From 15 February to 2 March 2024, Fr Kiran Gottipatti, SAC, organised a trip to India for 20 people from Switzerland, half of whom came from the parish where he serves. Sr. Daniela was the oldest participant. She shared her experiences enthusiastically.
It was a real experience for me to get to know India from all angles.
Poverty and wealth live side by side and nobody is bothered by it. Life is full of colour and vibrancy.
Above all, the willingness to help without question. One example: a tyre on our coach burst. We were lucky and were able to pull over to the side. But it didn’t take a minute for three workers to come off the road and help us fit the new wheel. Something like that would never have happened here.
We visited a soup kitchen where volunteers cook for 500 poor people every day. Everything they need is paid for by the state, unbelievable.
The hotels our group stayed in were unique and the food was very good. The staff were friendly and courteous. Also, the domestic flights were always on time, without long waiting times. On every bus we used there were German guides who really presented India as it is in reality.
Sometimes it got under your skin. We Europeans could take a leaf out of their book. They even let the beggars on to the coaches so that they could earn something.
It is unique how many religions live side by side in peace. India remains a very different memory for me than a travel guide describes. For me, India is on a good path that needs to be supported. Yes, I think missionary aid is very important. When I got home, I had to say to myself: we have a paradise in Switzerland.
Thank you so much for allowing me to experience all this. It was a tough journey, but an eventful one.
Text and photos: Sr. Daniela Schumacher, SAC
