June 3rd was my birthday, something I haven’t celebrated in a big way in years. I figured this year would be no different; however, something absolutely beautiful and unexpected happened: a birthday party was thrown for me. As part of my Banyan Impact Fellowship, I am placed at Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya, a residential music school in rural Northern Karnataka supporting disenfranchised youths. Because of my very rural location at a residential school, I live at the school along with other volunteers. My absolute favorite aspect of my Host Organization has been the intentional community.
When I say intentional community, I mean a group of individuals who choose to give wholly and fully to Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya. These are people who watch each other’s backs, take care of each other, and give up their time and energy for the betterment of the other community members. There are many people at the school who fall into this category. From the teachers who would make more at government schools but stay at KSV because they believe in the mission to the children and their families, who are separated for a majority of the year to give their children the best opportunities for their future. KSV is absolutely filled with incredible people who ensure that KSV’s intentional community is supportive, passionate, and has the best interests of the children it supports. KSV is also filled with other volunteers, who give a year of their lives to supporting the children. However, because the volunteers are mostly foreigners and are here temporarily, it can be challenging for them to integrate with the local staff and students to be a true part of KSV’s intentional community.
Throughout my fellowship, I have dedicated myself to supporting and uplifting the students, forming close bonds and relationships with many of the 150+ children. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my experience in India has been seeing how the local staff and children have supported me, since they consider me a meaningful part of their community. Throughout my time in India, I have been invited to travel with local staff, celebrated holidays in their home, shared meals with them, and celebrated life milestones (such as birthdays) with them.
I am especially grateful for my close connection with the students at school. Almost all of the children call me either by my name or the nickname they gave me, Saru. The children also trust me to tell me about their lives, including their family situations, some of which are very hard for them to discuss. I am eternally grateful for the trust of KSV students, especially since they are the reason we do the work we do.
The greatest gift I have ever been given was when the oldest girls at school threw me a surprise birthday party with the help of their wardens. These students have limited free time, money, and support, but they took the time and energy to throw me a party because they love me. I have never been given a better present in my entire life. There are absolutely no words to describe how much this action meant to me. The fact that the children put in so much effort to celebrate me is something so magical, and I will remember it for the rest of my life.
So, when I think of intentional community, I will always think of Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya and how those with very little continue to take the energy and time to look out for each other. It is unbelievably beautiful and wonderful to see and to be a part of, and I hope everyone has the chance to be a part of such an incredible community in their lifetime.
