Travelling is the fulfilment of one of my dreams. Being able to observe cultural differences, to discover the philosophy of ancient civilisations and to simply gain an insight into a different way of life is what I find truly inspiring. I decided to venture out and begin a journey that I knew was going to be extraordinary. My destination was the much talked about South India. I felt the best way to experience the essence of the country was to actually live and work with the local people. So when the opportunity to go to India arose, I accepted the challenge with relish.

I stayed at a Children's Care home in Tamil Nadu. The home is located in the village of Gandhigram, which has gorgeous surroundings of mountains and coconut trees. My work included acting as a sort of a guardian to the children - generally caring for them, helping them at meal times etc. I also had the opportunity to teach at a local school and nearby hospital giving lessons in conversational English to the children and trainee doctors.

On arrival to the Children's home, I was overwhelmed by the enormous effort that was made to welcome me into their homeland. I expected to feel homesick at some point during my stay but actually I wasn't at all as the staff and children looked after me extremely well. Spending quality time with the children was truly a humbling experience. Sharing their interests, helping them with homework or just by conversing with them was enough to see the laughter and twinkle in their eyes.

A typical day for the children went as follows. They awoke at 5am and carried out their duties of cleaning and washing their own clothes etc. After getting dressed for school they had breakfast at 8am and then left for school. They returned home at 1pm for an hour's lunch and school finished at 4:30pm. From 5-6pm they had playtime (a great chance for you to replay your favourites in the playground). Study time began at 6 until 8pm. Dinner was served and study time continued from 9 until 10pm after which the children got ready for bed.

The children slept together on the floor of large sized rooms. There were no beds or mattresses and some didn't even bother to use blankets as it was so hot. Despite the fact that these children have very few privileges and don't have the advantages that we sometimes take for granted here, they were the happiest children that I have seen. Life may be very simple but I could literally sense the compassion, respect and happiness the children and elders conveyed to each other.

During my placement, I often found myself attending prayer sessions full of chanting and singing everyday, having afternoon tea with the locals, getting invitations to traditional Tamil weddings and all sorts of functions where I'd devour a variety of delicious Indian sweets. I had the chance to explore the village of Gandhigram, visiting many of the local units such as a, printing press, aryuvedic centre and papad, soap and incense-stick factories. There was the opportunity to sit in on lectures at the nearby university and aid in the production of local newsletters.

The weekends were a great chance to travel and discover India as an incredibly rich and diverse country. There are the spectacular views from the unique hill station of Kodia Kanal, the gorgeous sunrise and sunsets and the Vivekananda Rock in Kanyakumari, the intricately carved Minakshi Temple in Madurai, the pearly white beaches, stretches of coconut trees and backwater rides in Kerala. just to name a few.

I had a brilliantly fulfilling experience in South India. It was a rare and wonderful opportunity to help a community in need, and to fully immerse myself into a whole new world. Living and working with the local villagers gave me a special insight that I otherwise would not have found. It was a privilege to be with the children and an experience that I shall remember for the rest of my life.

Heena Gudka

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