We boarded the train at 9:45 pm after an extremely full day. I was sure I would just crash. Was amazed to see the porters carrying peopled wheeled bags on their heads, and the enormous dollys of the clean or dirty linen. The train was cleaner than I thought and each person got a cot with clean sheets, blanket, hand towel, and pillow. It was quite smooth and Sleep came but not as much as I needed. Mt friends, Donna, Monique and I felt safest as we were in the same compartment with our three leaders.
Ahmedabad 1
We arrived at our hotel around 7am and had breakfast... Another feast. We went by bus to Gujarat Vidyapath, a school which was started by Gandhi In 1920. it offers education to kids through PHD programs. there are courses in Gandhian thought, and the philosophy follows Gandhi's principles. We got to watch the youngsters perform a dance, then we discussed the current challenges in India with The college president. The caste system which seems to still be more prevelant than I had thought.
I learned that the Muslims in the region are quite discriminated against. That those of the untouchable caste, although they may be able to get education and move up in the social worls, cannot in the religious. The are not permitted into the inner sanctuaries of their temples. One's last name determines the caste. Changing one's name is prohibited.
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