Final Day

With the DG and his wife
Presenting the Amwell Banner

The last few days

16th February
Should have been a lazy day, just with host change over. However following on from the meeting with the police the day previously, at 7.30, I was on the beach to witness the start of an 'off road' vehicle rally. The police have acquired about 10 quad bikes and together with a contingent of motorcyclists from the Indian Navy they intend to ride along the beach as close to the water as possible from Chennai to the southern most tip of Tamil Nadu, I think about 1000 miles!! Coupled with the Rally was the launch of a toll free number for people wishing to report suspicious happenings in the vicinity of the shore line, eg, potential terrorist activity, illegal immigrants, smuggling, etc.

Interesting event fronted by the Head of the Police who happens to be a woman and a senior Navy guy. They had a lone helicopter giving a sort of display and a navy boat rushing backwards and forwards directly opposite the assembled crowd of about 100 police and navy personnel. Of course there was the media, but nothing like the numbers that had besieged us two weeks earlier!

Finally got to do some shopping, very afraid I am going to have excess baggage!

Both Teams have now been asked to produce a presentation on their views of the India experience. To be given on Thursday evening, we decided to get together at the home of my host, Paras, at 4 pm to work on our offering. Paras took this opportunity to lay on a party for us on his roof terrace and to ensure it went well he invited over about 8 incoming presidents form nearby clubs. When they arrived at about 8 pm we had just about got together most of our views. We understand that Thursday is to be an informal farewell event with just the GSE Committee present. We wait to see, the meeting is being held at the prestigious Madras Private Club! Paras ‘do on the terrace’ was a success, whether it was the drink, company, or the private caters he just happened to call in, but everyone had a good time.

The next morning was another round of vocational visits. Raj and I were programmed to visit the local anti terrorist branch office. We were taken to the old Chennai Training School where the Unit was supposedly based. We were introduced to a senior ranking officer, who said he was in charge of localized training. We then asked one, or two, general questions about security issues at which point he stated he new nothing about security and from this point on he would only give his rank name and number! Clearly he was unaware of our visit and realizing that we were not going to be able to convince him to divulge any general facts about the current situation, we decided to beat a hasty retreat and go and visit one of the all woman police stations that have been created all over the City.

It would appear that the stations have been set up to deal with women who are victims of crime. We met a very able corporal, who although not being able to converse in English provided, through one of the Rotarians acting as an interpreter, a good description of their responsibilities. The set up was very similar to the police woman’s departments that used to exist within the UK. There have clearly been issues with the attitude of male officers, when confronted by a female complainant. The police women do not deal with female accused; this still rests with the male dominated force. This was an interesting visit of about 45 mins.


After lunch, we went back to the Taj Hotel and I was formerly handed over to my final host Anand, the DG. After settling into his very pleasant home, it was time to go the Madras Coromandle Rotry Club, who were hosting a 5 Club gathering, just to hear our presentation – our final presentation. About 100 persons were present and after we finished giving our talk questions were taken. There was keen interest in Zoe’s profession, my views on police corruption and Chris’s favorite beer! Then followed fellowship, with a hot buffet and ‘free’ bar. I left at about 10 pm to be delivered by his driver to the DG’s home – oh such happy memories!

Thursday was due to be a half day visit to the Kingfisher Brewery. Despite his protestations to the contrary, we believe this visit was inspired by Chris. We were collected by 3 members from the Club hosting the visit and soon got a sense that this was not going to be a quick visit. We kept stopping to meet up with other Rotarians and soon there was a small convoy of us heading out on the 2 hr drive to the brewery. We stopped first at a liquor blending and bottling plant en route and it was at this time we realized that the GSE Teams now had 15 hosts. I came to the conclusion that such visits are the same the world over and by the time lunch came and the tasting started I was proved right.

We finally arrived back in Chennai at about 5 pm and so just had time for a quick freshen up, before going to the GSE Farewell Party. Both Teams had prepared a presentation on our time in India. It was an emotional time with two members being brought to tears, as they recounted the marvelous time and experiences they had had. Thanks were expressed to the organizers, hosts and the many other Rotarians, who had made this such a memorable visit. All too soon the evening came to an end and we left with our host to start the process of packing.

The final very long day.


After a bit of a lay in, I started to get my bags together. Afraid I am going to be about 3 kgs over the very small allowance given by BA (23 Kgs), which is some 7 Kgs less that the Sth Africans are getting with Emirates!


On giving up attempting to get a quart into a pint pot I went off with Anand for lunch at Fisherman’s Cove. Right on the beach overlooking the Bay of Bengal, this visit brought back many happy memories, as Margaret and I had stayed at the Resort on our previous visit, a little over 2 years ago. An excellent 'long lunch', when I was able to obtain an fascinating further insight into how Rotary operates in India and especailly in District 3230.


Then it was back to the packing. Anand and Gary (our UK liasion chair) spent a good deal of time attempting to increase the luggage allowance.


At around 6 pm Meena (Anand's wife) and I set off for a celebration party being hosted by the father of the Madras Rotary Club President, who was himself a Past District Govenor. Anand had DG duties elsewhere. Given that he has over 100 Clubs in the District and he spends one day with each Club, visiting their current projects and then attending a meeting, plus all the other responsibilites he has, it can be seen how much time and the personal commitment that the DG has to give during his year in office - there is rarely a free day!!!


The party was a grand affair. On an arab theme, the host had errected a large number of bedowyn like tents, lit by coloured lights, where food, drink and entertainment was provided also you could just sit and socialise. There were lit torches and the small braziers positioned to give the right ambience and it was a really very pleasant 'summers' evening, plus I was able to met up with a number of Rotarians who had had a significant hand in arranging our visit, meant that this was a really fitting end to the 30 days in India.


We left at around 10 pm to enable me to get to the airport and meet up at 12 mn with the other Team members and those from South Africa. Also present was a small group of local rotarians, including Raj to see us off. Given that our flight was at 4 am I was expecting this to be a lesuirly affair with there being sufficient time for genuine and sincere farewells. How wrong I was, the Airport was in a state of chaos. The airport was packed with extremely large numbers of frustated, irritable and hot travellers attempting to navigate the exit procedures Firstly luggage, Gary had done an excellent job and cleared our weight issues, but there was a problem with additional bags, so a guy Raj found, who was now with the Customs Dept and was an ex GSE member, did his best and we ended up having to pay for just one nominal package. Despite what we had been told earlier, the Sth Africans did not have such a good arrangement and ended up spending a great deal of time and money in getting their bags through. Their flight was at 3 am and so they ended up having to be rushed through all the other security checks and we believed they made there flight!


Having done our bags, we had to say a hurried farewell to Raj and to give him a gift from both teams. It was a shame, because therre were so many thankyous that we all wished to express.

Next it was immigration and it took longer to get out of the Country than it did top get in. Customs likewise, then onto the Departure Lounge checks. All in all we navgated all the checks just in time to get to the departure gate, as the plane was starting to board passengers. Almost 4 hrs without a sit down and in a very trying atmosphere - but we survived!


Without any real incident we had a pleasant return flight arriving at Heathrow at 3 pm India time - so all in all some 30 plus hours after we had first go up on the Friday morning. We were met by Gary and our relatives, said the farewells and then made our way home!


It is going to take some days/weeks to fully appreciate what we experienced in India. I know that all the UK Team really appreciate what Rotary and our Indian Hosts gave to us and we look forward to sharing with Rotarians in District 1260 over the next few months and at District Conference in May.

The Final Week

My new host is Paras.  A commodities trader, he lives with his wife and 5 yr old son, close to Chennai Central.  His home is very comfortable, with a roof top terrace and bar.  Having settled in, he took me in the evening to meet up with 6 Rotarians from his Club.  We had a very pleasant dinner, when we found that we had many other interests in common.

On Saturday the Teams had an 8 am start.  We were to visit the National Agro Institute.  This is a private charity, originally formed in the 1960’s, with the aim of improving the skills and practices of farmers.  They had a laboratory in Chennai and this was to be our first stop, but not before picking up breakfast from the Rotary run bakery. The Lab provided for testing of soil, methods of water conservancy, research into crops and also for quality control of processed products produced by farmer cooperatives. 

The next leg of our visit was to go to ‘in country’ field research station, which was a 3 hour drive away and within a community, which had adopted the recommendations of the Institute.  Just before arriving at the research station we were taken to the village temple, where the Institute staff, responsible for animal husbandry, had set up a clinic to inoculate goats and cows, provide basic veterinary services, for example a goat with a kid had broken its leg and rather then put it down, the leg had been set in a simple cast.  The other main purpose of the clinic was to inseminate cows with semen from another breed, there by to strengthen the resistance of the animals to disease and also improve their milk yield.  The Teams were then witness to a very enthusiastic AI man going about his business.

We then went to the Field Station where research was undertaken into the actual growing of crops and most importantly it provided a teaching environment for the local farmers and their wives to receive instruction.  We were shown the various gardens where crops and vegetable were growing, demonstrating the variety that can be achieved despite the very hot climate.  We also saw where the woman were taught various skills and given advice on a range of subjects from starting their own business to child care.  Awareness was also given to the farmers on the various types of mechanization they can use to increase the profitability of the land.  They also learnt of cooperative purchase of such machines for community use.

We then moved onto a typical village and witnessed first hand the techniques taught by the Field Station.  All in all it was very impressive visit and whilst Rotary was really only on the sidelines, (the founders son and current head of the Institute is a Rotarian and some Clubs have donated equipment to the lab), results of the work undertaken by this private Institution are certainly worthy of further support.

We then had a 3 hr return journey and a very rushed wash and brush up in order to make the Chennai Galaxy Rotary Club Charter Celebration Nite (their spelling).  Whilst the Teams did not have to give their formal presentations, Raj and I had to outline our emerging impressions and to introduce the Team Members.  Not only were the Club members present, but also their wives and children.  After the formal bits, which went on for over two hours, the food and drink was served and the disco started.  They included some western music, as opposed to the favored Bollywood songs, and the Team members were able to amuse the Rotarians with demonstrations of such dances as YMCA, etc.  The evening wrapped up at 11 pm.

Vallentines Day

We spent the day with our hosts.  I had a lay in and then went out with Paras for lunch at one of his other non- rotary social gatherings.  In the evening we all came together at the local rowing club to meet with the Foundation Alumni from within the District.  There were about 30 such members present, all of whom had either been on GSE, or were Foundation Scholars.  We were given a fascination presentation on Chennai, after which each of the current visiting team members gave a short account of their views on GSE and the present visit.  We were then able to socialize with the Alumni and meet people who had been on visits over 30 yrs ago.  Some had, of course, now joined Rotary, but not all.

Monday 15^th.

This was a vocational day.  Raj and I visited the Head of the Coastal Boarders Protection Team.  An interesting visit that became really very good.  We started with each of us telling of how our respective Countries protected our boarders.  He had little regard for the effectiveness of the British system – well done Daily Mail!  When the meet and chat was over, we thought we were to be dismissed, but he then asked if we would like a trip out on their inshore rib. 

The craft was a little old, but had two 40 hp Mercury Engines and as we were to experience, a top speed of over 20 knots.  Great hour and half.  Getting to about two miles off shore on a really very pleasant day!!!  On arrival back we were taken to the Police Senior Officers Club for lunch.  We met up again with the OIC, and over lunch and whilst also watching the cricket (India are looking like beating Sth. Africa), we mended all international bridges and at the conclusion parted best of friends. We also received an invitation to see the start of a rally of multi terrain vehicles, that his Unit had just acquired.  The event was to take place at 7 am the next day!

Both GSE Teams met up in the early evening at the home of the DG for an informal social gathering.  We spent a very pleasant evening and were able to sample food from Northern India.

The Third Week

On Monday 8^th Feb, both Teams moved out of Chennai for the country area of District 3230.  We were to be away for five days and four nights and it proved to be a challenging experience due to the amount of travel, number of Rotary meetings, visits to projects and sites of interest.  It also provided another facet of Rotary in the District. 

Leaving at 8 am, we traveled in a mini bus with variable air conditioning – now and then and this fact, due to a mid day temperature of 35 degrees, was to prove very tiring.  Our first trip was to Kanchipuram, about 4 hrs from Chennai.  We met local Rotarians who had arranged for us to visit the Temple, which was noted for having the largest decorated entrance in India. We then went for lunch and a meeting with another group of Rotarians.  Next it was a visit to a silk weaving factory, before going onto our over night hotel.  That evening a special joint Rotary meeting was held at the hotel and both Teams made their presentations.

The location was a special place of pilgrimage and so at 6 am a small group of us, led by Kari, the Rotarian host who was to stay with us throughout the 5 day trip, set off to find a sacred cave.  Unfortunately we missed the turning and found ourselves on the 15 km walk around the hill were the cave was situated.  It is believed that the journey around the hill will give the believer power and energy.  We did not know however you had to go in a certain direction and it was only when we kept meeting others walking towards us and smiling knowingly, that the penny dropped and we realized we were walking the wrong way.  Feeling decidedly tired we got off the route and went back to the hotel for breakfast

Suitably refreshed, the Teams then set off to the Yelagiri Hills.  Stopping on way for a joint Rotary Lunch Meeting, where it was only necessary for the Team members to make brief introductions, we then negotiated a tortuous journey climbing 1200 mtrs to our resort hotel, overlooking a lake.  We arrived in good time for some members to hire boats, while others, including me, attempted to catch up on sleep.  That evening 5 Clubs came to the Hotel and we gave our full presentation.  At the end of the meeting we moved outside for our meal and found that a wide screen projector had been set up and was showing clips from Indian musicals.  After a little time a bonfire was lit and we sat around telling tales and finishing off the odd beer or two!

Again getting up at 6 am, a smaller group of us than the day previously, walked even higher in the hills and visited a shrine, which also afforded fantastic views over the surrounding countryside.  After breakfast we set off for Vellore, where we were to spend two nights.  On route we went to the Vellore Technology University.  A new private establishment, now with about 5000 students, it provides degree courses recognized both in UK and USA.  We met the founder and Chancellor.   

After lunch at the University, we then made our way to the Golden Temple.  This was a very special visit.  The Golden Temple in Vellore is larger than its more famous counterpart at Amritsar.  It has been completed in the last 5 years and is a private undertaking by a 35 year old guru.  It is also a striking example of the quality of work that can be delivered.  India is dirty, dusty and litter strewn, however the vast areas of the Temple and its gardens were as neat and tidy as anywhere in the world.  So very different to the older temples we visited. We were there between 4pm to 6 pm and I estimate there were at least 1000 pilgrims visiting.  Due to the Rotary connections were able to miss the queues, which was just as well, as another joint meeting had been arranged for that evening!

Next morning at 6 am there was just Kari and myself for the walk!  No stamina these young ones. This time we went to the Fort in the center of Vellore and walked around the battlements.  The Fort is now used by the police as a recruiting center and it was good to see that they still do square bashing as part of their training.

When we were all together, we set of for Ranipet, about one hours drive from Vellore.  We were met on the outskirts of the town by the local Rotarians who firstly took us to visit a leather factory and then onto a shoe making factory. Neither of these locations had any retail outlet, which was a disappointment to many Team members!  Lunch with yet another group of Rotarians, including a visiting American, who in the 1970’s had joined the Ranipet Rotary Club for two years, when he had been the military attaché for Sth India.  He had not kept up his membership when he returned to the USA and was now visiting with his wife, to renew friendships. 

According to the program the afternoon was to be free time, but our ‘in country’ organizer had other ideas. So off we went to a new school, which was being run by a Rotarian.  Having been in existence for only 3 years, they now have 500 boys attending.  We met all the teachers at a staff meeting.

The Teams were able to grab a little shopping time at about 5 pm, only to find that Main Street, Ranipet is nothing like Oxford Street. For a start, the livestock you have to avoid in Oxford Street is not of the four leg variety!  At 6.30 pm we gathered for our final joint Rotary Meeting.  8 Clubs were represented, with 5 presidents being present.  At the conclusion we grabbed a quick curry and then made our way back to Vellore, arriving at 10’ish.  Just time to get a beer at the roof top bar (oh the tales to tell on our return).  All bars in India have to close at 10.30 pm. So early to bed – yes really!  Ok, not really.

On Friday we traveled back to Chennai arriving at 12.30 to be picked up by our new hosts………………………………………………………………………………….

 

Following our presentation at Tiruvannamalai 

 

Zoe and Anna after being welcomed to Rotary in the Country Area 

 

With my last hosts Vijay (Leader of GSE bound for UK) and his wife. 

 

 The polio booth at Conference

 

GSE Team just before presentation 

 

The boys all dressed up for the Pre Conference Party 

 

Together with Raj and the Assistant Commissioner, Traffic 

End of week 2

With my host, Vijay, we left the Conference after the introduction of the District Team for 2010/2011 – interestingly for the first time this year each of the posts is dual filled by a Rotarian from Chennai and one from outside the city.  There is speculation that there is a movement to divide the district, or at least to give greater prominence to those from the country areas.  Rotary in the District is very ‘political’, often with a long list of nominees for DG, who then have to go through a selection process.  This also is not without its difficulties and there is a case pending in the courts over the selection of the DG a few years back.

That evening I went with Vijay to the Race Course to listen to a performance of sufi and mystical music.  Not as uninteresting as you might think to western ears.  One performance by a group from Iran was particularly good.

upto and including District 3230 Conference

On Thursday 4th we had an early start for our visit to Pondicherry, 140 kms from Chennai.  The journey took some 4 hrs, although we did have a stop at a temple built around 1000 years ago on the shores of the Bay of Bengal.  After lunch in ‘Pondy’, we visited the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and observed the many followers of Sri Aurobindo meditating and revering the teacher and his wife, who was referred to as ‘The Mother’.  Interestingly Sri had spent some 14 years in Manchester, who said nothing happens north of Watford Gap!  We next visited a paper making factory and then walked along the Promenade.  The other interesting fact about Pondicherry is that it is an independent city outside the control of Tamil Nadu.  It used to be a French protectorate and even today the French have a right of access to the town without a visa.  This has caused a number of French to move here and settle in a commune.  We then made our way back to Chennai arriving around 9 pm.

On Friday 5^th, both Teams were taken on a cultural visit to Sarala’s Art Center.  This was a small village that had been established in the 1960’s to provide a center where non traditional artists, both painters and sculptors could work and give each other mutual support.  Today the Center is accepted world wide, with artists visiting from many different countries to study and work together.  We next visited Dakshiana Chitra Craft Foundation, where typical houses from South India have been erected to give a depiction of how people lived and worked from the mid 1800’s to the present day,  We also saw a presentation by a visiting dance troop from Malaysia.

Friday also marked the start of the Rotary District Conference, with a social event in the evening for the organizers, some 150, plus partners!  Those attending were asked to dress in typical local dress.  See photos of the Team, looking very smart. An excellent evening of fellowship, it was surprising to realize how many Rotarians we had already got to know and we are only half way through the visit.  Back to our hosts by 11 pm.

Sunday 7^th February: Anna Lives!!

Hello and greetings to all readers of this blog. Sorry there has been no contact from me as of yet, but all of Sandy’s words of advice could not have prepared me for the schedule we are following, it is busy, to say the least!

India is amazing; it’s busy, beautiful, bustling, colourful, fascinating and all consuming. We have already done so much, and my initial thought that this would be the best way to see this amazing country seems to have been correct, due to the organizational skills of our hosts, and the vast range of rotary projects which we would otherwise have no access too.

Some of the highlights for me so far have been the Rotary project trip to a workshop for women who will be able to generate their own income from the sewing they are taught to do there, the attached crèche facility for their children. Later that day we visited the boys school, which is entirely organized by Rotary and runs like clockwork. The School evidently helps the prospects of a great many.

I was also taken to Tirupati, a very important temple to Hindus with the presiding deity Lord Venkateswara. This trip accomplished for me something I have always wanted to do; it is seen as a kind of pilgrimage for Hindus and treated with absolute reverence by the many that flock there. The emotionally charged atmosphere in this beautiful and vast temple made this one of the most amazing days of my life.

As we are so late into the blog, I will just cast my mind back over the last 24 hours, and tell you a little about the district conference. I arrived with my hosts, Subramanian, and his wife Shanthi (means peace) at about 8.15 am. The first thing to strike me was the sheer size of the conference center, and the huge effort that had gone into all of the preparations. There was a brass band, a red carpet, and about 10 people in a welcoming committee giving us “Namaste” as we went in. All this, before even entering the building! I met with Paul, Zoe and Chris and some of the members of the South African team in the foyer, and we had a quick look around the center. There are many stalls, both to do with rotary projects and some that seem to be typical Indian arts, such as paper making and silk weaving.

Anna has gone off shopping for more things Indian, I dread to think how much she will have to pay in excess luggage, but there is a cunning plan to get items home – more of that later when we give details of the Indian incoming GSE Team which includes Roule, a manager with FedEx!  So it is back to your intrepid repoter.

Just a few facts and figures on the conference – there are 4200 registrations.  3000 Rotarians, 800 wifes (Anns) and 400 children (Annets). Breakfast, lunch and dinner was available on both days, for all persons registered.  It was fascinating to see mass catering at its very best.  OK it was served on a fresh banana leaf (disposable) and you were not given any utensils, unless asked for.  Eating with fingers only is the way virtually everyone uses.  But for each meal there would be at least 8 types of food, each served directly onto the leaf.  The only choice you had was whether to go non veg, or veg (most people were veg). The other facility, of which full use was made, was the Bar. Serving mostly hard liquor, there was little call for beer, or wine.The other feature was the extremely loud disco music that was played constantly and the fact that it was patronized mostly by the male Rotarians who seemed very happy, especially dancing together!  I was urged, or more truthfully I was tricked, to get on the dance floor myself – yet another interesting experience, but it did earn lots of ‘brownie points’, for the Britisher. .

The main auditorium is huge seating 2000 and was was completely packed. Next door there was an overspill hall and there were also separate programs for the Ann’s and Annet’s. When it is realized that in the film world, Chennai is larger than Bollywood, you will get a sense of the technology that was used to support the presentations.  The wide screen was the largest in India.

The first part of the ceremony was the lighting of candles by the various dignitaries present. Then past DG’s were recognized, before the opening address by a National Minister of State.  Following the presentation of a Rotary Lifetime Award to a prominent Doctor, who was pioneering Private Health Care, the RI Rep gave his address.  The session ended with the DG restating his aim that, during his year, Members and Clubs within the District will give $1,000,000 to Foundation.  At which point it was announced that an individual was pledging there and then $100,000 and this was then followed by the presentation of a cheque for another $50,000, again from an individual Rotarian.  Over the two day conference a further $50,000 was pledged.  It is anticipated that the target will be exceeded, by the end of June.

The afternoon session contained the usual mix of inspirational and vocational addresses.  On my return to UK I will speak of the remarks made by the recently retired head of the Indian armed Services on his justification of the role of the Indian Army at the time of Independence – it was interesting!!!  The final session on the first day was the light entertainment section, again with the film studios making a very colourful and talented contribution.

On the Sunday, everyone turned up for breakfast – really excellent food. After a couple of sections in Tamil, it was the turn of the GSE Teams to give their presentations.  Both Teams had been asked to limit their presentations to 15 mins which, following a good deal of reordering, we just about achieved.  Unfortunately the Sth. African Team was unable to cut down on what was a fulsome PR feature on their Country. They over ran by 20 mins, causing much consternation amongst the Conference Planners. We later received good reports form members of the audience who appreciated that we attempted to recount our early impressions of India and what we were hoping to get from the visit. 

Then followed short introductions to the outgoing teams from India.  The Team to the UK is to be led by Vijay and the members seem to be excellent ambassadors for their District.  There is a lady sports reporter for a national newspaper, a lady front of camera TV reporter, a lady banker and a manager with Fed Ex.

As it was the 7^th February and an international polio day, a vacination booth had been set up at the Conference, for local children.  All the Team members visited and were allowed to administer the vaccine.

To be continued ........................... 

3rd February

After spending an excellent evening on the 2^nd, with my new host Vijay and his family, the 3^rd started at around 9 am, when I joined up with Raj, from Sth Africa for the next round of our vocational visits. We were taken to meet the Deputy Assistant Commissioner responsible for traffic policing.  A lady, who had only been in the Force for 10 years, she gave a fascinating account of traffic policing in this chaotic city.  We all agreed that the only way that it can operate is for there to be blatant disregard of enforcing the traffic laws, so that vehicles are able keep on moving, even if it is on the wrong side of the road on the dual carriageway!  We next visited the Traffic Control Center.  Not exactly state of the art, non the less, it did provide an CCTV overview of some key locations and enabled for a very small number of offenders to be reported for traffic violations. 

The next call was on the Assistant Commissioner Shakeel Akhter, who was in overall command.  After a  brief meet and greet in his office, he took us to a hotel for lunch.  We traveled through the City with an armed escort, one way to avoid the congestion.

During the morning I had been informed that the UK Deputy High Commissioner, responsible for Sth India and based in Chennai, after seeing the previous media coverage of our visit to the White Collar Crime Unit, would be very pleased to meet with me.  At 4.15 pm Vijay and I duly presented our selves at the High Commission and after negotiating security, we met with Mike Nithavrianakis, ‘our man in Chennai’ in the very impressive main reception area of the Residency. Mike gave an overview of his role, especially with regard to reinforcing UK links with the Tamil Nadu Police, by facilitating a greater interchange of knowledge and skills.  I was able to explain the purpose of my visit and as the GSE Team Leader, to stress the importance of local Rotary connections.  At the conclusion of our visit, it was agreed that Mike would have an informal meeting with the DG.

  

Team at Madras Club

Zoe preparing for nights sleep!!

Sightseeing on Chennai Beach

Team met on arrival

The Indian Odyssey continues

Since my last post on January 31, the team has returned to our base in Chennai from the hill resort of Coorg.

This so-called 'mid-term break' was refreshing and myself, Anna, Zoe and Paul are now back into a busy programme of vocational visits and Rotary club meetings.

Yesterday, following our return from Coorg, we attended a meeting of the Rotary Club of Madras, the oldest club in the city. Chartered in 1929, the club meets at 12.45pm on Tuesdays at the Taj Connemara, a hotel dating from the period of the British Raj.

At this meeting, we were introduced to members while Paul gave a brief(ish) speech about District 1260.  We were also each given a bone china mug bearing the slogan 'Rotary Club of Madras' as a memento.

Following the meeting, which concluded at around 2.45pm, we were collected from the hotel by our new hosts, with whom we will stay until the early part of next week.

Fortunately for me, my new host is an ex-journalist so we are getting on like a house on fire!

Today, I enjoyed a vocational visit to the Mylapore Times, a free newspaper that circulates 30,000 copies a week to residents of Mylapore, a suburb of Chennai.

I met the editor of the paper, a gentleman by the name of Vincent D'Souza, and enjoyed a healthy discussion about the state of the print media in both India and the UK.

This afternoon I have a few minutes to myself - hence the update to this blog! - before heading off to the Madras Cricket Club this evening to meet former Test match umpire Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan, better known as Venkat.

As a big cricket fan this is sure to be an enjoyable experience for me - I am also told he enjoys a drink or two so you'll hear no complaints from me on that score!

I will now sign off, but before I do I would like to extend my best wishes to everybody at home in the UK.

Bye for now!

By Chris Richards

Team at Bakery - just had lunch of cakes!

 

The Team from Sth Africa.

From L to R - Agrineth Sithole (Khosi), Radash Ramchunder (Raj) (Leader), Angela Kelly, Vanidasen Pather, Dr. Sumeshni Govender.

 

Anna and Zoe try out their saree at Alma Mater 

First try at photographs

The sleeper train to Chennai

We had an excellent time at Club Mahindra, Kodagu Valley, Coorg.  The accommodation was first class, the food excellent and there were plenty of activities for the Team members.  Most of the ladies had massages and then promptly fell asleep!  In all we spent about a day and a half at the Center. After lunch on the third day we set off on the three hour drive to Mysore, stopping after one hour to visit The Golden Temple at Namdroling.  This is the focal point of a large displaced Tibetan community.  It was fascinating to see hundreds of monks teaching young boys and youths also from Tibet.  We finally arrived at Mysore just as it was getting dark.  After a quick visit to the Palace (closed) we went to a nearby hotel for an even quicker meal as we had to be at the railway station to catch the 8 pm overnight train to Chennai.

In fairness, we all had some degree of trepidation about this journey.  The train from Chennai had been during the day and we had had comfortable seats.  We were now to spend 11 hrs travelling through the night in the sleeper carriage and we did not know what to expect.  I should add at this point that Indian trains run on a larger gauge track than in the UK, so there is more width to a carriage.  This had allowed for 6 berths (4 & 2) to be positioned with a corridor running between them. The set up was that there were curtains, which enabled each of the sections to be isolated.  However, any thought that we could be together was soon shattered, as we found that our berths were in different sections. Because the train was full and many of the berths were already taken by the time of our arrival, it was not possible to negotiate swops.  I guess there are many accounts, that the Team will recount on our return, of the this journey and many ‘interesting’ photos, suffice to say, that I slept amongst a fascinating group of Indian men and women and snoring is the same the world over, as are smelly feet!

We arrived in Chennai spot on time and were met by our hosts and taken for breakfast and then a freshen up, before attending the mid day meeting of the Rotary Club of Madras.  This is the oldest Rotary Club in Chennai and the fourth oldest in India.  There were about 100 members present.  We did not have to give a formal presentation, but the Leaders introduced both teams and banners were exchanged. With the conclusion of the meeting at about 3.30 pm we were introduced to our new hosts and left to go their homes.

Hello to everyone! Apologies this is my first entry onto the blog. We have done so much in the short time we have been here and every day has been packed with activities as you can see from the previous entries.

The day we arrived in Chennai was in fact my birthday, it will be one which I will never forget. The second night I had a cake at the rotary introduction meeting. I had a whole school of boys sing happy birthday to me on our trip to boy’s town.

I have been made to feel so welcome by everyone I have met. The two families I have stayed with so far have been so hospitable. I have been taken to temples and attended two Hindi weddings. My first hosts wife Menna, especially took me under her wing. We attended several temples together and went sari shopping. Together we chose a beautiful emerald green and gold one, which she then organized to be tailored. I have so far had two opportunities to wear it, on both occasions feeling very special. The family also took me to visit the five Rathas, which is an amazing site. These are five temples carved from a single rock. They are larger than life and were excavated 200 years ago. The craftsmanship is absolutely incredible.

My first vocational trip was to a sports physiotherapy clinic. There I met the owner who is a sports physician. He was very passionate about what he does, and really connected with his team of physiotherapists. They treated sports professionals and general public with the same principals of taking a full history of the patients conditions. They also considered the psychosocial approach of treating a patient, which many doctors in England do not fully accommodate.

My second vocational visit was to the Ambattur Rotary Hospital. This is a hospital on the outer edges of Chennai, which is completely funded by rotary. They have a casualty unit, very different from any at home with two beds in one small room. The hospital is home to a cerebral palsy unit for rehabilitation of children with the condition. This was very well equipped with knowledgeable staff and facilities. They also had a plastic department and I was shown some of the surgeries people had previously had done. The hospital was basic in comparison to ones in the UK, but well equipped to meet the needs of the people.

I have also achieved a life time’s ambition to ride a horse on the beach. It was not quite the experience I had imagined, but very special all the same. We have the district conference soon which I still consider with nervous anticipation. At present we are staying in a beautiful resort and I have had the opportunity to experience an ayurvedic and meditation with a yoga master.

Sending love and best wishes to everyone at home

Zoe

Impressions of India

We have now been in India for 11 days and so far it has been a memorable experience.  I have seen and done so much since we first touched down in Chennai that it is difficult to remember everything, so I will do my best to recall some of the things uppermost in my memory.

I am a newspaper journalist and, as such, one of my vocational visits here was to visit The Hindu, one of India's best selling daily national newspapers.  As well as getting to meet the Editor and a number of his staff, I was also able to learn that the paper's circulation is actually increasing by an average 4 per cent year on year - in sharp contrast to the pattern shown by newspapers in Britain where circulation has consistently dropped over the last decade.

I am a big cricket fan and so the chance to visit the Madras Cricket Club, an international Test venue for India, was an opportunity not to be missed. Staying on the cricket theme,  I was also able to endear myself to members of the Rotary Club of Madras Pallava by proposing a round of applause for Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar who just days earlier scored his 45th Test century against Bangladesh.

I have visited Hindu temples, watched street performances and visited Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world.  I have also played street cricket (sadly scoring 0 and 1 in my two innings), toured Fort St Georged, the former seat of British colonial power in the city, and eaten an unbelievable amount of Indian cuisine. 

It truly is quite unlike anything you will taste in the UK and has changed my view of Indian restaurants in Britain forever.

I have also found the Indians to be most hospitable and genuinely friendly people.  My experience here to date has been amazing and long may it continue.

By Chris Richards

28th - 31st

Firstly an apology to friends of Anna, Chris and Zoe as the Blog is light on what they are up to when with their hosts, but we rarely get together without there being committmnets and sufficient time to use the lap top, in order to bring every one up to date.  Hope to put that right in next day or so - see entry for 30th.  Also, problems down loading photos, so will see if that can also be rectified - there are enough IT specialists around, so should not prove too much of an issue.

So........on the 28th the Teams were picked up at 8.30 am and taken to see two Rotary projects.  Firstly a school for children with mental disabilities, such as autism.  The Club had provided specialist equipment to challenge the children.  We met the Ch. Excec of the Charity running the school who was an American of Indian decent and now lives here and is dedicated to improve the lot of the 150 children at the residential school and the 3000 children in the country areas, where they provide advice and family support.

We then moved onto a local bakery.  The shop, attached to the business, was as modern as any bread shop in the UK and the bread and pasteries where of equal standard.  The difference being that the shop was the outlet for the training school that was also on the site.  The school was run and managed by the Rotary Club.  A regisered charity, all profits were either reinvested in the project, or to other needs supported by the Club.  Last year a proportion of their income went to build new homes for people in the District who had been effected by the sunarmi.  We were shown aroung the school.  The students come from disadvantaged/poor backgrounds often from the countryside and undertake an intensive course in bread and pastry making.  After about 6 months they are sufficiently skilled to enter the workforce, either locally, or it seemed, a fair proportion found employment with cruise liners.  We had lunch at the school - just pasteries, both savoury and sweet and no curry in sight! Just like home.

Back with our hosts, I spent the rest of my afternoon - about 2 hrs observing domestic chores, like seeing where my daily milk came from, correct the cow in the back yard of my host's house.  So from this simple side of urban life, suitably 'suited and booted', he then took myself and a team member from Sth Africa, with her hosts, to the Madrass Gymkarna Club for dinner.  (It is interesting that, despite the Government's change of the City's name, many institutons, including many Rotry Clubs, still use the original English name.).

The Club, the oldest in Chennai, was what I imagined a colonial Club to be.  Bridge was being played in the 'games' room and snooker tables was upstairs.  We had an excelent dinner on the lawn, before moving off to the local night club - 10 Downing Street.  It was karioaky night in the Club, so the ladies sang and men did what we do best - mime to the music and take the odd tipple or two!  The last to leave - true, we then went for coffee, before getting home at 2 am.  I have to say that our hosts were in there early 40's and  my fellow team member was early 30's. So I felt privilidged to be out with the bright 'young things' and more amazed that I kept up, or perhaps they had made concessions for the old 'britisher'.  More about the average age of Rotarians on return, but just to say that the greater majority seem to be in their 30 - 40s.  The DG is 44 and the President of the No1 Rotary Club in Chennai, with 250 members, is 35.  Where lies the future of Rotary International?

29th

Up early for 8.30 start, the two Teams spent the day sightseeing around Chennai.  So a day of churches and temples and a walk on the beach.  At the visit to the Shrine of St Thomas we just happened to meet a visitng Rotarian  from Austrailia.  A past DG, he was touring this part of the world, to vist projects supported by the Clubs in his District.. He was extremely complimentary of Rotary in India, especially 3230, saying that he could not fault the commitment of the Rotarians to get hands on involved with projects and most especially the financial propriety with which they managed donated monies.

On return, early to bed - 5 am start the next day.

30th/31st

The start of the mid term break.  We knew we were gong to Coorg, that it was in the hills and famous for growing coffee.  We did not know we had a 9 hour train journey to Mysore, then after a couple of hours waiting around, whilst spare clothing was purchased for a team member from Sth Africa who had had her luggage misplaced by a porter in Chennai, we then embarked on a 3 hour drive, on the most tortuous road I have ever been on.  Most of the way was single track and unmade.  It seemed that most of India was on the road, jostling for road space and trying to avoid going into the ravines, clearly visable on the right of the vehicle.  But again, this was normal for our driver and we made it tired, but unscatheed, to the Resort from where this portion of the Blog is being sent.  Great accommodation with many facilities, including Indian massage.  We are accompanied by three Rotarians and their families, so a real holiday feeling.

27th

Tfoday was allocated to vocational visits and together with Raj, the lead of the Sth African Team, I started the day by going to the Ofices of the Police White Collar Crime and Confiscation Unit.  We also saw the head of the Stolen Idol Recovery Unit.  Our arrival was met by 5 TV crews and at least 20 photographers.  Either the police had 'guilded the lilly' over the purpose of our visit, or it was a slow news day.  That evening, when the event was the rolling news item on at least two news channels and then the next day, when the visit was covered with pics in two national daily papers, we found that perhaps the police had slightly exagerated our importance, but it did get good cover for the Rotary GSE.  The visit was very interesting and the expertise of the Officer in Charge of the Confiscation Unit was readily apparent.  Also, we learned of the problem of idols being stolen from temples and shipped abroad, where they fetch exceptional prices.

In the afternoon, I visited the workplace of my host, a large departmental store which dealt in both retail and wholesale transactions. I also heard of his role in managing the family charity, which provides  schooling and technical training to 5000 students.

The  Team met up at 6 pm at  the  Madras Pallava Rotary Club, for their regular wekly meeting.  We were made most welcome and after the Club business we gave our presentaion on our work, family and interests back home.  The 30 min presentation seemed to be well received.  The Club business was then completed and we shared a meal and drink with the members and enjoyed some excellent fellowship.

Change of host

26th saw the team moving from our first host to another Rotarian.  I know we had all had excellent hosts for the first few days, so we were were sorry to be moving on.I was to move to Raj, who I had got to know prior to the visit as he was the GSE Liaison Officer. Also he headed up the reception committee on our arrival. After settling in the Teams came together at 6 pm at Alma Mater. This is an inspirational/spiritual center, led by T Rowgadajay. The Leader is used to giving talks to large crowds and in India he has a very large following and so we were privileged that he was prepared to impart his thoughts to such a small group. He spoke non stop for 2 hrs and then posed for photos and individual one to ones. Interesting - I have his latest book. On conclusion my host then took me to drop in on another Clubs charter evening, before moving on for dinner. We then called at the home of his Club President, before arriving home our selves at 12.30 am.

Upto the 25/1/10

phew - ever since arriving in Chennai on 21st, our feet do not seemed to have left the ground, save for a few hours sleep!
After a great farwell from our DG Sandy, David, Mervyn and Gary the flight from Heathrow to Bangalore and then onto Chennai was smooth and univentful - save for the increasing excitement from the Team.  Anna seemed to have this personal mantra - ' I am going to India, I really am'
We were met at Chennai by Raj and his Team and after travelling for about 16 hrs we were ready for a little sleep - so after a 45 drive into the Town we went for breakfast.  Clearly the local Rotarians thought we had had our rest!  Of course, this journey provided the Team members with their first view of India and they were not disappointed.  All the preconcieved immages were there in abundance!
After another three hours or so we did arrive at our overnight hotel and were able to grab a few hours rest before being tken out to dinner.
On 22nd we were collected by our first host, but not before having been asked to get up at 7 am in order to attend an Indian Wedding.  The cellebrations start at about 6 am and we were present for the breakfast and were able to witness the actual ceremony.
My host, Bala and his wife live in a very spacious home and I was made most welcome.
In the evening the Team met up at the Chennai Club for a 'Assimulation Meeting'.  We met the District Govenor Annan and his wife Mina.  Also present were the other GSE Team from Sth Africa.  A livily group, led by a serving police officer, the Team members were  soon getting on to gether well. This augers well for the next month, as we will be in each others company for many hours.
On the 23/1 we all travelled to the 'Boys Town' a project run by the Chennai Central Rotary Club and which provides education and training to boys from disadvantaged backgrounds.  A residential school, the commitment of the staff and the application of the boys was very evident.
In the evening I went with Bala to a RYLA camp.  Held in a poor village, over three days, members of a local Rotoract Club were providing help and assistance, including a health camp. Back to bed at 11 pm.
On 24/1 We were programmed for a free day - but in my case Bala had other ideas! At 9 am, after breakfast and 30 mins travel we went firstly to Sri Ramakrishna Math - an inspiration school for 700 boys run by a religous order.  Early days and it will be good to do some follow up enquiries, but first reactions are that this is an imprssive example of help being given to boys from poor/slum backgrounds, which enables them to get gainful employment from 16 yrs. We then went to a health camp being organised by a local charity and run by NGOs and doctors, who work at the State Hospital, but give their time free to the camp. The camp, set up in a local school, was attended by 100's of  people who received free tratment and drugs for such ailments as diabetus, hypertension as well as eye, dentaland other routine tretments. In the evening we went to a Rotary District Foundation Dinner to honour a local surgeon who had retired after 40 years treating leprosy victims with corective surgery for their misahpened limbs.  DG Annan and the Regional Minister were present.
25/1.  Vocational Day.  With Raj the Team leader from Sth Africa we visited the Tamil Nadu Police Training School.  A new build opened two years ago it is still being extended but currently provides training for about 300 constables and 50 sub inspectors.  In the after noon Bala and I went to visit an IT firm run by one of his Club members who out of a work force of 650 employs some 20% with physical disabilities.  In the evening both Teams came together at the Charter evening of a Chennai Rotary Club.  Bed at 11.30!!

Please view the above as a draft - more detail to be inserted as well as photos, but time and my lack of ability is at present preventing doing a better job!

The day before

Met with Vernon, Amwell Club Club President, who handed over 10 banners for exchange whilst in India.