From Raj Sethia, Liberate School, Madhya Pradesh

This story is dedicated to the grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren of all the friendly souls that gathered (and also of those that could not make it to the ULS Conference) in the beautiful city of Udaipur.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN UDAIPUR

Once upon a time when the lakes were filled with sparkling blue water and birds chirped to usher in a cheerful morning, and when little children had no fear and knew the art of smiling a lively group of young and young-at-heat people decided to meet in the beautiful city of Udaipur. They traveled from far and near, from different countries and cultures. They spoke different languages, wore different clothes, followed different professions and believed in different religions. Yet they were all SAME SAME and not DIFFERENT DIFFERENT.

It was a warm and sunny winter in the year 2002. And for almost a week people learnt from one other, they shared their experiences and raised new questions; they explored a new vision for the world that they deserved to live in. They dialogued and debated, played and read, sculpted, painted, sang and danced, they snored and beat drums .. and even chased away a handful of tourists in the dark of the night, who preferred peace to the pace …they laughed out aloud and even wept together. They explored their creative instincts in several ways - be it clay or even shoes - their urge to create and nurture learning always prevailed.

People learnt about peace and pottery, friendship and freedom, life and learning, theater and parenting, water conservation and traditional folk instruments.. It was a "Meena Bazaar" (a traditional market set up usually for women of royal households in their palaces where merchants/peddlers would bring curios from around the globe) of learning - and some determined souls created their own space for dialogue and doggedly didn't allow the 'open space' to confine them. And yes, atleast once Lisa, Coumba and I went for a 'morning walk' - at 5.00 AM in the morning. And I must also admit that I am still nursing my bruised ego - well, I used to consider myself a champion of sorts when it came to "bargaining" - but a visit to Shilpgram with Shilpa, Yousef, Nitin, Anita, Lisa and Coumba helped me to get rid of my false notions. For those who are interested, Coumba has carried the crown of world 'bargaining' champion to Africa.

Even at the risk of being unfair to all the people with whom I had an opportunity to initiate dialogue and also to others with whom I desired a deeper, more elaborate dialogue but merely for lack of time couldn't do so - I would like to fondly recall the profound conversation I had with Munir. It was stimulating to talk to him - logic, intefada, plurality of learning! And Claude was so refreshing - his joie-de-vivre and passion for multiversity is highly contagious. I am so happy that he has infected me. Probably also due to the fact that I have my ancestral roots in Rajasthan, I was very thrilled to learn about the work done by Komalji. And there was never a dull moment with Khanbhai who has an interesting anecdote from every country that he ever visited - apart from a shared love for Urdu shairis (prose/couplets), we shared some insightful discussions on global perspectives on education. And that storehouse of human energy Peter - it was simply enthralling to be with him, to learn the fine nuances of dramatics. Chanditaji, Jinanbhai and Poonamji inspired me. Vinitaji and Ravi are already on my 'must visit soon' list. And Sanjay, thanks for your inspiring oration in Bengali. I am very happy that the Almighty gave strength and stamina to Alok, Zaid, Shilpa, Manish, Vidhi, Kankubai, Sakhi, Anita, Nitin and all others from Shikshantar/AMD Team to organize such a successful conference. HEY FOLKS - YOU WERE SIMPLY GREAT! Three cheers for all the organizers. I feel very sad that our friends from  Pakistan could not make it to Udaipur. Well, I have missed the opportunity to meet you great souls.

I am deeply touched by the dialogue I had with Sudhir, Sugandhi, Coumba and Lisa. I have always been intimidated by hurt and violence. Talking to you all gave me tremendous strength and helped me learn about hurt and violence. I carry deep scars of racial violence and am normally very candid about it. But the dialogue and sharing of experiences with Lisa and Coumba helped me unlearn racism to some extent. And sharing my experiences about a research project on 'Single parents' as a student in Germany with Lisa brought back old memories.  What is common between Nitin, Lisa and me? We are all daughter-worshipper.

A PASSING REMARK:

It was indeed very sad to say good-bye and travel back. But then as Karee and Claude woke me up to say bye it suddenly felt that yes, we would all be traveling. As I sat in the lobby feeling lonely and gazed outside, I saw a dry leaf fall from the Ashoka tree. And suddenly I felt optimistic. That is how life is. It self sustains. Each falling leaf signifies death/separation. But then perhaps not! The dead leaves fall to the soil, decompose and enrich the soil fertility. Thus making the situation more conducive for life, making the soil more willing to nurture the next sapling. Perhaps like the dry leaves we have all been separated and are falling on different soils. But I am sure that wherever we fall, whichever soil may be beckon us - I am optimistic that we will all go and make the soil more supportive for life. I must confess that I am carrying a precious feeling of "GOODNESS" in me after this conference.