INDIA EXPERIENCE: Realization of a dream
Tuesday, July 24, 2001
The American students have a wide variety of intellectual interests in Kerala. From Carnatic music, to women's issues and palmistry, each student will return to the States having learned so much. Tuesday was spent researching in the Loyola library and preparing for the Wednesday program. After a two hour session with Prof. Nair, all of us got a clear understanding of the two final research papers.
We spent all day in the Loyola library collecting information for the papers. We also conferenced regarding Wednesday's "Reflection Session". Each student will be speaking about their experiences in general as well as specific. We will have an opportunity to share our reflections and gratitude.
The American students will be creating some American cuisine for those who have made this trip so wonderful, from the cooks and drivers to host families and others. Students who will be singing as part of the program also practiced with several Loyola students. Although we look forward to the rest of our stay here in Kerala, this will be a chance to share our experiences thus far and to give thanks.
Prof. Nair and Unnikrishnan visited the office of the Softroute Consultancy Services (India) Pvt. Ltd to acquaint with the process of uploading the "India Experience" daily narratives and the digital pictures. During the past three years, two software engineers of Softroute, Sunil Kumar S and Ajai V T, are involved in the "uploading and day to day maintenance" of our website. From this year, Sreekumar B and Manju V Nair have also joined in the work. They are doing an excellent job, sometimes working till midnight to upload hundreds of our digital pictures.
"The visit today made me realize that if I had any ailment at all, steam baths, herbal treatments, and cows would be the first thing I would treat it with."
"George is the best bus driver in all the world."
Sarah M Gallop
"Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to man... originated 2500 years ago in India."
"The whole experience of talking to the doctor, oil treatment and facial was useful to me."
Barbara Maxwell
"All of South Asia, and for that matter the world, could learn a valuable lesson from Kerala regarding the strong cultural unity among Malayalees despite the wide array of religious faiths."
"An accreditation board from this Nation's Capital came today and saw a profound difference in a group of students they had never met before but seemed more Indianized than many Indians."
Unnikrishnan
"It was wonderful and relaxing to visit the Ayurveda doctor. The pulse-reading was surprisingly correct, too. "
Kathleen M Jelen
"Ayurveda is wonderful. The doctor told me how I was feeling just by taking my pulse."
Erin Bracken
"At the Naturopathic clinic, we discovered some of the wonders of nature. Strolling through a hidden path, we were surrounded by lush greenery. I can now identify more than one medicinal plant."
Jarrod D Gray
"The natural health facility was interesting because they only use natural topic medicines compared to Ayurvedic facilities that may prescribe internal medicines."
"We actually had an entire afternoon to ourselves. I really needed it to catch up on things."
"We had the opportunity to be present at Loyola College when the national accreditation board came. They were interested in our stay in India. They took time out of their schedule to speak with us."
Kristin Burney
"Relaxing is what I enjoy doing these days."
Kerrian Walters
Welcome
to Photo Session
1. Barbara Maxwell, Sarah M Gallop, ErinBracken and Gretchen Martin preparing for presentation
2. Kerrian Walters, Vincent Shoham, Unnikrishnan and Jarrod D Gray preparing for presentation
3. Jarrod D Gray, Kristin Burney and Gretchen Martin preparing for presentation
4. Vincent Shoham, Unnikrishnan, Jarrod D Gray and Kristin Burney preparing for presentation