Kalpana Suresh Bomble, a Mumbai resident, led a fulfilling life with
her husband and two daughters. Her friend informed her about an
opportunity at ACT, which sparked her interest in exploring her
passion for work. Little did she know this opportunity would lead
her on an extraordinary journey beyond her expectations.

Let’s dive into her trip to Italy! Having only seen air travel in
movies, Kalpana had no idea what to expect from her first flight. The
anticipation filled her with excitement and curiosity. As Kalpana
entered the airport, she was awestruck by the grandeur and vastness of
the surroundings. It felt like a dream come true, and she eagerly
captured each moment through photographs to carry back a suitcase full
of memories. The clean and beautiful shops, along with the polite and
well-mannered staff, added to her overall positive experience. Despite
feeling a bit nervous during immigration, she was well-prepared and
answered the questions confidently.

She found herself mesmerized by the breathtaking view outside the
plane window. The allure of the experience made her forget about the
in-flight entertainment, as she was captivated by the wonders of the
sky. The air hostesses were welcoming and helpful, making her feel
loved and cared for. Although she initially struggled with tying her
seatbelt, she mustered the courage to ask for assistance, and soon,
she became comfortable with the journey. The service provided by the
air hostesses left a lasting impression on her. She appreciated their
warmth and attentiveness. The food served on the flight, included
dishes like dal rice, matar paneer, cookies, and soft drinks.

 Kalpana had never given much thought to how a foreign country would
look. She wished to be surprised and embraced the unknown.

The main reason they visited Italy was the event. They were invited to
an exhibition and people from different countries gave speeches.
Unaware that the event was being broadcast live, she was taken aback
when she learned about it in the evening. Journalists approached them
and asked questions about their products and production methods.

 She was initially filled with nervousness at the thought of speaking
in front of such a large crowd. However, her hard work and
determination bolstered her courage to share her story. She delivered
her speech in Hindi, sharing her journey, work, and
beginnings.

 For Kalpana, the speech held immense personal meaning. It allowed her
to express her real-life experiences, her journey, and the efforts she
had put into her work. Through her speech, she emphasized the support
IWAS provides to women in their work and training endeavors,
highlighting the importance of empowering women. It was truly an eye-opening experience.

During her stay in Italy, she explored various tourist attractions,
marveled at the exquisite architecture, and savored the local cuisine.
The overall experience left a lasting impact on her. Her most
cherished memories were of visiting the picturesque gardens and
churches. Her first encounter with a church was a profound experience,
with the wooden interior and Lora explaining the rich history and
culture behind it.

 Kalpana’s journey abroad brought about significant changes within her
as a person. She developed confidence in her communication skills and
better understood the lifestyle and culture abroad. She
expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and appreciated the
support she received from her companions, particularly Manali and
Nivedita Mam.

 Kalpana’s adventure to a foreign country opened her eyes to a world
she had never imagined. From her first flight to exploring Italy’s
beauty, she gathered precious memories and learned valuable life
lessons. The trip allowed her to grow as an individual, reinforcing
her appreciation for her roots while embracing the experiences and
diversity that the world has to offer.