Kachchh trip by KOJAIN Youths 2003-3004

____________________Comments By: Kala and Bhavi Jain of Virginia__________________

Our journey to Kachchh started on January 02, 2004 at Bombay Center Station with pleasant train ride. The ten of us met and became one big family. We arrived early the next day and went straight to Bidada hospital. We were asked to stay in newly built sanitarium. It was like a beautiful resort and only a short distance from hospital. Later that day, we were given a hospital tour with Mr. Laxmichand Vira. All of us were amazed to see the vast array of medical services and clean hospital environment. That night, we were invited to a party at Mr. Shanti Mackoni's farmhouse for American Consulate General, his family, and Bidada Hospital volunteers. We met many leading personalities of Kachchh and got chance to meet American Consulate general who happens to be from Reston, Virginia. His two kids became instant acquaintances with our tour group.

The next day, we started our tour of Bhuj with newspaper writer Pravinbhai Shah and the cultural head of City of Bhuj later joined us. We visited many earthquake torn areas, palaces, and new development areas of Bhuj city. Later in the day, we went to Abhiyan, Bhuj to meet the initiator of Kachchh Abhiyan group Sushma Ayengar and spent two hours in a group conversation. We were amazed to see such a young, enthusiastic Cornel graduate with a bright vision for Kachchh development and local artisans.

Following Bhuj, we took a city tour of Anjar, which still has not recovered from the devastating earthquake. That afternoon, we went to see Bhawanji Nathabhai's Sadhna Ashram. All the touring youths learned the folk dancing from an internationally famous dancer. The evening was spent back in the hospital for an elegant diner with the American Consulate General and hospital workers. This was followed by a garba and raas.

Over next few days, we traveled to the huts of Vandh village, Panch Tithi (Suthari, Tera, Kothara, Jakhau, and Nalia), Vijay Vilas Palace, 72-Jinalaya, Ahimsa Dham, Vanki Thirth, VRTI, Veeraytan school system and many other places. We also visited each youth's native village in Kachchh with their permission. All of us volunteered in hospital as needed. Most youth enjoyed staying at sanitarium by playing cricket, garba and playing different games. We avoided visiting Narayna Sarvoar and Dhola Vira due to the road conditions and slight decline in health conditions of most youth.

The last day we met Bachubhai Rambhia, Head Trustee of Shree Bidada Sarvodaya Trust, Bidada at his residence. We told him our experiences, comments and exchange views. We left Bidada on January 12, 2004 to Gandhigam and took train to Bombay.

We enjoyed exploring Kachchh with seven wonderful Kachchhi American youths and one Kachchhi Indian youth. Even though we have gone many times to Kachchh before, this year was very special to us. We commend all the volunteers and management of Shree Bidada Sarvodaya Trust for their dedication and hard work. We fortunately had the opportunity to meet many inspiring Kachchhi locals who guided us for cultural transition. We have deep appreciation for all the people who made our trip a grand success. We will encourage other Kachchhi American parents to come forward and explore wonderful Kachchh with another group of youths.