New Insights From Participants[i]…

On Similarities between Garhwal and Canada..

“The similarities stem from the fact that we are all human beings regardless of cultural differences.. The connection we all share became most evident to me when we visited the primary school. At the school, we sat directly across from about 20 young children. Even though we could not communicate directly, we still were able to relate to their emotions. I imagined myself in their position and understood the shyness and embarrassment that any 6 yr old would feel if he was placed in front of 14 adults and told to sing and dance..” (Vikas Bhagirath)

“An obvious similarity is the division of these communities- by caste in India or by Income in Canada – and the limitations that result from such divisions..” (Vanessa Brcic)

“Similar to Whitby (near Toranto), there is a type of “commuting” by men in these Himalayan villages, to plains for non-agricultural jobs..” (Jonathan Chang)

“Chitrana’s women, when they all come together without men are very much like the women in my own home town..” (Kristine Hales)

“Upon reflecting on these similarities, I am reminded of an ancient Yiddish proverb: Everybody is bread of the same dough, but not cooked in the same oven! The people of Badyargaon are people just like people of Oakville. The differences lie in their situation, their surroundings, their circumstances..” (Matthew Choi)

“In the villages, there is a real sense of belonging amongst the people..(like back home).” (Syma Merchant)

On effect of Culture on Health..

“This whole concept of culture influencing health status & health seeking behavior is new to me. I am so used to the idea of “free” public health care in Canada.. It is very interesting to see this difference..” (Shaheen Bhaloo)

“..Even in South America, there are tribes that believe illnesses have to do with energy imbalances..” (Cindy Escobar)

Three advices

you would give to colleagues planning to come next year..

“Come with an Open mind:

The world moves differently over here- these villages have been living their lifestyles for thousands of years. You can not come with the perception that you will be their savior. You have as much to learn from them, if not more, than they do from you.

Leave your ego at home:

This experience will challenge who you see yourself to be. To get the most of this, you must be willing to change yourself. Also, to function as a team with your colleagues, there will be no room for ego battles.

Be Ready to work:

This experience will require tremendous stamina. Even apart from the physical strain of heat, dehydration and climbing the Himalayas, you will be challenged to live through days jam-packed with speakers, presentations and trips. The more you put in, the more you will take home with you after you leave..” (Matthew Choi)

“Stop smoking for a month before you get to India..” (Ayesha Laldin)

Cultural Sensitivity:

Really understand as much as possible, the many intricacies and differences in cultural beliefs before you visit.. (Neilesh Soneji)

Our Attitude:

“Asking a question and getting an answer is only the first step. You must consider your own biases in interpretation of the answers… Even adjective that describes you is a potential factor in altering or modifying the villagers’ answers..” (David Ng)

“One must leave all generalizations and stereotypes behind and arrive amidst a new culture with a tabula rasa..” (Adnan Pirbhai)

Things to pack

“Pack lot of Gastrolyte, an open mind, patience, sunscreen and a rain-coat..” (Meredith Young)

On Gender issues in India..

“I personally feel that whether you are a woman in the rural area or the urban parts of India, gender inequality is still present for both the illiterate and the educated women..” (Farah Ramji)