Three weeks in Mumbai have felt like a lifetime. What started as culture shock has turned into familiarity—chaotic streets, honking traffic, and warm smiles now feel like home.
My internship at Doctors for You has been eye-opening. No two days are the same, and our supervisor has crafted an incredible schedule exposing us to different projects. The experience has genuinely been life-changing.
The community we work in has revealed the harsh realities of poverty. Life expectancy here is around 39 years—unbelievable compared to New Zealand (∼83 years). I’m often shocked when doctors refer to a patient as “old,” only to find they are just 55. Deonar, Asia’s largest dumping ground, is located nearby, and many families live with pollution-related illnesses, chronic diseases, and skin infections. It’s truly heartbreaking.
Yet, amid these struggles, the warmth and generosity of the people is overwhelming. They welcome us into their community with open arms. The children are especially unforgettable. At the Republic Day celebrations, they performed with such joy and talent. Afterwards, some gifted us small tokens—a heart-shaped keyring, a bracelet, a piece of chocolate. Their generosity, despite having so little, was humbling. It made me rethink what it means to give, to be rich in spirit rather than possessions.
A major highlight has been the mobile clinics and field camps. One was set up outside a temple, where patients were all lined up and seen one after the other in a very open space! The doctor treated 73 patients in just three hours—efficiency unimaginable in New Zealand. The SBI mobile clinic was equally impressive, housing a registration desk, pharmacy, consultation area, and bed inside an ambulance-sized vehicle. It’s an incredible initiative improving healthcare accessibility in areas that need it the most.
Beyond the clinical work, we’ve also experienced vibrant cultural traditions. Celebrating Haldi Kumkum at work was a beautiful experience. Our friend Brooke joined us, and everyone was incredibly welcoming. We shared laughter, delicious food, and countless photos. It was a special moment of connection and joy for all the women in our workplace.
Recently, I spoke to my friend back home who connected my experience to Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, sparking deep reflection. To many, these communities may seem like they exist in a “cave”—limited by poverty, bound by circumstances. Yet within their world, there is immense light. Their happiness isn’t derived from material wealth but from relationships, community, and a deep sense of contentment. On the other hand, I wonder if we are the ones in the cave, chasing endless accumulation—wealth, status, possessions—never quite satisfied. Here, where people have so little, I have seen a richness of spirit that is rare where I have grown up and lived. Perhaps stepping into this world has made me realise the walls of my own cave.
These past three weeks have reshaped my perspective. I came expecting to learn about public health, but I’ve learned just as much about kindness, human resilience, and the power of connection. There’s still so much more to experience, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of this journey holds.
