1. Less Corruption
It all started at the beginning of my adventure (back in September, 2012) when Dad and I went to the police station to get registered. All foreigners who are staying in Guwahati for more than three weeks must register with the local police station. As Dad and I walked out of the musty room filled wall to wall with moldy old files, the "sign in" desk asked us for a tip. We were so confused. A tip? What kind of tip? A tip for doing what? Sitting there, telling people to sign in, and not even give them a writing pen? They told us—and I'm not lying—that they wanted a tip for "tea and snacks." I think you get the picture. And that wasn't the only time I had to pay a bribe.
Let me say that in some government schools, the corruption is hard to imagine. Teachers take the uniforms, books and lunches that are supposed to be free for the kids, and make the kids buy them. If the kids do not buy them, the teachers then sell all of this on the street. Throughout the government, and court systems, when you offer to pay bribes your kids get into any school they want, and your life is just a lot easier. The stories about the government here are unreal, and it's all about the money.
2. Yogurt and Cheese
Enough said.
3. The "Volunteering" Spirit
Most of the time, people from India ask me why I help Lakhtokia. They do not understand why we feed the slum on Sunday or what makes us have the passion and energy to walk the kids to school twice a day. In all honesty, it is not culturally normal for this to happen here and the Indians have a hard time understanding why we do this. One thing Pratyasha does well is change the way people perceive the people from Lakhtokia. And the foundation also helps inspire Guwahati residents to begin volunteering for NGOs, and noticing what is wrong in their society.
4. Trash Cans
Today I walked from Don Boscoe afternoon school to Lakhtokia slum to my home (a 45-minute walk) with a juice box in my hand. I never saw one trash can (unless you count a massive pile of trash on the side of the road as a trash can).
5. Meters in Rickshaws
These would calculate how much I owe for the drive and it would save me and the rickshaw driver a lot of trouble.
6. Brown Rice Instead of White Rice
White rice is not nutritious (brown rice is more nutritious) but it is such a staple in the diet here. I am going to be completely honest, I cannot eat any more rice. My gosh, it is unreal how much rice they eat here.
7. Fewer People Doing More Things
Whenever you go somewhere, you have to deal with half a dozen people rather than just one. I understand that is how the economy works: there are so many people in this country and they all have to somehow have a job. But sometimes it is stressful walking into a store, needing help, and having six to ten people to choose from.
8. New Traffic Police
The traffic police here sit on the police stand and maybe wave their arms if they are feeling up for it. If they could really stand up and direct some cars, it might help Guwahati traffic a tad.
9. Smell Removal Machines on All City Sidewalks
As I mentioned in an earlier blog about the smelly smells in Guwahati, I think such an invention might be a good investment. The place oftentimes just stinks. My Dad even brought his own after shave lotion that he applied liberally to his face every day to ward of the smells. I think that's a little much but hey, it worked for him.
10. Gutters, Drainage System
When it rains, it floods.
11. Hannah Dobie
I mean, Guwahati needs me, right? Then, I would not have to leave, right?
Sending smiles from India,
Hannah
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