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Country Overview
The Republic of India is the second most populous country in the world. This democracy is one of the most diverse, as it is home to people from many different cultures, religions, and languages. Over Four of the world’s major religions – Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism-- originated here, while Christianity, Judaism and Islam all reached the country by the first century CE. The country holds some of the most beautiful historic and religious landmarks in the country.
India has experienced major economic developments over the last thirty years, creating a substantial middle class, but one quarter of its population still live under the poverty line. Other social justice issues facing the country include caste systems, illiteracy, the growing prevalence of HIV/AIDS, prostitution and child labor.
Quick Facts
Area · 3,287,590 sq km
Population · 1,147,995,898
Religion · Hindu 80.5%, Muslim 13.4%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.9%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.1%
Language · Hindi is the national language and primary tongue of 30% of the people; there are 21 other official languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanscrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. English enjoys associate status but is the most important language for national, political, and commercial communication.
Life expectancy · 66.87 years (men) 71.9 years (women)
Our Partner
Hindustani Covenant Church
HCC draws its inspiration from the Bible towards establishment of God's kingdom and to witness His love by becoming salt and light to the suffering masses, visualizing a society where, peace, justice, and equality prevail and wherein all citizens irrespective of caste, creed, language and religion live in peace and communal harmony. HCC envisages a society where the poor and the marginalized have equal opportunity for their involvement in the development process, which is value based and sustainable and provide an appropriate environment to develop their fullest potential.
Trip Description
The Hindustani Covenant Church will host our students and give them a tour of some of their humanitarian projects in Mumbai and Pune. We will learn about the various religions in India, about their culture, and social justice issues. This is a great educational trip, and it will focus mainly on education and building relationships. The Hindustani Covenant Church is an efficient and effective NGO and we will have an opportunity to see how their members affect their communities. This trip is great for those studying theology, business, non-profit management, nursing or education. This is a great opportunity for those that are interested in serving in India for a longer period of time in the future, or for those that want to connect with the Indian community in Chicago. We are choosing to go during the hottest time of the year; please keep this in mind when you are considering this trip.
Team Preparation
All India GP team members must commit to attending all preparation meetings during second semester, usually one hour a week for 8 weeks as well as the group training on January 27, 2009. During these meetings you will develop as a team, learn about Indian cultures and languages, and study social justice issues facing the country. You will also dedicate time to fundraising both individually and as a team. All team members must pay for their entire trip by May 1, 2009.
In order to be a part of the India GP team you will need a passport that expires no less than six months after your intended visit. Those who already have a viable passport, or have applied for a passport at the time of interview will be given preference over those who have not taken action to apply for a passport. Also, the price of the passport, vaccinations, and other personal expenses are not covered in the cost of the trip.
Important Dates
September 14th – Global Partnership Expo 9:30PM
November 10th – Spring and Summer GP trip applications due
November 9th-17th – GP Interviews
November 16th-22nd – GP auction online
November 19th – Spring and Summer GP teams announced
December 2nd - Fundraising Meeting 6:00PM
January 17th – Mandatory all-day GP team retreat
May 1st – All donations/payments due
May 3rd – Commissioning of Summer GP Teams at collegelife
May 10th-27th – GP trip to India
