I had the opportunity to visit the Kilad Campsite and immerse myself within its vicinity. Participating in rural immersion meant that I had to forego almost all comforts of life and conform to the new environment of sleeping in dormitories, surviving on simple food, and engaging in some sort of physical activity on a daily basis. This six-day trip allowed us to gain a deeper understanding about rural life, learn about tribal cultures, and participate in common day-to-day activities thereby almost mirroring the lives of the localites.

Learning Outcome 2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills

Adapting to an unknown environment can be tricky, especially when one lacks exposure and experience. One of the many challenges I encountered on this trip was when we were tasked with painting the walls of a local school. The only catch was that the painting had to involve the intricate details of Warli Art – a medium I had never encountered before. Stepping into unchartered territory especially when the outcome is indelible can be daunting. However, in a strong showcase of perseverance and determination, we attended a brief practice session conducted by a local art teacher prior to painting on the actual walls – a testament of our commitment to the activity. While Warli Art might look like a simple amalgamation of primary shapes, it is a difficult and intricate endeavour requiring incredible focus and an eye for extreme detail. When painting the actual walls, I found myself struggling to outline the sketches created by my fellow classmates. However, after seeking guidance from my mentor who stems from the field of arts, I optimized the type of paintbrush and strokes I used when painting varied aspects of the drawn scene. Applying such a technique not only allowed me to paint with precision but also enhance the overall aesthetic of the wall. My exploration of Warli Art has not only increased my interest in the artform but also served as a reminder of how transformative stepping out of your comfort zone can be and the potential it holds for developing new experimental skills.

Learning Outcome 4: Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience

The trek to Toraniyo Dungar seemed insurmountable, constantly leaving me out of breath and motivation to continue further. There was a collective response of horror when it came to our knowledge that we will be climbing an equivalent of 64 flights of stairs to reach the summit. There were times where I wanted to quit and go back to point zero. The trek was a hyper-intensive activity which I was not accustomed to back home and hence it was an uncomfortable challenge. However, through calculated breaks and a determination to get it over with we took one step after the other. Atop the hill I had an epiphany about the wonders commitment can do when one sets their mind to something with unparalleled perseverance and resilience. On the penultimate day of the trip we tried to hide our disgust at the impending agenda: Cow dung Lipan art. Reaching the activity’s site and being overwhelmed with the stench of feces was an unpleasant experience. How could people of the village do this on a daily basis? I initially projected great resistance which was eventually converted to forceful acceptance. While pasting cow dung on the wall I ensured that I covered the entirety of my assigned wall without a single complaint after the point of commencement. Although the activity will serve as an odious memory, I am happy that I was able to contribute significantly towards bettering the homes of local villagers.

Learning Outcome 6: Engagement with issues of global significance

A deep immersion into rural life meant that we could actively engage in an array of issues that occur at a local level but have considerable global significance. One such example would be of our visit to CIBART(Center for Indian Bamboo Resources and Technology) where we learned about the process of furnishing bamboos that arrive at the facility from across the country and the Indian sub-continent. It was an invigorating experience learning about how bamboo can be a strong and sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials and the potential it has for mass use. Additionally, our visit to the Krishi Vigyan Kendra allowed students to acquire valuable insight into the correlation between climate change and crop cultivation. The day-to-day interaction with local businessmen and artisans also served as a lens through which we could view the daily hardships and economic hardships they are forced to endure. Having an organic perspective on rural life in Kilad made me realize that my role as a global citizen warrants me to remain vigilant about global trends and empathetic towards individuals who suffer under unfortunate circumstances.

Learning Outcome 7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

Even the most negligible of choices can have a profound impact on others. Surrounded by a unique cultural fabric presented meant that we had to interact with locals in a respectful manner even when their practices might seem unusual or perplexing. Our approach towards the trip was ultimately a by-product of the ethical choices we make when it comes to being an open-minded individual. Even visits to CIBART and the regional agricultural college conjured a need to evaluate the long-lasting positive effects choosing sustainable alternatives and conducting ethical farming practices can have on reducing our ecological footprint. Being aware about the consequences of our seemingly inconsequential decisions has taught me the benefits of adopting a conscientious mindset where every choice, decision, approach is carefully calculated and intentional.