I was very blessed to experience four amazing weeks with the people of Sri Mayapur. I instantly fell in love with India and felt at home in the environment and hospitality of Bishnu, Pradyut, Amitava and the rest of the SMVS team.
I worked in the SMVS homoeopathic clinics and, with the help of Dr, Debnath’s translation, managed to effectively treat an average of 100 patients per day, explored the different variety of pathology and illness, and provided cheap, lasting solutions made for days of endless fulfillment and challenges.
These life changing experiences lead me to work with the SMVS staff during my stay to develop my own three phase project proposal: to develop a sustainable system of health care in Mayapur that will be implemented over the next three years. Bishnu was so encouraging and supportive in helping me develop my project.
Throughout my time in Mayapur I was able to experience and research, first hand, the needs and deficiencies that are village-wide in relation to healthcare. My first-hand observation, previous mission project experience, and the invaluable input from Bishnu has enabled me to leave Mayapur with an ongoing plan to continue to support and create change for the people I became so attached to and found so valuable during my short stay. This is so exciting as it not only continues my connection with the incredible and dedicated people involved in SMVS, but also enables me to feel empowered, as if I can still contribute even once I have returned to my life in Australia.
Mayapur has an energy and an infectious quality that leaves an imprint on your heart for ever. The indian’s hospitality, generosity and wonderful white smiles make for the most incredible stay in Mayapur. Everyday is full of adventure as well as highs and lows and even after three weeks I still found it amazing that I was waking up in India. This very quickly changed from surreal to normal as I enjoyed the sweet smell of incense and the sounds of drumming from the mridanga and chanting from the ISKCON campus.
Whether you are committed to supporting SMVS long term or just wanting to volunteer in the short term, the team at SMVS will move heaven and earth to make you feel settled, supported and part of the family and culture of India. With their wonderful enthusiasm and committment to the village people of Mayapur, the work of SMVS will leave you inspired and enthused to create an impact in your own individual way throughout your stay in Mayapur.
Your days in Mayapur will be filled with dramatic adventures, once in a life time experiences and leave you with wonderful friendships. A teary goodbye is a guarantee, but you will leave Mayapur with a humility and humbleness that you didn’t have previously and a new found compassion towards people of all dimensions. I would encourage anyone and everyone to take the plunge to throw yourself into the beauty, colour and unknown of incredible India. It
Nicole Cunningham
January 2007