Student chronicles global search for justice in India

Jordyn Arndt ’11 is among a group of 19 St. Kate’s students on a Global Search for Justice j-term course in India with Deep Shikha, interim dean of the School of Business and Leadership and Economics Professor, and Robert Grunst, professor of English.

Jan. 11...We have spent one week in Dehli, India. The focus of our Global Search for Justice (GSJ) course is women, work, health, and the environment. Thus far we have had phenomenal discussions about oppression, gender, culture and globalization based on our experiences here.

We first traveled to the Institute for Rural Research and Development (IRRAD) in Dehli. We toured their facilities and visited two of the villages to which IRRAD has implemented sustainable development projects.

IRRAD introduced us to their innovative approach to sustainable development through the implementation of alternative energy projects, innovative agricultural practices, enhanced educational programming and public health outreach initiatives.Despite our language and cultural differences, we made crafts with some of the young girls in IRRAD’s technical training module. In the photo above we're showing them how to make structures using toothpicks and marshmallows.

Later on in the week we visited BPS Mahila Vishwa-Vidyalaya, a university for rural women and a charitable hospital. One of the highlights of our visit to the university was a tour of the ayurveda department’s facilities. This was particularly beneficial for our health care majors as ayurveda presents an alternative to Western medicine focused on a more holistic approach to health.

Our visit to the hospital was equally informative. The chairman of charitable hospitals described the challenge of increasing population in addressing India’s health care needs, the controversy surrounding medical tourism and the universal struggle to create available, accessible, and affordable healthcare to all citizens.

Weighty discussions on international economics, women’s role in society and cultural imperialism have been balanced with excursions to become acclimated to India’s rich history and culture.

A bus tour of Dehli helped orientate us to the multifaceted sections of the city. Bargaining in the markets and trying the wonderful spices of Indian cuisine has been a wonderful experience.

Jordyn Arndt '11