Hindu College, Delhi University

 This morning started with the most delicious Indian breakfast. To my delight, the food was just the right amount of spice for me. :) We then collected all the hostess gifts and divided them into eight bags. I contributed ten copies of An Amish Portrait by Merle Good. The book has wonderful pictures and minimal script that I thought they could include in their libraries.The bags were stuffed with goodies!

As we departed our hotel the attendants sent us on our way with namaste - folded  hands as in prayer fashion directly in front of their faces. This takes the place of a handshake and means “I bow to the god in you. Your soul and my soul bind together.”

Teachers are considered to be Brauman – the highest caste. Although some would claim that castes do not exist, our guide exclaims that teachers are gurus and take students from darkness to light. Interesting analogy! Asked why Indian students perform so well, she informs us that in fourth grade students learn “Love their game and beat them at their game.” Gandhi's father said this to him.

India is one of the first civilizations. Its name came from the Indus River which was named by Hindu.

As we drive to the university, we see slums. They are all too real and disheartening to think that people live this way. I am reminded of the book I read this summer, Sold. Guide Shivani recommends the movie, Three Idiots.

We arrive at Hindu College, the most prestigious college of the Delhi University. Students hand us a red rose and we sit in the front with fifty math students and their professors seated behind us. This is a symbol of their hospitality. Our time together begins formally with introductions, learning about the college and Johnny showing a slide show of math in the US.

Some interesting points of conversation included the following. The professors do not agree with uniform testing that occurs in the U.S. College students do not use graphing calculators; instead they use Mathematica. The younger students do not use calculators as early as our students. But, the intent of our use of calculators is a tool for investigations of patterns, functions, etc. India believes their K-12 education is outstanding, but they are disappointed with understanding on the college level. Students freely asked questions such as addressing applied math versus pure math.