My experiences in India have first and foremost certainly been unlike any other in my life thus far. I have met so many exceptional people and made so many friends in so short a period of time. I am often awestruck by the beauty of our mother planet in her glory. I feel Kerala is an exceptional contradictory state like any part of life, good or bad - construction and destruction, immeasurable joy and deep devastation . It only reinforces my feelings of duality surrounding life in general. People here defy all notions of economic depression for even the poorest stand and appreciate life better than many well off educated people. 

 - Elise Karberg

Namaste !!! I am actually an American born, first generation Indian. So my perspective on this program is unique from every other student. 
India's lesson in humility is priceless !!! Kerala, it seemed would be quite beneficial for one from the West to visit because despite being in a developing country, the state has a near perfect literacy rate and an average life expectancy compatible with the West. With only limited resources, Keralities enjoy  these luxuries while the West spends an abundance of wealth to produce similar results. While a majority of western moral philosophy studies the work of intellectuals from ancient Greece and Rome, India has been blessed with an array of contemporary scholars like Swami Vivekananda.  My hope is that when each student returns to America, they will still see the world with an American mindset, but with the humility and spirituality of an Indian heart, because that has made all the difference in my life thus far ...

-Unnikrishnan

Since I have been here there has been very little poverty compared to the poverty that I was expecting. Another thing that surprised me very much was the beauty in Kerala. Both in nature and in the faces of the people. This is such a lush and vibrant place. There is vegetation everywhere. Kerala is full of life. The weather has been very pleasant. I left the Sivananda Ashram with a different view from when I came. My outlook on the practice of yoga has now changed. I did not know that yoga was a way of life.
        I am so glad that I decided to stay at a host family. This was an experience that I will never forget. I hope that my host family enjoyed me as much as I enjoyed them.  My meals I had were so tasty. I have to mention that my favorite snack is "Ullivadaa" (Onion Balls).  Every time I have Ullivadaa, it makes me really happy.

-Gretchen Martin

Coming to India has made me realize that there is much to life than material gains to make a person happy. There is family, spirituality and friendship which could bring one happiness and spirituality. Before coming on this trip, my friends and family had their misinformed opinion of India. Unfortunately, not many people I know will visit India, so the misconception will always exist. I have found a connection with Kerala that will last for a lifetime. I will forever remember the friendly faces, the delicious food and all the generosity. Overall the way things are in Kerala is fabulous. When I return I hope it would all remain the same in me.

-Kerrian Walters

The people of Kerala  are what made first and biggest impression on my experience.  The lush landscape we witnessed while travelling to Kanyakumari was even beautiful. Sitting on the balcony of our hotel, listening to the waves crash, the moon shining down on the water and on the monuments, these are all things I don't want to ever forget. 
The lake Kumarakom Resort was one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. I've never felt so clean in India. I would not be able to enjoy such luxury in the United States. The Kumarakom was a peaceful, beautiful, and tropical paradise.
Dr. Nair and the people of Kerala have reached out to us in a way that touched our hearts. Reaching out is a true social work. Through India Experience, we not only learned about life in Kerala, but life in general as well.

-Kathleen M Jelen

 Kerala is a good example of what India is capable of doing when people come together for a unified purpose. I knew of the Malayalam language only because I was aware it was used during World War II because the Germans were unable to break code in Malayalam. Kerala is very beautiful and can be a model for other state in India because of its educational advancements and literacy record. It is a coastal state with the advantages of that plus it has inland water ways and beautiful mountains. I came to India to learn about a country. I did not really know much about, the timing was right. I came, I saw and I have enjoyed myself and I do not have any regrets.

-Barbara Maxwell

Kerala's landscape is beautiful. Lush and green and lovely. Even the smells are wonderful. Kerala is the leader in literacy rate and low infant mortality rate. Also women's empowerment is working strong in Kerala. Along with all the great statistics, Kerala proves that it is the envy of India. But there is more. I will remember how it changed my idea of beauty. I will never be able to thank Kerala enough.

-Erin Bracken

The Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial was also one of the most amazing places on earth. In places of such history and importance, you really challenge the validity of Western and modern life. I had the unique experience of  "thirumal" a form of acupressure. This is the basis of thousands of years old AYURVEDA HERBAL TREATMENT. It was definitely an indescribable event. You feel very secluded but secure because the land is so serene. The total treatment was one and a half hours long. I left as a new man.

-Jarrod D Gray

I would like to quote Ali, the Lion; Caliph of Islam, Son in law of Mohammed the Prophet.

          Three things cannot be retrieved:
          The arrow once sped from the bow
          The word spoken in haste
          The missed opportunity.

 It was a fantastic expedition through a portion of mankind's million facets. I meditated with a guru at an Ashram, enjoyed one of the world's most phenomenal temples, spent three days in an orphanage, met two princesses and a mayor, taught English to young school children, watched a silent protest at a local college, was given Ayurvedic treatment  by an amazing doctor and pulse-reader, patted cows, stayed at beautiful beach resorts, visited the oldest wooden palace in India, watched myself on television, stayed with two host families, and rode an elephant. Additionally, I enjoyed a baffling, funny and somewhat surreal trip. When I get back to the United States, however, I know I will be different and can predict distinct changes in my life; namely, my general perspective. The manner in which I will treat strangers, the way I look at food, and even the manner in which I speak will have undertones of what I became - a part of in Kerala. I can concretely say that I feel changed from this mind-blowing trip- and, like India itself, touched by magic.

-Sarah M Gallop

I was scared from the beginning that the people would be mean, that the food and environment would be unsanitary, the country under developed and the people uncivilized. After my one month stay, I can honestly say that the people were amongst the most friendly I have ever known, the food and environment rich and flavorful, the country making steady progress and the people beautifully cultured and civilized with their wonderful traditions. I guess people tried to make me believe that India didn't have very much to offer me as an individual. I have come to know however that India was changing me for good. It has given me a spirituality and strength that will never die and added depth to my soul that will eventually flourish. I can say that after the one month stay in Kerala, I am a changed person. I have found peace and happiness that is neither transitory nor fleeting but rather spawn from an internal concentration and focus and a reunion with the my religion that I have been inspired by Kerala.

-Vincent Shoham

The world would see India as a very poor third-world country with nothing to offer. Over the past month I have seen and experienced things that I may never have the opportunity to see or do ever again in my entire life. What the world thinks they know about India and what I've seen and done first hand are complete opposites of one another.

This is real life information that I know I will be able to use in my personal and professional life. I've tasted some of the most delicious food my taste buds have ever had the opportunity to experience.

If I ever have the chance to come back I will return because I think that there are many things that I haven't accomplished in just a month's time.  

-Kristin Burney          

 "I had many misconceptions about India when I came here. But I realize now that it is the culture which makes it richer than the U S  and I'll  always respect it" 
- Girisa A Reese (Participant)

" We have found true goodness here. There are people in the U S whom I have visited several times and yet I am a stranger. The warmth  with the people here have embraced us, we'll never find anywhere else"
- Jennifer E Mamere ( Participant)

"What I experienced is priceless, beyond dreams. There was love around me in the U S too, but I could actually feel it here.  Family ties are so strong. I was a perfect stranger to everyone I met, but they virtually bowled me over with their warmth. Kerala (India) has everything that the west has, but in a more simpler, natural form"
-La Wana Westmoreland ( Participant)

"My interest in Eastern religion led me to Kerala- This is only the beginning. I know I will be back, to do research"
-Eric Erickson ( Participant)

"An opportunity to visit the  Royal Family in Kerala (India) was a big thrill. The Princess radiates warmth and has such an elegant demeanor. We all had food sitting on the floor. We attended a Hindu wedding " for the feel of it"
- Sonjia McClung ( Participant)

"- in the West, people are definitely looking East. There is a huge interest in Yoga, Buddhist culture, Hindu religion. An opportunity to participate in the India Experience Program was a dream come true. India's religious and cultural histories are incomparable"- Sara Lineberger ( Participant)

"Kerala, India does not have the kind of poverty that people in the West associate with developing countries"
- Elaine Tigner ( Participant)

"Giving respect and love to others is all about Keralites"  - Donna Dickerson ( Participant)

"It was the jewel in the crown of my life. It was a culture shock to return to the U S. I definitely plan to go back" 
- Jeanne Evers ( Participant)

"It was so extensive ! It was more than I expected. The people of India were very friendly. They surpassed the normal hospitality. They went out of their way for you." Michelle Ingram ( Participant)

"It was one of the greatest aspects of my life. I felt freedom for the first time in India. The people of India act and think so freely "- Byron Swift ( Participant)

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Dr Nair ! 
The trip to India is really enjoyable to all of them. My Niece Beth is truly having  a very great time. The emails are keeping us informed as the others. The pictures are beautiful. Truly amazing. "Thank you" for giving them a great learning experience. Know they will never forget this trip.
 Pat Saltsman
 Aunt to Beth Anne Bonnacci 

Dear Dr. Nair:
We are truly enjoying all the pictures and information you are sending ! It is so nice to be able to see Sarah and all of the students enjoying themselves at so many interesting places. It is almost as if we are there too ! Thank you so much for taking the time to send this information. We look forward to visiting the site each day.

Sincerely,

Marge Luecke 

Respected Prof. Antony, Loyola College

I am the mother of one of your Sociology students, Ms. A R Radhika. Last week, our daughter invited two American students, Sara Corrigan and Jehada to our house for a weekend stay. This letter is a reflection of our personal impressions of the host family experience.

These American students captured the attention of our family and the neighbours. Their humble and affectionate personality captured the respect and regards of all of us.  In a matter of few hours of association with these two American students I was able to change my past negative perceptions (please excuse) about the United States.  Their innocent approach in learning is really adorable. I really pray for all sorts of blessings in their lives. Please translate this letter into American English and hand it over to them. I would consider them as my own daughters for ever.
With love,
Ambika Rajagopalan.

Namasthe Dr. Nair
My mother and I want to thank you for all the pictures you have put on the website. It helps Girisa's baby when he is missing her.
Warm Regards,
Tivona 

Namaste Dr. Nair !!
 I see you all made it to India and you are having a wonderful time. I wish I could have gone. The pictures I see make me wish I could have gone.     - Steve Trager 

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Passage to God's own country
They had only read about India and Kerala. They even had an orientation programme before coming here. But when they came here, nothing prepared them for what they saw. A Kerala that could not be limited to books or brochures. 
It is not their intention to see the 'flip side' of being in a third world nation but it is their desire to see the heart and soul of the land, her people and culture. Therefore, taking a bullock cart ride, eating with their hands from a plantain leaf at Sivagiri or watching Kathakali performance, is not a 'package offer' but an invaluable way of discovering the dynamics of Kerala. If the experiences of the groups brought over by Dr. Nair in the previous years are any indication, then going back can be really painful for these students.       

"The Hindu", Thursday, July 6, 2000. 
(A National Daily of India)

American students who have heard about the ancient cultural heritage of Kerala crossed several oceans and came here to find everything unique.

Within one month they have already seen our coconut trees, oceans, lakes, rivers, mountains and forests and now begin to start speaking Malayalam words. Kinship relationship such as Amma (mother), Acha (father), Ammavan (uncle) are fascinating to them. These eleven students and professors came here from America's Cleveland State University to experience Kerala's culture. This team is lead by Dr. Murali Nair, a professor from this university.

These American university students are eager to experience first hand what Professor Nair told them about Kerala's history, culture, Kathakali, Kaikottikali, Vanchipattu and other things. At last their dream came true on June 30th.

One of the students Lottie Renfro who came with Proffesor Nair learned to say "namaste" and like very much the way we respect the elders. She is specializing on gerontology. Jesse Urban Styles is a political science student and the Executive Director of the Republican Party around Cleveland. His wish is to work with the American Presidential candidate George W Bush upon his election to the White House.

Three sisters in the group claim that the Indian soil belongs to them too. They are the grand-daughters of a Bengali by the name of Dinesh, who migrated to the United States in 1920. This grandfather married an American women and had six children. If not this visit, these three sisters are determined to visit their grandfather's native place  (Calcutta) at another time. Their names are Meena, Biji and Girisa. Biji, one of the sisters, likes India so much that she is tempted to put a matrimonial advertisement in the newspapers to seek an Indian boy.

Always laughing Jennifer E Mamere belongs to the Jewish faith. She speaks of Indian and Kerala culture with respect. She is very proud to say that India is one of the few countries in the world where Jewish people are not harassed. She is planning to visit the Jewish Synagogue in Matancheri Cochin.

Deepika, Sunday, July 23, 2000
(A local Malayalam Daily)

Kerala, India: The World's greatest destinations, one of the fifty places of a life time. Visiting Kerala is an intellectual adventure.  It stands out as the Mount Everest of social development, its literacy rate among the highest on Earth, its infant mortality rate is low, its birthrate below America's and falling faster, its citizens live nearly as long as Americans, there is truly no place like it. It has a rate of newspaper readership that is among the highest in the world. - National Geographic Traveler Magazine (October 1999 issue)

"It was one of the greatest aspects of my life. I felt freedom for the first time in India. The people of India act and think so freely "- Byron Swift (1997 Participant)

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