Embarking on my six-week journey across India, I’ve been here for a week now, absorbing the rich culture and diverse traditions. I’ve learned that India welcomes visitors with open arms, showcases immense dedication through hard work, harbors big aspirations, and contributes to global betterment through various innovations. The spiritual essence of the country has also…Continue Reading Week One Reflections and Goals
Arriving in Chennai was nothing short of magical. We were welcomed by a cacophony of sounds and smells, a blissful assault on the senses that took over any nerves I felt on the plane. I wrongfully assumed that rain would be a distant memory left behind in New Zealand, but the hot muggy air reminded…Continue Reading Rain is a sign of good luck!
Pack your bags Leave your reservations behind Bring with you only the essentials An open mind A caring heart Bring the stories of your whenua Remember the way the winds feels Sand between your feet The music of the forest The babbling of the creeks Carry your history The mountains you’ve climbed to get here…Continue Reading Intentions for India
Auroville’s Symphony of Sustainability As the first leg of my ‘Reimagining India’ study tour unfolded, Auroville emerged as an oasis of sustainable living, embodying the principles of regeneration and harmony with the environment. Nestled in the vibrant town of Pondicherry, Auroville beckoned with its iconic structure—the Matrimandir—an architectural masterpiece and a focal point for spiritual…Continue Reading Sustainability/Regeneration through the Indian Lens
People tell you a lot of things to prepare for before you embark on your journey to India. They tell you about the colours and the smells; they tell you to prepare for the crowds of people and the wayward driving culture, they advise you to be careful around water and to pack excessive amounts…Continue Reading Take the plunge into India
Auroville is an experimental township in India. It is a testament to the human aspiration for equality, sustainability and evolution. Established as a utopian community, it’s a melting pot of cultures and ideologies. This reflection explores the striking contrast between Auroville’s ideals and the innate challenges of power dynamics and human nature. Auroville stands as…Continue Reading The Dream and The Dilemma
India has been an eye opening experience. Even though it has only been a week since I landed in India, I feel like I’ve been here for a month. There is a lot going on and it’s a bit overstimulating – in a positive way. In a way that encourages introspection and cultivates a deeper…Continue Reading Music-induced psychedelic experience
As I sit down to articulate my thoughts about my first week in India on a Prime Minister’s Scholarship, I find capturing the essence of this experience in a single blog post challenging. Our journey has taken us through bustling cities like Chennai, Mahabalipuram, retreats like Coimbatore, and historic gems like Pondicherry. Each destination brought…Continue Reading A Journey of Tears and Triumphs: Navigating India on a Prime Minister’s Scholarship
My grandad once told me, “Imati prijatelje u svakom gradu… to znači imati kuću u svakom gradu,” which translates to “Have friends in every city; this will mean you’ll have a home in every city.” I’ve felt this in several places, but nothing quite compares with the friendships formed within our first five days in…Continue Reading Beyond Borders: Building a Home in Every City
If you’ve ever visited an Indian restaurant, you may have come across thali. This cuisine consists of a platter, commonly silver, adorned with naan, rice and several small, brightly filled bowls of curry, sauce and pickled fruit and vegetables. A bowl of sweet milk will sit next to a fiery curry, whilst chillies complement yoghurt…Continue Reading The Thali of India