We pulled into the driveway at the Annamalai University in Chidambaram. (The second largest university in the country) As we got out of the bus we saw men with cameras and video cameras. Not knowing what was going on we took off our shoes and followed the program director into the building where we were ushered into a room with couches and chairs. after some introdcutions we finally figured out that we were in the office of the chancellor of the university, surronded by the press (who were constantly taking pictures and videos of us) . As I was sitting in this high powered man's office, barefoot, drinking chai, I remembered just how unique India is.
From there we went to the agricultrure college to learn about a project they were doing to help women. there we were presented with shawls and flowers, and coconuts to drink out of. The women put flowers in our hair, we all exchanged addresses and they cooked us food.
Then we went on to the headquarters of a womens self help group. the women said that through the group they had become more independent. It used to be that they would not leave thier houses but because of the group they could now go out on thier own. At one point a woman stood up and asked us who we were and why we had the right to ask them these things. This in itself seemed like a big step for her. She was an Indian woman directing a question at a white male.
Both of these groups were interesting to learn about. They were both helping to empower the women in the country. We were, as usual, treated with amazing kindness and hospitality. The people remain my favorite part part of this country. Working one on one with them and seeing how excited they get to put flowers in our hair or exchange addresses and phone numbers is one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced.
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