S2 E5 INDIA - Nila and Abhishek - change, language, food, study, stereotypes

Student Life Unplugged

How will your choice of study effect change?

In this episode we go to India and speak to Nila from Calcutta and Abhishek from New Delhi. Both talk about their country’s rich culture but also how different the place is, from language to food, religion to politics and study culture.

Nila is studying English Literature, and she would like to focus on Queer Studies, giving a voice to the minorities, be it race, sex or cast. Abhishek is currently doing a PHD in cancer research in Ireland looking at how patients can be cured by using their own stem cells.

They talk about growing up in India, the societal pressure to study hard and how extracurricular activities are often frowned upon after the age of eight. Both joke about the fact that Nila doesn’t cook as she still lives at home, while Abhishek, studying away in Ireland, had to learn very fast. They talk about breaking the stereotypes as essential for India to grow.

Nila and Abhishek describe India and their line of study with such energy and passion. Their strength in pushing for change is so hopeful and exciting.

Student Life Unplugged is hosted by Leong Hiew, a former University Lecturer with a passion for education. Student Life Unplugged is part of Leong's mission to promote the joy of learning among young people through his organisation 'Lifespan Education'. He is working towards building a positive world, to nurture communities of engaged learners for the sake of his own children and for young people everywhere.

For more information about Leong and his project go to https://https://lifespan.education/contact/
If you would like to take part in the podcast, go to https://lifespan.education/podcast/

This podcast is produced by Elisa Kennedy