My Days at ‘Médecins du Monde’

During my days in Paris, I had an opportunity to volunteer at the NGO called ‘Médecins du Monde’. This NGO gives free treatment to the people who do not have any official papers and also helps them to get their health insurance offered by the French Government. As I knew Hindi along with French, I was asked to play the role of a translator between the most of the Asian patients and the French Doctors or the other volunteers of the NGO. 

During my days as the translator I had met hundreds of Asians who had come to Europe to earn and send some money to their families in Asia. Most of them had to walk miles and cross the sea on the boat or the flight to get to Europe. From their sharing I realised that most of them felt lonely as they were away from their home and people. Very few of them were lucky to have friends from their own land or country. It can be an alienating experience when you neither speak the language nor understand the people around you. 

I feel lucky and blessed to have had an opportunity to learn the French language and to blend into the French culture. I believe it would not have been possible if not for the Jesuit community of rue Blomet where I lived my days in Paris. It was here that I learned the language and the habits of French. Yet I also had to undergo the alienating experience as I had zero French vocabulary during my starting days at Blomet. But with time I started to feel at home. So much so I didn't want it to end.

As I was doing my philosophical studies I could go only once a week to Medicin du Monde. So, I used to go on Fridays, as it was the day when the most of the Asians choose to come to the centre. For the most of the patients I was the only person who could understand their language. As the result they became very emotionally attached to me. So much so they wanted to keep in touch with me either through Facebook or any other means. Surprisingly none of them contacted me seeking my help. I was very much moved when they invited me for a meal or a visit to their workplace.  

I can never forget the Bengali couple who had no place to stay. They were moving between the shelters arranged by different NGO’s. Moreover, the lady was six months pregnant. There were days when they had to sleep in metro station. Even Though they knew I could not help them, they would call me up just to talk to a familiar voice. Luckily I met another Bengali couple at Medicin du Monde, who too were very close to me, so I had put them in contact with each other, so that they could be of some help. Finally, they managed to find a stable place to stay. To add to their joy, they had a cute Baby Boy. Recently when I had a Skype call with them, I learnt that they have got a job and an opportunity to learn French language through JRS Paris.

I was also inspired by the volunteering spirit of the French people. There were not only retired doctors, but also young people, who spent at least a day in the centre. I felt motivated to be there every week. I felt that we were a team working for the common good. What can be more Ignatian than this? I feel it was here that I imbibed the spirit of collaboration, which the Society of Jesus has taught me.

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Ghost Fish

I learnt to make the ghostly fish in GIMP.

Dog or God!

No vehicle passed by that street. And no street light was on. Savita was walking in the dark.

"Oh! Isn't this the street where Ranjini was murdered? ” She thought.

She trembled with fear, as she heard the footsteps.

“My God I should have stayed at the railway station.”

Her heart beat increased as the footsteps increased.

“Oh God! Uncle promised he would personally pick me up. Goal……."

She was horrified as the footsteps got quicker. Suddenly the barking of a dog was heard. 

"Ha! The footsteps seem to fade away. ”

Barking became louder. She was frightened, when the dog jumped on her.

“Help! Help! ” She screamed.

But to her surprise the dog was friendly. Street lights came on. She was staring into the dog's eyes.

“Now I remember you, Jimmy. You have grown a lot. ”

She was filled with gratitude for Jimmy's presence and whispered, “Thank you god.”

The last of its kind.

The last of its kind.

(I have written the lyrics from the point of view of a person who has never seen a tree, clean water and animals. He longs to see them, but they are no more.)

Walking down the road 

I am looking for a tree

Where is the tree?(2)

I am asking you, you and you all.

Where is the tree?(2)

It's no more here

We have fallen it

Oh! No (2)

What's the matter?

It was the last of its kind.

Rowing down the river

I am looking for a clean water

Where is the water? (2)

I am asking you, you and you all.

Where is the water?(2)

It's right here 

We have turned it black

Oh! No(2)

What's the matter?

It was the last of its kind.

Running down the hill 

I am looking for an animal

Where is it?(2)

I am asking you, you and you all.

Where is it?(2)

It is no more

We have killed it

Oh! No(2)

What's the matter?

It was the last of its kind.

Fart Toy

Fart Toy

Mon expérience en France

My first day in Paris began with a meal, during which I was asked in French, "ça va ta goût?" I was surprised. Yet I responded saying, "ça va." But I continued wondering why did they ask me about my 'goût'(In Konkani 'goût' means 'human excretion.') Later, I learnt that 'goût' means 'taste' in French. Finally, I understood that they were asking about the taste of the food. Hence by exploring the taste for the French cuisine, I began my initial days of life in France.

Whenever I thought of doing something for the first time I experienced a rush of fear and anxiety within me. But when I did it, I was always filled with excitement. This was my experience when I came to Paris for the first time. The excitement of learning a new language and new culture had pushed me through the initial fear of uncertainty. As the time progressed, I have discovered Paris as a city of opportunity and openness. I had plenty of opportunities to learn something new like swimming, roller skating, ice skating, baking cake etc. Each day in Paris is filled with opportunities especially for students like me. After being in Paris for ten months my mind has opened up to different cultures of the world. I have made new friends from different countries like china, Korea, Japan, Italy, America etc.

In last few months, I had many first-time experiences. For the first time in my life, I was exposed to a temperature close to zero degrees celsius. Even though I struggled with it for few months it made me stronger. I have seen, held and played with snow for the first time. Thus enjoying the gentleness of nature during its roughest season.

There were many occasions to meet and listen to the refugees, who have survived the journey across the sea and the mountains. There are many refugees in France who are waiting to get a french passport. Most of them are youth, who want to have a new life in France. Especially those, who were exiled from their country because of their stand for justice. Their journey through life is inspiring and touching.

As a Jesuit, I live in an international Jesuit community named Blomet. It is in this community that I could take my initial steps in French language and culture. In spite of initial resistance to the strangeness of the new language and culture, the love and encouragement of the community have filled me with admiration for the uniqueness that they possess.

After having lived 3 years in Paris I feel that I have learned a lot from this city of light. Apart from the French language and the Philosophy, I have learned to love myself and others as we are. One thing that rings in my mind as I continue to cherish my days in France is what the French always say to me, "Amusez-vous bien."

Fish

 

                                                        Fish