Living in the rural village of Sankheda for six days was a transformative experience, immersing us in a lifestyle that was a stark contrast to our urban routines. Our goal was to learn from the rural way of life and apply those lessons to our own lives. Known for its unique furniture and farming culture, Sankheda offered us the chance to engage in hands-on learning and service, showcasing all three strands of CAS: Creativity, Activity, and Service. I used creativity to teach art and craft to the students of the Ashramshala, explored the local craftsmanship, learned farming techniques and fed sugarcane to cows as part of our activity strand, and served food and helped clean the classrooms as part of our service. Over the course of these six days, we interacted with the locals, explored the village, and gained a deeper understanding of rural life.
Learning Outcome 2 – Overcoming Challenges and Developing New Skills
Every day of the trip presented us with new challenges and learning opportunities. On the first day, we explored the local craftsmanship and watched artisans create handmade furniture, which was fascinating. Later, we learned how to farm—an experience that made me appreciate the hard work and effort that goes into producing the food we often take for granted. We also observed the dairy process and how cows are cared for in the village. I even had the unique opportunity to milk a cow for the first time. One of my most memorable moments was teaching art and craft to the Ashramshala students. Being an art student teaching them arts was very rewarding and fulfilling to do and watching them gain interest in something I have always admired to do, made me feel pleased with having the opportunity to teach them arts.
I assisted in serving food to the students and staff of both our school and the Ashramshala. The act of gifting bottles and tiffin boxes to the Ashramshala students was a small gesture, but it brought them immense happiness and reaffirmed the purpose of our trip.
Learning Outcome 6 – Engagement with Global Issues
During our village visits, we interacted with the locals and learned about their daily lives. It was eye-opening to see how different rural life is compared to urban living. Despite having fewer resources, the villagers seemed content and happy, while we, with more resources, often face greater dissatisfaction. The lack of basic necessities like proper housing, water supply, and education was evident. We witnessed issues such as poor health habits, gender inequality in education, and limited access to quality education. These challenges connected to several global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, and Reduced Inequalities. The trip highlighted the importance of working towards reducing these inequalities and improving the quality of life for rural communities.
Learning Outcome 7 – Ethics of Choices and Actions
Initially, I was hesitant about living in a rural area for six days, but the experience proved to be both challenging and rewarding. Adapting to a different lifestyle—one without fans, filled with insects, and reliant on local food—was difficult but also enriching. One of the most impactful actions my group took was convincing parents to send their daughter to school, despite their reluctance. We also spoke to villagers about quitting harmful habits like smoking and chewing tobacco, recognizing that these behaviors set a poor example for their children.
Through this rural immersion trip, I learned about sustainability, community, and interconnectedness. Observing the production of dairy products and the daily routine of cows taught me about sustainable practices. Interacting with villagers and spending time with the Ashramshala students deepened my understanding of the community. Finally, our conversation with the Panchayat leaders helped me see how local governance connects villagers with the government to address their concerns. These interconnected concepts shaped my understanding of the choices and actions that define rural life.
Conclusion
The six-day rural immersion in Sankheda was an unforgettable learning experience that expanded my perspective on life. It challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, taught me new skills, and highlighted the importance of engaging with global issues. Above all, it deepened my appreciation for rural communities and the ethical considerations involved in helping them. This trip not only allowed me to grow personally but also reinforced the need for sustainable and compassionate actions to make a positive impact in the world.
