Rekha & Sudhir Puranik Foundation

From start to finish, my experience with Impact India was nothing short of remarkable. They walk you step by step to secure all travel documents prior to the trip and share an extensive packing list with recommendations. While in India, each day was packed with learning about the culture, working with students, honoring customs and holidays, and eating THE most delicious meals. Volunteering in different areas of the campus was an exceptional way to connect with students and engage with the staff. Traveling with the Puranik Foundation is the only way to fully embrace all that India has to offer.

The Puranik Foundation does amazing work with American youth! My experience with the Impact India program was safe, fun, and impactful. I am still in contact with my student "family" I worked with during my trip. Everyone is fun and easy to work with with, and I truly feel connected to their mission and will be a lifelong supporter. This program is excellent for any teen who is looking to explore another culture in a safe, immersive way.

When I had got recommended for the Impact program I was happy and, a little scared because it was the first time I had every done something like that before. They helped me get though the process and made sure that I was able to get my visa and passport on time. The plane ride was a little tight but there was plenty of things to do to take my mind off of it. When we arrived to the campus we was greeted by a welcome party by the kids at the campus. We experienced the different festivals and traditions that are celebrated and were able to participate in them. It was a very different view to see from life here in Houston is to India.

Traveling to Pune allowed me to get a better idea of what I am passionate about. Before my trip, I never considered myself exploring teaching professionally. However, after meeting and spending a week with the wonderful Vision International children, I have realized that a career in education abroad, may be something I am interested in. Every student that I met was warm, intelligent and kind. Interacting with and seeing the glow on these students faces everyday made me want to stay in Pune forever! Moving forward, the Puranik Foundation has provided me with an additional world view and I am forever grateful for it. I now better understand why Mark Twain said that, "travel is fatal to prejudice, bigatry and narrow mindedness". It is impossible to connect with the people of a land and leave unchanged. Thank-you, Puranik Foundation!

This trip changes lives! My students went through a dramatic transformation in 10 days. They increased their understanding of Indian culture by interacting and learning from the amazing students. They also learned self-reflection and the importance of global awareness. Highly recommend for a great immersive experience!

I recommend everybody trying this out it was such a safe nice and calm environment and you will feel like family at the end. You will learn so much about the environment how to conserve energy and learn about the culture and traditions around you . The food and living arrangements are great and there is something for everybody to do.

This was unique and incredibly positive transformational experience not only for myself but for all other participants. The agenda was carefully thought out, we learned a lot on a daily basis, got the opportunity to really get to know the Indian culture and were humbled by the kindness and hospitality showered on us. I highly recommend this program to all, and I plan on returning soon.

I was part of the 2019 summer group. The program itself is interesting and a combination of many things so you’ll never be bored! The locals and people there are super nice! It’s a once in a lifetime experience which later becomes a memory you cherish. The kids there are very cool and funny, but also accepting and become your family. I definitely recommend it, the program helps you grow and you return home with new friends and family.

On the trip we got live amongst the people of India. We celebrated their festivals, ate their food (vegan), and play their games. It was such an amazing experience that holds close to my heart because of the kids. For me they made the trip worth wild because they were as excited to learn from me as I was from them. One thing that you must do when you go is eat their mangos! I had to let you know hahaha. If you are a student in high school and wanting to get emerged into the culture I suggest going with the Puranik Foundation Impact India.

Going to India was a great experience from traveling with new people and to getting there from receiving the warm welcome I received, the program starts in the airport where you meet the crew and then u go to the plane and go to India! When u reach there you will receive a warm welcome from the school children and the workers. Rani is the owner / head huncho who runs most of the activities and she is so helpful and u learn so much about the culture of India and the Pune the city u will be staying at. And if you already think you know a lot about India well u will deepen your knowledge with the abroad group because you do so many activities and learn so many religious festivals.

Going to India with The Purank Foundation really out things in perspective for me and help me decide what I want to do. I really got to experience a new culture and and be apart of something really special. The daily life while I was there was so peaceful, I would wake up and start the day with chai or a glass of hot water mixed with turmeric, honey, and lime juice and feel excited for what was to come.

As a first timer in India, I was a little bit nervous to travel there since I did not know what to expect. Traveling on a group flight definitely helped the travel anxiety to a country so far away. Everyone on the group was so friendly and just as excited to experience India as I was. Arriving at the Puranik foundation was so amazing, it was more than I was expecting. Lots of smiling faces and of course the highlight was the awesome students. Starting off each morning with yoga and meditation was so inspiring and set the tone for the rest of the day. I learned so much about the Indian culture, festivals, food and dance and find my self missing India. The program as a whole was fun and everyday brought a new adventure. I would definitely recommend this program for anyone who would like to give back in the form of volunteering and go on an impactful journey of self discovery.