A real-life experience is a "moving force" that can be part of the elementary social studies curriculum. This article discusses an experiential learning about India and describes how the author integrates the arts and service learning in his third grade classroom. It also describes class activities that enhance social studies curriculum and engage students in real-life, meaningful experiences that connect them to living cultures, social issues, and enduring humanitarian values. As the author begins an interdisciplinary unit of study on India each year, he witnesses the dramatic transformation of his third graders from learners to activists. His work in the social studies relies on engagement with real people and hands-on experiences with Indian culture, thus providing authentic voices from India for his students to hear. In promoting the social studies, the author endeavors to provide his students with opportunities to listen, learn, and respond. (Contains 12 notes.)