Teacher's Day

Today, September 5, is considered Teacher's Day in India. Apparently, the former president of India was a teacher and he declared this a holiday. We didn't have formal lectures today, instead, the students prepared a cultural celebration to honor the teachers. Upon arrival at the school, all students greeted the teachers with a welcoming "Happy Teacher's Day ma'am or sir!" As we entered the assembly hall, the students handed each teacher a handmade card honoring teachers and the impact we have, in some way or another, had on their lives. They also had a pooja outside the hall where each teacher was "blessed" with candles (called an arti) and kum kum (the red powder) was placed on our foreheads. It was all quite touching. The students also sort of bow on greeting as if to touch your feet. I was told that in paying respects to teachers and elders the feet are supposed to be touched out of respect, as if to say "you are the guru." I had noticed this happening while visiting several homes this week when a elder was introduced to other guests.
After several speakers the students presented songs, monologues or dialogues in various languages, dancing and music. I was honored separately as a special guest and asked to say a few words. I thanked the students for their warm hospitality and for making me feel so welcome at K.J. Somaiya College. Following the celebration, there was food for the teachers and the students who participated. As always the food was awesome, samosas and chutney, yum! I am a fan!
Aside from Teacher's Day, Ganpati, or the Ganesha Festival, is still in full swing. The submersions have started. I saw many people gathered around a lake yesterday as I was coming home from school. The parade to the "water" is quite an event itself with many people following the "vehicle" (be it a wagon, truck, whatever) that is carrying the idol. There is much drumming and singing. There is also a lot of hot pink powder being thrown around, many people are covered in it, and so is the road.....many more submersions will follow in the days to come.
In all, things are good. I can't believe I am coming up on a month already.....this coming week will be busy as the college is kicking off it's Golden Jubilee celebration. I have been asked to attend several events in this celebration, a book release, and something else....can't remember....!
Other things I have learned.....
1.) There are a lot of cows roaming right now, it is considered good karma to feed them some grass.
2.) The lines on the road mean nothing, absolutely nothing....someone was quoted as saying..."we don't know why the lines are here, the British left them!" Needless to say, driving is a mess....!
3.) There are a lot of other animals roaming too, pigs, donkeys, goats, and of course, dogs....and that is both on the highway and everywhere else too. There was a dog outside my classroom the other day...no one seemed concerned, so I wasn't either....??!
4.) No means nothing in India....no means, of course I will have more of whatever....there is no "NO!"
5.) Time is relative and no one is in a hurry, no one.....
6.) Indian hospitality is like no other...you want for nothing and the red carpet is always rolled out. The Indian people are extremely warm and friendly, and very, very proud!