First impressions, January 2008, Jodhpur Project
by Gernot Rohrmoser


As I got here on the 15th of January, all the girls were still at the NGO, waiting for me. It seemed they were kind of curious of how the new volunteer will be, but also very shy and distanced. Of course I was warmly welcomed by the girls and Govind’s family. That kind of gave me an overwhelming impression in terms of how my stay in India and the trust will be. India is just so different to what a European eye is used to.

Speaking about the participants: The first contact really left a deep impact on me. The girls here at the project had and still have to face such a harsh life, so that a very careful approach is needed. After a while some of them really seem to open up their minds, so they tried to ask me simple questions like “how old are you?” or “do you have a girlfriend?” what totally showed that they were already interested in me. They are such lovely beings! The fact that I’m male might have influenced their way of interacting, but after awhile I could feel that they really appreciated my company to some extend.
And we are going to do some amazing things!

The trust itself really creates space the participants find the chance to explore themselves, recognize their individuality and gain self esteem. In terms of their interests some of them really enjoy singing and dancing, which is a perfect way to let out frustration and at least helps them to escape from reality for a short while. They have such wonderful voices and great abilities in performing.

Since Justin – a director from the US - is filming a documentary about Sambhali Trust, the girls invited us to their homes. As we first had seen their places where they use to live, we were quite shocked, because for western people it’s just unimaginable to share a room with 3 to 6 people. Especially Barthi’s home looks like a cowshed. Imagine walking over a pile of garbage, children playing with pieces of dried dirt, dogs barking, goats fighting against each other and the native people living there are just ready to share everything. Imagine too, that that in consideration of their poverty they aren’t begging, they seem to be so proud of their heritage and especially of their family bond they’re involved in. I’ve never experienced more kind- and happiness than among those people living in the slummy quarters. The girl’s parents were getting really enthusiastic offering us chai (Indian Tea). Like I said, they are willing to share everything. To face that kind of circumstances really caused a deep emotional impact, mainly because before I got here, I took my own personal problems too serious in a very selfish way. Now I know for sure, that most European citizens definitely have no reasons to be concerned or to complain about their lives compared to the girl’s way of living. We have the privilege to have been born in a western country, not being concerned about basic necessities such as food shelter or clean water. In contrast with their living situations these women are definitely more comfortable with themselves and also very advanced in their social skills. After that visit I felt kind of helpless, especially since I realized that it is almost impossible to break the circle of poverty.