Empowerment

7: Empowering Each Other

I know, I know: shame on me for not writing for so long! Really, we've all been busy with developing and presenting our workshop/skits. Our last day at the "prison" - as it's now referred to among the delegates - was spent making teams, coming up with team names, making team flags, discussing issues faced by deaf Indians and deaf Americans, and coming up with team skits for the workshop on Sunday. I think that day rejuvenated us all; we felt like we were getting to know each other better, plus we were being productive.

My group: Heena, Amey, Greg, Prakesh, DJ, and myself. We performed two skits, one about family issues, a.k.a. "Dinner Table Syndrome," and one about access to media, a.k.a. Captioning/interpreters for television programs, especially news outlets. I was very nervous about the whole thing more than I normally would have been because it is a challenge to make sure everyone is included as well as on the same page, considering the language and cultural differences. Still, we all made it work in the end. About 250 deaf people showed up just to see us give our workshop, as well as to watch Murali's presentations. Their response was inspiring; they all nodded their heads in agreement to much of what was being said or performed on stage, and they even waved their hands in the air when something especially moved them. A lot of them came up to give us nothing but positive feedback on our workshop, and it felt good knowing that everyone - Americans and Indians alike - contributed to that. I loved when Heena wrapped our team skits up; she is so outspoken and confident that I hope that in 5 years, I will in some way see or hear her name within the global deaf community. Same goes for the (only) other deaf Indian female delegate, Arjit. Both have impressed us so much as deaf females in this country - I hope they recognize their capacities as role models for India's future deaf women.

The past two nights, we've gone to day 4 and day 5 of a wedding for one of Alim's 4820617 cousins. It was quite the cultural experience - one that none of us will ever forget, I'm sure! Day 4 was sort of like the bachelor's party for the groom, but his entire side of the family, men and women, was there. We smeared pithi cream on his face, fed him candies, dropped sprinkles on his face, and the boys threw eggs at him. Sounds unpleasant, but everyone seemed to enjoy it immensely! The only downside was the snowflake cream spray that people kept spraying around - the fumes were awful. Anyway.. The food was sooo good, and I was forced by one of his family members to get up and join the dancing circle. If you know me at all, you know I don't dance. I tried to the best of my ability though..

The fifth and final night was last night, and some of the girls went to Dadar to buy punjabi outfits. I got a reddish orange one, Sarah got a purple one of course, Mia got a white one with colorful paisley print, and Anne got a bright blue one. We looked great, and the location was beautiful. It was weird though; when we all lined up to shake hands with the bride and groom and their family members, the bride wouldn't let go of my hands! I was supposed to keep the line moving, but she wanted to hold my hands for the photographers. Lizzie later told me it's not uncommon for Indians to touch you longer than you'd expect in America. Interesting.

Today we went to a deaf school, and I loved seeing all the kids and how they were being taught. They were so excited to see us and to ask questions, learn our names, etc. We took them outside and taught them how to play "electric" (sort of like telephone but you use your hands to squeeze the person next to you, competing to see which team creates the fastest chain reaction), which they loved! I will never forget Ninad, this one little boy, age 12. He was so tiny for his age, but so lively and adorable.. Best smile ever, too, which is why lizzie gave him the sign name of "smile," which I think he was pleased with.

We're all on the train now, back to the hotel to do some team-building activities I believe, then it's off to Jehru beach in the evening. Avi signing off now in a puddle of sweat.. Love ya mom n dad.

Alim C.

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