As one who had experienced the Great Hanshin Earthquake, this calmness was a big surprise to me. When I asked about the situation to a local Japanese man, he told me that the people of India have a different sense of feeling from the Japanese and that they have a strong living style that allow them to overcome disasters. When I asked if these people would be happy from receiving just a piece of candy, he replied that they will be happy just by the fact that someone came to visit.

As a matter of fact, the children and even the adults were very happy when they received the candy, and as I write this report now, I recall the smiles I saw and feel a temptation to go visit those smiles and the beautiful sparkling eyes again. Through this activity, I was able to see the light and power that originally exists within people. I realized that support is not just about providing things, it is about restoring the sparkling eyes in the people, and I strongly felt that I wanted to continue this meaningful activity.

There were children that lost their eyebright in India. But during my stay, I did not once hear the cry of children. Babies were held by their mothers, and children who could walk were with other children. I also did not hear any scolding or yelling at kids from the parents. Dogs and sheep were walking around, and did not seem to be startled even after encountering us. There was a very peaceful air of freedom in the area.

When I look at the houses that were not affected by the disaster, they had no hedge between their neighbors, they had no lock, water was shared by everyone, everyone’s lifestyle was open, the houses were built with balconies facing outwards, and children gathered at these balconies to cool off in the evening, or study under the electric lamp at night. It was like a big family living in one big site. This is a scene that once existed in Japan.