Latest posts from the group
- We weren’t created to be difficult people
The welcoming people and experiences has made for a wonderful first week in India. From the noise, to the tastes, to the people, there is so much to be thankful for as a visitor in India. …Continue Reading We weren’t created to be difficult people - First and Foremost: A Note on Environmental Responsibility and Sustainability
Food and medicine are not two different things: They are the front and back of one body [Earth and humanity] Masanabu Fukuoka Having embarked on my first week in India, I can now finally sit back and reflect on my experiences thus far. To be quite honest, I found myself grappling with the initial waves of culture shock. The vibrance and difference in lifestyle of this diverse nation was both…Continue Reading First and Foremost: A Note on Environmental Responsibility and Sustainability - Tamil Nadu 🪷
As soon as we walked out of the sliding glass doors at the Chennai International Airport, my senses were overwhelmed. The air was hot and humid, so much so that you could taste it with every breath. All I could hear was horns tooting one after another. A police officer was ushering people along, blowing a loud shrieking whistle every few seconds. There were men with signs standing behind a…Continue Reading Tamil Nadu 🪷 - First Week in India: A Tapestry of New Experiences
In the blink of an eye, one week has elapsed since my arrival in India, and the journey has been nothing short of a whirlwind of new encounters. Amidst the cacophony of sounds, vibrant colours, and unexpected rain that greeted us in Chennai, I couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer diversity encapsulated in this nation. Amusingly, when I queried my parents about missing me, their response conveyed a sense…Continue Reading First Week in India: A Tapestry of New Experiences - What Makes a Great School?
What makes a great school? It is a question we devote books, league tables, open nights, and many hours reading the advice of so-called “educational gurus” to in the quest to definitively answer. Some argue that a great school is defined by how much it invests into quality infrastructure and amenities. Others argue for the level of academic attainment its students achieve. Many similarly contend that great schools are not…Continue Reading What Makes a Great School? - My First Week in India: Settling into the New
Namaste and Vanakkam! It’s hard to believe just one week has passed since I left my home in New Zealand to embark on this Indian adventure! Time seems to warp here; it feels like a month’s worth of experiences have been compressed into these seven days. Each day brims with novel encounters. Here are the top three highlights of my initial week in Tamil Nadu. Symphony of Colours My first taste…Continue Reading My First Week in India: Settling into the New - Speed Dating Among Other Things
Over the next 6 weeks the 2024 Reimagining India Study Tour will spend approximately 714 hours together. In the intricate dance of our 714-hour rendezvous through India, each moment unfolds like a chapter in a whirlwind romance. I see our journey as like that of a rapid-paced speed dating session and has allowed friendships to grow amidst a multitude of diverse landscapes. From Aotearoa to Chennai, Pondicherry and Coimbatore, we…Continue Reading Speed Dating Among Other Things - The Thali of India
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 and mango mixes with a salty dahl. Moving from one bowl to the next can…Continue Reading The Thali of India - Beyond Borders: Building a Home in Every City
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 India. Together, we started our days with 6 a.m. yoga and Bollywood dance classes on…Continue Reading Beyond Borders: Building a Home in Every City - A Journey of Tears and Triumphs: Navigating India on a Prime Minister’s Scholarship
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 its own set of challenges and rewards, making this week feel like a month of…Continue Reading A Journey of Tears and Triumphs: Navigating India on a Prime Minister’s Scholarship - Music-induced psychedelic experience
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 sense of love and gratitude for the people in my life, both past and present….Continue Reading Music-induced psychedelic experience - The Dream and The Dilemma
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 a beacon of unity, peace, and progressive harmony. Its foundation, influenced by the teachings of…Continue Reading The Dream and The Dilemma - Take the plunge into India
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 of electrolytes, more than anything – they tell you about the sounds of India: music,…Continue Reading Take the plunge into India - Sustainability/Regeneration through the Indian Lens
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 unity. Solitude Farm, a thriving permaculture haven within Auroville, showcased a model of sustainable agriculture…Continue Reading Sustainability/Regeneration through the Indian Lens - Intentions for India
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 Remember the hands which pulled you up The voices which told you to never give…Continue Reading Intentions for India - Rain is a sign of good luck!
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 me that I was far away from home. Our journey began with 24 strangers, eyes…Continue Reading Rain is a sign of good luck! - Week One Reflections and Goals
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 become evident; I wasn’t aware of quite how devoted India was to their spiritual beliefs….Continue Reading Week One Reflections and Goals - An ode to Auroville
The Reimagining India tour began with Auroville. This illuminating experience introduced us to an intentional community far outside of New Zealand norms. It’s through experiences we find the most uncomfortable that we encounter the deepest insights and this visit stands emblematic of this truism. One noble lie sealing the lips of truth as we pave the way to utopia, If only everyone followed mother design, This isn’t a religion. One…Continue Reading An ode to Auroville - It is the people that make the place
He aha te mea nui o tea o? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, it is the people, it is the people. How long does it take for strangers to become whānua (family)? Sometimes, as quick as a camera flash. I am writing this blog post as we start our 10-hour bus trip from Pondicherry to Isha…Continue Reading It is the people that make the place - Finding Whanaungatanga – Unexpected connections during my first week in IndiaWhile the humid air outside Chennai Airport filled my lungs last Sunday, I was mentally preparing myself for 6 weeks of unfamiliarity. Yet, this first week in India has brought me profound moments of connection and whanaungatanga. Unexpected bonds over food, gender, and linguistic identity grounded my mauri and uplifted my wairua, just as any good pōwhiri would do back home. As we stepped onto the bus at Chennai, we…Continue Reading Finding Whanaungatanga – Unexpected connections during my first week in India
- The Start of a New Perspective
This story was originally posted on University of Waikato’s Global Experiences blog. by Sheldon Rogers I would call myself a fairly ‘seasoned’ traveller having spent a total of seven years of my life living away from New Zealand in various places of the world. However, the feelings of excitement and nervousness were still there when arriving at the Auckland Airport. A group of 24 strangers were about to embark on…Continue Reading The Start of a New Perspective - Atithi Devo Bhava – The Guest is God
This story was originally posted on University of Waikato’s Global Experiences blog.by Emma Spence The plane descends, Chennai’s embrace,A vibrant canvas, diverse in grace.Bustling airport, a lively affair,Colours and music dance in the air. Pondicherry, a blend unique,French and Indian stories speak.Auroville’s dream, in harmony spun,Sustainable lessons under the sun. Temples, ashrams, schools, a diverse array,Manula Vinayagr, Aurobindo, Isha on display.Religions, races, ages entwine,Yet, a common thread of welcome aligns….Continue Reading Atithi Devo Bhava – The Guest is God - Immersive Experiences So Far
This story was originally posted on University of Waikato’s Global Experiences blog. by Saya Karauna This week I have been immersed in the rich diversity of India. I am sitting under a tree in an ashram where the ants are as big as flies and an ox has just hauled a load of people beside me. India is wild. Through my immersive experiences this week, I have met so many…Continue Reading Immersive Experiences So Far - India with Fresh Eyes
This story was originally posted on University of Waikato’s Global Experiences blog. by Jaeden Moore The wild world of India has already far exceeded all the expectations I could have imagined. From walking through a food forest, and catching rickshaws through the nightlife of Pondicherry, to where I am currently – writing my blog post under a tree in Isha Ashram while watching a peacock walk past. In all honestly,…Continue Reading India with Fresh Eyes - The First Seven Days
This story was originally posted on University of Waikato’s Global Experiences blog. by Georgia Owens 7th of January 2024 We arrived in Chennai and were welcomed by the IndoGenius team. On our way to Puducherry, we stopped for our first authentic Indian lunch. If I could describe India in one word it would be busy. Busy with people, vehicles, pet cows, wild dogs, colours, art, crafts, languages, religions and cultures….Continue Reading The First Seven Days - Lessons on Discovering Resilience, Diversity and Innovation in India
Having travelled across India for the past 17 days, I have developed many invaluable insights not just about this diverse and culturally rich nation, but also about the depths of my own character. The journey has been a revelation in many ways, teaching me about resilience, the importance of diversity, and also human innovation that extend beyond geographical boundaries. As I reflect on my experiences in this blog, I can’t…Continue Reading Lessons on Discovering Resilience, Diversity and Innovation in India - The Danger of a Single Story
“The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they aren’t true, but they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story.” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie My visit to Dharavi challenged the single story often associated with places like Dharavi, where negative connotations overshadow the vibrant community that thrives within. Before arriving in Dharavi, I had heard the narratives of poverty, despair, and hopelessness that are…Continue Reading The Danger of a Single Story - Don’t Forget To Look Up
It is human nature to be curious but I feel as though with the introduction of technology this curiosity of the world around us has been lost. Take a photo for the memory but not simply enjoying the place you are in. Looking down at our phones and never at the world around us. I have found India to be a challenge on my perspective of the present. I joke…Continue Reading Don’t Forget To Look Up - Embracing Diversity and Cultivating Love
As we find ourselves at the midway point of our journey, the richness of India’s diversity has left an indelible mark on my perspective. Prior to embarking on this adventure, I knew India was vast, but the true extent of its diversity was beyond my comprehension. The realisation struck me as we explored various communities, where people in the same cities navigated life at opposing extremes. Our exploration led us…Continue Reading Embracing Diversity and Cultivating Love - The Natural Beauty of India
Growing up in New Zealand really cemented my passion for nature and the environment. Never really being too far from nature, even in our biggest cities where trees decorate our pavements and the abundance of parks. My instinctual reaction to a new place is to look around and up – looking for green in the landscape and possible movement. Coming to India, in some ways I didn’t know what to…Continue Reading The Natural Beauty of India - Love is left behind
My visit to the Manav Gulzar Community Centre in India was an experience that deeply touched my heart and soul, reaffirming my belief that love is the answer to many of the problems the world now faces. Nestled in a vibrant slum neighbourhood, the centre stood as a symbol of hope, drawing us into its warm embrace from the moment we stepped in. As we entered the centre, we were…Continue Reading Love is left behind - No Way BackAncient Rome had a saying that to cross the Rubicon River was to pass the point of no return. When Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon River in 49 BC, a civil war began in Rome. The previous status quo is gone, and there is no way back. Since my last blog post, I have crossed a metaphorical Rubicon River. The past week in Hampi and Mumbai has ignited a personal…Continue Reading No Way Back
- Sun-kissed stone
I’ve recently started to enjoy paintings for their story telling; the medium is a portal to a perspective of a time unknown. Architecture, however, I’ve only ever enjoyed with a jaw drop of awe when confronting the beauty of creation. India was about to change all that. In Hampi and Ahmedabad, architecture’s story is breathing. Balance not symmetry, symmetry not harmony, harmony not balance, balancing all. Structures growing like deep-rooted…Continue Reading Sun-kissed stone - From Struggles to Strength: Exploring Community SpiritEmbarking on my journey to India through the Prime Minister’s Scholarship has proven to be a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs. From language barriers to divergent viewpoints, every obstacle has become a stepping stone towards personal growth and a deeper understanding of India and me. In this post, I want to share my struggles with fellow participants and the disparities in our views, highlighting the transformative experiences in Dharavi and…Continue Reading From Struggles to Strength: Exploring Community Spirit
- Kites in the Dawn
In the morning sun, a silver kite flashes its way through a blue sky. Catching the breezes above the islamo-saracenic architecture of Ahmedhabad, it flits and flutters at the end of its string. Down below, the old man stares soberly at his aerial art. At once a plaything, a cultural remnant and a celebrated image of Gujarati culture, the kite is often associated with the period of Mughal rule over…Continue Reading Kites in the Dawn - South Indian Start-Ups: A Masterclass in the Entrepreneurial Mindset
The Indian entrepreneurial mindset exemplifies many ideal traits in successful innovators. It has also been interesting to reflect upon the similarities and differences between New Zealand and Indian entrepreneurs….Continue Reading South Indian Start-Ups: A Masterclass in the Entrepreneurial Mindset - A Bag Of Bananas
On the 26th of January, almost three weeks since arriving in India, I experienced my lowest moment. Physically, I was completely fine. My health is, and has been, at 100% (touch wood). But emotionally, I felt a swirling tornado of emotions that ripped apart the metaphorical shelter that protected me from the harsh reality of this world. I woke up at 4:15am that day because we needed to catch a…Continue Reading A Bag Of Bananas - Learning the Secrets of Life in Bollywood Dance Class
“Accept all that is happening around you… Accept the sounds and the movement of India” Gilles Chuyen (our Bollywood dance instructor) There were so many things that had me excited about coming to India – the people, the culture, the food, the architecture, the music, the traffic, the spirituality, the diversity. But perhaps highest among them was learning that Gilles, a French dancer-choreographer based in India, would be joining us…Continue Reading Learning the Secrets of Life in Bollywood Dance Class - Embracing the Paradox of Life
The Banyan tree can reach heights of over 30 metres. But a single tree can also cover over 1 km² of land. It starts with a single trunk and grows laterally deploying aerial roots that essentially become trunks, supporting the tree as it spreads wider and wider. The Banyan tree is a symbol of longevity. Its leaves are said to be the resting place of the deity Krishna, the eighth…Continue Reading Embracing the Paradox of Life - Discovering Your Ikigai in India
In Japanese culture, there is a concept called ‘ikigai.’ Much like the language that often defies direct translation, ikigai doesn’t lend itself to easy explanations. One interpretation (with gratitude to my mum for the endorsed definition) is that ikigai is finding joy in life through a blend of doing what you love, what you’re skilled at, what the world needs, and what can sustain you financially. It’s not imposed or…Continue Reading Discovering Your Ikigai in India - Evolving Perspective: Resilience within India
Since my first blog, it has been 2 weeks, only 2 weeks! Every single day we experience and learn so much. My perspective continually evolves. Since my last blog, we have been to Mysuru, Bengaluru, Hampi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Five cities with many people to watch, learn and grow from. I have been able to see first-hand how resilient people are here. Two examples have really stuck with me and…Continue Reading Evolving Perspective: Resilience within India - Harmonious Histories: Ena’s Journey to Hampi
It was the end of a grey workweek at Ena’s instrument store in the streets of Sarajevo, Bosnia. A retired musician, the peak of Ena’s career was over; however, the impact of her music rippled throughout generations. Her hit song, “Sisters of War,” with the warm notes of the accordion and the ethereal heights of the violin, had made a lasting impression. Ena’s music conveyed untold tales of sisterhood, polarization,…Continue Reading Harmonious Histories: Ena’s Journey to Hampi - The Adventures of India-na Jones in Hampi
Having spent the first ten days of our whirlwind tour of India immersed in bustling cities, innovative tech startups and vibrant streetscapes, I was not prepared for how dramatically different our next destination would be. Instead of bright neon lights and honking auto-rickshaws, Hampi was an expansive green landscape of rice-paddy fields and palm trees, interrupted only by towering mountains of red granite boulders. But in my opinion, the true beauty of Hampi lies not with its idyllic nature but its breathtaking ruins….Continue Reading The Adventures of India-na Jones in Hampi - Dharavi: A Lesson in Economics
As an Economics major I’ve had the pleasure of studying many different economies. Never however did I expect that the most intriguing economy would be found in the heart of Mumbai, concealed beneath the tag of Asia’s largest slum. Welcome my friends, to Dharavi. Despite covering a mere 3 sq km, Dharavi is a bustling hub of economic activity with an estimated yearly turnover of US$1 billion. It is arguable that…Continue Reading Dharavi: A Lesson in Economics - Transit Tales: Exploring the Plurality of Ways People Move
After exploring India for three weeks, I’ve experienced the diverse ways people move in this country. In today’s modern society, it’s tempting to opt for isolated travel – air conditioning to aid in comfort, quick flights, or convenient Ubers that shield you from the vibrant surroundings. However, over the past three weeks, we have instead been encouraged to immerse ourselves within multiple modes of transport that facilitate connections and conversations….Continue Reading Transit Tales: Exploring the Plurality of Ways People Move - Kites, Cricket Bats, and Community
We are officially past the halfway point of our trip! It’s such a crazy thought to comprehend. We are currently on the bus from Ahmedabad to Udaipur and as I reflect and write this blog there has been one word on my mind – sonder. Sonder is the profound feeling of realising that everyone, including strangers passing in the street, has a life as complex as one’s own, which they…Continue Reading Kites, Cricket Bats, and Community - Pokemon Go-ing to India
An unexpected travel companion to this trip was the revival of my Pokemon Go account.For the uninitiated, Pokémon Go is a mobile app game centered on exploring your local area to find Pokemon, collect items to support your Pokemon and battle other Pokemon as traditional for the franchise. Each player who joins chooses a team, with Mystic (yellow), Valor (Red) and Instinct (Blue). These teams matter when it comes to…Continue Reading Pokemon Go-ing to India - Coming Full Circle
On my first day in India, I was marvelling at the Descent of the Ganges in Mahabalipuram. Now, I find myself in awe of the real landscape that is the Ganges River at the foot of the Himalayas in Rishikesh. We have truly come ‘full circle’….Continue Reading Coming Full Circle - The Jaipur Foot: A Step Towards Inclusivity and Empowerment
In the heart of Rajasthan, India, a remarkable innovation known as the Jaipur Foot has been quietly transforming lives for over five decades. This prosthetic limb, more than just a piece of medical technology, represents hope, resilience, and a new lease on life for amputees across the globe. Its inception in 1968 by Dr. Pramod Karan Sethi and Masterji Ram Chander Sharma was not just a medical breakthrough; it was…Continue Reading The Jaipur Foot: A Step Towards Inclusivity and Empowerment - Eat, Pray, Love
India, with its diverse landscapes and profound spirituality, is indeed a destination where one can truly eat, pray, and love. Through the exploration of diverse flavours, spiritual practices, and moments of love, my journey through India echoes the sentiments of Elizabeth Gilbert’s iconic tale, enriching my own story along the way. Prior to setting foot in India, my perceptions were shaped by the cinematic portrayal of Elizabeth Gilbert’s journey in…Continue Reading Eat, Pray, Love - It’s the Final Countdown
Wow! Six days left in this beautiful country so rich in vibrancy, culture, and in soulful memories. It feels as though I have been here for a long time but then it also feels as though the time has gone fast. It is an intricate feeling to explain. We have spent the past few days in Rishikesh which lies at the foot of the Himalayas. It is situated on the…Continue Reading It’s the Final Countdown - The Art of SimplicityIt doesn’t matter what you wear Or if you shave your hair Take off your shoes and socks Or have special rocks It’s not about the gods Or a particular prayer For I’ve seen men at odds Without taking care Forget about the diet The violence and riots It’s not the cold water Or something someone else thought of It isn’t the Ashram, temple or church That brings all the…Continue Reading The Art of Simplicity
- India Unveiled: Essential Travel Tips for an Unforgettable Journey
Having explored India for practically six weeks, my travels have taken me through the diverse landscapes of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. With a mere week left, I find myself reflecting heavily on the multitude of experiences and opportunities that I have been blessed with, and the lessons I have learned from doing so. These lessons, I would like to share, are for future fellow…Continue Reading India Unveiled: Essential Travel Tips for an Unforgettable Journey - Lessons from the Classroom of India
It was like any other first day. I settled into my seat surrounded by 23 other strangers, each with shy smiles, eager eyes and the awkward conversation starters of “Wait, what was your name again?”. The entrance of our teacher, India, brought with it a burst of life, love, and lots and lots and lots of honking. Notebooks and cameras in hand, we forgot about our camera roll storage as…Continue Reading Lessons from the Classroom of India - Learning to Be the Change
The best way to find yourself, Ghandi is often quoted as saying, is to lose yourself in the service of others. Despite its humble origins, this quote has become a common aphorism, repeated in schools, charities, religious organisations and the pages of dubious self-help books the world over. But what does it really mean to “serve” others? And what do we “find” out about ourselves in the process? As my journey across…Continue Reading Learning to Be the Change - Inspiration Comes When You Least Expect It
Embarking on the last leg of my journey through India, I find myself reflecting on the whirlwind of emotions that have accompanied me over the past two weeks. This trip has been a transformative experience, one that has not only deepened my appreciation for the beauty of this country but has also shifted the trajectory of my life in unexpected ways. Among the countless inspiring encounters, there is one that…Continue Reading Inspiration Comes When You Least Expect It - End Credits
Entering the last week of my journey in India, I feel a heavy weight on my chest. It’s a mixture of sadness – realising that I’m no longer going to be travelling with the incredible group of people that I’ve come to really love; confusion – finding it a struggle to wrap my head around the diverse range of experiences presented to me, as if I’m trying to piece together…Continue Reading End Credits - ReImagining Finn Meredith 2024Life 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 honours law student but I am not a lawyer. I know what I am. I…Continue Reading ReImagining Finn Meredith 2024
- Empowering Change: Social Enterprises and Shared Values in India
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 At Mitti Cafe, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the scent of community….Continue Reading Empowering Change: Social Enterprises and Shared Values in India - Faith, Industrialised
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 of city and suburb dwellers daily to jobs in offices of major companies such as…Continue Reading Faith, Industrialised - Hampi and Mumbai: Echoes Across Eras
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 and modern-day Mumbai. Hampi, in its heyday during the Vijayanagara period, was the Mumbai of…Continue Reading Hampi and Mumbai: Echoes Across Eras - The Simple Things
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 of stopping at an intersection. The light goes red and I look out the bus’…Continue Reading The Simple Things - No such thing as silence in India
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 us to India We’re thrusted into rickshaws,The engine screeches into motion,Cursing under our combined weight,Our…Continue Reading No such thing as silence in India