October 24, 2024
The day’s adventures began with a short drive to Humayun’s Tomb. The tomb was the first of its kind built for a Mughal emperor, a 16th-century tribute to the emperor by his Persian-born wife. It is believed to have inspired the Taj Mahal, which was erected about a century later
After enjoying the rich architecture and learning about the history of the late Mughal emperor, we took the subway to the wholesale market. Most local use this method of transport daily and the cars are packed with people,so the government has created a separate car for women so they don’t get groped!!
When we walked up the steps we were immediately in the chaos of the market. Vehicles of all types were trying to navigate the crowded streets. All of the senses where triggered as we walked though the streets.
We went to visit a local middle-class Muslim family in their home to discuss the relations between Hindus and Muslims in Indian society. It was a lively discussion and I learned so much about the distrust and hostility between Hindus and Muslims that has been fueled by the current Prime Minister. Sounded very familiar to what is happening in the US where we are encouraged to hate others.
After our discussion we went by rickshaw to the Raj Ghat neighborhood and memorial. Riding in the rickshaw was an exciting and terrifying experience as we weaved through the chaos on really bumpy roads.There were several times I was sure we were gonna crash!!!
Next we explored the memorial to Mahatma Ghandi. In 1948, the last rights of this legendary pacifist were reperformed. A simple, black marble platform marks the spot where Gandhi was cremated; it is covered in flowers left by pilgrims. Atop the platform, an eternal flame burns in honor of Gandhi’s life and works. His saying that is on his statue is “Be the change you wish to see”! I need to do that more!!!
In my afternoon free time I headed to Gandhi Smriti, formerly known as Birla House or Birla Bhavan, it is a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, situated on Tees January Road. It is the location where Mahatma Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and was assassinated on January 30th 1948.
After the museum, I grabbed a tuk tuk and headed to the Hanuman Temple, an ancient Hindu place of worship dedicated to the revered god Hanuman or “Monkey God.”. It’s appropriately named, as I was greeted by monkeys!!! One jumped on my shoulder and tried to grab my phone. I could not stop laughing. The perfect way to end a day filled with learning and adventure.
Interesting. Phone grabbing monkeys?! Groping on the subway?! Sounds like one must stay on alert while traveling in India. I have two quick comments. First, world travel educates us at every turn….and what we often discover is that people are people no matter where we go. I am sorry to hear about the spreading of hate, but I suppose it is, in varying degrees, part of human nature. Second, you already are the change. I have long admired your willingness to step out into the world alone, learning and growing as you go.