Introduction
As part of my CAS experience, I had the opportunity to travel to Mohamal, Dang — a remote tribal region in Gujarat — for a 7-day rural immersion trip. Before leaving, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. I had grown up in a city, surrounded by comfort and convenience, and the idea of spending a week completely away from that was both exciting and slightly intimidating. Looking back now, I can say with confidence that this was one of the most uncomfortable yet deeply rewarding experiences of my life.
Stepping Into a Different World (LO1, LO6)
From the moment we arrived in Dang, it was clear that life here operated on an entirely different rhythm. The forests, the simplicity, the absence of the noise I was so used to — it all hit me at once. We stayed in a camp/dormitory, which was a far cry from the comfort of home. No luxuries, no familiar conveniences — just the bare essentials.
At first, this was genuinely difficult to adjust to. I found myself missing small things I had never even thought twice about before. But slowly, over the first couple of days, something shifted. I began to appreciate the stillness rather than resist it. This trip made me immediately aware of how much I had taken for granted back home, and that realisation was both humbling and necessary. (LO1)
The people of Dang live in ways that are deeply connected to the land and to each other, largely untouched by the rapid urbanisation happening elsewhere in India. Engaging with their way of life gave me a real and meaningful window into global and local inequalities — how communities exist and thrive outside of the systems I had always considered normal. (LO6)
Food, Traditions & Cultural Immersion (LO2, LO6)
One of the most memorable parts of the trip was eating the local food of Dang. The meals were simple, made from locally sourced ingredients, and prepared in traditional ways. It was nothing like what I was used to, and adjusting to it was a challenge in itself. But there was something incredibly grounding about eating food that was so directly connected to the land around us.
We also had the privilege of participating in local traditions and festivals of the tribal community. Witnessing these customs — the music, the rituals, the way the entire community came together — was something I will not forget easily. It was a reminder that culture is not just something you read about; it is something you feel when you are standing in the middle of it.
These experiences pushed me to develop a deeper cultural sensitivity and awareness that I simply could not have gained from a classroom. (LO2)
Interacting With the Tribal Community (LO5, LO6)
Spending time with the tribal communities of Dang was the heart of this trip. Despite the language barrier and the difference in our worlds, there was a warmth and openness in the way they welcomed us that I found deeply moving.
What struck me most was how rich their sense of community was. Everyone looked out for one another. There was a togetherness in their daily life that felt almost foreign to me — someone who lives in a city where neighbours barely know each other. It made me reflect on what we gain through modernisation and, equally, what we lose. (LO6)
We also did some service/volunteer work during the trip, which gave me a sense of purpose and contribution beyond just being an observer. Being able to give something back, even in a small way, added a layer of meaning to the entire experience. (LO5)
Exploring Nature (LO4)
The forests and natural landscapes of Dang were breathtaking. We explored the surroundings as part of the trip, and spending that much time in nature — away from screens, away from the city — had an unexpectedly calming effect on me. There were moments during these explorations where I felt genuinely present in a way I rarely do in my everyday life.
Pushing through the physical demands of the trip, day after day, also showed me that I am capable of more than I give myself credit for. (LO4)
What I Took Away (LO1, LO2)
This trip fundamentally shifted something in my perspective. I came to Dang thinking I was going to observe a simpler life — I left realising that in many ways, it was a fuller one. The people of Dang had very little by material standards, yet their joy, their community bonds, and their connection to their culture were profound.
I now carry a much stronger sense of gratitude for what I have, but also a quiet discomfort — the kind that pushes you to think more critically about consumption, privilege, and how we choose to live. (LO1)
If I could change one thing, I would go in with even fewer expectations and an even more open mind. I caught myself being uncomfortable in the early days rather than being curious, and I wish I had flipped that switch sooner. That is something I intend to carry into future experiences. (LO2)