Discovering the Essence of Awadh’s Culture: 13 Teenagers from the US on ‘Bharat Yatra’
Lucknow: Thirteen teenagers and their two mentors from the United States are embarking on a 16-day visit to India as part of the ‘Bharat Yatra’ program, delving deep into the essence of Indian culture and its roots. Arriving in Lucknow on Saturday after exploring the monuments in Agra, this excursion is no less than a homecoming for the young participants.
The ‘Bharat Yatra’ program, organized by Hindi-USA, a non-profit organization based in New Jersey, aims to strengthen the connection between Indian heritage and the global Indian diaspora. Led by coordinators Chetna Mallaram and Manak Kabra, the teenagers, hailing from the Wilton and Edison branches of Hindi-USA, are enthusiastically immersing themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of the Awadh region.
This edition of ‘Bharat Yatra’ holds a special significance as it marks the fifth occurrence of the program. However, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it has been organized after a gap of four years. Hindi-USA, founded in 2001 by Devendra Singh and Rachita, originally aimed to teach Hindi to their two children. Now, it has blossomed into a community with approximately 4,000 children studying Hindi across 27 schools, 13 affiliated schools, and an online platform.
Securing a spot in the Bharat Yatra program was no easy feat for the 13 selected students. From a pool of 150 applicants, they had to undergo a rigorous selection process, including a written examination and two levels of interviews. In preparation for the journey, the students met regularly with their mentors and peers, honing their Hindi language skills, memorizing Hindi poems, presenting cultural performances, and rehearsing for ‘nukkad natak,’ a form of street theater popular in India.
During their visit, the students engage in educational and cultural activities. Exploring historical monuments helps them connect with India’s rich history, while visits to educational institutions provide opportunities for student exchange programs. Their Hindi language skills are so impeccable that one cannot discern their non-resident Indian status. Evidencing their linguistic prowess, Vedant Bangad, a 13-year-old participant, holds a Guinness World Record for memorizing and reciting 700 verses of the Bhagavad Gita.
For these teenagers, the ‘Bharat Yatra’ is a unique experience, especially during the festive season. Riya Gupta, a 15-year-old participant, joyfully expressed, I have visited India several times with our family, but this is an entirely different experience. We are not only visiting different cities but also exploring the history of India.
As they continue their ‘Bharat Yatra’ across India, these teenagers are not only fostering a strong connection with their Indian roots but also strengthening the cultural ties between India and the Indian diaspora worldwide.
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