Why Spend time in India?

India is a fascinating country - rich in culture - particularly from the standpoint of its natural beauty, architecture, philosophies, music, culture, cuisine, and arts. However, there is more to India than we often see in ordinary travels. By spending extended time in India, fellows can have a positive impact on improving the quality of life, while absorbing the richness of India and life's daily lessons. Because of the diverse population, philosophically-rich culture, and stark contrasts in life not often faced in the bustle of North America, India is a place that encourages soul-searching and reflection. That in itself is empowering. While the difference you can make will no doubt be rewarding, the experience, introspection, and lessons learned will be invaluable.

A Potential Experience:

"Imagine having the opportunity to change the lives of even a handful of people. In the fall of 2000, I set out to create a women's entrepreneurship program in West Bengal. I had always felt that the best way to help uneducated rural Indian women escape the constant cycle of spousal abuse and poverty was to empower them - financially. With financial strength, they would be able to gain independence and educate their children.

Once in West Bengal, I joined a team of amazing NRIs from Canada already working in the village "Sona-Mukhi," bordering the city of Kharagpur. Sona-Mukhi is one of the poorest villages in India with no access to running water or electricity. However, its closeness to the college town of Kharagpur made it a great place to see if the economic empowerment of women could uplift their lives.

I quickly found that, although not formally educated, the local Sona-Mukhi women already possessed incredible business sense and market saavy. After all, only a
woman with immense cleverness and dexterity could feed a family of six on an
income of a few pennies a day. These women could not afford to play with the risks of starting a business. However, it was clear that creating a business that utilized their aptitude could bring them great economic success. I looked for opportunities that would utilize their skills, business acumen, and tremendous work ethic: allowing these women to increase their income while retaining the flexibility needed to care for their families.

After a lot of brainstorming, I chose to try a pizza delivery business, catering to the university community located adjacent to the village. It seemed like a business with great potential that had a market with significant spending power. We developed recipes consistent with local tastes and capitalizing on local resources. For example, rather than serving a side order of grated cheese, we served chat masala. We were an instant hit!! Students went berserk over our pizzas. The business increased the average Sona-Mukhi woman's income by thousands of percents -- simultaneously empowering women, improving the standard of living, and increasing the literacy rate.

As any new entrepeneurial or social venture, the idea faced challenges and criticism as the business grew. However, the women of Sona-Mukhi handled them well. They rose to the challenges and worked together to resolve tough business and personal issues. The women of Sona-Mukhi and their pizza delivery are a model of success, their story is one that could easily be replicated in other areas of the state.

Apart from the success of the business, the time that I spent in Sona-Mukhi was among the best times of my life. Not a day passes without me thinking about the women and their smiling faces. To be perfectly frank, I do not know if I changed their lives, but I know they definitely changed mine."

Nehal Sanghavi, South Asian Volunteer Effort (S.A.V.E.) Volunteer Fall/Winter 2000