Day 6: Closing Ceremony & Off to Chennai

Today the group has to say our final goodbyes to all the students, teachers and staff that has made our stay so great. Everyone in Walchandnagar has been so welcoming and kind. I think my whole group can agree that our stay here has been unforgettable and very transformative.

To start off our morning, our group decided to play a game of cricket instead of our morning yoga. 

We headed off on a beautiful stroll to the school, where we met with the students who we were to play against. After a few practice runs to teach everyone in our group, we were off to play against the BCA students. 

Our standout players were Arman and Shivani, scoring us many runs and throwing great pitches. Needless to say, the students were definitely going easy on. Despite that, the students won by a few points, which came to no one’s surprise. 

Afterwards, we hurriedly went back to the house to finish up our thank you cards before the closing ceremony started.

Back at the school, we celebrated at a final closing ceremony where all the students and staff were present. We heard from students about the impact of the camp on them and some of our own talked about how grateful they were to be there.

Afterwards, some of the primary students did a traditional dance, which was so mesmerizing and beautiful to watch.

Our group in return taught some Michigan cheers and did a dance of their own. 

Before closing off the ceremony, we were presented with gifts, which included a notebook, water bottle and a pen.

Despite our bus being ready to take us back, all of us stayed behind as long as possible to say our goodbyes.

We headed back to get our stuff and we were off to Pune for the airport.

After a short flight, we landed in Chennai! We’re only here for the night because tomorrow we are leaving for Pondicherry.

Our hotel is absolutely beautiful and before going to sleep we stopped at the restaurant inside, which turned out to be an all you can eat buffet.

The tourism part of our trip has officially started!