Foundation Day

Right in the middle of the photographers visit and seeing all of these villages, the school celebrated Foundation Day. Families started arriving in the morning to have extra time visiting with their students before the program was scheduled to start at 5pm. Around 50 invited guests showed up just before the show started, and I sat in the front row as one of the most honored guests. Thankfully I had the help of the other teachers to make me presentable, as the only clothes I brought were casual clothes designed to be lightweight and quick to dry. Amit brought in a sari in my favorite color, and Mandakini altered the sleeves to fit and then wrapped me up in it the night of the event. Poonam painted my finger- and toenails, applied powder and lipstick, loaned me earrings and a necklace, provided me with a stick-on bindi, and went out to purchase bangles at the last minute. All of their hard work paid off, and the students and families were suitably impressed with my transformation. I even managed to walk up and down flights of stairs and onto the stage without falling or destroying anything.

The boys acquitted themselves very well as all their practice paid off. The announcers were calm under pressure, and cracked the cutest English jokes, although I think I was the only one laughing. The dancers, singers and actors performed very well, despite constant issues with the microphones and sound. The founder and the director both gave short speeches, the teachers were all introduced by name, and I was even invited to say a few words. I thanked everyone in turns, focusing especially on the families and students themselves. Despite attempting to arrange for translation so I could be understood, the families remained in the dark about the kind words spoken about their children. At the end of the show, the teachers presented a surprise birthday cake to the founder, which he promptly turned over to the students. After the show I made a beeline for the families (who were seated in the back, literally on a separate building from the invited guests, students and the stage). I had a hard time convincing students to introduce me to their parents since our conversation would of course be very limited, but in the end I succeeded in meeting quite a few. I think a lot can be communicated with a heartfelt exchange of “Namaste” and smiles toward the children.