MY RURAL IMMERSION EXPERIENCE

DAY 1 – Departure and Arrival

On January 22nd, we departed from our university in Kothrud to Shirwade Wani by bus. The journey took around five hours. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a simple but hearty lunch served by our classmates who volunteered. After lunch, we were taken to a large hall where we met the village Sarpanch (Head of the Village). He gave us a speech introducing the village and its partnership with MIT (our college). He also briefed us on our accommodations. The first night was a bit challenging since there was no water in the washrooms, but it was restored by the next day. Despite these minor issues, the village’s peaceful environment made up for it.

DAY 2 – Conducting Surveys

The main purpose of our visit was to conduct surveys on the lives and businesses of the villagers. On the second day, we visited different households across the village. We spoke to families, particularly women and elders, and collected data about their income, lifestyle, government scheme awareness, healthcare, and hygiene facilities. It was eye-opening to understand their way of life and the challenges they faced. The food, once again, was great, and having chai in the evening was a highlight.

DAY 3 – School Visit

On the third day, we visited a local primary school and interacted with both students and teachers. The kids were full of energy and excitement, and it was fun seeing them so cheerful. The teachers were cooperative and gave us insight into the education system in the village. While children had access to schooling, pursuing higher education remained a challenge for many due to financial and transportation limitations.

DAY 4 – Grape Farm Visit & Exploring Livelihoods

This day was dedicated to understanding the primary occupation of the villagers—grape farming. The farm was stunning, with rows of grapevines stretching across the landscape. Walking through it felt almost surreal. The villagers explained the process of grape cultivation and the challenges they faced, such as climate dependency and market fluctuations. Before leaving, we even got to take some grapes home! Through this experience, we gained an appreciation for the hard work farmers put into their livelihoods. Additionally, living in close quarters with classmates for four days taught us about adjustment, patience, and teamwork.

DAY 5 – Thanksgiving Event & Reflections

Our final day in Shirwade Wani was filled with gratitude. We organized a thanksgiving event for the villagers, where some of us gave speeches, while others performed songs and dances to express our appreciation. It was a wholesome moment of connection between us and the villagers.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, this rural immersion was a valuable experience, though personally, I would rate it a 2 out of 5 due to the lack of proper sanitation, sleeping conditions, and the challenge of being surrounded by classmates all the time. However, I understand that was the whole point—to step out of our comfort zones and learn to appreciate what we have. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of rural life, the importance of community, and the resilience of people living with limited resources.