In December, we went on a seven-day trip to Dhanpari, Gujarat, for a rural immersion experience that was completely different from our regular, comfortable lives. No phones, no technology, no cozy beds, and definitely no fancy food. We were camping out in the wilderness with the bare minimum—basic hygiene, simple meals, and a lot of adventures to keep us on our toes.

The first thing that struck me was how different this life was. We were used to all the comforts at home, but here we had to make do with whatever was available. The campsite had shared showers, malfunctioning toilets, and the food was super simple—nothing like the usual treats we’re spoiled with. Still, it felt exciting in its own way, like a break from reality.

LO4 

Perseverance was tested big time on this trip. The three-hour trek in the blazing sun, even though trekking isn’t my thing, was a real challenge. The heat was relentless, and I wanted to quit halfway, but I pushed through. It felt like a small victory when we finally reached the end.

The same went for tasks like cotton picking under the hot sun and visiting a gaushala (cow shelter), where we watched cows being milked while surrounded by the less-than-pleasant smells of dung and mosquitoes. It wasn’t exactly the most comfortable experience, but I stayed committed to learning from it. The hardest part was being away from home and feeling homesick, but I stuck with it and embraced the whole experience.

LO7-

During our trip, we were mindful of the ethical impact of our actions (LO7). Every interaction with the local community was approached with respect and a genuine desire to learn. By being culturally sensitive and open-minded, we built meaningful connections and gained a deeper understanding of their way of life. This experience made us reflect on our own biases, helping us grow in empathy and compassion.SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. By interacting with the local community with respect and cultural sensitivity, we contributed to fostering inclusivity and understanding. This experience helped us appreciate different perspectives, reducing social and cultural barriers. It also reminded us of the importance of promoting equality, as we learned more about the challenges faced by the underserved community, fostering empathy and compassion in addressing inequalities globally.