India – Holi Festival Signature

The Need

India is the world’s second most populous country, and despite a well-trained and functional health care system, the country still faces significant public health issues.  Sanitation, overcrowding, and poverty all contribute to illness, especially among the poor. In 2018, India reported about a 29.9% infant mortality rate. India also still faces several gender health disparities, where women are more vulnerable to different health risks. 

Join International Medical Relief (IMR) in providing quality medical care for the communities surrounding Mumbai. The team will care for those with the greatest need for medical attention. Our clinics are nestled among the throwback of centuries old traditions in southern India. Engage with this culture first hand as you provide greatly needed medical care to the densely inhabited communities. Those left out of the medical system will not only get medical attention, but will also be given needed education to help them survive in places where healthcare is difficult to access.

Our Work

International Medical Relief began relief efforts in India in 2011 and has since served 16,000 patients with 430 IMR staff and volunteers. IMR continues to provide sustainable health care through education initiatives towards the communities we serve. Some of the educational sessions that were provided include the following: clean water, dehydration/rehydration, malnutrition, family planning, oral health, respiratory diseases, malaria prevention and hygiene/hand washing.

With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 17.

IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing. 

In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.

This Mission

Close your eyes and picture looking to your left to see towering, snow-capped mountains, and then looking to your right to see lush, green foliage. If you concentrate, can you hear the infectious Hindustani music or taste freshly caught fish? As the seventh-largest and second-most populous country in the World, it is not surprising that India offers a wide variety of sightseeing, topography, and cultural experiences. Shaped by the Himalayan Mountains, Northern Plains, the Indian Desert, Peninsular Plateau, coastal plains, and many islands, India is the land of “Unity in Diversity.” Among the people, diversity in race, religion, and language exists, but their vast differences in culture do not divide them. Mumbai, the capital city of the state of Maharashtra in India and the city you will stay in for this trip, is the most populated city in India so you will interact with folks from many different backgrounds. However, over half of the city practices Hinduism, so you can expect to experience several Hindu traditions, including theatre, festivals, and food.

While visiting, you can tour countless Hindu Temples such as the most famous temple in the city, Mahalakshmi! Your team will also make a point to visit the Muslim quarter to experience the blended culture and purchase fresh produce. Your time in Mumbai will be especially memorable because it will coincide with Holi, a time for Hindus to welcome the spring season and to celebrate love and the triumph of good over evil. Also referred to as the festival of colors, Holi is one of the most brilliant festivals that Hindus celebrate. From rain dances to water guns filled with liquid color to Holi-special restaurant menus, the Holi festivities are a blast! For a colorful and memorable keepsake, wear a white t-shirt during the celebration. During Holi, keep in mind that the people whom you have the opportunity to laugh and dance with may also be some of the people you help during clinic. Because many residents cannot afford the out-of-pocket expenses associated with subsidized healthcare, IMR will help to bring much-needed aid and education to the people in India who have more difficulty accessing medical treatment.

Lodging/Transportation

You’ve selected the Signature trip! The team will be staying at one of Mumbai’s most beautiful and top-rated hotels, the Taj Mahal Palace! This luxury hotel is walking distance from the Colaba Causeway, where you can find shopping and delicious restaurants. Since 1903 when the hotel was built, numerous royalty and dignitaries have been guests here. This is truly a Mumbai landmark! You will fly into Mumbai and be transported to your accommodation. If you fly on the group ticket, all transportation will be arranged.

IMR Signature trips mean added luxury on IMR trips.  Iconic hotels with exquisite service and amenities await your arrival.  If where you stay and how you live are important to you, IMR Signature trips will meet and exceed your expectations every night.  You will join your team for all activities and most meals but the nights are yours for the luxury you want after a good day’s work.

If you are interested in a less expensive lodging experience, please view the Classic option of this trip.

Transportation to and from clinic will be provided each day. If you travel on the group flight, all of your airport transportation to and from the hotel will be pre-arranged. For those flying into Mumbai independently, you have the option to include your airport transportation for an additional charge through our partner, Worldwide Navigators.

Highlights

The lasting connections that you make with the people of Mumbai within and out of clinic will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip. By celebrating goodness at Holi with some of the same people you may treat at clinic, you will find yourself completely submerged in Indian culture. If you are lucky, some of your newly made friends will teach you a Bollywood Dance that you can, in turn, teach your friends back home.

While the most rewarding aspect of this trip will be caring for the people of Mumbai, your team will also have the opportunity to visit the famous Gateway of India, an iconic, 85-foot arch that is often referred to as the “Taj Mahal of Mumbai.” This architectural wonder may very well be one of your favorite sites to see!

Extend Your Stay

Since you are already venturing across the globe, have you considered extending your stay by a few days to see some of the top tourist destinations around Delhi? IMR offers an exclusive three-day extension to its volunteers provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators.

Worldwide Navigators offers a fantastic opportunity to continue your trip and explore off the beaten path, giving you more time to see the sights in India.

Highlights include:

• Discover the world-renowned Taj Mahal, learning the history and magic at every turn
• Explore the winding streets of Old & New Delhi, and uncover what makes this city tick
• Visit the historical Humayun’s Tomb

See the Extensions tab on this page for details on this amazing experience!