Category: Reimagining India Study Tour 2024

What can slum communities teach us about community wellbeing?

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?

Disabled Sages and Warriors: India’s Disability Dignity from Myth to the Ground

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

Some Lessons from India

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

Wearing Culture

For many of us, the clothes we wear each morning is an unconscious decision. Shopping for clothing is about finding something which grabs your interest and looks nice on you. Even if you have gone about consciously thinking about your own style, thinking about all the different aesthetics out there, you probably haven’t thought that…Continue Reading Wearing Culture

A Transformative Journey Through India

As I sit down to reflect on the whirlwind of experiences that encompassed our six-week journey through India, I’m overwhelmed by a flood of memories, emotions, and profound realisations. From the bustling streets of Chennai to the serene banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh, each destination left an indelible mark on my soul, shaping my…Continue Reading A Transformative Journey Through India

He Tangata, He Tangata, He Tangata

It has been a week since we returned to Aotearoa, and as I reflect on my time in India, I am struck by the profound truth embedded in these words. India, with its breathtaking architecture, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, is undeniably awe-inspiring. Yet, what truly makes India remarkable is its people. Throughout my six…Continue Reading He Tangata, He Tangata, He Tangata

Poem: Dragon Warrior

Six weeks of Herculean effort, Encountering trials of Agni on the body and mind, Atop Mount Olympus, the dragon scroll is what we find. The most arduous journey, Leaving carbon footprints externally, Uncovering spiritual signposts internally. Songs of sonder, Lost in translation, Found in adoration. Immersed within a Thali of plurality, Smelling richness within spirituality,…Continue Reading Poem: Dragon Warrior