A Joyful Visit from Our Friends in Dornakal

Last week, we were delighted to welcome a group of visitors from Dornakal, including Bishop of Dornakal, the Bishop Padma Rao, his wife Revd Vijaya (also the Principal of the DDEM School), and Revd Abhijith Bhimala, the Diocesan Link Officer with the Diocese of Gloucester. They were joined by two teachers and one student from the DDEM High School—Mr Arun Kumar Mendu, Mr Shyam Mesa, and 14-year-old Mahitha Kommu. Their visit was a memorable week of friendship, learning, cultural exchange, and joyful connection.

Everything went well – they arrived on Friday 9th May and we arrived at King’s in the early evening. The clergy stayed with Bishop Rachel and the teachers and Mahitha were looked after by wonderful host families, who have given them the most amazing experiences. Arun got to drive a boat and Shyam overcame his fear of dogs and cats. Mahitha loved walking by the river and chatting to her host family. A huge thanks to those who hosted.

The weather was fantastic all week so although the temperatures were much lower than the 45-50* in Dornakal they enjoyed their respite and even took off jumpers and jackets.

Monday 12th was a day at school for Mahitha and the teachers, while the clergy met with the Youth connectors in the Diocese. Mahitha met up with her buddy Sophia and her friends, which she loved.There followed a lovely meal with Mr Morton and his family in the evening at King's School House.

Tuesday 13th, we went to London; the clergy to see Bishop Rachel in the House of Lords and the teachers and Mahitha to have a day of sightseeing. Our evening meal was at The Turmeric Kitchen, 5 minutes’ walk from Paddington - very much to be recommended and very reasonable!

Wednesday 14th was spent mostly in Gloucester, having a tour with David Evans and watching cricket with the Junior School. In the evening, the clergy had a meal at the Dean’s house and the teachers with Mrs Keyte.

Thursday was the Dornakal Day at school and it was lovely to see all the pupils in non-uniform raising money for the students at the DDEM School. Our guests spent a very enjoyable morning in the Junior School where they loved watching the preparations for the show. In the afternoon, the clergy visited the Food Bank while the teachers spent time in History and Art and loved it. Art is not taught at the DDEM School but they have decided they will invest some of the money raised in art equipment.

Thursday evening King’s held a banquet for over 130 people in their honour, and it was simply wonderful with singing, playing music and the guests stood up and sang in Telugu. A wonderful finish to their time at King’s. A huge thank you to our catering team, who also prepared their breakfast every day.

On Friday 16th, the group visited two more schools in the Diocese of Gloucester which are partnered with schools in the Diocese of Dornakal along with lunch at the Lechlade benefice.

In the evening, they had a meal with Bishop Rachel at her house. On Saturday it was a free choice day where the clergy visited Coventry Cathedral and the teachers and Mahitha spent time with their host families. Sunday morning was spent at Church and then two traditional afternoon teas – one with me and the other with Heather. The clergy then went to visit Trinity Church for the evening service.

Monday 19th they caught the 9.19 train and we bid them farewell. Arun, Mahitha and Shyam are now safely at home and Bishop Padma Rao, Rev. Vijaya and Rev. Abhijith are on their way to Ireland for another clergy conference and meeting.

I do wish to thank you all for all your support and help with this visit and over the years too.

I say goodbye now and I hand over to Mrs Heather Keyte who is now responsible for the link. She will be wonderful.

Best wishes,

Penny Fayter

Flickr album: Dornakal Visit May 2025 | Height: auto | Theme: Default | Skin: Default Skin