Final Day

With the DG and his wife
Presenting the Amwell Banner

The last few days

16th February
Should have been a lazy day, just with host change over. However following on from the meeting with the police the day previously, at 7.30, I was on the beach to witness the start of an 'off road' vehicle rally. The police have acquired about 10 quad bikes and together with a contingent of motorcyclists from the Indian Navy they intend to ride along the beach as close to the water as possible from Chennai to the southern most tip of Tamil Nadu, I think about 1000 miles!! Coupled with the Rally was the launch of a toll free number for people wishing to report suspicious happenings in the vicinity of the shore line, eg, potential terrorist activity, illegal immigrants, smuggling, etc.

Interesting event fronted by the Head of the Police who happens to be a woman and a senior Navy guy. They had a lone helicopter giving a sort of display and a navy boat rushing backwards and forwards directly opposite the assembled crowd of about 100 police and navy personnel. Of course there was the media, but nothing like the numbers that had besieged us two weeks earlier!

Finally got to do some shopping, very afraid I am going to have excess baggage!

Both Teams have now been asked to produce a presentation on their views of the India experience. To be given on Thursday evening, we decided to get together at the home of my host, Paras, at 4 pm to work on our offering. Paras took this opportunity to lay on a party for us on his roof terrace and to ensure it went well he invited over about 8 incoming presidents form nearby clubs. When they arrived at about 8 pm we had just about got together most of our views. We understand that Thursday is to be an informal farewell event with just the GSE Committee present. We wait to see, the meeting is being held at the prestigious Madras Private Club! Paras ‘do on the terrace’ was a success, whether it was the drink, company, or the private caters he just happened to call in, but everyone had a good time.

The next morning was another round of vocational visits. Raj and I were programmed to visit the local anti terrorist branch office. We were taken to the old Chennai Training School where the Unit was supposedly based. We were introduced to a senior ranking officer, who said he was in charge of localized training. We then asked one, or two, general questions about security issues at which point he stated he new nothing about security and from this point on he would only give his rank name and number! Clearly he was unaware of our visit and realizing that we were not going to be able to convince him to divulge any general facts about the current situation, we decided to beat a hasty retreat and go and visit one of the all woman police stations that have been created all over the City.

It would appear that the stations have been set up to deal with women who are victims of crime. We met a very able corporal, who although not being able to converse in English provided, through one of the Rotarians acting as an interpreter, a good description of their responsibilities. The set up was very similar to the police woman’s departments that used to exist within the UK. There have clearly been issues with the attitude of male officers, when confronted by a female complainant. The police women do not deal with female accused; this still rests with the male dominated force. This was an interesting visit of about 45 mins.


After lunch, we went back to the Taj Hotel and I was formerly handed over to my final host Anand, the DG. After settling into his very pleasant home, it was time to go the Madras Coromandle Rotry Club, who were hosting a 5 Club gathering, just to hear our presentation – our final presentation. About 100 persons were present and after we finished giving our talk questions were taken. There was keen interest in Zoe’s profession, my views on police corruption and Chris’s favorite beer! Then followed fellowship, with a hot buffet and ‘free’ bar. I left at about 10 pm to be delivered by his driver to the DG’s home – oh such happy memories!

Thursday was due to be a half day visit to the Kingfisher Brewery. Despite his protestations to the contrary, we believe this visit was inspired by Chris. We were collected by 3 members from the Club hosting the visit and soon got a sense that this was not going to be a quick visit. We kept stopping to meet up with other Rotarians and soon there was a small convoy of us heading out on the 2 hr drive to the brewery. We stopped first at a liquor blending and bottling plant en route and it was at this time we realized that the GSE Teams now had 15 hosts. I came to the conclusion that such visits are the same the world over and by the time lunch came and the tasting started I was proved right.

We finally arrived back in Chennai at about 5 pm and so just had time for a quick freshen up, before going to the GSE Farewell Party. Both Teams had prepared a presentation on our time in India. It was an emotional time with two members being brought to tears, as they recounted the marvelous time and experiences they had had. Thanks were expressed to the organizers, hosts and the many other Rotarians, who had made this such a memorable visit. All too soon the evening came to an end and we left with our host to start the process of packing.

The final very long day.


After a bit of a lay in, I started to get my bags together. Afraid I am going to be about 3 kgs over the very small allowance given by BA (23 Kgs), which is some 7 Kgs less that the Sth Africans are getting with Emirates!


On giving up attempting to get a quart into a pint pot I went off with Anand for lunch at Fisherman’s Cove. Right on the beach overlooking the Bay of Bengal, this visit brought back many happy memories, as Margaret and I had stayed at the Resort on our previous visit, a little over 2 years ago. An excellent 'long lunch', when I was able to obtain an fascinating further insight into how Rotary operates in India and especailly in District 3230.


Then it was back to the packing. Anand and Gary (our UK liasion chair) spent a good deal of time attempting to increase the luggage allowance.


At around 6 pm Meena (Anand's wife) and I set off for a celebration party being hosted by the father of the Madras Rotary Club President, who was himself a Past District Govenor. Anand had DG duties elsewhere. Given that he has over 100 Clubs in the District and he spends one day with each Club, visiting their current projects and then attending a meeting, plus all the other responsibilites he has, it can be seen how much time and the personal commitment that the DG has to give during his year in office - there is rarely a free day!!!


The party was a grand affair. On an arab theme, the host had errected a large number of bedowyn like tents, lit by coloured lights, where food, drink and entertainment was provided also you could just sit and socialise. There were lit torches and the small braziers positioned to give the right ambience and it was a really very pleasant 'summers' evening, plus I was able to met up with a number of Rotarians who had had a significant hand in arranging our visit, meant that this was a really fitting end to the 30 days in India.


We left at around 10 pm to enable me to get to the airport and meet up at 12 mn with the other Team members and those from South Africa. Also present was a small group of local rotarians, including Raj to see us off. Given that our flight was at 4 am I was expecting this to be a lesuirly affair with there being sufficient time for genuine and sincere farewells. How wrong I was, the Airport was in a state of chaos. The airport was packed with extremely large numbers of frustated, irritable and hot travellers attempting to navigate the exit procedures Firstly luggage, Gary had done an excellent job and cleared our weight issues, but there was a problem with additional bags, so a guy Raj found, who was now with the Customs Dept and was an ex GSE member, did his best and we ended up having to pay for just one nominal package. Despite what we had been told earlier, the Sth Africans did not have such a good arrangement and ended up spending a great deal of time and money in getting their bags through. Their flight was at 3 am and so they ended up having to be rushed through all the other security checks and we believed they made there flight!


Having done our bags, we had to say a hurried farewell to Raj and to give him a gift from both teams. It was a shame, because therre were so many thankyous that we all wished to express.

Next it was immigration and it took longer to get out of the Country than it did top get in. Customs likewise, then onto the Departure Lounge checks. All in all we navgated all the checks just in time to get to the departure gate, as the plane was starting to board passengers. Almost 4 hrs without a sit down and in a very trying atmosphere - but we survived!


Without any real incident we had a pleasant return flight arriving at Heathrow at 3 pm India time - so all in all some 30 plus hours after we had first go up on the Friday morning. We were met by Gary and our relatives, said the farewells and then made our way home!


It is going to take some days/weeks to fully appreciate what we experienced in India. I know that all the UK Team really appreciate what Rotary and our Indian Hosts gave to us and we look forward to sharing with Rotarians in District 1260 over the next few months and at District Conference in May.

The Final Week

My new host is Paras.  A commodities trader, he lives with his wife and 5 yr old son, close to Chennai Central.  His home is very comfortable, with a roof top terrace and bar.  Having settled in, he took me in the evening to meet up with 6 Rotarians from his Club.  We had a very pleasant dinner, when we found that we had many other interests in common.

On Saturday the Teams had an 8 am start.  We were to visit the National Agro Institute.  This is a private charity, originally formed in the 1960’s, with the aim of improving the skills and practices of farmers.  They had a laboratory in Chennai and this was to be our first stop, but not before picking up breakfast from the Rotary run bakery. The Lab provided for testing of soil, methods of water conservancy, research into crops and also for quality control of processed products produced by farmer cooperatives. 

The next leg of our visit was to go to ‘in country’ field research station, which was a 3 hour drive away and within a community, which had adopted the recommendations of the Institute.  Just before arriving at the research station we were taken to the village temple, where the Institute staff, responsible for animal husbandry, had set up a clinic to inoculate goats and cows, provide basic veterinary services, for example a goat with a kid had broken its leg and rather then put it down, the leg had been set in a simple cast.  The other main purpose of the clinic was to inseminate cows with semen from another breed, there by to strengthen the resistance of the animals to disease and also improve their milk yield.  The Teams were then witness to a very enthusiastic AI man going about his business.

We then went to the Field Station where research was undertaken into the actual growing of crops and most importantly it provided a teaching environment for the local farmers and their wives to receive instruction.  We were shown the various gardens where crops and vegetable were growing, demonstrating the variety that can be achieved despite the very hot climate.  We also saw where the woman were taught various skills and given advice on a range of subjects from starting their own business to child care.  Awareness was also given to the farmers on the various types of mechanization they can use to increase the profitability of the land.  They also learnt of cooperative purchase of such machines for community use.

We then moved onto a typical village and witnessed first hand the techniques taught by the Field Station.  All in all it was very impressive visit and whilst Rotary was really only on the sidelines, (the founders son and current head of the Institute is a Rotarian and some Clubs have donated equipment to the lab), results of the work undertaken by this private Institution are certainly worthy of further support.

We then had a 3 hr return journey and a very rushed wash and brush up in order to make the Chennai Galaxy Rotary Club Charter Celebration Nite (their spelling).  Whilst the Teams did not have to give their formal presentations, Raj and I had to outline our emerging impressions and to introduce the Team Members.  Not only were the Club members present, but also their wives and children.  After the formal bits, which went on for over two hours, the food and drink was served and the disco started.  They included some western music, as opposed to the favored Bollywood songs, and the Team members were able to amuse the Rotarians with demonstrations of such dances as YMCA, etc.  The evening wrapped up at 11 pm.

Vallentines Day

We spent the day with our hosts.  I had a lay in and then went out with Paras for lunch at one of his other non- rotary social gatherings.  In the evening we all came together at the local rowing club to meet with the Foundation Alumni from within the District.  There were about 30 such members present, all of whom had either been on GSE, or were Foundation Scholars.  We were given a fascination presentation on Chennai, after which each of the current visiting team members gave a short account of their views on GSE and the present visit.  We were then able to socialize with the Alumni and meet people who had been on visits over 30 yrs ago.  Some had, of course, now joined Rotary, but not all.

Monday 15^th.

This was a vocational day.  Raj and I visited the Head of the Coastal Boarders Protection Team.  An interesting visit that became really very good.  We started with each of us telling of how our respective Countries protected our boarders.  He had little regard for the effectiveness of the British system – well done Daily Mail!  When the meet and chat was over, we thought we were to be dismissed, but he then asked if we would like a trip out on their inshore rib. 

The craft was a little old, but had two 40 hp Mercury Engines and as we were to experience, a top speed of over 20 knots.  Great hour and half.  Getting to about two miles off shore on a really very pleasant day!!!  On arrival back we were taken to the Police Senior Officers Club for lunch.  We met up again with the OIC, and over lunch and whilst also watching the cricket (India are looking like beating Sth. Africa), we mended all international bridges and at the conclusion parted best of friends. We also received an invitation to see the start of a rally of multi terrain vehicles, that his Unit had just acquired.  The event was to take place at 7 am the next day!

Both GSE Teams met up in the early evening at the home of the DG for an informal social gathering.  We spent a very pleasant evening and were able to sample food from Northern India.

The Third Week

On Monday 8^th Feb, both Teams moved out of Chennai for the country area of District 3230.  We were to be away for five days and four nights and it proved to be a challenging experience due to the amount of travel, number of Rotary meetings, visits to projects and sites of interest.  It also provided another facet of Rotary in the District. 

Leaving at 8 am, we traveled in a mini bus with variable air conditioning – now and then and this fact, due to a mid day temperature of 35 degrees, was to prove very tiring.  Our first trip was to Kanchipuram, about 4 hrs from Chennai.  We met local Rotarians who had arranged for us to visit the Temple, which was noted for having the largest decorated entrance in India. We then went for lunch and a meeting with another group of Rotarians.  Next it was a visit to a silk weaving factory, before going onto our over night hotel.  That evening a special joint Rotary meeting was held at the hotel and both Teams made their presentations.

The location was a special place of pilgrimage and so at 6 am a small group of us, led by Kari, the Rotarian host who was to stay with us throughout the 5 day trip, set off to find a sacred cave.  Unfortunately we missed the turning and found ourselves on the 15 km walk around the hill were the cave was situated.  It is believed that the journey around the hill will give the believer power and energy.  We did not know however you had to go in a certain direction and it was only when we kept meeting others walking towards us and smiling knowingly, that the penny dropped and we realized we were walking the wrong way.  Feeling decidedly tired we got off the route and went back to the hotel for breakfast

Suitably refreshed, the Teams then set off to the Yelagiri Hills.  Stopping on way for a joint Rotary Lunch Meeting, where it was only necessary for the Team members to make brief introductions, we then negotiated a tortuous journey climbing 1200 mtrs to our resort hotel, overlooking a lake.  We arrived in good time for some members to hire boats, while others, including me, attempted to catch up on sleep.  That evening 5 Clubs came to the Hotel and we gave our full presentation.  At the end of the meeting we moved outside for our meal and found that a wide screen projector had been set up and was showing clips from Indian musicals.  After a little time a bonfire was lit and we sat around telling tales and finishing off the odd beer or two!

Again getting up at 6 am, a smaller group of us than the day previously, walked even higher in the hills and visited a shrine, which also afforded fantastic views over the surrounding countryside.  After breakfast we set off for Vellore, where we were to spend two nights.  On route we went to the Vellore Technology University.  A new private establishment, now with about 5000 students, it provides degree courses recognized both in UK and USA.  We met the founder and Chancellor.   

After lunch at the University, we then made our way to the Golden Temple.  This was a very special visit.  The Golden Temple in Vellore is larger than its more famous counterpart at Amritsar.  It has been completed in the last 5 years and is a private undertaking by a 35 year old guru.  It is also a striking example of the quality of work that can be delivered.  India is dirty, dusty and litter strewn, however the vast areas of the Temple and its gardens were as neat and tidy as anywhere in the world.  So very different to the older temples we visited. We were there between 4pm to 6 pm and I estimate there were at least 1000 pilgrims visiting.  Due to the Rotary connections were able to miss the queues, which was just as well, as another joint meeting had been arranged for that evening!

Next morning at 6 am there was just Kari and myself for the walk!  No stamina these young ones. This time we went to the Fort in the center of Vellore and walked around the battlements.  The Fort is now used by the police as a recruiting center and it was good to see that they still do square bashing as part of their training.

When we were all together, we set of for Ranipet, about one hours drive from Vellore.  We were met on the outskirts of the town by the local Rotarians who firstly took us to visit a leather factory and then onto a shoe making factory. Neither of these locations had any retail outlet, which was a disappointment to many Team members!  Lunch with yet another group of Rotarians, including a visiting American, who in the 1970’s had joined the Ranipet Rotary Club for two years, when he had been the military attaché for Sth India.  He had not kept up his membership when he returned to the USA and was now visiting with his wife, to renew friendships. 

According to the program the afternoon was to be free time, but our ‘in country’ organizer had other ideas. So off we went to a new school, which was being run by a Rotarian.  Having been in existence for only 3 years, they now have 500 boys attending.  We met all the teachers at a staff meeting.

The Teams were able to grab a little shopping time at about 5 pm, only to find that Main Street, Ranipet is nothing like Oxford Street. For a start, the livestock you have to avoid in Oxford Street is not of the four leg variety!  At 6.30 pm we gathered for our final joint Rotary Meeting.  8 Clubs were represented, with 5 presidents being present.  At the conclusion we grabbed a quick curry and then made our way back to Vellore, arriving at 10’ish.  Just time to get a beer at the roof top bar (oh the tales to tell on our return).  All bars in India have to close at 10.30 pm. So early to bed – yes really!  Ok, not really.

On Friday we traveled back to Chennai arriving at 12.30 to be picked up by our new hosts………………………………………………………………………………….

 

Following our presentation at Tiruvannamalai 

 

Zoe and Anna after being welcomed to Rotary in the Country Area