Hands on learning

I had some hands on classes yesterday. Classes on “Anarchy”, “Survival of the fittest”, “Comradeship and Community”, and “Living in the present”. All these over a period of 3 hours during a shopping trip to Raxaul market, the first one in 4 months.

Anarchy was evident all around. The rickshaw trip to the market and back, was one of negotiating space between cycles, potholes, puddles, Tongas (Horse driven carriages) trucks, bikes, people, cows and many other moving things. Everything was everywhere and every one was moving into wherever there was space. On return, the railway crossing was closed and both sides of the road was blocked off. The moment the gates opened, two full roads (the incoming and outgoing) has to create space to accommodate movement, which is four times more than what the road was expected to have – and it all was managed with ease. Who said Anarchy was difficult! Even in the shop, (the local mall {small m} we go to) the queue for check out, was broken umpteen times, the quiet ones being pushed into the peripheries, till the cashier cum owner was moved with compassion, on two silently waiting ladies from our group!

But this was made possible because, people had learnt the art of “survival of the fittest”. To survive in such anarchy, you need to learn a few skills. Skill of “Loud communication” – the louder the fitter! The louder you are, the faster you get your things done, the faster the road opens to give you space. The other skill was one of "negotiation". Whether it be creating space in the road, or getting ahead in the queue, you need to learn to negotiate and get ahead. A skill which the locals have mastered very well. And all these negotiations done with not much of anger or bitterness, accepted by all as part of life.

This is made possible because in the midst of the Anarchy, and challenges, there is an unsaid feeling of Comradeship and Community. There is a realization that, in such resource challenged situations, we all have to live and thrive and grow. And if that has to happen, there have to be some giving in and accepting some of the challenges of anarchy and struggle for survival of the fittest! Life has to go on, in the midst of all the challenges of poor roads, poor infrastructure, potholes, overcrowding, frequent power cuts, financial resource constraints, lack of political will to make any change, and many other issues. The money changers along the road who change IC to NC to the Malik of the mall – all have to survive in the context which is challenged.

This "community of the challenged" happens because, life is all about today. People seems to be living “in the present” and for “the present”. Daily life issues - the daily wages earned, the daily provisions sold, the pleasures of each day, is what up most in the mind. Living in the present, enjoying the fullness or challenges of each day…within the limited resources each one has, is what people are all about. And in this daily walk of life, one allows each other to live their lives too!

Anarchy is defined as - a state of disorder due to absence or non-recognition of authority or other controlling systems. But in my hands on class, I leaned that an ordered disorder is part of Anarchy in resource constrained settings and this can be a welcome experience. But to be experienced once in a while and not daily!

But the root of this orderliness – is that not what our Master taught – “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Live for each day, in the midst of anarchy or order, allowing each other to survive and grow together as a community…

My next class will be 4 months down the line…