Throughout our travels in India, the most ubiquitous advertising we encountered were massive billboards for soft drink companies endorsed by Indian celebrities. One of these billboards for Coca-Cola—featuring a particularly memorable ambassador I started affectionately naming “Coke man”—followed us throughout our six-week journey. It became a running joke on the trip that I would be…Continue Reading An Ode to Coke Man
Deep in the colourful labyrinths of Dharavi, I passed industrious parents, playful schoolchildren and dedicated craftspeople who brought a familiar whakatauki to the front of my mind; “He taura harakeke, ka kukumea, ā tōnā wā, ka whati. He taura tangata, ka kukumea, ahakoa ka pehea te roa, e kore rawa e ngāmotu.” (A chord made…Continue Reading What can slum communities teach us about community wellbeing?
India’s rich cultural heritage sees disability as a warrior queen and a revered sage. In the Rigveda, an Indian collection of hymns and poems written 3500BC-1800BC, Queen Vishpla loses her leg in battle and fights on with a prosthetic limb. Ashtavakra, a Vedic sage, is said to have authored central Hindu religious text the Ashtavakra…Continue Reading Disabled Sages and Warriors: India’s Disability Dignity from Myth to the Ground
My journey through the vibrant tapestry of India has been a profound exploration of place, people, and connection. Along the way, I’ve encountered remarkable individuals and initiatives that embody the spirit of open-heartedness and community empowerment. In this blog post, I delve into some memorable lessons I gained through some of my experiences on the…Continue Reading Some Lessons from India
And just like that, my time in India has come to an end! I am now back in Auckland, writing this blog with the sensations of a Kiwi summer around me; I can hear the chorus of cicadas and native birds, see the lush green grass, and smell the fresh air. It’s good to be…Continue Reading India 2024: Wrap up
For many of us, the clothes we wear each morning is an unconscious decision. Shopping for clothing is about finding something which grabs your interest and looks nice on you. Even if you have gone about consciously thinking about your own style, thinking about all the different aesthetics out there, you probably haven’t thought that…Continue Reading Wearing Culture
As I sit down to reflect on the whirlwind of experiences that encompassed our six-week journey through India, I’m overwhelmed by a flood of memories, emotions, and profound realisations. From the bustling streets of Chennai to the serene banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh, each destination left an indelible mark on my soul, shaping my…Continue Reading A Transformative Journey Through India
It’s been about a week since my return to New Zealand. Since my arrival, I think I’ve been asked “So, how was it!?!?!?!” about a hundred times. And every time someone asks me about my time in India, a huge smile comes to my face, and I gush about how amazing it was and how…Continue Reading Journeying through India: A Reflection
It has been a week since we returned to Aotearoa, and as I reflect on my time in India, I am struck by the profound truth embedded in these words. India, with its breathtaking architecture, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, is undeniably awe-inspiring. Yet, what truly makes India remarkable is its people. Throughout my six…Continue Reading He Tangata, He Tangata, He Tangata
Here are the top things that I wish I knew before departing. Hopefully my little list will help calm some of your nerves and prepare you to face new learnings in India!…Continue Reading Top India Tips: What I wish I knew before Reimagining India 2024