18 hours of travel to devour slow cooked pork
Internship at Canopy Collective, Assam
I have always been drawn to the cultures and lifestyles of Northeast India, and working with Canopy Collective was the perfect opportunity to engage with them meaningfully. My journey took me from Tezpur, Assam, to Changlangshu, Nagaland—one of the longest trips I’ve ever made, but one that profoundly shaped my understanding of community, privilege, and design.
Changlangshu, a small village in Mon district, is where Nayantara Sriguri has been working with the local community to build a nature education program. Alongside her, I spent my time working with educators, testing worksheets, and exploring the idea of an eco-club for children. The village is also home to M.S. Konyak (Wanemi), a community leader who is trying to restore a forest with the villagers, whose work has gained recognition across various organizations. Being in Changlangshu was overwhelming in the best possible way. It forced me to confront my own biases and privileges—how people from cities view indigenous communities and, in turn, how these communities perceive urban life. True collaboration required unlearning—of assumptions, priorities, and ways of working. This process was uncomfortable at times, bringing existential questions about my role as a designer.
Changlangshu, a small village in Mon district, is where Nayantara Sriguri has been working with the local community to build a nature education program. Alongside her, I spent my time working with educators, testing worksheets, and exploring the idea of an eco-club for children. The village is also home to M.S. Konyak (Wanemi), a community leader who is trying to restore a forest with the villagers, whose work has gained recognition across various organizations. Being in Changlangshu was overwhelming in the best possible way. It forced me to confront my own biases and privileges—how people from cities view indigenous communities and, in turn, how these communities perceive urban life. True collaboration required unlearning—of assumptions, priorities, and ways of working. This process was uncomfortable at times, bringing existential questions about my role as a designer.
My time in Tezpur, on the other hand, was filled with fun and inspiration, largely thanks to the Green Hub fellows—a collective that trains young people from Northeast India in documentary filmmaking to amplify regional stories. Their optimism, curiosity, and dedication were infectious. Seeing them reclaim their own narratives, document local realities, and give voice to the unheard was a reminder of the power of storytelling.
My time in Tezpur, on the other hand, was filled with fun and inspiration, largely thanks to the Green Hub fellows—a collective that trains young people from Northeast India in documentary filmmaking to amplify regional stories. Their optimism, curiosity, and dedication were infectious. Seeing them reclaim their own narratives, document local realities, and give voice to the unheard was a reminder of the power of storytelling.
Through it all, the Canopy Collective team—Nayantara, Ishita, Anuja, John, Debashish, and Nandini—became family. They created a space where learning felt like home, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
Tezpur and Changlangshu were more than locations—they became spaces of learning, unlearning with my own role as a designer. The existential dilemma, critical dialogues, and deep cultural exchanges didn’t give me all the answers, but they helped me ask better questions. They became a stepping stone—not just in shaping the kind of designer I want to be, but the kind of human I hope to become.
Through it all, the Canopy Collective team—Nayantara, Ishita, Anuja, John, Debashish, and Nandini—became family. They created a space where learning felt like home, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
Tezpur and Changlangshu were more than locations—they became spaces of learning, unlearning with my own role as a designer. The existential dilemma, critical dialogues, and deep cultural exchanges didn’t give me all the answers, but they helped me ask better questions. They became a stepping stone—not just in shaping the kind of designer I want to be, but the kind of human I hope to become.
18 hours of Travel to devour slow cooked pork
Internship at Canopy collective, Assam
I have always been drawn to the cultures and lifestyles of Northeast India, and working with Canopy Collective was the perfect opportunity to engage with them meaningfully. My journey took me from Tezpur, Assam, to Changlangshu, Nagaland—one of the longest trips I’ve ever made, but one that profoundly shaped my understanding of community, privilege, and design.
That's all about me!
If you think I will be a good fit to your team.
Reach out to me
