Deb H. in Mumbai at Somaiya

Our first morning in India we woke in the newly constructed (almost finished) dorms of Somaiya University in Mumbai. Prof Gupta brought chai and newspapers to our doors as we prepared for the day. We heard presentations on the Somaiya group and some of their projects. I was moved to hear about their work with people with HIV/AIDS. Hospitals are not required to take these patients and discrimination is rampant. The Somaiya project treats people with dignity and sensitivity, turning no one away. They have a focus on yoga and nutrition with a goal to “make them tough,” mentally and physically. Every six months they hold a “celebrating life” event, telling everyone “We will see you again in six months.” Maybe I will return to work with this inspiring project as an RN.

Touring the campus, I had the pleasure of talking with local students Jainee and Mugdha, both in their first year of the management program, both in beautiful traditional dress for our visit. While Mugdha lives on campus, Jainee lives in an apartment with roommates. This practice raises some eyebrows, but it is becoming more common for young women to live independently of their families. Both women plan to have careers and are also expected to be married. Mugdha’s parents highly value education and are very encouraging of her and her brother who studies engineering. Arranged marriage is not in her future. Jainee may consider it, but it is hard for her to imagine knowing if someone is the right match after only meeting them “once, twice or thrice.”