The Global Experience: Hyderabad, India

by Ailin "Kia" Pipkin Gabay ’14

As I open myself to India, life strikes me like a tsunami. The commotion of peoples, machines, colors and honks, the struggles, the sufferings, the welcoming arms of a stranger, the affection and hospitality, the loyalty, the devotion, the stories and the adversities, the impunity, the inhibition, the embarrassment, the long and silent breeze of the numerous unremembered villages, the curious stares of light in the confusing and endless crowds, the pure energy of the lighthearted children, the tender and sincere human that opens the doors, the warm cup of tea, the spices, the sweets, the smiles, the love ... India, a twister of feelings and smells and images and noises and hearts beating in the streets. Myriad stimuli sparkling around, and yet there is space for inner peace. There is an inner twister that swirls within and has a nucleus, a core, an essence that calmly shines. Humanity. An understanding of our bonding. A substance of empathy and awareness that exists in our hearts. Once this humanity grows and develops inside, all is perceived and welcomed with more pure love. Humanity is everywhere in the streets, in the struggles, in the strangers, in the stories, in the remote breeze, in the stares, in the children, in the tea and in the smiles. Humanity is one. Here, there and in India, it is what we all are.

Published June 6, 2013