We spent Tuesday morning participating in the "Founder's Day" service at St. Stephen's School. It's headmaster, Danny Thomas, was part of the first group from Durgapur to visit WNC. The school enrolls 1800 students and Founders Day marks the end of the term. The second half of the service consisted of six dances done by students of varying grade levels. The dances reflected the unique cultural aspects of the different regions of India. Wonderful choreography was enhanced by vibrant clothing reflective of the various regions. One dance enacted a common Indian wedding ceremony. Upon the conclusion of the dance done by elementary grade students, the headmaster congratulated them on being married. The young couple looked a bit worried. We were again the honored guests receiving recognition and gifts from the school.
Tuesday afternoon provided an opportunity to tour the diocesan school and compound. We observed the students in their classrooms and in the after school program. The after school program is a time for the students to dance, play cricket, soccer and other outside activities. Having never played soccer with any seriousness before this trip, the young boys insisted I learn how to do a header. I have now learned that headers are most effective when not utilizing one's nose. They have not yet invited me to play cricket.
Wednesday began with a trip to the Ashram of Rabindranath Tagore, the Bengali Nobel Prize winning poet. The arts based school includes many outside classrooms on its campus as Tagore believed we learned best when most connected to nature. The campus is filled with many beautiful works of art.
Before returning to the diocesan compound we stopped at the Amar Kutir Development Center where we were able to observe persons engaged in weaving, dying, and leather working and able to purchase items made by these persons.
We returned to the compound in time for the after school program and more dancing, soccer and cricket.
We continue to appreciate your prayer and support of this sojourn.
Todd Donatelli
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