JRP and KT Global School, where Dr. Manu serves as the Director of International Relations, both work diligently to involve foreign volunteers and students in their programming. These guests bring global attention to the organizations’ projects, demonstrate organizational prestige, and attract investment. Both organizations also strive to build bridges with neighboring states. It’s no secret that India’s relationships with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China are strained. Inviting nationals from these countries to participate in joint educational programs and ceremonies plays a critical role in upholding JRP’s mission to promote peace and build community in India and around the world.

Last weekend, after a reportedly arduous visa process, a cohort of students from Bangladesh was finally given permission to enter India. Despite Bangladeshi people sharing significant cultural and linguistic ties with nearby regions of India like West Bengal and Odisha, modern borders create artificial and arbitrary divisions that don’t reflect overlapping identities, shared histories, and cultural affinities across South Asia. Today, the border is notoriously difficult to cross for citizens of both countries due to historical tensions and mutual suspicions about illegal migration and security risks – exemplified by a 2016 Dhaka café attack claimed by the Islamic State – which have resulted in rigorous vetting processes, lengthy wait times, and a high rate of visa application rejections for legitimate travelers.

Finally in India, JRP and KT Global pulled out all the stops to ensure an unforgettable experience for the visiting students and build lasting cross-border ties. I was lucky to join them during their visit to Chandaka to experience Odisha’s rich tribal cultures, an essential component of their itinerary. In Chandaka, most villages are either Munda, Santal, or a mixture. These tribes are most known in India for their unique musical traditions and dance forms. In particular, they are famous for their rhythmic drumming and folk dances performed during Hindu festivals, rituals, and celebrations that celebrate the communities’ deep connection to nature and the spiritual world.

A Santal man makes deliveries in Chandaka

The Chandaka community walks down the road to greet us

During the students’ visit, this heritage was on full display. When the students stepped off the bus, the villagers welcomed them with jasmine flowers placed in water. In this tradition, guests are gently splashed with fragrant jasmine-infused water, symbolizing purification, refreshment, and genuine hospitality.

A Santal girl picks Jasmine flowers for welcome ceremony

Immediately after the greeting, the visiting female students were asked to join the local women for the Sohrai dance. In this folk dance, men play a large drum called the Tamak while all of the women hold hands of link arms and dance in a line. The women move in a captivating, rhythmic, swaying motion and take small steps forward, backward, and to the side in unison with the drumbeat. During our event, the women also donned the traditional Panchhi, a type of saree that consists of a white cloth with large red borders adorned with tribal patterns. Many women also complement the Panchhi with silver necklaces or anklets, freshly cut flowers, or headbands. Unfortunately, the visiting men couldn’t participate. While there is no limit to the number of women dancers, there weren’t enough drums to go around.

The Sohai dance in Chandaka

Bangladeshi students join in

In full swing

In addition to cultural exchange, the visit was also used as an excuse to hold an event in support of JRP’s ongoing awareness campaign on menstrual hygiene for adolescent girls. Little access to sanitary products, few women’s health facilities, and cultural taboos that isolate girls during their periods are just a few of the challenges that women face in tribal communities. JRP, with its Dutch partner Haella Stichting, is attempting to normalize proper hygiene through workshops led by women from similar cultural backgrounds who have personally faced and overcame the same issues. The initiative intends to build trust, break down cultural barriers, and communicate proper hygiene practices in a culturally sensitive and relative way, empowering women to stand up for themselves and adopt healthier lifestyles. After the workshop, the Bangladeshi students each took turns handing off a menstrual hygiene kit to a local girl. Meanwhile, the boys played cricket outside.

Cultural exchange: Bangladeshi visitor meets local students

Dr. Manu welcomes visitors to the event

A Bangladeshi girl hands off an hygiene kit to a Santal villager

The boys playing cricket outside

Another successful event!