Another Field Trip

I just got back from an exhilarating motor cycle ride to a village near Halol called Ishwariya. The village nestles in the hills of the lush, green Pavgadh region in Gujarat. Pavgadh-Champaner was the capital of the state ruled by multiple dynasties from the 10th to the 15th Century. Initially the plan was to hop onto one of the local taxi contraptions to get there but the way things work here, the taxi doesn't leave for any destination until each and ever seat, standing space and ROOF are full! So instead of waiting another hour or so, my guide Irfan decided to call up anothe youth worker Mohammad who had his motor bike. So in Bangalore parlance at least, we did the visit to the village and back "Tribs" or 3 on one bike. I can't remember the last time I did that...years and years ago and that too, must have been for a really short distance. The journey to Ishwariya was a good 40 odd kilometres, a fourth of it over terrible roads. I got to see the village "information centre" there which is essentially a one room one computer area. All land records, census details and such will soon be recorded here for the village as well as the neighbouring 5 villages. I met a young woman in the village who is being trained to operate the computer along with 5 other companions. I also visited the Megh dhanush education area they have set up in conjunction with the public school in the village. The difference is marked. A dull, dreary room has been converted into an area full of colour and an atmosphere of creativity.

The best part of the journey of course was the ride to the place and back: verdant forests, crisp clean air and a fast motor cycle. At times, Mohammad who was riding the bike didn't seem to have both hands on the bar...I tried not to notice that as we sped along! Un sabor poquito de Guevara no? The experience was fantastic. I'm also a little glad I got back in one piece...I don't think Latin America will happen on a "La Poderosa" for sure.