Dear Gandhi,

India is a reality full of colours, a kaleidoscope of contrasts. They range from black and chiaroscuro to blue, fuchsia, yellow, green, orange and white like the sun. Complex and captivating! India, the land you loved and served with unwavering dedication, is a fascinating yet so different world. Intense, magic, diverse, unequal, a chaotic ball of fire moved by beautiful energic human beings, tolerant, unfair to many, spiritual, crowded, polluted, a fast-beating heart, musical, hopeful, peaceful, relaxing, cities and villages of joy with generous souls. Tuc tuc sounds are heard all over the country. As I stand amidst its vibrant streets, tranquil and polluted landscapes, I am reminded of your enduring legacy of social justice and peace.

A tapestry of history, culture, faith, and resilience unfolded, painting a breathtaking picture of a nation shaped by centuries of evolution and change. From the Indus Valley Civilization to the Maurya and Gupta empires, from the Mughal rule to British colonization, each chapter in India's history has added layers to its rich heritage.

Faith is a guiding light amidst the darkness:. It is deeply ingrained in the fabric of Indian society, with temples, mosques, churches, and gurdwaras standing as symbols of devotion and spirituality. From the sacred waters of the Ganges to the holy shrines of Varanasi, faith permeates every aspect of life, offering solace and strength to millions.

The beautiful cloths that women wear are: Saree, Salwar Kameez, Anarkali Suit, Lehenga Choli, Kurti, Ghagra Choli, Sharara, Palazzo Suit, Patiala Suit from Punjab, Churidar Suit, Dhoti Saree, Indo-Western Dress, Bandhani Dress from Rajasthan, Phulkari Dress from Punjab, and Banarasi Dress. And the ones men wear are: Kurta Pajama, Sherwani, Nehru Jacket, Dhoti, Lungi, Bandhgala Suit, Pathani Suit, Achkan, Modi Jacket, Jodhpuri Breeches, Bandi, Pagri/Turban.

But amidst the beauty, in the shadow of India's economic boom, lies the dark and stark reality of deep-seated inequality and social stratification. Despite its rapid development and progress, India grapples with deep-rooted issues of poverty, discrimination, and social injustice. The gap between the rich and the poor widens, casting shadows over the dreams of many, who grapple with poverty and deprivation in slums. Homeless in the streets, sick without medical treatment, discrimination, and social injustice continue to plague the society, threatening to undermine the progress made.

Social progress is very difficult in India, since it is not possible to change caste or for castes to mix with each other. This means that the caste of birth conditions the possibilities of development of each person, regardless of how hard he or she tries. There is even a caste of Dalits ("untouchables") who are considered impure by members of other castes and, in some regions, an even more discriminated group of "invisibles" who cannot even be seen and can only go out at night. They lack basic documents to receive state assistance, basic amenities such as drinking water, toilet and bathroom facilities, electricity, modern education, and healthcare services, and are commonly found living in makeshift and tent settlements on the outskirts of villages and towns.

In addition, India still has a very significant gender gap that makes discrimination and violence against women commonplace, especially among the poorest women and girls. In India, more boys are born than girls and more girls die than boys, which is not the usual trend in other comparable countries. The gender gap in child survival is 11%. In addition, families prefer to have boys and cause abortions for women who are going to conceive a girl child. In India nobody can know the gender of the baby until it is born. But there is a black market to which the richest have access so that they can know if it is a girl and, if so, have an abortion.

Caste discrimination and discrimination against women put many children at risk, who are unprotected and may find it very difficult to access education, health or nutrition.

Yet, amidst these challenges, resistence and tenacity blooms like the lotus in muddy waters. Grassroots initiatives empower marginalized communities, while social movements strive for equality and justice. Hard work, values of coexistence and education becomes a beacon of change and hope, lighting the path towards a brighter future for generations to come. People are extremely hardworking, striving for a better tomorrow.

Voices of kindness echo from the remote villages of Chennai to the bustling streets of Delhi, where individuals defy the odds and carve out lives of dignity and purpose. As the sun sets over the majestic Bay of Bangala and rises over the serene backwaters of Agra, amidst the chaos and cacophony, the beauty of sharing with others, smiling before adversities, and celebrating life, transcends money and politics.

Voices of Resilience:

In Chennai women dress very elegantly, regardless of the caste they belong to. Their radiantly colored dresses are a sign of a conservative southern society, which dresses so elegantly even to go to the beach.

People look at the sea with hopeful eyes. A landscape that they appreciate but that most of them neglect by throwing plastic and any waste. There are murals that raise awareness among citizens to protect the environment they inhabit.

In New Delhi, pollution floods the city.

There are wandering vendors in every corner. Indians are very good businessmen and businesswomen; in general, they see the tourist as if he were a walking ticket, since they try to earn money by offering all kinds of services.

Society is more westernized in the north and, whoever can, buys clothes of expensive brands. Those who cannot afford to buy a house sleep on the ground and shelter from the cold by heating garbage. There are women and men who belong to the lowest caste of society. They have jobs that consist of cleaning latrines and sweeping lawns. What does the future hold for the children of the lowest stratum of society? Education is society's strongest weapon for progress and peaceful coexistence.

Faith and Diversity:

In 2004 a tsunami swept through Chennai. My friend Suraksha's house is in front of the shore. The whole family saw the wave from the rooftop. When they picked up and cleaned the furniture and objects that sank under the water, they found a very old book. It is a Koran. Suraksha's family is Hindu and the Muslim community came to the house to warn them that the Quran should be in the mosque. So Suraksha's family promised to keep the book in good condition and opened the doors of the home for anyone to come and pray. Today, in Suraksha's house there is a Hindu altar, a Koran and an Islamic carpet and a crucifix with Jesus as a symbol of Christianity.

The melting pot of faiths coexist harmoniously. From the sacred rituals of Hinduism to the soul-stirring chants of Sufi mystics. Rituals and traditions that bind communities together, transcending barriers of language, caste, and creed.

Politics

80% of India's population is Hindu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is seeking re-election. I experienced some tense moments in the capital because, on January 22, Modi inaugurated the Hindu Ram Mandir temple in Ayodhya, built on the ruins of a Muslim temple - it was erected on the site of a centuries-old mosque demolished in 1992 by Hindu fanatics incited by Modi's party. That incident triggered the worst religious riots since independence in 1947, which left some 2,000 people dead, mostly Muslims, and shook the foundations of the state's alleged secularism). This BJP party tries to put the Hindu faith at the center of public life. But in India, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Christianity and Islam coexist with Hinduism.

Colorful Festivals, Vibrant Traditions. Looking Ahead:

Celebrating Holi, Diwali or Eid, the eyes capture the pulsating rhythm of life that courses through the veins of this ancient land.

From the corridors of power in New Delhi to the hinterlands of rural India, the country continues to shine a light on the triumphs and tribulations of this dynamic nation. Picture yourself standing amidst the chaos of Old Delhi, where the aroma of spices mingles with the cacophony of rickshaws and the call to prayer echoes from ancient minarets. Here, in the labyrinthine streets of the capital, the past and present converge in a dizzying dance of colors and contrasts.

Venture further, and you'll find yourself amidst the tranquil backwaters of Chennai, where verdant palm trees sway gently in the breeze and fishermen cast their nets against the backdrop of a fiery sunset.

Here, time seems to stand still, as the rhythms of life unfold at a languid pace, echoing the timeless traditions of the region. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-kissed beaches of Goa, from the bustling markets of Mumbai to the burning bodies and temples of Varanasi, diversity is the very essence of Indian identity.

Yet, amidst the darkness, there is hope. From the bustling metropolises to the remotest corners of the country, individuals and communities are coming together to create a brighter future for themselves and their children. Grassroots initiatives empower women and marginalized communities, while social movements strive for justice, inclusivity, and equality.

Wedding season

In India there are girls and women who are forced to marry for convenience. There are more than 216 million married girls in India. More than 40% of the world's child marriages take place in India. Nearly half of all girls are married before the age of 18; 47% of women between the ages of 20 and 24 were married before the age of 18.

My friend Suraksha has married Harsha for love, like her parents, who wept with happiness on the day of her Hindu marriage.

The union is not only between the man and the woman, but also between the two families. Loved ones share what they have, feed each other and bless the marriage with rites such as: bathing the groom's feet, opening a colorful umbrella and confetti on his head, throwing rice, putting a necklace of flowers on the bride and groom, putting on the bride's forehead the red bindi in the parting of the hair (symbolizes a river of blood full of life), putting on her neck a golden necklace, henna on the hands and feet of the bride symbolizes beauty, prosperity and protection against the evil eye. Dances and wind music to the rhythm of drums liven up the party for the more than 1,000 guests who enjoy a wedding that can last more than 4 days.

The smiles of the bride and groom and their families were the protagonist.

Tasty food in a banana leave platter, tea and street food like Pani Puri!

North Indian cuisine is characterized by its emphasis on meat and Indian bread, typically cooked in a traditional tandoor oven fueled by charcoal. Popular dishes include Roti, Naan, Seekh Kebab, Chicken Tikka, Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Aloo Muttar, Rajma, Chana Masala, Samosa, and Daal Makhani.

In contrast, South Indian cuisine revolves around rice as a staple, with Kerala showcasing coconut-based dishes and seafood specialties. Tamil Nadu offers fiery Chettinad cuisine, while Andhra Pradesh is known for its hot and spicy dishes. Hyderabad stands out for its famous biryani, and Karnataka's Udupi region is renowned for its vast vegetarian options.

Dairy products, particularly ghee, are prevalent due to water scarcity and are seen as a symbol of prosperity. Dishes like daal, baked baati, and fried baati with jaggery showcase this region's culinary diversity.

In Bengal, fish is beloved! Whether fried, stewed with vegetables, or prepared in a thin curry known as jhol. Hilsa (ilish) reigns as the most cherished fish variety. Sweets, often milk-based, are equally adored. Odia cuisine boasts dalma, a hearty stew made with lentils and vegetables.

Other popular dishes include Maacher Jhol, Sorshe Maacher Jhol, Daab Chingri, Sandesh, Rasgulla, and Mishti Doi, each offering a unique blend of flavors and textures.

Great Soul

And so, the story of India continues to unfold. As the sun rises over the majestic Taj Mahal and sets over the shimmering waters of the Arabian Sea, one thing remains clear: your spirit lives on. Your message of nonviolence, peace, social justice, equality and compassion continues to inspire generations to strive for a better world. It encourages introspection regarding our conduct, attitudes, and impact on our environment. If we seek a world characterized by kindness and compassion, we must actively practice these virtues towards others, giving love and helping those in need.

As I reflect on the beauty and complexity of India, I am reminded of your words: "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

Thank you for encapsulating the idea that in order to bring about positive change in the world around us, we must start by embodying the qualities and values we wish to see in others. May we continue to walk the path of freedom, responsibility, peace and justice, guided by your timeless wisdom.

With deepest admiration and gratitude,

Elena María Hernández Martínez