Kolkata, the city of joy and sorrow... by Johney

Sometimes I see the world as black and white in the shadow, there is so much that needs to be painted red, green and blue. I see India like a waterfall, it has a few ups, but mostly everything is going down. If I were a rainbow I’d carry this India across the gold pot. I have a dream that someday the deaf, blind, and mad will work together as one, through teamwork, communication, and trust. They will be capable of building towers and spaceships that will someday fly across the planet. This is my India where my black African friend first put their foot on land crossing Europe to develop lighter skin then to the land where it all ends up in the middle between black and white there is a brown. We are all humans and everyone makes mistakes. We are all the same from the color of your eyes to the sense in your mind, lose a leg or lose your hearing we are still the same.

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or to help you figure out who you are or who you want to become. These people are part of GRO; they help me open my eyes to see what it’s like to be human. The lack of education, hot water, and food makes me feel that I’m spoiled. In my religion doing good deeds is good, but giving your time to help another is excellent deeds. Honestly I am starting to like India but I don’t love it. I can’t blame the class system or the government for not empowering the country resources. I will blame myself because I’m one of those people who can make a difference. I am here for a short time but I’m proud I made baby steps showing the deaf they can drive or they can become teachers, computer engineers, or chefs.

Sometimes I think I’m a walking wallet, every day I argue with vendors of all kinds because as soon as they see me regardless that I’m Indian, they assume I come from a rich family because I dress differently and speak English well. The price rises dramatically. I am paying the price for my lack of understanding the language.