Chennai: Day Four

From Chennai Photos 2010

We had a leisurely start from the hotel as we did not get away as early as expected. However, the drive from the hotel to the distribution site got every one's adrenaline going. There is no way to explain the traffic pattern in India as we maneuver around buses, trucks, cars, motorized rickshaws, motorcycles, motor bikes, bikes pulling trailers, cows. and many pedestrians. All use the same narrow roads. All seem to be going in different directions. It is amazing that more people are not maimed or worse.

On arrival at the distribution site we were welcomed in the usual manner with dots of cumin and saffron put on our foreheads during the welcoming ceremony. We were then taken into the hall where the children were sitting to much applause from the children. There were the usual speeches by certain dignitaries. However the big attraction for us were four dances done by four groups of students from the school.

From Chennai Photos 2010

All three dances were very different and all were spectacular and exceedingly well done. The Rotarians had gifts for these participants and we were allowed to present the gifts to the children.

When all this was finished we started the distribution. The pictures were taken under cover so the children did not have to line up in the sun. I have never seen such patient children anywhere. They had been seated in a very hot room and there were no complaints. They were very good about waiting their turn.

From Chennai Photos 2010

After the children were given their bedkit they went out into the school yard and were given a meal in a tinfoil container. When we left after completing the distribution, it was sad to see all the debris scattered on the ground. There was no obvious garbage container in sight. It seems that this is usual behavior for the majority of Indian people.

The children gave us a rousing send off when we left. We took off into the busy traffic going east in the two westbound lanes of a divided four lane highway. After a couple of kilometers there was a break in the divide and we were able to go in the correct lanes. Life is sure exciting in India.

Helen Ruth Brown
for Team Chennai 2010

Leave your comments here.