Karen Reyes' Journey to India

Karen Reyes, program assistant for Academic Support and Disabled Student Programs and Services at the North County Campus, recently returned from southern India where she spent three weeks studying cultural arts and ritual practices in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. 

Karen is working toward her master’s degree in Women’s Spirituality at New College of California on top of her full time duties at Cuesta College. On March 13th, while in India, Karen participated in the Pongola festival, the largest ritual gathering of women in the world. More than  one million women participated this year.

Additionally, Karen studied Tabla, a very difficult form of finger drumming, as well as Kathakali face painting. Since Karen’s return, she has lectured in the Family Studies 15 class, Developmental Patterns of Women, on her experiences with the women of India and their history. She also will provide a program for the North County staff in mid-June.