Restart!

After a long vacation, we could start our group project: service work in local Ashram. I was excited to meet them all. However, my first impression was a bit depressed due to the number of students. All other students left for better education to another place and only four students are there. We, 7 members: Hyunju, Aditi, Yong-min, Aditiya, Sohil, Sahil, and I, were confused at the first in deciding and changing the plan.
As soon, we deliberately gave our cooperation for divide students and started studying. We initially thought we tell them one fable without giving the end of the story and make them write it about. But, they wanted to study or revise like before.

I taught one Grade 7 boy, whose name is Shankar labu Pungati. He and his friend had doubts in solving exercise in Mathematics.
He does not understand the basic concept such as plus, minus, multiplication, division and the find the value of unknown (blank). Due to weak construction of basic understanding, it was not easy for him to solve adopted questions. However, I thought it is my duty to make him understand and solve such problems himself. So, I started from the base of calculation. While teaching, his inexact expression made me feel that he does not get it. So, I got some help from CAS supervisor Kiren SIR in explaining the concept to him. It was not an easy task, but was a good challenge for me, especially in terms of ‘patience’.

Unfortunately, these days service is not fully enjoyable. Only four students are there, so the number of students and volunteers to teach are not balanced. For some people, this precious time seems boring and they pass the time. It somehow made me feel guilty. We all get together in Ashram to do something productive with those children. But, it could not be involved effectively. Maybe we can make a good idea for the next Saturday. I believe we have to talk about this problem with CAS coordinator in detail.

Overall, it has been a long time to meet and teach them. But, I could not feel such distance. I am looking forward to meet them on the next week.

Service work in Gandhiji’s sevagram

It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err.

- Mahatma Gandhi

Indian political and spiritual leader (1869 - 1948)

I have been to Gandhiji's sevagram (sevagram means a village for service) located at Wardha in Maharashtra from 31 August - 2 September with Nuri, Habin, Hyeoni, Jaewoo, Jong-hyeon and Yongmin. Along with one Korean pastor’s guidance, we could visit and stay there during our holidays. We stayed there and tried to follow Gandhiji’s living style. It was new experience for me. I could learn so many things over there such as Gandhiji's thought and the value in our life, etc. We could find other two more people who lived similar to Gandhi and made lots of things with Gandhi or with their own way. They are Vinoba Bhave and Baba Amte. For two days, I could see more of inner side of myself than outer one. Some of them are very disgusting and harsh to say, see or describe. Based on their value and thoughts, however, I have to face and replace them with a better one. Their love was marvellous! It was only 2 and half days though. Those days made me realize lots of things related to life (my life and others as well). They are too previous to keep inside of me, so I will surely show, inform and share them.

Also, I could get a lot of important learning outcomes over there. First, I have learnt that we can have our fruit after giving our effort. I knew this before, but used to forget. The very first reason I forget is I do not earn money i.e. I do not need to give my effort or any drops to get bread and needs. This is a bit pathetic (to me because it shows that I am in a very good, comfortable condition but I am not aware of that as well as to others because I depend on others’ effort). However, I found how delicious the food is after giving my effort by doing physical work in preparing foods. Then, I found ‘saving’ is very easy one compared to others. Till now, I thought saving something is kind of special or specific. But, it is actually not. Moreover, it has to be held in normal lifetime. I have to finish up all my foods in my dish (No waste). I have to keep water while using. It may be directly linked to the ethical issue. Environment concern: no waste of water, usage of methane gas from an organic fertilizer, usage of ash for wash the dishes, and so on. Another issue is caring animals that are living with us or around us. It is somehow based on the Hinduism/Buddhism and the idea of Gandhi, but they sincerely care everything that has value. There was a basket for keeping mice. They do never catch and kill the snakes or mice. But, they keep them in the basket and let them go back to their nature away from the village.

There are ‘seven social sins’, which Gandhi strongly stressed.

Wealth without work

Pleasure without conscience

Knowledge without character

Commerce (business) without morality (ethics)

Science without humanity

Religion without sacrifice

Politics without principle

This shows what the moral issue exactly is. I could reflect myself and the society around me based on these. To further, I could consider how I have to behave, speak out and behave in life.

After going back to home, I felt really tired. I found, however, I got so many things that I have almost forgotten in my rush life when I wrote down a diary of my experiences in the village. I do not know if I can get such opportunity after again. But, I am sure one thing that this opportunity I got will never go waste.

The last has another meaning of START.

After a long trekking, the last visit place was Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Sikkim is very strict states in India in giving entrance permission for foreigners because it is the state borders Nepal to the west, Tibet to the north and east, and Bhutan to the southeast. Hence, they are even worried about a very small accident or mistake. Original passport was compulsory for us, four Koreans including me, just like a visa is still a prerequisite for travel in many countries. But, two of us did not bring passports and it was coming up the problem. They could not enter into Sikkim without original passport. While waiting for finding solution of the problem, I could find many ethical issues.


First one is I have to reflect my side (fault) first rather than others though it is not my fault. Some people blame others first though it is their fault. By watching others’ behaviour and hearing their words, I could see enough how I have to behave. In addition, I felt very sorry about making others wait for us while we were getting permission. It took a very long time unexpectedly because two of us had no original passport. So, all other Indians, who do not need permission, had to wait for around 4~5 hours on the side road because of us. It reminded me of thinking about ‘consideration’, ‘altruistic behaviour and thought’ and what kind of thought is for others (thinking about others) in waiting for other two Koreans. Finally, they could not enter into Sikkim with us. But, others were worried about them and cared them. It was really beautiful and I was very thankful to my friends’ and teachers’ comfort. Also, I could think about what morality really is. I do not like to lie from my side as well as getting it from others. But, most people lie at every instant for escaping from the specific situation when they get stuck in a wrong/bad work. Though people know it is not a good way, people do. I saw some people do that this time, but it never solves a problem and gives a bad effect on each other. I was feeling sad and pity about that. Then, I decided I will help them afterwards.

We went sightseeing in Gangtok for two days. I could find ‘Peace’ in the atmosphere of the city. Because of that, it seemed to help freshening up my mind. Being in the nature and enjoying it really helped me become more bravery, calm and thoughtful. Though so many different ethnic groups are there, they seemed to live harmoniously and peacefully. It was another beauty of the city.

Also, we had a very good time for writing reflection last night in Gangtok. I, all friends and teachers shared so many feelings, memories and experience each other. We felt like we met life partners. Writing reflection was not only for finishing touch of camp days also for pulling my thoughts together.

On the way to NJP (New Jalpaigudi) railway station, we did rafting in Teesta River. Obviously this activity required our terrific cooperation. I and my six members: Aditi, Hyunju, Saurabh, Ajay SIR, Tilak SIR, Ajinkya did a great job, so we left first and reached the end first.

Last day of this journey was as good as the first day. Full of excitement with friends added more fun. I will never forget all the feeling and thoughts of this 13days journey in my life because all the activities in the camp helped me take one step forward.

Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.

 Are you aware of the way you can notice your own strengths and weaknesses? If you know, you must have taken hard work before in your life. This was what all instructors and SIRs pointed us continuously while trekking. Everyone knows trekking is not an easy work. But, we can get many things we cannot learn from studies such as Patience, Respect, Modesty, Forgiveness, Open mind, and so forth. You know what, people who are in eminence sometimes forget they are small and become arrogant. But, people who are in lower place look up at the higher place and sometimes forget their happiness, fullness and thanks surround them. While going up to the top of the mountain, I found small area down there. At that time, I felt shyness from the fact.

Even though this trekking was not the first time for me, it gave me different (fresh) feeling and wisdom. We started trekking from Manebhanjang.  Our trek course was Manebhanjang-Tumling-Kalapokhri-Sandakphu-Rimbik. It was total 51km. So, the first trekking course was Manebhanjang to Tumling. Through the hard trekking, all group members could be closer than before. I and my friends who were in the camp shared all the feelings and thoughts even though we cannot understand each language properly. It made me feel so happy fully. By sharing our feelings at least, we could feel ‘binding energy’ among us. It helped me work harder efficiently. Also, I got a big Responsibility about other friends and my mother nature. Whenever others need any help, I have to give my hands. Whenever others feel hungry, I have to give my bread. I thought this is why we live together in life and what we have to do in life. One of my camp friends, Ajinkya, and I talked together while trekking. We were talking about ‘life’ like what life is and how we should stand in life. He told me life is like a book. So, I added him, “Yes, life is like a book. But, it never gives solution or answer. That is why we are walking and going to find the true answer on our own together.” I have got the truth of life from there with my friends.

Whenever we go for trekking, our instructor gave advices to us all the notes of cautions and safety. I have got much new information from that time. For example,

-Do not touch or pick up any plants.
-If you are the leader and come to the fork of a road, do not choose the way on your own.
- . . .

In Korea, I used to touch or smell any unique or different flowers or grasses though guides informed me do not touch them. It may or may not be poisonous, so we cannot do such things without permission. But, I had to be careful for that because I should take care of myself and no one can help me, in case something happens.

All the activities gave me a sweet fruit in the end. I never forget the memory in my life. From that, I again feel I want to start or re-start my life in a good, positive way. I look forward to what I will be doing next work in my life.

This is the first road, first step, and first attitude to go into Himalaya.

 Have you tasted the tears of happiness? If you have not, you must have the experiences, which can hold you back in your proper position. I strongly suggest you that you just go, run, get the feelings, cry, shout, and laugh right now.
I could get few of the happiest moments in my life from this cam, CAC Himalaya camp. Actually, our first purpose was CAS activity experience. But, I have never thought this is not just because of CAS since joining the trip.

On 29th May at 8p.m I and all my friends who participated in camp left from Nagpur railway station. It was a new experience for me to go somewhere by train in India. But, I like to challenge myself by trying doing new things and enjoy whenever I do new things.

Once we reached Darjeeling, we started our schedule from the very next morning on 1st June. We had an exercise in every morning. Even in short morning walk (exercise), I learnt so many, small things, but important things in life such as Collaboration with others, Respectful mind about others and nature, and so forth. We had to make ourselves to be disciplined mentally and physically. So, each person can be happy and feel good in doing every work together.

Most of Instructors of the camp cannot speak English fluently. So, they generally told us all the cautions or knowledgeable words in their mother tongue, Hindi. Whenever everyone listened to their words, my friend, Aditi, had to translate all the words for all of Korean including me. It happened continuously, so I could guess and understand something they highlight in doing various activities after sometime. It was another positive challenge for me to overcome the language problem.

Every time, especially before trekking, Ajay SIR who was our main trekking instructor stressed the importance of interaction between nature and myself. He always told us, “Life is based on nature. And, Interaction and Cooperation are the most important in life. Especially, in trekking, you must feel their importance.” I can never forget his words for ever because I will be close by nature and mountain in my whole life.

This is not the last day BUT.

“This time will be the last session before summer vacation.” Supervisor Vijayalaxmi ma’am let us know. I forgot it and was going to take a usual class. But, I was thinking I should do something more with him after being aware of that fact.
We finished two chapters today. Day by day, we feel study of Mathematics seems to be easier than before. Also, I gave him another opportunity by using new device which he cannot deal easily. In using calculator, he seemed to enjoy a lot because it has many functions which he didn’t expect. Whenever I can give him new experiences or opportunities, I feel very happy and want to give more. So, it challenges me to think about it more and more.

After finishing two chapters, I and Munal made a plan for next session (after summer vacation). For the first Saturday, we will have a ‘Art class’. For the second, we will study our main subject-Mathematics. For the third Saturday, we decided to have time for discussion about global issues, international issues and ethical issues around us. Those kinds of problems also effect on our life indirectly or directly. I think that is what we should think about as an ethical issue (for them and for me) with them. They who we teach also have right which should think about global and ethical issue. Supervisor Vijayalaxmi ma’am suggested me that showing some videos, movies (Animation which has a message about environment and so on), pictures or news to them and talk about it for some time. For that, they don’t have much information and route. So, we can get them and share with them.
Today, I asked him ‘Japan tsunami since 11 March’ and talked about it. He is aware of that news and was thinking about global issues too. When we were making a plan he was really interested in discussion for such topic. I and Munal thought it will be really nice time and chance for both of us. It must be good challenges for us!

As usual, I and my friends did such a traffic class with them by putting beautiful cooperation. Nowadays, all of us are organized nicely hence children also can follow us calmly.

Surprisingly, our seniors-Chinmay, Mukul and Agam-visited Ashram for giving sports goods like badminton rackets, soccer ball and carrom ball table to them. It was really touched one because they are concerning them though they finished their time and work. This is another care which comes from their responsibility. I thought it will give me another impact on my work in the future as my seniors did.

We will meet them after summer vacation. So, I blessed them for their exam and health during hot summer. See you soon with grown mind and looks~~

Based on general thought…

Nowadays, I and Munal finish one chapter on every Saturday. But, I do not focus on finishing one chapter but focus on making him understand. There is one Ethical issue. It is listening to leaner’s thought and mind. If I think finishing one chapter is more important without considering student’s understanding or position, it is not a good way as well as not a good teacher’s position. I think teacher should be aware of learner’s level and degree of understanding and so on. After that, teacher can teach him/her in proper way which fits on learner effectively.
I could find one more Ethical issue. It is ‘Responsibility’ in teaching and in being there with them. One of my friends, Abhilash, didn’t come today. They wait for us and for learning something. So, we cannot leave them though their own teacher is absent. But, from that, I could get another opportunity to teach one more student. According to Supervisor Jha sir’s words, I, Aditi and Hyunju arranged students properly and then started teaching them.

This new student who I taught today cannot understand English. So, I needed help from my student, Munal. He helped me explain to him nicely. Indeed, he also explained and tried to make him understand with their mother tongue, Marathi. I really felt happy because he tried to explain positively and patiently like what I have done with him. I and Munal could wait for him till he understands exactly. I told him, “I think you also can teach another people who are younger than you.” Today’s experience must have been good for him for next time. Yes, I and Munal, our teamwork was successful!

Also, I believe the advanced our time for solving/understanding in study and attempt for new concept must be a good challenge for both of us. I could see his enjoyment in getting new concepts and idea on his face and from his efforts. It makes another good effect on me. I can prepare and concentrate on him more and more because he wants to know and learn. So, I cannot but prepare for him as much as I can. As I and Munal planned together on last Saturday, we have studied new concept ‘Compound interest’. It was not an easy chapter. But, we kept trying to understand and solve it together. This time, we couldn’t finish this concept. We planned again to learn this concept on next time. But, we did another thing to help others get new learning.

If you prepare OR If you are ready, then you can be advanced more, faster and easier than before preparing!