A tale of Two Homes Berlin and Bhilai - Unity in Diversity Identity Experiment in Berlin (part 1 Motivation)

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair … ― Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

Much like Dickens' portrayal of an era of contrasts, my life too has been painted with vivid strokes of differing worlds. I hail from Bhilai, a city molded by Nehruvian idealism, where I imbibed a spirit of hope, progress, and unity. Here, the audacious belief that a nation, hungry and illiterate, could be sculpted into a flourishing democracy took root. Despite naysayers, India emerged as the world's largest democracy, a feat ascribed to the same idealism that birthed civil disobedience and inspired figures like Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela.

Bhilai resonates with harmonious church bells, calls to prayer, temple chants, and Buddhist hymns. All of the places of worship in the single street. I lived behind this street. Sometimes the cricket ball end up in this church, temple or mosque. Got loved by everyone. We celebrate our religious ceremonies with love. Relieving the idealism of “ Unity in diversity”. This city reminds me of Nehru's vision where true temples were not merely places of worship, but academic halls, dams, and research centers catapulting India into modernity. Bhilai is more than my birthplace; it represents an India I ardently believe in, defining facets of my identity.

That idea of Unity in Diversity is showcased in my family that consists of Hindus, Parsis, Christians, Muslims and Jews. That is the Idea. That is the idea of Unity in Diversity.

Yet, destiny had Berlin in store for me - a pulsating heart of Europe, resonating with dreams and histories. My footsteps echoed its cobblestone streets, and soon, I was lost in its captivating rhythm. Here, I tasted firsts: love's sweetness and its bitter aftermath. In the city's embrace, I celebrated victories, danced to techno beats, and found solace in nature. The pandemic's pause was Berlin's gift to me, a chance to relive college memories I missed in India. The city's resilient spirit, mirrored in its ruins and forests, resonated deeply with my yearnings.

With Berlin I become resilient and during COVID Times, I marched into an experiment of Replicating the Idea of Unity in Diversity through Erasmus in Berlin.

A home is where someone thinks about you. If hearts worldwide yearn for you, then you're a global citizen.

Bhilai is Berlin; Berlin is Bhilai. That's why I celebrated all the Christmas and Newyear in Berlin from last seven Years. I was here during the COVID and remained after COVID because Berlin is Bhilai.

Berlin and Bhilai, for me, is such a heart, tirelessly syncing with mine.

In the second part we will look into the Experiment Communication structure and strategy.