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…Continue Reading Discovering Your Ikigai in India
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….Continue Reading Embracing the Paradox of Life
“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 Reading Learning the Secrets of Life in Bollywood Dance Class
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…Continue Reading A Bag Of Bananas
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
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…Continue Reading Kites in the Dawn
Embarking 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…Continue Reading From Struggles to Strength: Exploring Community Spirit
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. …Continue Reading Sun-kissed stone
Ancient 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…Continue Reading No Way Back
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…Continue Reading Love is left behind