“The flame of one candle can light a thousand others” – Tirthankar Mahavir.

I write this as I wait for my ‘bath’ to warm up. The concept is simple – fill a bucket with water, balance an electric coil precariously on the edge of the bucket (pray that you don’t electrocute yourself!), and wait.

Since having stepped into Gujarat six days ago, I have experienced so many new things, eaten new foods, and have often been thrown completely out of my comfort zone. Yet, I find myself on the verge of tears at the thought of having to leave in just a few hours.

I have been staying at an institute called ‘Veerayatan’ in the heart of the Gujarati countryside. A countryside where the sun bakes the dust into smoulders of wispy smoke and where the air is heavy with earthy smells and relentless heat. Where camels and bullock-carts replace taxis and subways, and where the reds and blues and pinks of the women’s bright saris light up the barrenness that seems to stretch forever.

Veerayatan was founded in 1973 by Pujya Acharya Shri Chandanaji Maharaj, a respected and greatly honoured Jain Sadhviji (nun). Jainism is one of the world’s oldest religions, a religion based primarily on the principle of Ahimsa – non-violence. Uncannily similar to Buddhism, Jainism encourages people to live, think and act respectfully, honouring the spirituality of all life. These are the same principles that are taught and encouraged at Veerayatan, and one of the most prominent features of the institute.

The Veerayatan institute in Kutch was built in the aftermath of the great earthquake that shook Gujarat in 2001 “with a noble mission of rehabilitating the earthquake affected people, especially children”. The first Veerayatan institute was opened in Bihar, initiating humanitarian work and selflessly helping the local townspeople by providing schools and boarding facilities for their children. The centres of Veerayatan are inspirational as the “espouse the cause of mankind without the distinction of caste, creed, colour or community”. As well as providing a permanent haven for those affected by the earthquake, Veerayatan aims to increase the quality of education in Kutch. The institute includes a primary and secondary school, a vocational training centre, a boarding hostel with the capacity to house up to 540 children, and a dining hall fuelled by solar energy.

The first Pharmacy Degree College in the district of Kutch has recently been built, in an attempt to level the current mismatch between higher education and employment in Gujarat. The opening ceremony is due to take place a few days after I leave, and everyone has been involved in creating a cultural program to entertain the 3000 visitors that are expected. I have spent my days learning and watching traditional Indian dances, singing Gujarati songs and have been entertained by the numerous plays devised by the students.

I cannot help subconsciously planning my trip back to India, hoping it will be soon. During the past week, I have witnessed true poverty and true loss, but India has also shown me generosity and humility. I honestly feel that amidst the blur of the past few days, I have learnt more about my own values, culture and family than I could ever have imagined. I have learnt to appreciate the many privileges and opportunities that I take for granted, and the entire experience has left me humbled and grateful.

As I draw both this article and my journey to India to a close, I realise that my bath is finally lukewarm. Its been almost 45 minutes.

Navka Raja - Clarence