India a $2,000 grant in December. And this month, the Tiburon-Belvedere Rotary Club gifted Tribe Rising India $1,500. We are so grateful! Your contributions support Rotary’s mission to build international relationships, improve lives and create a better world where peace can flourish. Both grants will be used to purchase solar powered outdoor lamps to improve visibility and safety on our new, expanded campus.
Build on these donations… Consider sponsoring solar panels to support our high school! During our two-week visit, Paul and I experienced 9 short power outages. And, the electricity bills are one of Gurap’s largest expenses. To find out how you can help, contact [email protected]
Inspired?
No one does it alone. Honor a parent, teacher, coach or friend who was your light, the one who helped you see your gifts or leap over barriers to become your best self, with a Tribe Rising scholarship. For less than $500, you can change another life—forever.
