?? A Journey of Rediscovering My Indianness as an NRI Founder ??

As I reflect on my recent travels through India, one moment stands out with profound resonance. During the drive from Jagannath Puri to Bhubaneswar, my dear friend and colleague Auro ( Arabinda Narayan Das ) remarked, “Pradip, you are already half Indian again, and you will be one before you return to the US.” These words struck a chord, underscoring a powerful reconnection with my roots!

Living in the US for many years, my frequent trips to India have served as a bridge to my heritage. However, an epiphany during an evening stroll along ITPL Road in Bengaluru today compelled me to share this unique journey with you all. There so many stories to tell just from this trip and as Auro will vouch, this journey is turning out to be way different than I ever imagined.

Since landing in Delhi, India on August 21st, Auro and I have embarked on an adventure that has already taken us through the northern, eastern, and southern regions of India, hopping from city to city every 2-3 days. There have been 13 city hops already just for me. Auro went back to his hometown of Guwahati to recharge after the 12th, and I am on my second trip to Bengaluru which was a last-minute addition. Soon, I’ll be heading to Goa to recharge myself (hopefully). A special shoutout to Akanksha, the Air B&B host in Goa, for accommodating my last-minute schedule change with such grace. ??

As the saying goes, “The journey is its own reward.” I’m embracing the thrill of not knowing where I’ll be in the next few days. Each day has brought new experiences and countless memories that have enriched this adventure. ??

Isn’t that the essence of a true adventure?

I’ve met hundreds of students and leaders across IITs and other institutions, participated in a midnight hackathon at IIT Kanpur ??; and delivered Trumio Inc. talks in crowded lecture halls. The grand welcome at KIIT to sign the MoU, where I was humbled to meet the founder, and the boardroom discussions at esteemed IITs like KGP and BHU have been truly inspiring. ??

Walking along the beautiful Scholars Avenue at IIT KGP and navigating the bustling streets of various campuses brought back cherished memories. Witnessing students’ daily lives, now reminiscent of Western universities, has been refreshing. The challenges still very much Indian. And I have been just hungry to learn more about this next generation. ??

Embracing my Indian-ness, I’ve weathered the dry heat of the north ?? and the sudden monsoon downpours with high humidity with a smile ???. Traveling through 13 cities by planes ??, trains ??, and automobiles ??, I’ve relished connecting with people, understanding their passions, and sharing their challenges and happiness.

Being able to speak to every single driver who took me places or everyone who served me during the trip keeps me grounded even more. Sabina, a young server, served me tea every time I needed one at the resort in Hyderabad at our Team Meet Up and she never missed the no-sugar part. The young airport cab driver who took me from the airport to the hotel in Whitefield last night told me how he bought a brand-new car I was sitting in just two days ago. How he shared his story, and his happiness touched me deeply. ??

I am embracing every single cultural nuance of an NRI living in India as advocated by dear Nupur Dave. The crowds no longer bother me. Somehow, I enjoyed the craziness of the traffic on the busy street going through the campus at KIIT yesterday - sounds ironic coming from me, isn't it!

Trying different local cuisines ?? and enjoying tea in a kulhar sitting on a bench by the highway ?? has been invigorating. While I still stick to bottled water, I’m tempted by the variety of local options available now.

Though not religious, I’ve been fortunate to visit many temples. The serenity of Birla Temple in Hyderabad with my co-founder, Ronnie Ray, the beauty of Hyderabad, the early morning visit to Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi amidst pouring rain at 3.30am and walking around the temple for the next two hours (they didn’t allow us to take the umbrella, and it didn’t bother me), and the overwhelming experience at Jagannath Puri, where I navigated through the throngs of devotees, have all been profound. Even almost losing my glasses and hearing-aid in the crowd didn’t faze me. ??? The dust in the air did not bother me for the first time during the stroll this evening! ??

I suppose Auro was just watching me!

On another personal note, I’ve felt the deep humility of every person I’ve met. Standing by the temple walls, as the crowd flowed by, I couldn’t help but feel my own “Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai” moment every single time I was in any of the temples. I kept going back to that inspiring day on March 4th in the coffee shop in Cupertino and felt it deeply in every single temple. ??

The story of resilience and perseverance to reinvent oneself, the tapestry crafted from past triumphs, yet with unwavering generosity, the spark of belonging, dreams and aspirations in the eyes, and a smile radiating warmth, capable of illuminating the darkest corners of one’s soul, humble but ambitious and hungry for more, and the unwavering determination to carve out one’s place in a new arena have given me a renewed sense of energy at every moment during this trip. ??

An elderly gentleman at the bar at an airport told me recently, “It’s a story of legacy and Trumio already sounds like a success story.” His words affirmed that this journey is fulfilling and will continue to enrich the rest of my life and endeavors. ??

This is more than a journey of rediscovery; it is a narrative woven with the threads of resilience, belonging, and renewed purpose.

My appreciations go to every single co-traveler (and some special ones no matter how short it may have seemed) I met during this journey! ??