As part of my community living experience I had a chance to live amongst the boys boarding at DB Hassan technical institute. There are around 30 boys who are all undertaking various technical courses – I.T. I (Industrial Training Institute) and MORD trades (Ministry of Rural Development) such as electrical, automobile and sales and marketing.
I soon became accustomed to the routine of the boarding house and very much appreciated the company of these smiling faces and greetings as I moved about the house from day to day. I was always greeted with a ‘good morning, good afternoon, good evening or good night’ or a gesture of ‘namaskar’ from each boy, usually followed closely by ‘oota aaitha?’ (have you eaten?) - this became common practice in showing their genuine concern for me and testing my Kannada skills!
I learned many things from these boys and really appreciated their company and willingness to include me in everything. I am happy to have been there for them as they were for me. Thanks to them I am now a keen basketball, volleyball and caram player (please note that keen is by no means good, just always willing to play). I have learned ‘solpa’ (a little) Kannada - including a couple of songs and prayer responses. I enjoyed Sunday nights, where after supper, the main quad transformed into a dancefloor with a booming bass amplifier. Boys were more than happy to show off their film-star dance moves and when dancing got a bit too energetic I did sometimes make the excuse of being too full – quite happy as a spectator. But probably most importantly, I have learned about their lives, the ups and downs, their hopes, their dreams; and I have gained their friendship along the way.
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