By: Shreeya Gupte

Hey! I’m Shreeya Gupte, and I’ve just finished my second year of a Bachelor of Health, majoring in Biomedical Science and Computer Science at the University of Waikato. I’m incredibly grateful to have been awarded the New Zealand Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia (NZPMSA) Group Programme, hosted by IndoGenius.

This is a six-week study programme across India, and it brings together 16 students from across New Zealand to explore Sustainable Development, Social Entrepreneurship, and Innovation. Our journey includes visits to IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, and IIT Madras, along with industry, factory, and social enterprise visits and just as importantly, deep cultural immersion across different parts of India.

When we first met at Auckland Airport, we were complete strangers. Three weeks in, we feel like a little family. As I write this, I’m sitting in Pondicherry, marking the halfway point of the programme, three weeks done, three more to go, and it feels like the perfect moment to pause and reflect.

Delhi: Where Everything Began

We started our journey in Delhi, arriving curious, excited, and honestly not knowing what to expect. Our first week was full and intense in the best way. We explored Hindu and Jain temples, the National Museum, Rai Pithora, a charity school, the serene Lotus Temple, and the buzzing galis of Chandni Chowk. Each place told a story and slowly helped us understand the many layers of India’s history and daily life.

At IIT Delhi, we were introduced to nanotechnology and had meaningful interactions with staff and students, which gave us a glimpse into the kind of research and innovation happening there. We wrapped up the week at the National Startups Day Event, where we were lucky enough to see Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a moment that really highlighted the scale and ambition of India’s startup and innovation ecosystem.

Jaipur: The Royal Pink City

Next was Jaipur, the Pink City. From listening to incredible speakers at the Jaipur Literature Festival to wandering through palaces and flower markets, Jaipur felt magical. One of the most humbling moments of the entire programme for me was visiting Jaipur Foot. Seeing how prosthetic limbs are made, simple, effective, affordable, and life-changing, made me rethink what innovation really means. As someone interested in healthcare, this experience was very meaningful.

Mumbai: Innovation Met Reality

Then came Mumbai, the City of Dreams. Our time at IIT Bombay was especially meaningful for me, as we learned about AI in healthcare startups, which aligns closely with what I hope to work on in the future. We also visited the Chanakya School of Craft, where we saw the extraordinary skill, patience, and storytelling behind Indian craftsmanship and fashion.

Our final day in Mumbai was spent in Dharavi. It was confronting, humbling, and eye-opening. While it made us reflect on our own privilege, it also showed us the resilience, entrepreneurship, and determination within the community. It challenged many assumptions and left a lasting impact on all of us.

Kerala & Chennai: Slowing Down and Looking Outward

From Mumbai, we travelled to Kerala, surrounded by greenery and calm. We stayed at Amritapuri University, interacted with international students, and spent time in the ashram, experiencing a more sattvik, reflective way of living. It was grounding and gave us space to slow down after weeks of travel and learning.

We then flew to Chennai for a short but packed visit, where we toured IIT Madras and attended the India Global Education Summit. Meeting academics, policymakers, and leaders, including the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, gave us a broader perspective on global education, collaboration, and innovation.

Pondicherry: A Pause to Breathe

Now in Pondicherry, the pace has softened. From sound baths and quiet moments at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, to walking along the beach, café hopping, and visiting the Hidesign factory, this part of the journey has been about reflection and recharging. It’s been a much-needed pause before the next leg of the programme.

Beyond learning about AI, innovation, and technology, this programme has taught me so much about culture, people, and perspective. We’ve built a real sense of connection within our group, through reflection circles, spontaneous dance sessions, late-night debriefs with sheet masks and music, and simply being there for one another.

I’m deeply grateful to Waikato Global Experiences and IndoGenius for this opportunity. This journey has already reshaped how I see innovation, not just as technology, but as something deeply human, grounded in culture and community. I’m excited to see what the next three weeks hold.