It has been 1 year since I moved to Germany for the Weltwärts South-North programme. The whole experience has been eye-opening and also inspirational.

I got the opportunity to experience many different spaces, cultures and places over the last 1 year. In my project, I was able to interact with children from so many different countries, and also work with people from different places. We got to share stories, experiences from all our countries, and this was an enriching experience. I got to travel to different European countries and see so many different places and meet many people. Many people wanted to know more about me and where I come from, as well. They had so many questions about India and our cultures. This also helped me appreciate where I’m from, but at the same time, realise its limitations.

One year in Germany has been life-changing. It’s an experience that has shaped my understanding about the world, people, and cultures. I made many friends through work and also through the Weltwärts program. I really enjoyed spending time with the volunteer group, who were also from so many different countries. Everyone had many stories to share from their countries and also, so many new experiences in Europe.

The one thing that inspired me the most is how the people in Berlin were interested in social issues like the refugee crisis, the environmental issues, climate change and many more. Many of them were highly enthusiastic to fight for change. This is something that I wish I can do in my country as well, to make people more aware of the world, encourage them to stand for social issues, and also help them to accept people from all over.

Time went by quite fast, I did not realise it was time for us to pack our bags and bid good bye. The last weekend in Berlin was really special, as we got to finally meet everyone, spend time with our host families and for the last time, experience Berlin’s vibrant weekend.

On the 26^th of August, we set off to India. I had mixed feelings throughout the journey. As soon as I landed at the Bangalore airport, it felt very strange to be back. I was really excited, but was also missing Berlin a lot. I started noticing all the little things that I never paid much attention to before I left. I began to appreciate so many things like the friends, family, the food that can never be replaced, but I was also disturbed by the many limitations such as safety, or watching people who survive with almost nothing.

However, I believe that the experiences have made me a better person. The time I spent abroad has opened my mind to many cultures, it has made me more accommodating and sensitive to people around me. I am forever grateful to FSL-India and IJGD for giving me this opportunity.

During the first few days of transition I wrote a short poem which I am pasting below.

Broken World Of Ours So Dear

It seems like I lived in another world so fine,

Feeding the swans, dreaming by the alpine,

Strolling through castles, traveling times,

Delighting in seasons, and modish rights,

Miles away from the broken world of mine so dear.

But today I wake up to this delusion of reality.

How we have come in terms with such destiny.

Shadows of the poor from their nuzzy holes,

The sounds of hunger from clanging bowls,

That’s a day in this broken world of mine so dear.

But now I walk past them, and only ponder.

If only we could find hope in each other,

In a world where the mountains meet the waters,

In a society that takes pride in their daughters,

And learn to love this broken world of ours so dear.