Three weeks. That’s how long I was in India this April—for my brother’s engagement. A trip that was meant to be about family, rituals, and celebrations turned into something far more profound: a rediscovery.

From the moment I landed, I was swept into the pre-engagement frenzy—shopping sprees in crowded bazaars, outfit trials, menu tastings, mehndi-prep marathons, and endless photo ops. The kind of chaos that feels exhausting and exhilarating all at once. But underneath the surface of this grand celebration, I found myself quietly observing something much bigger.

India is changing. And she’s doing it with flair.

We often talk about contrasts in India—but this time, they weren’t clashing. They were dancing.

On one side, there was tradition in all its glory—age-old rituals, the priest chanting shlokas, aunties debating over saree pleats, and the collective energy of generations coming together under one roof. India’s cultural heartbeat is still strong, still deeply rooted.

But right alongside that, there was a very different rhythm. One of rapid digital transformation. What truly stunned me wasn’t the glitzy malls or tech hubs—but the fact that everywhere, from high-end boutiques to the chaiwala on the street, was accepting UPI payments. QR codes hung like garlands outside every small business. Teenagers, elderly uncles, vegetable vendors—all seamlessly transacting through their phones. No fuss. No barriers. Just tech-enabled ease.

Coming from New Zealand, where digital systems are strong yet more reserved, this level of penetration blew my mind.

And then there’s the infrastructure boom—flyovers, metros, smart city developments, and buildings that look straight out of architectural journals. You can sense the ambition in the air. India isn’t waiting anymore; she’s running full throttle into the future.

Yes, there are challenges. Pollution clings to the skyline, traffic jams feel like permanent fixtures, and the population density can be overwhelming. But when I paused to think—this is a nation of 1.4 billion—what stood out was not the problems, but the people. Their drive. Their adaptability. Their hunger to rise, hustle, and thrive.

As someone who now calls New Zealand home, the visit made me reflect on my own identity. I live in a world of structure and strategy, yet I’m shaped by the colour, chaos, and cultural grounding of India. It reminded me that it’s not about choosing one or the other—it’s about learning to carry both.

One evening, I found myself sitting on the terrace, sipping chai, Hindi music playing softly in the background. The city lights flickered around me—some from temples, others from tech parks. In that moment, I saw India for what she truly is: timeless and transformative, all at once.

And one more thing struck me—India’s future is quietly but unmistakably female. Whether it was the women leading family events, managing businesses, or confidently navigating digital payments—there’s a quiet revolution happening. One that fills me with hope and pride.

So, to anyone reading this—if you haven’t been back to India in a while, go. Not just to see what’s changed, but to feel what’s evolving. Go with open eyes and an open heart. Witness the duality. The magic. The madness. And perhaps, like me, you’ll come back a little more rooted—and a little more inspired.

This article was first published on LinkedIn

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