India: Culture and Development (IND) Program Links - 1 3944
Contact Us
Phone:
802.258.3212
Toll Free Within the US: 888.272.7881
TTY:
802.258.3388
Fax:
802.258.3296
Kipling Road, P.O. Box 676,
Brattleboro, Vermont USA 05302-0676
India: Culture and Development
Program Highlights
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, presents itself as a rich and regal state with palaces and forts, five-star culture, and abundant tourism. The fact remains, however, that the largely rural and agricultural state of Rajasthan is one of the most underdeveloped in India, and, as the capital city, Jaipur also reflects this reality.
In Jaipur, students will witness the daily dichotomy of provincial and modern. Rural and urban young people struggle simultaneously with problems ranging from life-threatening draughts to admission to prestigious universities. Jaipur is home to hundreds of NGOs addressing key issues throughout Rajasthan. Students will have access to experts in their fields, grassroots organizers, and others working in the areas of relief funds, resource management, and poverty alleviation.
Guest Lecturers
The Culture and Development Seminar gives students direct exposure to some of the most inspired and important Indian people in the development arena. Activists for ethnic rights, women's issues, education reform, urban renovation and press freedom are just some of the speakers.
Visits to Non-Governmental Organizations
Students familiar with organizations based out of the West such as PETA, Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Foundation will be interested to experience how similar matters, such as animal rights, are addressed in India on the local scale. Help in Suffering is a prime example of a local, individual organization doing incredible work in animal rights awareness and rehabilitation. Though its not something that crosses our minds often, one must bear in mind how the lives of traditional animals used in Rajasthan’s labor sector – primarily the horse, buffalo, elephant and camel – are being affected by the rapid modernization of North India.
Road infrastructure, increased traffic, stresses on water resources and farmland areas have dramatically affected the lives of both animals and in many cases, their keepers. Help in Suffering seeks to provide treatment to injured and abused pets and work animals as well as street dogs and cows, provide education to farmers and care-takers, and raise awareness through sterilization and rabies prevention campaigns.
Workshops
Students spend 5-7 days in theme-specific workshops. The group subdivides and each small group works with a non-governmental organization on a specific issue. For example, students might choose one semester from a literacy organization, a women’s health organization, an animal rights organization, or a water resource management organization. Thus, students with diverse interests can pursue specific themes prior to their Independent Study Project (ISP).
Hindi Language
Students from beginner to intermediate are accommodated in small-sized Hindi language classes each day, and are encouraged to continue working on their language in daily life and with homestay families. Students with advanced Hindi may opt for tutoring.