February 26, 2025

One-Day Friendships with Lifetime Memories

*Please note that names have been changed to protect individual privacy.*
Today marked our last day conducting interviews with farmers. I wish I could say that I started the day feeling excited, but I struggled even to appreciate the quiet streets outside our hostel. Our 6 a.m. departure time was pushed to 6:45 a.m., and we set off to meet a team member from Green Foundation at our usual restaurant. Going to the same place, with the same sunrise, and sitting at the same table felt almost dream-like, as if I were recalling just a memory. Eating my newly found favorite breakfast, “akki roti”, brought me back to life but that was short-lived, as the hour-long drive lulled me into a deep sleep.

I woke up in Kanakapura when the driver told us we had arrived at the village. Our team split into two groups to maximize the number of interviews we could complete on our last day. Luckily, I was the note-taker for the first interview, which gave me the chance to re-familiarize myself with our interview process. However, I had to ground myself because I was set to lead the second interview.

Though it took me a moment to remember how to talk to strangers, the second interview quickly became my favorite of the day. We had the incredible opportunity to interview Muthu, an energetic woman whose pride in her farm matched her excitement to paint us her world. Even though she spoke to me in Kannada and I responded in English, it felt as though we understood each other entirely through our shared excitement of each other. After the interview, she took me to see her beloved goat and cow. I was bursting with excitement to meet her animals and I couldn’t help but smile when I saw a small bald spot on the goat’s head. A spot that was a clear sign of constant love and affection with maybe one too many pets.

She excitedly dragged me around her home and farm, insistent that I see just how large her house was, opening every cupboard and door at any slightest hint of curiosity. It was so much fun. The adventure felt mindless, two people simply sharing pure excitement and curiosity about each other. It was one of those rare, joyous moments that reminded me of the times I’ve spent with my sisters. A farmer, who was a stranger to me just an hour before, and with whom I didn’t share a common language, had become someone I couldn’t help but connect with on such a deep level. It amazes me that someone like me, not naturally outgoing and more cautious than adventurous, was able to connect with Muthu in such a meaningful way.

Looking back, this brief, one-day friendship is a reminder that such connections are possible for anyone. It gives me a sense of optimism about the world and fuels my desire to understand people who are so different from me, both here in India and back home in the United States.

By,
Sabrina