Page 66 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 2 | December 2023 - January 2024

INDIA: a country that lives in my imagination just as vividly as it does in reality. Whether
it’s for the food (chaat, gol gappe, cold coffee, or the chai I’d sip on at least three times a
day); or for the booming economy that allows shopping to be such an exciting experience;
or to visit the Gurudwaras, which is always a must-do on my list; to me India is definitely
a go-to destination at least once every two years. Everything feels different in this country.
The sounds, sights, tastes, smells, and sensations of all kinds come at you from all sides
relentlessly, and I realise that the more I visit this country, the more I feel the need to go back.

However, some Thai-Indian community members haven’t been to India at all, which is
more common than I realised. Masala talked to a few of them about their experiences,
their expectations of India, and why they haven’t yet visited the land of their ancestors.

my family, for my sisters’ wedding shopping. However, I chose to
RAWEENA PAWA stay in Bangkok because I’m waiting for the perfect opportunity to
Learning Support visit the country as a tourist. My goal is to embark on a multi-city
Mentor trip to fully immerse myself in a country that’s full of adventure
and diversity. I think there are similarities between India and
“I have never been to Thailand in terms of the richness of culture and the emphasis on
India” is my go-to truthful food, which is what excites me about visiting the country. My main
statement every time I play focus would be to try familiar foods to compare the flavour profile
the game, ‘Two Truths and to the food I eat at home and in restaurants here in Bangkok, as
One Lie.’ As a Thai-Indian, well as to explore unfamiliar dishes and cuisines that are unique
I do feel like I’m missing out to specific places in India.
on an important life experience.
I had a ticket booked to Mumbai India is so diverse, and I’m keen on learning more about the
about 15 years ago – in fact, visas subcultures within different cities. I also want to visit historical sites
were already acquired and luggage was like the Taj Mahal, Hawa Mahal, and the Golden Temple. For
packed. Unfortunately, there was heavy rainfall and flooding, so we my future trip to the country, I do not have any set expectations.
cancelled our trip a day before our departure. It wasn’t meant to be. I don’t want to put pressure on making the trip a life-changing
experience. I think all experiences can be valuable if you keep an
Since then, I’ve had two other opportunities to travel to India with open mind and live in the present moment.

66 | MASALA MAGAZINE DEC 2023-JAN 2024