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 15th.
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
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 .