Joshua Kemp Whimp
Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia, Reimagining India with IndoGenius
Introduction
Kia ora e hoa mā, ko Josh tēnei
I am a student at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington studying towards a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts (with a major in International Relations and a minor in Māori Studies). I was born and raised in little old Wellington. But soon, I’ll be headed on the experience of a lifetime to India with the Indogenius Team. I am so honoured and excited to be a part of this journey. Along with 21 other tauira, I will have the opportunity to visit cities, religious and cultural sites, slums, companies, factories, universities, High Commissions and NGOs. Along the way, I hope to gain a deep and genuine appreciation for the history, culture, spirituality and worldview of this incredibly important country.
Ever since I was a child, hearing tales of my Mum and Auntie’s adventures backpacking through India, I have dreamed of one day visiting this beautiful country, to dip my feet in the Ganges, and to experience all of the smells, tastes and colours. Now, on this trip, I aim to challenge my perceptions of India and gain new ways of looking at the world.
I love meeting new people; dancing (in my room); exploring new places on google maps; walking up Mt Victoria; teaching kids drama; a good, trashy reality TV show; learning new languages and writing. I hope through this blog you get to learn a little bit more about me and experience India alongside me!
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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…Continue…
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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…Continue…
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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…Continue…