India – Holi Festival

The Need

India is the world’s second most populous country and in spite of a well trained and functional health care system, India 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 started relief efforts in India in 2011. IMR has continued to travel to India and since 2020, IMR has held 15 clinics that had a total number of 430 staff and volunteers, who served around 16,000 patients. 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. IMR continues to collaborate with local health officials and grow our relationships with India. 

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 and your team will be staying at the YMCA in Mumbai with comfortable, safe, and clean accommodations. If you are interested in a more upscale lodging experience, please view the Signature option here.

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, here.

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 India’s most intriguing destinations? Did you know IMR offers an exclusive three-day extension to its volunteers? By extending your stay, you will give yourself an extended opportunity to take a short flight to Delhi, where you can explore cultural sites, including Agra and the Taj Mahal. Other sites, including the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and the Lotus Temple, are easy to access and friendly for tourists. While in Delhi, you can also shop the famous Chandni Chowk Market, founded by the fifth Mughal Emperor over five hundred years ago. In Old Delhi, you can visit the Chandni Chowk Market and the Red Fort, tour Jama Masjid, and explore the stunning Lotus Temple.

Check out the IMR volunteer-exclusive extension opportunities available for your mission here! For additional information, please contact our preferred travel agency, Worldwide Navigators. Their team of experienced agents and travelers is available via email at travel@worldwidenavigators.com.