“I honestly loved every minute of it – probably the contact with the Indian students and going out with them was one of the best things” Alexandra Storey, Delhi participant 2009

In summer 2009, 99 participants from across the UK took part in the Delhi Study India Programme. Study India Dellhi was based in the YMCA in central Delhi, with support from four Delhi University colleges.

“The enthusiasm of the student volunteers surpassed anything you would ever experience in the UK” Danielle de Bruin, Delhi participant 2009

The 2009 programme included lectures on India’s history and environment, morning yoga sessions, visits to places of interest in Delhi including the National Museum, the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib and the craft market at Dilli Haat, and day trips to the Taj Mahal and Neemrana Fort Palace.

On 26 August, the British Council in Delhi hosted the official Study India launch event, with delicious food and a wonderful cultural programme from Rajasthan. The event gave participants a chance to meet student ambassadors from Delhi University, as well as staff from the placement organisations.

Placements were provided by a variety of organisations from the private, public and NGO sectors, including Step By Step, a school providing inclusive education, Voluntary Health Association of India, advocating people-centered policies for dynamic health planning, Munjal Showa, a large manufacturing company, and the British High Commission in Delhi.

“Another best part of the programme was my work experience at The Fuchsia Tree art gallery where I was made to feel very welcome and had a fantastic week sharing my passion for contemporary art with the brilliant team looking after us that particular week.” Holly Nairn, Delhi participant 2009

New Delhi, India’s capital city, is the seat of government and home to about 12 million people. New Delhi, with its wide tree-lined boulevards and magnificent government buildings, co-exists with crowded, vibrant Old Delhi, where traces of Delhi’s historic past can still be seen.

“See Old Delhi, it is incredible, very busy and alive. Khali Baoli is a spice market near Chandi Chowk that is preety impressive as well and an insight into real India. There are some wonderful streets and places around Jama Masjid too. All the places we have been to this year have been so exciting and memorable, from Humayun's Tomb to the Bangla Sahib, Akshardham or the Taj Mahal, each have a unique feature and are worth seeing.” Denisa Barbu, Delhi participant 2009

Photographs by: Amber Mezbourian and Ashley Winter.