Rotary Club of Jodhpur Premium

The team were delighted to attend the 2^nd meeting of the newly formed Jodhpur Premium Rotary Club.  An opportunity to meet new friends and convey our sincerest thanks to our hosts before our two day visit to Jaiselmer.  We have had the most wonderful time here in Jodhpur and are sorry to be leaving. We have formed many close friendships and have been so fortunate for the kind and caring hospitality of our hosts.  An early start tomorrow to experience camel riding in the sunset!

The team with members of the Rotary Club of Jodhpur Premium

Agarwal Orthopaedic Hospital

The team were given a vocational tour of the Agarwal Orthopaedic Hospital by orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Agarwal.  This private hospital offers quality surgery using state-of-the-art US sourced equipment at relatively modest prices.  There was however, a marked difference between the Agarwal Orthopaedic Hospital and the government run hospital visited yesterday. 

After an interesting, moving and thought provoking morning, the team had an enjoyable lunch with the lady members of the Rotary Club of Jodhpur Padmini at the Gypsy Dining Hall followed by an afternoon at the Yantra Day Spa!

Surgical theatre

Facilities at the Agarwal Orthopaedic hospital

Lunch with the Rotary Club of Jodhpur Padmini

Rotary Public School Jodhpur

The team were privileged to visit the Rotary Public School which was built and financed by Rotary.  Built in 1972, this school was erected in a deprived area in Jodhpur in order to provide disadvantaged children with an education and chance in life.  Entirely financed by the 110 members of the Rotary Club of Jodhpur Main, this school has a current cohort of 800 children ranging from nursery age to 16 years old.  Families are charged a maximum 200Rs (£1.77) per month for their child’s education with any extra expenses covered by the aforementioned Rotary Club.  One building in the shape of a dollar sign ($) was funded by The Rotary Foundation (in the USA) and a number of technology and science labs were funded by Rotary Clubs in Germany.  It is reported that since the establishment of this school, the surrounding deprived area has drastically improved, illustrating the vital importance of education.  Both our visit here and in Jaipur highlights the positive benefits of education and the difference that Rotary and Rotarians can make to the world.  Experiences such as these inspires one to reflect and be grateful for the opportunities and resources that are available in more developed countries.

The team at the Rotary Public School

Class in progress

Cathie and Anna performing the "head, shoulders, knees and toes" song

Ignou Special Study Centre - Navjyoti Manovikas Kendra

Our day began with a visit to Ignou Special Study Centre (Navjyoti Manovikas Kendra); a school setup to provide an education to mentally challenged and disabled children.  An immensely moving and thought provoking experience,  which left the team humbled.  We were given a tour of the classrooms and dormitories and met many young people who were benefiting from this charitable non-profit making establishment.  The learning environment, external support and resources and basic in its provisions in comparison to UK special needs institutions, however this school gives Indian society’s most disadvantaged young people a chance to learn new practical skills, communication skills and most importantly brings them out of isolation.

Navjyoti Manovikas Kendra are keen to receive volunteers to help support these young people’s special needs here in Jodhpur and for those who have the time and passion to share their talent and wish to make a difference, either contact one of the GSE Team or visit the Navjyoti Manovikas Kendra website.



A chance to learn



Children making traditional Indian handicraft products

Government Run Hospital, Jodhpur

Team members Sophie (Physiotherapist) and Cassie (Occupational Therapist) undertook a vocational visit to a government run hospital to exchange thoughts, ideas and experiences relating to their respective vocations.  Cramped overcrowded wards, a distinct lack of hygiene and old fashioned equipment highlighted the serious lack of funds available to provide a satisfactory level of healthcare to financially strained patients.  One neuro-surgical ward was, however, markedly better than the remainder of the hospital due to a charitable donation from a Rotarian in Jodphur.

Government run hospital

Neuro-surgical ward funded by a Rotarian

Mehrangarh Fort

Following a delicious lunch with the Rotary Club of Jodhpur Mid Town, some of the team members visited one of the largest forts in India – the Mehrangarh Fort.  Standing at 122 metres above the city of Jodhpur and enclosed by imposing thick walls, this dominating building can be seen from all corners of the city and offers the most spectacular 360^o views.  This fort has a total of 7 gates and is known for its intricate designs and expansive courtyards.  After an enriching and exciting day, team members enjoyed dinner with their host families.

The Mehrangarh Fort

The "blue" city

The Unmaid Bhawan Palace and Hotel from the Fort

Topological view of the Clocktower

Cathie, Anna, Ben and Graham at the Fort

Intricate designs

The 'dancing' room

One of the courtyards at the Fort

Unmaid Bhawan Palace, Jodphur Clocktower and a taste of true India!

What a fascinating morning.  We began with a visit to the Unmaid Bhawan, home to the King of Jodhpur and a 7 star hotel with views of Jodhpur City.  The vast majority of this grand palace is closed to the general public and only open to guests who typically pay a minimum of £1000 per night.

Our next stop was a tour of Jodhpur centre.  A maze of narrow busy streets encompassing a hive of activity, noise and ancient buildings.  Many traditional Indian items were for sale, from freshly cooked samosas to beautiful silk cloths and spices.  This charming area has so much to offer and gave the team a true taste of India!  Cows roam the streets foraging through waste whilst rickshaws and motorbikes whisk by at the blink of an eye.  One has to be alert when walking through these streets in order to prevent any mishaps with animals or vehicles!  Our next stop was a visit to a cloth and handicraft shop that is reputed to have supplied the finest Indian style cloths to famous celebrities. Finally, we made one last stop to a traditional Indian spice and tea shop and the team had the chance to taste and smell a plethora of aromas.  After a busy morning, the team met with friends from the Rotary Club of Jodphur Mid Town and lunch was taken at the Plaza Park Hotel.

Smoking in India

As we walk the streets in various Indian cities, it is surprising to note that only a few people smoke.  An enlightening discussion with our hosts revealed that a national law was passed in India in 2008 placing a ban on smoking in public places.  The aim of this new enactment was to drastically cut the number of smokers and protect passive smokers from the harmful effects of tobacco.  According to press articles, fines in the region of 200Rs (~£2.70) are issued to those breaking this law.  Evidence suggests that the vast majority of the public have welcomed the introduction of this legislation and the Health Minister stated that “the smoke-free campaign is a movement launched with massive public support”.  Given the success of the aforementioned smoking law perhaps there is hope for improving other aspects of in India.

Unmaid Bhawan Palace and Hotel

Jodhpur centre

A busy street with beautiful ancient architecture

Making samosas

Making flower garlands

Clocktower with the Merhrangarh Fort in the background

Arrival in Jodphur

After a long 5 hour drive the team have now arrived in Jodhpur, otherwise known as ‘sun city’ or ‘blue city’ and the temperature continues to raise; ~24C in the daytime dropping to ~10C in the evenings.  We were greeted by our Rotarian hosts in Jodhpur centre and presented with beautiful pink rose garlands.

The day finished with a lovely informal evening with members of the Rotary Club of Jodhpur Jodhana.  Held at the Nirali Dahni, (which coarsely translates to ‘small magnificent village of huts’) the team experienced their first outdoor Rotary meeting set in the beautiful grounds of the aforementioned hotel.   A buffet dinner was served and many new friendships were formed.  After a busy day and evening we are looking forward to seeing the wonderful sights of Jodhpur tomorrow.

The team with members of Rotary Club Jodhpur Jodhana

The team at Nirali Dahni

Rotary Club of Ajmer Round Town

After a fantastic day in Pushkar with our Rotarian hosts, the team had an enjoyable evening at the Rotary Club of Ajmer Round Town and delivered their presentations.  Following the close of the meeting, dinner was served outside in the courtyard giving the team a chance to meet new friends and exchange ideas on our respective vocations and cultures.

Tomorrow we begin the next chapter of our journey through Rajasthan and move on to Jodphur.  We have all thoroughly enjoyed our time here and wish we could have stayed longer.  It’s time to move on, explore new places, meet new people and learn new things.  Our adventure continues!

The team with Rotarians and their families



Graham and Ben with their hosts



The team saying goodbye to their hosts in Ajmer

Pushkar

Our day began with a visit to the Brhama Temple situated in the heart of Pushkar; an intriguing holy city situated in the heart of the mountainous hills.  Following this, an enjoyable few hours were spent indulging in some ‘retail therapy’ where the ladies of the team bought some typical Indian clothes.  Many western tourists were observed during our time here. Lunch was taken by the side of the holy Pushkar Lake; a place where worshipers come to repent their sins and pay respect to their God.  The team enjoyed a lovely mix of English and Indian cuisine with members of the Ajmer Round Town Rotary Club.  Our final stop was a brief visit to Male College in Ajmer; a spectacular independent school offering first class education.

Brhama Temple

A browse around the shops!

Celebrations in the street

Pushkar Lake

The team with our driver Khan



The team with our Rotarian hosts

Arrival in Ajmer

The team has arrived in Ajmer, a beautiful city situated in a valley of mountainous ranges.  After an initial meeting with the President and her fellow Rotarians, the team members were taken to their host family homes ready for another exciting and enriching day tomorrow visiting a Temple and lake at Pushkar.

Electricity in Ajmer
There is an electricity shortage in Ajmer and consequently a power outage takes place every day between 9am and 11am.  Basic routines such as showers and breakfast are adapted to fit around this disruption.  It is now 9am in the morning and as promised every electrical appliance and lighting is off!

Sunrise over Ajmer with a temple situated on the peak of the hill

Lunch at Nawa

Organised and accompanied by GSE co-ordinator Chandresh Nagar, the team were invited to lunch at a beautiful home in a remote part of Nawa  Set in the dessert with nothing but mountainous ranges in view, this was a much needed and welcomed rest after a busy few days.  A delicious lunch, spacious garden area and large swimming pool made for an enjoyable afternoon.



Venue of our lunch break



Pre-lunch drinks and nibbles 

Lunch

Sambhar Salt Lake

The team arrived at the salt lake factory situated on the outskirts of Sambhar town.  We began with a tour of the salt processing factory where we were shown the railway track which runs from the back exterior of the building and continues around the perimeter of the lake.

Our transport had arrived; a light blue petrol driven railway wagon approximately the size of an old English milk float.  Started using a piece of rope wrapped around the starter motor, we loaded into the back and front for our tour of the lake.  The view was spectacular, a white flat plain of glowing salt crystals as far as the eye could see.  As we ventured further away from the factory we saw a greater expanse of dark blue water with bright white shores.  Our railway journey lasted approximately 45 minutes and finished with some beautiful scenic pictures by the lake.  The incredible view juxtaposed with the traditional old fashioned mode of transport made this a fantastic unique experience.

Team stood on the railway track which connects the salt processing factory to the lake



Our transport to the lake - turning the wagon to face the right direction



Ready to go!

Close up photo of the team by the lake

The shore line and contrasting colours of the blue water and white salt

The team by the lake

Jaipur to Sambhar

During our journey from Jaipur to Sambhar we travelled through numerous small villages.  Undulating back roads with the occasional speed bump and pothole and a view of the dry dusty Rajasthan dessert, there is so much to observe.  From camel drawn carriages to wild pigs and a plethora of cows, village life differs significantly from the fast paced city of Jaipur.  As we pass through these villages and small towns, it is apparent that life here runs at a slower pace with people seeming content with their lives within these small communities. 

A brief refreshment stop at a Government estate in Sambhar revealed some interesting facts.  These English colonial looking buildings were built in 1880 by Englishmen using materials sourced from the UK and Germany.  The estate is situated near to the Sambhar salt lake and is now used for fresh water salt extraction.

The team outside a government house with some of the local children



Graham and Sophie on the roof with a view of Sambhar town and the salt lake in the background



Level crossing at the entrance to the salt lake.  This train was carrying military vehicles

A typical scene in Indian villages