Throughout our travels in India, the most ubiquitous advertising we encountered were massive billboards for soft drink companies endorsed by Indian celebrities. One of these billboards for Coca-Cola—featuring a particularly memorable ambassador I started affectionately naming “Coke man”—followed us throughout our six-week journey. It became a running joke on the trip that I would be…Continue Reading An Ode to Coke Man
It’s been about a week since my return to New Zealand. Since my arrival, I think I’ve been asked “So, how was it!?!?!?!” about a hundred times. And every time someone asks me about my time in India, a huge smile comes to my face, and I gush about how amazing it was and how…Continue Reading Journeying through India: A Reflection
Here are the top things that I wish I knew before departing. Hopefully my little list will help calm some of your nerves and prepare you to face new learnings in India!…Continue Reading Top India Tips: What I wish I knew before Reimagining India 2024
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
Reflecting on my life-changing journey through the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia, I am compelled to share three profound lessons that have not only expanded my horizons but have also fuelled my personal growth: The paramount lesson I’ve learned in relation to my future career goal is the significance of service, even when resources are…Continue Reading From South Auckland to India: Anything is Possible
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
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
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
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…Continue Reading It is the people that make the place
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…Continue Reading A Journey of Tears and Triumphs: Navigating India on a Prime Minister’s Scholarship