India Part II: Hyderabad







If Delhi and Vijayawada were, for me, cities of learning, then Hyderabad was the reflection at the end. Our meetings were fewer, although still fascinating, and I even managed to sneak in an early morning trip to see some of the old city.

In little tuk-tuks together we crammed, a smaller version of our diverse group, to drive to the gate - a classic sign of Hyderabad. In ten minutes we snatched a glance this way and that, before leaping into our vehicle to go on the fastest tour of a Hindu temple I have ever experienced. Once again it was the taste of a trip that made me crave a return.

Hyderabad gave me the space to write, both academically and personally. I reflected on my experiences in the previous part of the trip, and have received some lovely feedback on my musings. I believe it to be a beneficial thing, what I am wrestling with. I do not claim to know anything definitively, but greatly appreciate the experiences that allow me to grow my knowledge in different contexts. I want to help others in the world, but not in a sense that says I know better what is good for them. Isn't that the impossible task? I suppose, as I said about understanding privilege, listening is the best response.

Oh, and I met a wonderful revolutionary poet: a man who spent years in jail, some of them voluntarily, because it was safer for him than the outside world for the repercussions of his writing. His Maoism was at odds with the state, and so he wrote. Whilst in his home I had the privilege of reading some of this work and it was beautiful. A reminder of the power of words, of the weapon that we all possess if we dig deep enough within ourselves.


4 comments:

  1. Beautiful. You are such a great writer Liza! I'd love to visit India once, it seems like such a fascinating country and I feel like I might learn a lot about myself there.

    Love, Eline | www.elinesreturnticket.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Eline! I'm sure you'd love India, I hope you get to visit one day :)

      Liza xx

      Delete
  2. Ooh you've got me all excited! I'm going out to teach in India for a year in a few months and I'm constantly looking out for blog posts about it xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's so exciting Anne! I hope you enjoy your year in India :) xx

      Delete

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and share your thoughts with me. I read and reply to each and every one.