It should come as no surprise that the moment I decided to go to India, I reached out to two powerful networks that I am a part of - Teach For All and Rotary. The former has been immensely helpful in the planning and coordinating of meetings. Several very kind current Teach For India fellows did some leg work for me before I arrived as often emails will go unanswered, but phone calls tend to get quicker responses.
I knew that if I reached out to Rotary Clubs in Delhi someone would be bound to invite me to a club meeting or have me over for a meal. The Rotary Club of Garden City did just that, and more. They hosted me at their installation ceremony at the Crowne Plaza, a beautiful hotel in south Delhi. The moment I walked in, I knew that I was in the company of great people. The key note speaker, a journalist who admitted to becoming jaded and pessimistic throughout his career, called the crowd a "diabetic's nightmare because everyone is so sweet and optimistic". Just a few of those in attendance included the Moroccan Ambassador to India (who was very amused that I have Moroccan ancestory), the Slovakian ambassador, the leading female fashion photographer in India, and many more equally as successful and influential people. I was in awe by this group and weirdly enough they were super eager to talk to me. Several of them wanted me to come to their next club meeting. One sweet young lady told me that she would take me shopping after I complemented her saree.
The ladies' beautiful sarees
Me with Dr. Singh, the new Garden City RC president
It was such an inspiring evening- with amazing food, a world renowned Indian flutist named Rajan, and great conversations. My interactions with Indians thus far has illustrated that people are generally very optimistic about the direction that their country is heading in, and justifiably so. One of the Rotarians offered to take me home from the event as it was getting late. The car ride back - past slums, street children and destitution- clearly demonstrated that India still has a long way to go.
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