NEVER SEEN THE SEA

Rafeeq Khan, 35, Rickshaw driver, Bhopal I live in Bhopal, the state of Madhya Pradesh. We call it the 'Heart of India'. The sea is very far from here so I've never been there or known anyone that has. I've never really heard stories from it either. We have a lake in Bhopal. Is that not the same? If I had to choose a place to see the sea it would probably be Mumbai. All the people I've given rides to who come from there seem very friendly. I am curious to swim in the sea although I've heard it's full of salt and that would probably harm my body. But I think I will be fine as long as I make sure I washed right away. Prashant Soni, 23, Hotel receptionist, Bhopal I come from a small village in Madya Pradesh called Harda, 150 km from Bhopal. I moved here 2 years ago to look for work. I have never seen the sea but my older brother and cousin moved to Goa a few years ago to work as fishermen so I’ve heard a lot about it. The company that hired them first sent them on a government training in Mumbai before they were allowed on the boats. As part of it they were required to swim at least 2 hrs daily. My brother told me that sometimes, when they go far out at sea with the guys, they also have to swim deep down underwater to catch bigger fishes and that that still scares him. Since hearing his stories I’ve been dreaming of seeing the sea. I imagine it big and quiet but also very threatening. My favourite colour is blue so I think I would really like it. I am hoping to visit my brother and my cousin on my next holidays but I will have to make sure I go in the summer or winter season. During the rainy season it is really horrible there. Everything gets flooded with water!