Our journey through India has been incredible! It has been inspiring, insightful, eye-opening, heart-warming, thought-provoking, and so much more!
We’ve travelled a lot, learned an amazing amount, and friendships have flourished. We’ve visited remarkable places and met remarkable people. We’ve visited bustling cities, calm ashrams, model communities, innovative companies, and truly inspiring NGOs. And we’ve met amazing people in government, business, civil society, education, the arts, and more.
Each day has been memorable. And at times my stamina has been tested! While our days have been jam-packed, we did take some snapshots along the way. And for my third blog post, I’ve selected some of these images from my full-to-bursting camera roll. These represent a visual journal of my journey through India — the transformative experiences I’ve encountered and the simple moments that have brought joy.
Date: 6th January 2024
Location: Auckland International Airport
Looking back at this picture brings a smile to my face. When this photo was taken we were a band of 24 strangers all visibly nervous, excited, and over-packed. Uncertain of what the next six weeks held in store, one thing was certain: it was bound to be unforgettable. Now, looking at this picture, I see 24 friends. Each with unique interests, personalities, and quirks all with hearts of gold and futures oh so bright. As our shared journey draws to a close and we venture on our separate paths, I hold complete confidence in the remarkable achievements that lie ahead for each of these 24 remarkable individuals.
Date: 7th January 2024
Location: Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu
During our initial week in Pondi, I found myself acting like a sponge, eagerly absorbing everything new and different around me. Yet despite the inevitable challenges of acclimating to such a distinct culture, that first week stands out as a highlight of our journey.
Date: 1st February 2024
Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
Attending the Jaipur Literature Festival also turned out to be an unexpected highlight of our journey. I relished immersing myself in the panel discussions, where topics ranged from India’s economic trajectory and the upcoming national election to the challenges facing females in the workforce. We even managed to snap a photo with former Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull.
Date: 15th January 2024
Location: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
On our journey from Coimbatore to Mysuru, we made an impromptu visit to a nearby Hindu temple to join in the Pongal celebrations, a festival marking the harvest season. We were greeted by the unexpected sight outside the temple of a ‘decorated elephant’ which was specially adorned for the occasion. Although the participation of elephants in such events is traditionally seen as auspicious, it’s important to note that this practice has raised animal welfare concerns.
Date: 6th February 2024
Location: Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Fire rituals hold a significant place in Indic religious practices, and we were fortunate to experience one besides the Ganges. As part of the “havan” ceremony we cast various items like ghee and herbs into the flames as a devotional gesture to the deities accompanied by Vedic mantras. The fire in the havan is considered a purifying agent, and the act of making offerings symbolises the connection between the earthly and divine realms. Despite not fully grasping every detail of the ceremony, the mere act of being part of this sacred tradition in such a sacred location was truly extraordinary.
Date: 12th February 2024
Location: New Dehli, Uttar Pradesh
The students from Maitreyi College at the University of Delhi are exceptionally talented! During the cultural exchange day, we were delighted by various traditional dance performances representing different states. It was fascinating to discover that each state boasts a unique dance form, each with its own signature music and elaborate costumes. Witnessing the diversity of artistry and the vibrant performances of the girls, who danced with such enthusiasm and pride, was truly captivating. Here I’m pictured with a group of lovely dancers from Rajasthan.
Date: 16th January 2024
Location: Mysuru, Karnataka
During the Pongal festivities, there is a tradition of celebrating cattle, especially bulls, for their vital role in ploughing farmland, an activity that is crucial for securing a prosperous harvest. These animals are festively adorned with turmeric water as a sign of respect and gratitude. While encountering cows roaming the streets had become a common experience during my journey, spotting a yellow cow was indeed an unusual and memorable spectacle.
Date: 21st January 2024
Location: Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi was captivating! It was certainly one of the highlights of our travels. The history of the Vijaynagar Empire, which once presided over what was considered the world’s second-largest city half a millennium ago, struck me as profound. It was astonishing to discover that such an influential civilisation has such a low profile. Hampi, and by extension various facets of India’s rich culture, history, and society, often go unrecognised and under-appreciated. Through the insights I’ve gained, I look forward to sharing the depth of India’s heritage, including the once-glorious Hampi civilisation, with others.
