As I settle back into the rhythm of life in Auckland, New Zealand, I find myself grappling with the stark differences between the bustling streets of India and the tranquility of home. The absence of crowded thoroughfares, the scent of masala chai wafting through the air, and the sheer abundance of fresh air have all…Continue Reading Lessons on Vision and Intention
I have had the privilege of spending the last six weeks in India, and here are my key takeaways to get the most out of this life-changing opportunity. Our main form of travel (bus) Waving Goodbye at the Airport…Continue Reading Dear Future Traveller – Part I
He aha te mea nui o te ao What is the most important thing in the world? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata It is the people, it is the people, it is the people –Maori Proverb I have now been back home for 3 days, and my most commonly asked question is – What…Continue Reading He tangata, he tangata, he tangata
As I reflect on the past six weeks, the power of human connection has been a key takeaway for me. From witnessing the genuine care displayed by strangers in India to immersing myself in community-driven initiatives, this journey has underscored the importance of human connection, compassion, growth, and reflection on a global scale. Throughout this…Continue Reading Embracing the Power of Human Connection: Lessons from India
Wow! What a time, what an experience. Words will never be able to fully describe the rollercoaster of feelings that I experienced throughout the 6 weeks in India. This blog will include what I have learnt about India, what India has taught me about New Zealand and what I have learnt about myself. I will…Continue Reading Learnings and What to Pack
As a filmmaker and camera enthusiast, my biggest debate before coming to India was whether or not to bring my camera. The potential of capturing beautiful landscapes, cityscapes and people mixed with the worry of damaging equipment and being the “touristy photographer” of the trip. I feared the idea that I would limit my experience…Continue Reading Cameras and Lenses
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