YSA_NEWSLETTER__FEB_2018

These activities certainly helped both groups to better understand each other’s
cultures and way of life.
According to the project leader, Mr Satwant Singh, “Perhaps, the most
important lesson for the team was the impact of witnessing poverty first hand.
There is no better way to understand challenges in life than being involved
with these challenges. Such experiences cannot be learned from books or in
school; they can only be learned by participating in community service. The
children in the school sat on the floor and study in trying conditions. Yet, there
were no complaints; only smiles on their faces.” He added that, “The Singapore
team members also learned the importance of supporting one another,
staying strong, overlooking their shortcomings and encouraging everyone to
put his/her best foot forward to ensure a successful expedition. The team had
a wonderful experience in India.”
Altogether, more than 300 Singaporeans have participated in YSA’s Project
Khwaish since it started in 2003.
Khwaish | February 2018
7
Project Khwaish XVII – Reflections…
One of the defining traits of Indian culture is its unrivalled hospitality – guests
are seen as a form of God. This was exemplified by the village Rattoke, where
the entire team was treated with so much kindness. Rattoke touched every
one of our hearts. We can only thank and honour them as we reflect on their
generosity. At one o’clock in the morning, most people would be sleeping
in their warm blankets, given the winter. However, Rattoke was waiting for us
in the cold. After a grand welcome with the dhol, they helped us, insistently,
to offload the boxes and our luggage into pre-prepared accommodation.
The house owner and his family had moved out, vacating their rooms for our
exclusive use. This was not just hospitality, it was a sacrifice!
Charan
In Punjab, it was a whole new ball game. Initially, we had difficulties in
even communicating with the locals. However, over time, we managed to
understand one another. The kids introduced us to many new games like koko
(similar to catching) and other traditional games. We also played conventional
games like volleyball and football. The interaction through games forged a
special bond between us.
Aslam
As we laughed and played together with the kids, we reconnected with the
inner-child in us. This fun and light-hearted environment served as a great
platform to bond with one another. During these interactions, many of us
formed the first significant impressions of one another. These bonds helped us
to understand one another and to learn to work together.
Felicia
The warm-heartedness and generosity of the villagers is definitely one that
made me reflect upon my own ideals and hospitality. Despite thinking of myself
as a rather hospitable person, I knew for a fact that I would not ever be able
to match up to their graciousness. To think that a family was willing to provide
us with accommodation for the entire duration even though it meant they
had to sleep outside their own homes during one of the coldest months of the
year is something that really touched me. This trip has definitely been a very
rewarding experience and one that I am glad to have been able to share with
my new Khwaish family.
Tharsh
Vesakhi and Indian New Year Greetings
YSA’s Executive Committee takes this opportunity to wish its Sikh members
a happiness-filled Vesakhi and its Indian members an equally splendid New Year in 2018.
May you always be blessed with peace, harmony, love, good health and prosperity!