Aligarh

Yesterday marked our first day without our team member Kristin. Due to health issues, she decided that it was in everyone's best interest that she return to Canada early. As we left Mathuras, Kristin packed for a trip to Delhi, and a subsequent flight home. We wish her a quick and full recovery.

We arrived yesterday in Aligarh, and we promptly met by a local Rotary club at a Jain temple. Our tour guide gave us a short explanation of Jainism--a religion emphasizing non-violence and the search to know one's own soul. After this explanation we were to see the rest of the facility, but were quickly stopped. A nearby school was about to start a kite festival and they needed us to inaugurate it. So, putting our shoes and belts back on (shoes and leather items are not allowed in Jain temples), we walked next door to the school. There we wished the students happy kite flying. I promptly crashed two kites, then resigned myself to taking pictures and drinking orange sodas. Following this we completed the Jain tour.

Following lunch with the three local Rotary clubs, we toured three schools run by Dr. P.C. Gupta. Dr. Gupta is the president of the Rotary Club of Aligarh City, and he runs literacy programs for children and adults. He devotes much of his own time and money to this cause, and is truly impressive in his dedication and humility.

We were graciously received at the dinner meeting of RC Aligarh, and had the opportunity to speak about our country and experiences in India thus far.

Today, we toured the IBN Sina Academy, the Aligarh Muslim University, and the Krishna International School. The Krishna International School put on a cultural program for us--with different dance routines performed in different styles. The performers were absolutely excellent and their program was a definite highlight.

We made an unscheduled stop at Life Line Emergency Services as well, and had the chance to see paramedic system that was roughly two months old. I found it interesting to see a service consisting of 8 ambulances--a service planning on growing.

We will be meeting with RC Aligarh City tonight, and will leave tomorrow for Kashipur.