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“Finding Ourselves” in the Himalayas – Week 5 with the Bharti Foundation

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So this was our first weekend away, and despite changes in every single one of our plans, we miraculously made it on the bus to Rishikesh, a beautiful holy city located at the foothills of the Himalayas where we decided to go and “find ourselves” – apparently that’s what you do when in India… With a bus that could more accurately be depicted as a roller coaster, we survived 12 hours of non-stop jumping in the air. Despite the bus, Rishikesh was undoubtedly worth it. To our surprise, we found it inhabited by more monkeys than people, while the whole town seemed busy walking around for 10 days.

As our journey coinciwaterfall 2ded with a traditional way of celebrating Shiva during the monsoon season. After a 15 km trek somewhere in the Himalayas on Sunday, we came back achier than ever before, ready to begin the busiest week of work yet. Interspersing our main research project, we were given the additional task of collecting primary data in two more government schools located in Haryana, where Bharti’s Quality Support Programme is well under way.

So, this time our aim was to assess its positive impact and thus we designed new questionnaires for the teachers and students, which we had to administer in two groups due to the time constraints. In the meanwhile, our report on the Quality of Education is taking its form, with only a few days remaining until we have to present our findings to the Foundation.

As our experience comes to a close, we all feel this incredible opportunity has flown by, and we don’t feel ready to leave just yet. On our first day, our supervisor told us that “Indians are always in a rush, but they never reach on time,” which was arguably one of the most accurate descriptions of India ever uttered. Also, when asked what makes India unique according to us, we realised that we couldn’t name solely one thing. Everything and everyone here has a special aspect that simply makes it impossible to compare to what we are used to, and this is perhaps the best thing about India. From the cows that stroll down the middle of the street, to the hospitality that verges on force-feeding, to the shameless and fascinated stares (that make us feel like celebrities), and to the abundantly but expertly spiced food, India couldn’t have made us feel any more welcomed.

GEO Bharti Interns

Visiting Pune – Week 4 in India with NISM

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Saturday/Sunday

To Pune, the team ventured for the weekend to experience a different part of pune visitIndia and observe how it differed to where we have been staying in Vashi. After arriving at the hotel we were staying at, Aurora Towers, we all went straight to the pool for some swimming games and well executed lifeguarding by our resident lifeguard. After the swim, a shower and a change, we went to Pizza hut to fill the cravings of missing the western world and then out to meet some of the other interns on the RBI internship at a local place called the Frozen
Monkey.

Sunday morning whilst a number of us were enjoying one of the few lie-ins we have been afforded, Tim and Mark went to explore Pune. Visiting a cave temple and an old castle which was previously owned by the government of Pune, which was made an experience by a very determined and persistent woman, who kept asking for money.

Monday/Tuesday

Monday and Tuesday seemed to merge, with not much happening bar more work on our projects as we start to near the end of our intern before we go on to travel. Along with another interesting session in the trading lab where we were given more practice of experiencing the different aspects of the market and provided information on how different financial products work and how to deal with them.

Wednesday/Thursdaybeing told to do work

Talking to convince was the topic for the next two days, with renowned speaker Pawan Gupta providing a presentation on the different scientific processes that occur when presenting presentations on Wednesday. Though not many people are aware of these subtleties that are occurring. With Thursday providing insights in to how to creatively present, through the use of all participants impromptly being made to give a minute speech on a range of topics, with some great stories being provided… Including a funny insight into how Arnold Schwarzenegger built himself up and didn’t listen to the naysayers. With the ending of the conference being finished with a traditional trip to Tight, where it seems the locals have come to recognise us.

Friday

With the week coming to a close and only a week left of the internship, the group started to put one final push into our projects and spent the day trying to get them to a point at which they will be ready for the deadline next Tuesday. Before finishing off with a night in together listening to music and having some fun.

GEO NISM Interns

Work Hard, Play Hard- Week 4 Interning at the Bharti Foundation, India

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Saturday was the13775599_1287642804580885_7501570343305090450_n last day in the field at the Sarvodya Kanya Vidyalaya school, thus completing our research. The team headed back to the guesthouse physically and emotionally drained after 4 days exposed to the heat. However, we were all thankful for the opportunity to work with the amazing staff and students at both schools. Saturday night saw us socialize with a colleague who took us out in Delhi. He had promised to show us the “real” Delhi Nightlife. A party in the top floor of the tallest building in Delhi certainly did not disappoint.

Sunday saw us continuing our exploration of Delhi. This time, we headed to the Chattarpur temple. Although this temple was not as historic as some of the other sights we have seen, it was no less beautiful. Built in 1998, this temple was designed to give the homeless people of Delhi somewhere to take refuge during extreme weather. The biggest feature of this temple was a giant red statue of a Vishnu (Hindu god) that can be seen in for miles around in all directions (nice pose Andy). Later that Sunday, we headed to cyber hub to have dinner with another work colleague, and then utilized an early turn-in to recover for timage2he upcoming busy work week.

Work this week has us focusing on analyzing our results from our fieldwork, as we try to complete our report. Therefore,making the basis for our recommendations on how the Bharti Foundation can include key stakeholders to help deliver their ultimate goal of delivering universal quality education in India.

This weekend, the team is heading to Rishikesh in the foothills of the Himalayas for an action packed weekend of white-water rafting, yoga, and trekking. (Not thinking about the overnight six-hour bus journeys on Friday and Sunday nights).

Looking forward to the next installment!

Andy and Chris, GEO Bharti Interns