Memorable time for volunteers in India

LASALLIAN Projects (Ireland) 2025 was a roaring success in India. It culminated in the completion of the eight badly needed classrooms in Keelamudiman and the construction of the multi-purpose hall in Suranam. Auxiliary Visitor Brother Tommy Walsh reflects on a memorable experience.

Eight eagerly enthusiastic volunteers took on the challenge to raise funds, received numerous vaccinations, acquired tourist visas, packed appropriately and headed for the airport with the prayers, blessings and best wishes of thousands. For Tom O’Neill and me, it was as if we were going home, but for the six young Lasallian volunteers - Fionn McGrath, Caolan Walsh, Conor Golden, Liam Steenson, Patrick O’Leary and Chris Cleary - it was a step into the unknown by heading to India, an experience they will never forget.

When we arrived, we met the local De La Salle Brothers who would take unbelievable care of us for the next three wonderful weeks.

Suranam community and schools were our base for our project duration. The local welcome was off the charts, the fanfare was amazing. The love shown to us Lasallian volunteers was extraordinary, and I can honestly say that we are One La Salle and we are all connected.

The project in Suranam was to construct a multi-purpose hall, and the work commenced immediately with temperatures by day that were generally 36 degrees and at night 28 degrees.

On site we really had a ball, and Mr Babu the engineer faithfully came every evening to vet our daily progress. The multi-purpose hall will certainly make a huge contribution to the future Lasallian educational activities in Suranam, and it will be the envy of every other educational establishment for miles around.

We really have to say a sincere thanks to the local Suranam community of Brother Martin, Brother Sami, Brother Joachim and Brother Jeyaseelan for their generosity, hospitality and quality time while we were in India.