I think I have been in a state of denial about the trip coming to an end. The last couple of days in India were so full of life that it was hard to imagine coming home and yet, as I reflect on the six weeks, NZ side, I don’t even know where to start….Continue Reading Awestruck and In Denial
My visit to Rishikesh, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, was a profound exploration of spirituality in its myriad forms. From witnessing the sacred rituals of Ganga aarti and havan to immersing myself in the rich biodiversity of the region, each experience offered a glimpse into the tapestry of spiritual traditions that converge in…Continue Reading Exploring Spiritual Diversity in Dev Bhoomi
My mind boggles at who I was pre-departure. I struggle to comprehend everything I have seen, experienced, and done during the last six weeks. It feels naked to be absent from the voices, aroha, and personalities of the other 23 Kiwi students who braved this Indian odyssey with me. How can I describe this trip…Continue Reading The World Sings When Our Hearts Shine Bright
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…Continue Reading Goodbye India and Thank You
We arrived in India to the sound of a distant drum,The beginning of a six-week long soundtrack.The airport doors parted and the beat steadily grewTrumpets joined in;As did the horns of taxi cars;And the shrill of a whistle of the traffic conductor;Dogs barking; phones ringing; people laughingA cacophony of lifeAn orchestra of chaosA beautiful serenade Welcoming…Continue Reading No such thing as silence in India
New Zealand and India have some obvious differences. One of the things I think I will miss most about India is how alive the world is there. The streets are always busy; there is always something going on. In this piece, I have tried to capture the electric atmosphere of India through a snapshot recount…Continue Reading The Simple Things
As I roamed the ancient ruins of Hampi, Karnataka, a thought struck me—an intriguing parallel between the architectural marvels of this historical city and the bustling metropolis of Mumbai. While they exist in distinct times and serve varied purposes, the echoes of urbanism, trade, and cultural dynamism bridge the temporal gap between Hampi’s Vijayanagara Empire…Continue Reading Hampi and Mumbai: Echoes Across Eras
Everywhere you look in India, progress occurs. Rapid industrialisation occurs in rural areas, infrastructure and road developments stand flanked by scaffolding and heavy machinery, while tech and e-commerce startups pay the leases of new-money landlords in cities who are transitioning from scooters and motorcycles to sleek sedans and hatchbacks. Metros and train lines send millions…Continue Reading Faith, Industrialised
In the landscape of India’s social entrepreneurship scene, a range of ventures serve as drivers of change, embodying the shared values of empowerment, inclusion, and community upliftment. Among these trailblazers are Mitti Cafe, Jaipur Foot, and Manav Gulzar— each involving their own stories of resilience, innovation, and impact. Mitti Cafe: Crafting Opportunities with Every Cup…Continue Reading Empowering Change: Social Enterprises and Shared Values in India
Life would be so much easier if the smart thing to do aligned with the thing that sets your heart ablaze. However, I have learnt on this trip that this is not the case for me. The children of India have confirmed something I have always known but chosen to ignore. I may be an…Continue Reading ReImagining Finn Meredith 2024