Two days ago, the group was working with the Freeset organization, cleaning and moving furniture from one building to another. Once we had moved all the furniture out of the first building and cleaned it, we loaded it onto a small cart, which was then biked over to the other building. A few people in the group walked along with the furniture and biker to the other building.
While waiting for that small group to return, so that we could load more furniture, the rest of us were standing outside in a small alleyway. There were people walking by left and right, motorcycles whizzing by, and dogs running every which way to find food. At one point, a blind man walked through this small alleyway, passing right by a few members of our group. I did not really think too deeply about this at the time, as it was a very quick, passing moment, but in the few days since, I've been thinking about it quite a bit.
I simply cannot imagine being blind in the city of Kolkata. Not that I can imagine being blind anywhere, but in Kolkata, this feeling is amplified - with the all cars, the people, the bikes, the bumps in the road, and just the overall chaos. Organized chaos, in a way, but chaos nonetheless.
So that got me thinking about how different this city would seem if I was blind, or if I was missing any one of the five senses. But especially sight. This city is chalked full of things to see, whether it be a child running around with no clothes on, looking too small and thin, or a game of cricket happening in the middle of the street. Or maybe even seeing a seemingly random cow walking down the street next to you. I think it would be extremely difficult to experience all of Kolkata without sight. But even smell or hearing too. The honking, the yelling, the call to prayer, the sound of slapping down and chopping fish. The smell of burning trash, street food, raw meat laying out in the heat. All of these aspects seem so essential to me, as they all work together to make Kolkata what it is. All of your senses here are on full alert and it is nearly impossible, at least for me, to imagine not experiencing any single one of them.
- Kalli Opsal '19
While waiting for that small group to return, so that we could load more furniture, the rest of us were standing outside in a small alleyway. There were people walking by left and right, motorcycles whizzing by, and dogs running every which way to find food. At one point, a blind man walked through this small alleyway, passing right by a few members of our group. I did not really think too deeply about this at the time, as it was a very quick, passing moment, but in the few days since, I've been thinking about it quite a bit.
I simply cannot imagine being blind in the city of Kolkata. Not that I can imagine being blind anywhere, but in Kolkata, this feeling is amplified - with the all cars, the people, the bikes, the bumps in the road, and just the overall chaos. Organized chaos, in a way, but chaos nonetheless.
So that got me thinking about how different this city would seem if I was blind, or if I was missing any one of the five senses. But especially sight. This city is chalked full of things to see, whether it be a child running around with no clothes on, looking too small and thin, or a game of cricket happening in the middle of the street. Or maybe even seeing a seemingly random cow walking down the street next to you. I think it would be extremely difficult to experience all of Kolkata without sight. But even smell or hearing too. The honking, the yelling, the call to prayer, the sound of slapping down and chopping fish. The smell of burning trash, street food, raw meat laying out in the heat. All of these aspects seem so essential to me, as they all work together to make Kolkata what it is. All of your senses here are on full alert and it is nearly impossible, at least for me, to imagine not experiencing any single one of them.
- Kalli Opsal '19
Kalli, what a great explanation of your experience. You did a beautiful job of capturing your sensory experience. I am praying for all of you and your safety. Peace
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