Final Field Program - University of Virginia

CHE27 RURAL INDIA & DAKSHINACHITRA HERITAGE VILLAGE (0700-1830 Sunday, 24 October)
Minimum 20/Maximum 60 (PRICE: $49)
Experience rural India, interact with locals, and enjoy a full day of a variety of activities!
In the morning, depart by motorcoach for a visit to an Indian village to observe village
life, visit village homes, and interact with the residents. You will have the opportunity to
ride a bullock cart, climb a coconut tree and visit a working farm. In the afternoon, visit
and enjoy a traditional lunch in DakshinaChitra, a unique heritage center that provides
insight into the lifestyles of the diverse peoples of South India. Traditional craftsmen
and folk artists work and perform in the reconstructed period settings of 19th-century
streets, homes and workshop spaces. The reconstructed houses are representative of those once found in India’s four
southern states: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka. Throughout the day, four Indian students will
accompany you.
CHE28 MEETING WITH EUNUCHS (0800-1400 Sunday, 24 October) Minimum 20/Maximum 30 (PRICE:
$19)
Government officials in the state of Tamil Nadu have urged the Madras High Court to declare Aravanis (Eunuchs)
as “third gender.” The managing trustee of the South India Aravanigal Rights and Rehabilitation Centre (SIARRC),
Mr. P. Mohana, urges the acceptance of this independent identity (third gender) because of the increasing number of
problems and injustices they (Aravanis) continue to face. In addition for the need to be categorized as third
gender, Aravanis have a hormonal imbalance and many need SIARRC’s assistance in directing legislation to
approve sex change operations in the state after proper psychiatric treatment. Aravanis still face major
discrimination and the Centre is helping them pursue their right to education, employment, child adoption and
voting rights.
Travel to SIARRC. Once at the Centre, tour the facilities. Then meet and interact with several Aravanis and
concerned officials. The price of this practicum includes a donation to SIARRC. (Box lunches from the ship will
be provided.)
---------------------------------------------------- MONDAY, 25 OCTOBER ----------------------------------------------------
CHE29 SERVICE PROJECT: SRI SAI VIVEKANANDHA VIDYALAYA
SCHOOL (0700-1230 Monday, 25 October) Minimum 10/Maximum 30
(PRICE: $29)
Located in the poorest section of Chennai, Sri Sai Vivekanandha Vidyalaya
School educates children 3 to 16 years old (grades K-12). After a brief lecture
and tour of the facility, your work project will be to help clean the classrooms and
other areas around the school. So, bring your work gloves and please wear
closed-toe shoes! You will also have time to visit and interact with the children,
and you will be provided with coloring books, picture books, or other materials to
aid in your interaction with them. (The price of this practicum includes a donation
to the school.)
CHE30 DALIT VILLAGE OVERNIGHT (0800 Monday, 25 October - 1200 Tuesday, 26 October) Minimum
24/ Maximum 36 (PRICE: $89) PRE-SALE ONLY
The Delta Community College Campus, dedicated to Dalit youth training, is a non-profit voluntary agency devoted
to improving the conditions of the Dalits (“Untouchables”) in Tamil Nadu and the Chennai region. You will depart
on a 1½-hour journey on the scenic East Coast Road to the Dalit Delta Training Center. Here you will participate in
an informational question-and-answer session to learn about the Dalits in India, the village, their current work and
the advances that are being made. The Dalit women nursing students will present a reception including a cultural
India Field Program – page 12