Here is my community abroad in 5 pictures:
I think it would be wrong to talk about my host community and not include my host family. So, above are my host mom, Priya, and my host dad, Raj, who we affectionately call “Uncle.” Priya is an absolute gem. She is extremely attentive, hospitable, and very caring. Raj is a quiet one, who doesn’t interact much with us, but he looks like a care bear, so it’s fine. Not pictured is my host sister, Aboli, who is sassy, full of life, and always ready to show my roommates and I around the city.
Outside many homes, offices, shops, and even just random spots on the street, are elaborate designs, made from vibrant colored powder, called “Rangoli.” It is a welcoming symbol for all those who come across it and not accidentally step on them. It is an added stamp of community throughout Pune. Just seeing a rangoli walking by gives me confidence that I am among a united people who look out for one another.
I feel an incredible sense of community from my Alliance staff and fellow study abroad students (not all pictured above). My study abroad program, The Alliance for Global Education, has made the transition into a whole new environment, country, culture, so smooth and easy to adjust to. I’m the only student from George Washington University so, it is really amazing how close all the students have gotten to each other after only 5 weeks. When we are all together, going through the same things, I definitely feel a sense of comfort that grounds me.
Indians are a very religious people, even with the myriad of religions that exist in the country today. On almost every street corner, or in the center of every neighborhood, there are Ganapati shrines to honor Ganesh, one of the main gods in Hinduism. Every morning, stepping out the door, I see the one in the photo above. The religiousness of the community and its visibility throughout the city create a feeling of unity. There is always a group of people praying in front of the Ganapati, and many will even stop on their motorcycles in mid-traffic to quickly make a devout gesture of respect. Fun fact: the man in the photo always gives us some sweets when we pass by in the mornings!
Food makes up one of the basic and foundational components of any community. For Indians, sharing a meal is such an important part of making connections and gaining respect from foreigners. Indian cuisine is an intricate puzzle. There is so much variety and different ingredients but, no matter where you go, you are always promised a delicious plate. I have found that the easiest way to spark up a conversation is amongst food, and when I eat a meal with someone is when I feel I am part of the community.
The differences between my community abroad and my community at home are vast, and I would probably need more than just a blog post to give each one of them justice. Living with a host family is most definitely a blessing because it demonstrates one great example of my adjustment. My host mom knows every single resident, shopkeeper, fruit vendor, and the like within a 5-mile radius, which is pretty impressive considering I only know two of my neighbors on my entire block back home. She knows someone who can fix your shoe, sell you shampoo, or prescribe a medicine for your cold all within a 10 minute walk. She manages to keep a bond with everyone she meets. When I walk out the door I feel like I’m protected, even though I only know about 5 people in a city of 3 and a half million. But this trait is not just specific to Priya, my host mom. With all the people that live here, the sense of community is outstanding. In the United States I’ve tripped and fallen on the floor and not even a glance is directed my way. In Pune, even if me and my friends just look like we’re lost, strangers will come up to us to ask if we need help. People here are bound not just by a strong culture, but also by the belief that a united group as one is the best way for a community to thrive. There is a greater focus on person-to-person interaction and maintaining relationships than I think there is back home. It can be really easy to feel like an outsider, especially when I stand out like a sore thumb. But, I don’t necessarily think it creates a barrier between the locals and foreigners because we are more alike than we are different.