Ajaykumar Nair, who teaches English language and literature, has come to Johnsburg, a town with a population of 2,450 in the mountains of the Adirondacks, on a six-month-long Fullbright Teacher Exchange grant programme.
In his class, the students, a mix of sophomores, juniors and seniors at Johnsburg Central School, remove their shoes, watch their instructor and try to grab the rules of kabaddi, a popular team sport in India.
Students were advised to play barefoot to gain better traction on the gym floor. Since September, the students have also taken an elective on Indian culture, which has introduced them to literature, music, dance, food and games of the country.
"I was lucky that I came here. This community at Johnsburg has been very good. They are my family now. When I leave, I will miss them," said Nair. Nair will be here till January 28, after which will return to India.