My Sangam Experience
Journey to a World Center

By Ashley, from Girl Scouts of Kaw Valley Council, Kansas

We came from all over—California, Texas, Maine, Kansas, and Illinois. We gathered to begin the journey of a lifetime.

	Ashley, getting help with her sari.

For 10 teenage Girl Scouts and two chaperones, the 16-hour plane ride, the expectation of a new language and a completely different culture was an adventure of a lifetime. I couldn't wait to begin our trip to Sangam, India, one of four World Centers of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

Warm Welcome

Upon my arrival in India, I was amazed at the warm welcome we received. Sangam was beautiful! In the main building of the World Center, there was green landscape, flowers and a stone carving of Buddha; it was a sight I will never forget. Throughout the area surrounding Sangam, the Indian people seemed to instinctively know the staff and visitors to the center and were pleased to see the Girl Scouts and Girl Guides in their community.

Playing Tourist

During a tour of the neighborhood, I was fascinated by the diversity of the people living there and how much they were like us: Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and Christians all living together and worshiping in their temples, mosques and churches. Children attended school and shopped in the markets, just as we do in the United States.

With a visit to the Phule Market, I was surrounded by the rich traditional crafts and trades of India. The enthusiasm of the people in the markets, and their talent at their crafts overwhelmed me. The bangle shop on Bangle Alley was filled from floor to ceiling with bangles (bracelets) in every color you could imagine. The sari shop was a three-story building filled to the brim with saris and Punjabi suits in bright colors, silks and patterned fabrics. The traditional dress of the Indian people was some of the most beautiful clothing I have ever seen.

Local Living

During our tour I had the opportunity to see how schools are run in India. I visited both an English-speaking school and a government school where they speak Marathi (the official language in Maharashtra, a state in Western India). I was impressed when several kindergarten children recited a short poem for us.

The most moving part of my time in India was my visit to Deep Griha, a social welfare center for citizens who need help with medical care, food, education and child care. Through nutrition services, a free medical clinic, childcare services, schooling for children and training for those looking for work, Deep Griha is working to end poverty in Pune and its surrounding areas.

Family Style

With a visit to an Indian family, I was able to see a modern Indian home and the relationship between family members in the household. The family we visited was very welcoming and had much to tell us about Indian family life. They even shared the music of their country with us through instruments and recordings.

Picture-perfect Indian Night

My journey to India was highlighted by a traditional Indian evening. Before the traditional Maharastrian dinner, all of the participants were made into Indian ladies. We learned the art of Rangoli, painting with powdered chalk on the floor surrounding our places for dinner. Then we learned the art of Mehendi, a plant-based dye that is applied to the hands of Indian women in intricate patterns. With our hands covered in beautiful Mehendi and our places decorated with Rangoli, we were ready to learn to put on our saris. Although Indian women swear that they can put their saris on in about three minutes, I had a bit of a tougher time with it. I got quite tangled up in the many pleats and wraps of the six yards of fabric.

In full Indian beauty, we were prepared for our Maharastrian dinner, a meal eaten traditionally with the fingers from a banana leaf plate, while seated on the floor. The Indian food was delicious and full of new and exciting spices and vegetables. After our meal, we were entertained by local dancers performing an ancient form of dance. Each of the motions of the dancers represented a part of a Hindu legend. I was impressed by their art and how much work they put into their dancing.

Bringing India Home with Me

Reflecting on my Indian adventure, I realize how it has changed my perspective on the world we live in. I have opened my mind to a broader range of thoughts, and have a greater appreciation of family and community from the people I met along the way. This trip will be one I will never forget and will have an impact on the way I live the rest of my life.