By May Wang | India
During the Diwali season, Silaunja Great Love Village sparkled with festive lights. Jayanti Kumari, a village resident, welcomed volunteers from Malaysia and Taiwan into her home, offering a glimpse into the villagers' daily lives.
In Jayanti's home, her grandson was deeply engrossed in a picture book under a bright lamp. Nearby, Surendra Manjhi encouraged his daughter, Manita, to practice English at the table. Together, they recited Jing Si Aphorisms displayed on their wall: “Speak kind words, think good thoughts, do good deeds, and walk the right path.” This daily ritual had become their family motto.
Education: A Seed of Change
The villagers' commitment to education was evident everywhere. Despite distractions like loud music and street gatherings, Reha Kumari, a 10th-grade student, remained focused on her online classes. She shared her experience of transitioning from studying on the floor of her old home, often without electricity, to the improved facilities of her new home. “The environment here makes learning much easier,” she said.
Her mother, Sunita Devi, who lacked formal education herself, expressed hope for her daughter's future. “Reha’s dedication inspires me. I believe she will achieve great things,” Sunita said, reflecting the aspirations of many parents in the Great Love Village.
A Harmonious Morning
At dawn, the village came alive to the sound of upbeat music, signaling the start of a busy day. Breakfast featured traditional Indian fare, including masala tea, oat biscuits, and curry with rice. The hospitality and community spirit were evident as villagers shared their meals and stories with the volunteers.
Jamuna Manjhi, living in house No. 10, began her day tending to the flowerbeds outside her home. After heading to work, her daughter, Kavita, took over, showcasing the collective effort that defined the community.
Meanwhile, Sibiya Devi and her daughter, Rajani, prepared the front yard using a unique practice: smoothing the ground with a mixture of cow dung and water. To many outsiders, this might seem unusual, but in India, cow dung is revered for its purifying properties. Dried cow dung cakes serve as an eco-friendly fuel source and a symbol of resourcefulness.
The Spirit of Togetherness
The volunteers marveled at the villagers' unity and dedication to a sustainable lifestyle. Children helped their parents with household chores, from cleaning courtyards to crafting cow dung cakes. Once shy, many children now approached the volunteers confidently, embodying the transformative power of education and interaction.
The Great Love Village’s daily routine—marked by simple meals, diligent work, and joyful connections—reflects a community striving for a brighter future. Parents and children worked hand in hand, maintaining their homes and building a harmonious environment.
A Model Community in the Making
The newly established Silaunja Great Love Village is more than a cluster of homes; it’s a beacon of hope. Education has become the cornerstone of change, empowering children to dream bigger while strengthening familial bonds. With parents prioritizing learning and children embracing their studies, the village is well on its way to becoming a model community.
As the volunteers departed, they carried with them stories of resilience and inspiration. In the Great Love Village, the light of knowledge and kindness continues to shine brightly, illuminating paths toward a promising tomorrow.
