Photos from India

I was honored to travel to the Hem Sheela Model School to serve as a Drury representative for their 2011 Founder’s Day celebration. Though I had traveled overseas in the past, this would mark my first trip to India.

As we traveled from the airport to Calcutta and on to Durgapur, I was glued to the window of our van. India is truly like no other country I have experienced. The juxtaposition of wealth and poverty, of old and new, of traditional culture and contemporary culture is highly visible and adds to the richness and complexity of the experience.

The students at Hem Sheela were incredibly bright, thankful for their education, motivated to succeed and highly interested in the United States. The accolades the school continues to achieve speak to the quality of the education.

When I reflect on the trip, many things come to mind: Drs. Rabindra and Protima Roy are the quintessential hosts, they have more energy than most 18-year-olds, and their spirit of giving to the country they love is absolutely inspiring. The Roy’s have enriched the lives of so many through this educational journey. I will never forget the trip and am forever grateful for having the opportunity to see Hem Sheela firsthand.

BY JANN HOLLAND
EXECUTIVE EDITOR, DRURY MAGAZINE