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What I learned at Mother Teresa’s Kolkata Ashram

As a traveller and writer, doors open everywhere that enable me to peek into the hearts and souls of people from different cultures. As I get older, I realize that, beyond my personal interest, I have a responsibility to share the stories and wisdom I collect. Visiting Kolkata in 2015, gave me some clues.
Mother Teresa Ashram in Kolkata, Calcutta
Mother Teresa’s ashram, the Missionaries of Charity, Kolkata
On my first trip to India in 2015, I visited Mother Teresa’s Kolkata (Calcutta) ashram, the Order of the Missionaries of Charity. Later, in 2016, she would be canonized Saint Teresa of Calcutta.
At the time of my visit, the Sisters of the Order were no longer doing media interviews in an effort to focus on their missionary work. Mother Teresa, who passed away 20 years ago, loved generating publicity. In fact, she was highly media savvy (and, by some legendary accounts, rather conniving in her use of it to raise money).  But, since Mother Theresa’s passing, things had changed under the new leadership. Apparently, the media relations work became all-consuming for the organization’s staff and so they shifted away from proactive publicity.
Mother Teresa ashram, Missionaries of Charity, Calcutta, Kolkata, India, travel
Saint Teresa of Calcutta rests here
For me, not getting an interview was a bit problematic considering I was there to write a story. So I passed on the story.
This morning, though, I rediscovered the photo above of a young man speaking with one of the Sisters at the ashram. And now I remember. 
 
In the moment that I took the photo – that one moment where compassion and grace were on full display – I realized something which, deep down, I have always known: when we see someone else’s heart and soul, it is a mere reflection of ours. And it doesn’t matter where in the world we are. 
Travel opens our hearts and minds, and it enables us to transcend cultural and faith differences, facilitating tolerance and leading to greater understanding. This is what makes travel such a wonderful teacher. I am never happier or more fulfilled than when I am on the road, and I hope more and more people around the world will have the opportunity to see and experience more of our beautiful world, because I believe that is the answer to many of our crises of humanity.

Mother Teresa, ashram, Missionaries of Charity, Calcutta, Kolkata, India, travel

 The sign outside the ashram
Mother Teresa, ashram, Missionaries of Charity, Calcutta, Kolkata, India, travel
 Inside the ashram, photography is not allowed in most places

Mother Teresa, ashram, Missionaries of Charity, Calcutta, Kolkata, India, travel

The photo speaks for itself

How has travel opened your mind and heart? I would love to hear from you. Tweet me at @Shannon_Skinner.

Love,
Shannon

Shannon Skinner is a Toronto-based, award-winning television and radio show host and producer, international speaker, author and creator of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com. Her passion is to travel the world and write about it. Tweet to her at @Shannon_Skinner.

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I am hosting a tour of India for extraordinary women, in partnership with Sunspots Holidays, this September 2024.Join me as we explore India's stunning architecture, such as the renowned Taj Mahal, royal palaces and ancient forts. Discover Indian culinary delights, cultural places, authentic textiles and learn about everyday way of life of Indians, including yoga, through a female lens.We will explore 5 cities, as well as India's breathtaking desert region, Rajasthan. As well, we are now offering an *optional* tour extension of Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world and the spiritual capital of India, after the completion of our main tour, adding a 6th city to our itinerary.I am excited to share with you the India I fell in love with. Join me!🔸women's tour🔸Sept. 16-27, 2024🔸12 days/11 nights - 5 cities🔸Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Jodphur-Udaipur🔸Optional Varanasi tour extension post-tour (2 days/1 night)🔸small group Presented by: Extraordinary Women TV. Book this exclusive offer now.For details, visit: ShannonSkinner.com.Contact: info@shannonskinner.com. *Tour can only be purchased with Sunspots Holidays (TICO registration 1030981).#shannonskinner #extraordinarywomentv #travel #india #toursforwomen #shannontravels ... See MoreSee Less
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I recently had the opportunity to speak at a travel industry event, “Evolving Tourism Landscape in India,” hosted by the India High Commissioner in Ottawa and India's Consul General in Toronto.I spoke about my northeast India travels and why a Bengal Tiger is calling me back.Photo: Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (thank you) ... See MoreSee Less
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India is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. Take it from me, a travel writer.This September, I am hosting a guided tour of India for extraordinary women, in partnership with Sunspots Holidays. Join me as we explore India's stunning architecture, such as the renowned Taj Mahal, royal palaces and ancient forts. Discover Indian culinary delights, cultural places, authentic textiles and learn about everyday way of life of Indians, including yoga, through a female lens.We will explore 5 cities, as well as India's breathtaking desert region, Rajasthan.I am excited to share with you the India I fell in love with. Join me!🔸women's tour🔸Sept. 16-27, 2024🔸12 days/11 nights - 5 cities🔸Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Jodphur-Udaipur🔸small group Presented by: Extraordinary Women TV. Book this exclusive offer now.For details, visit: ShannonSkinner.com.Contact: info@shannonskinner.com. *Tour can only be purchased with Sunspots Holidays (TICO registration 1030981).#shannonskinner #extraordinarywomentv #travel #india #toursforwomen #shannontravels ... See MoreSee Less
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