Drew Jensen is Global Citizen’s 2015 Curtis Scholar. The scholarship provides an immersive experience highlighting effective development programs focused on sanitation, girls and women, and education. Drew is traveling with Global Poverty Project staff, meeting key partners and working in India. Below are photos and blog entries from Drew’s journey. This is day 1, follow the rest of his trip here


Day 1: 

Upon finding out a few weeks ago that I would be coming to India as this year's Curtis Scholarship recipient, my immediate reaction was one of pure joy. An opportunity to travel while simultaneously participating in the effort to eradicate extreme poverty is truly the stuff my dreams are made of. As my ecstatic shock began to wear off and I started to come back down to earth, a bit of anxiety began to set in. I had so much to do!

As I spent the next few weeks getting my affairs in order- visa application, vaccinations, etc.- I hardly even thought about what my expectations of India looked like. Of course we've all seen pictures and read about India in history class, but outside that bit of prior knowledge I was headed for unknown territory.  

Despite having only a vague idea of what to expect, my mind has been repeatedly blown in a number of ways since arriving in India.

This began the moment we arrived at the Indira Ghandi International Airport. While I wasn't expecting an airport much different than what I've experienced in the United States or Europe, I most definitely didn't expect to emerge from our long flight to find the most beautiful, immaculately kept airport I've ever encountered. There's a reason it has been voted the best airport in the world by consumer reviews (the first fun fact I picked up on the trip).  

The hospitality of the airport employees made me feel right at home as soon as I hit Indian soil. Myself and Hilary Gleason from Global Poverty Project, were greeted with cheerful smiles and countless offers of assistance. This warm greeting extended to our arrival at the hotel, where we were treated to even more smiling faces and warm greetings.

Image: Drew Jensen

Having arrived late on Saturday night, we didn't have much on our agenda the next day because it was a Sunday. Hilary and I spent most of our first day catching a few touristy attractions, indulging in some amazing local food, and planning our week ahead before calling it an early night. This was the perfect recipe for our jet lag, and we're now all set for the rest of our time in New Delhi.

So what did I learn on day one? Despite our perceptions of great cultural disparity, people across the world share much more in common than we often realize- most of us are more than willing to lend a hand to our fellow man, we all appreciate the kindness of others, and we all deserve to be treated with a universal standard of dignity.

And that's why I'm here, because despite the unbelievable impression India has left on me in just one short day, there is still so much work to be done. And while I'll save my explanation for my post tomorrow, there is so much promise for what the future holds here in India thanks to the amazing progress already being made by the people and organizations we'll be meeting with later in the week. I'm just honored that Global Citizen has given me the opportunity to work side by side with them and their incredible partners as we strive for a better tomorrow--both in India, and around the world.

With much love and best wishes- Om Shanti. 


Here are some of my photos from the day:

As we waited for our baggage to arrive I found myself in disbelief of what I was reading on the ticket in front of me. I'm truly honored to be in New Delhi with Global Citizen and I can't wait to get to work!

Image: Drew Jensen

I'm so grateful to have the best travel companion one could possibly ask for in this journey! Hilary is so knowledgeable with respect to poverty related issues (and nearly anything else you could imagine for that matter). This was how we found our new friend/host, Sookrit. The sign will definitely be a keepsake for Hilary!

Image: Drew Jensen

We spent part of our first day in New Delhi at the awe-inspiring Akshardham Temple. Visitors aren't allowed to bring anything but wallets and passports inside the gates in order to preserve the serenity experienced inside. I felt guilty even taking this picture from afar!

Image: Drew Jensen

As the sun was setting I walked into my room and was struck by the beauty before my eyes. It's easy to understand why India is one of the most spiritual places on Earth when you experience the tranquility of it's landscape.

Image: Drew Jensen

Our host Sookrit suggested a small restaurant near our hotel as an introduction to some local food. The only thing I didn't like was that we eventually had to leave. Pure bliss! 

Image: Drew Jensen

I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Editorial

Demand Equity

Arriving in India- Day 1

By Drew Jensen