SINGA SPEAKS ROAR 12 | SINGAPORE | SATURDAY | 9 JULY 2016 A PERIODIC NEWSLETTER FROM THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION, SINGAPORE
Inspiring India! Boys’ Tour of Bengaluru, Mysuru and Udhagamandalam Here is an account of the India tour of six boys of the Ramakrishna Mission Boys’ Home, Singapore escorted by their Supervisor and Social Worker. The tour began on 11 June and completed on 22 June 2016.
Six boys along with their Supervisor and the Social Worker set off from Singapore Changi Airport on 11th June 2016 for India. There was a fair amount of excitement – exploring the unknown. The boys were briefed about the trip, stressing the importance of safety at all times. They were paired into three groups to facilitate mutual concern and fellow feeling apart from admin convenience. The residents of the Ramakrishna Mission Boys’ Home are of Indian
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ethnicity, born and brought up in Singapore. Some of them are third/fourth generation Singaporeans. As such they have very little connection with their roots. Probably their parents may also not have any firm binding. Under such circumstances, knowing the country of origin of the family was important – thus, the trip to India came about as a routine annual overseas trip.
alert and focussed as the level of security in India is different as compared to Singapore. They were told to always be vigilant; be aware of the surroundings and people around them when they are out, and to always hold on to their belongings. The children were told to drink only bottled water. The children were each given Rs 2,000 for the 7 days that they were there to spend on souvenirs or things that they may want to buy for their family members. The Supervisor kept a close watch on their budget and how they manage their spending. They were advised to use the cash carefully on their own. They also learnt to bargain for lower prices at places that allowed bargaining.
The Social Worker took the opportunity to educate them on the different standards of living between countries. She reminded the boys to be on
The group landed at the beautiful, cosy but small Bengaluru airport on 12 June at 00:05 hours. They were received by Sri Jayabalan at the airport. After some refreshments, they proceeded in a specially arranged vehicle to Mysuru, reaching at 6 am.
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