Leaving behind routines, friends, and comfort zones, I packed my life into two suitcases and boarded a flight to India. Saying goodbye to California was not easy, but my goal remained clear: fully immerse myself in grassroots advocacy and field work. I have long believed that without firsthand exposure to life on the ground, policymaking remains incomplete. To bridge that gap, I came to India to get a taste of understanding, observing, and engaging with communities before shaping policy.
Yet, while my professional goals were strong, what’s surprised me most has been forming a new sense of comfort in India. From finding community to embracing my religion, my first few weeks as a Fellow have already opened new definitions of what home means to me.
Kicking off the Fellowship, our cohort had an amazing Orientation in Delhi, India. From exploring Lodhi Gardens together to supporting each other through illnesses, our cohort quickly bonded and created a strong support system for each other throughout the duration of the Fellowship.
Though we are all an extremely diverse, nuanced set of individuals, we all shared a common thread that was unifying: adventure, curiosity, and a commitment to service. The nature of the fellowship attracts a unique set of people, unexpectedly bringing together like-minded individuals and building community.
Although I expected to feel more connected to my Indian culture and my Hindu roots, I did not anticipate just how powerful it would be to completely immerse in it. Arriving in India at the dawn of Navaratri, I was absolutely enthralled with festivities, energy, and faith in the nation. Growing up in California, I was used to our temples being tucked away in unideal spaces — often office buildings or converted garages —wherever our community could afford.
Standing before massive temples with artistic engravings and surrounded by masses praying, I felt a renewed pride in being Hindu. Dancing garba till 1 am and marveling at the temple architecture, I have been feeling a budding sense of home and comfort in faith.
Although many have laughed when I said this, I find that the food, specifically produce, has genuinely stood out to me. During undergrad, my eating habits were pretty typical: frozen meals, random snacks, and whatever I could piece together from my pantry between classes. As a fresh graduate, I find the difference to be striking. The freshness of the produce in India, from the sweet crispness of oranges to the eggplants melting in my mouth, has made me feel healthier and more grounded. Just the experience of grocery shopping — looking at rows of colorful vegetables, energy of markets, and the friendly haggling —makes daily interactions new and exciting.
My first few weeks have been far from perfect but have me motivated for the rest of my time here. As I get settled into my work routine and begin my fieldwork, I am eager to grow both professionally and personally, finding comfort in community, faith, and fresh routines.
