Talk, Talk, Talk!

Well, I've never been one to shy away from TALKING, so it seems almost natural that this post will be all about opportunities to do so. I made quick mention of these events in my previous post, but this one gives updates and photos.

I was invited to be the Chief Guest at the Podar International School about 2 hours outside of Pune city. (Podar International is a set of highly reputable schools around India.) All schools in India have an "Annual Day" celebration at the end of their scholastic year (early April for most schools). As the Chief Guest, I gave a 10 minute speech (which was very well received by the audience of 1000+!!) (I got applause in several spots... 👏🏽 😎 🤩 ). I received flowers & a plaque, was treated like a queen the entire time (I wore a saree which added to the feeling of elegance), helped to hand out awards on stage, was given food throughout the 5-hour event, and watched an amazing performance of the students, grades nursery through 9th, drama/dance retelling the life of Krishna. I didn't get back home to my flat until 3 AM! (And I was up at 6:30 to teach a session at 7:30.) Note the "welcome rangoli" made of colored rice flour -- you see these often at special events or at people's doorways during holidays. Rangoli are ephemeral, easily disturbed by feet, not meant to last long -- which makes them even more special.

Welcome rangoli

receiving the plaque

The next event on my schedule was a book launch for a book written about various folks' Fulbright experiences. This event had an audience of about 30, and I was invited to serve on the panel and to talk for about 15 minutes about my own experiences. It was lovely to meet several Fulbrighters from India who had traveled to the US during their grants. The evening event took place in a very small covered-outdoor theatre, created by the nearby Jain community, high on a hill called "Happy Hill." The last photo of this set is the Jain temple lit up at night.

Up next was a literacy workshop for staff at an inclusive school for disabled children and youths. I did interactive activities with the teachers, centered around storybook reading. Loads of fun! I hope to be able to visit the school a couple more times to be able to work with the students as they engage in "summer" activities. (The school year has also been winding up for them.)

I suspect you all are eager for an update on Nini! While Nini has been jumping all over everything in my flat, I have been jumping through hoops to ensure that she can travel home with me in a month. There was some (hours'-long ridiculous) confusion as to whether I needed an "export" certificate from an "animal quarantine" office in Mumbai (which would have required bringing Nini on a 3-hr-each-way trek to the office). I finally discovered (no help from that office by the way) that I didn't need that particular form. Nini will get microchipped on April 15. She is GROWING but is still very much a kitten. (Did I mention the jumping on everything?) In the first photo, look at her adorable kitty-belly! (But please ignore my not-so-adorable human-belly...)

Here are 4 random everyday-life photos I wanted to share. 1 -- I seem to have gotten used to seeing entire families riding on motorcycles in India... But I still shake my head in wonder when I see them all piled on like this. 2 -- Another photo of a dosa! I sure do love these. 3 and 4 -- fun times with my friend Triveni, including an amazing pizza and a night at the movies (we saw Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway).

STAY TUNED FOR NEWS ABOUT THE PLAY I AM PERFORMING IN! I'm writing this blog post from the Pune airport as I head to Delhi for 3 quick days.

[VIDEOS FROM PODAR SCHOOL EVENT...] The following are a few VERY SHORT (7-10 second) videos of some of the dancing -- PLLEEAASSE take a quick minute to watch them! Imagine the work it takes to coordinate this effort across a school of 750 kids, ages 4 through 16 (ish). It was just so delightful, especially in a country-context that places heavy emphasis on academic exams. How refreshing to see these children engaging so joyfully in artistic expression.