Hello! I'm Gagan, a passionate traveler and avid researcher currently embarking on a three-month journey to France for my research work. Originally from the beautiful city of Shivamogga in Karnataka, India, I have always been fascinated by the intersection of science and exploration.

My academic journey led me to pursue a Master's degree in Biotechnology from Kuvempu University, where I achieved a remarkable 78.5%. Prior to that, I completed my Bachelor's in Chemistry, Zoology, and Biotechnology.

Diving deeper into the realm of science, I'm currently a Ph.D. Scholar at Manipal Academy of Higher Education, specializing in Biophysics. My research focuses on the innovative applications of optical microscopy in regenerative medicine, particularly in imaging stem cells. I've been fortunate to contribute to several publications in esteemed journals, exploring topics ranging from smartphone imaging devices to tissue imaging techniques.

Beyond the lab, I thrive on enriching experiences through Couchsurfing, where I've shared my adventures and connected with fellow travelers around the globe. Exploring new cultures, cuisines, and perspectives fuels my curiosity and enriches my understanding of the world.

Feel free to reach out to me at gaganraju24@gmail.com or connect with me on Couchsurfing. Let's embark on this journey of discovery together!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on Couchsurfing because I believe in the transformative power of travel and the invaluable connections it fosters. Through Couchsurfing, I've found a platform that not only offers budget-friendly accommodation but also facilitates meaningful cultural exchanges and genuine connections with people from diverse backgrounds.

For me, Couchsurfing isn't just about finding a place to stay; it's about immersing myself in local communities, learning from the perspectives of my hosts, and sharing my own experiences and culture with them. It's an opportunity to break down barriers, foster mutual understanding, and create memories that transcend geographical boundaries.

Whether it's swapping travel stories over a cup of coffee, exploring hidden gems recommended by locals, or simply experiencing everyday life in a new city, Couchsurfing allows me to embrace the true essence of travel – the connections we make and the moments we share with others along the way.

Ultimately, I'm on Couchsurfing to embark on a journey of cultural exchange, friendship, and discovery – one couch at a time.

Interests

• photography
• indian food
• music
• bike riding
• neurology
• bikepacking
• hiking in nature
• photonics
• landscape photography
• trekking and camping
• optics
• researcher
• wildlife photography
• biophotonics

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite Music-
1. Ed Sheeran:
Album: "Divide" (2017)
Songs: "Shape of You," "Castle on the Hill," "Perfect"

2. Ilaiyaraaja:
Known for: Pioneering the use of symphonic orchestration in Indian film music.
Notable Works:
"Thalapathi" (1991)
"Nayagan" (1987)
"Mouna Ragam" (1986)
"Sadma" (1983)

3. Taylor Swift :
Album: "1989" (2014)
Songs: "Blank Space," "Shake It Off," "Wildest Dreams"

4. Adele:
Album: "25" (2015)
Songs: "Hello," "Someone Like You," "Rolling in the Deep"

5. A.R. Rahman
Known for: Fusion of Indian classical music with electronic music.
Notable Works:
"Roja" (1992)
"Dil Se" (1998)
"Lagaan" (2001)
"Slumdog Millionaire" (2008)

Favorite Movies:

English Movies:

Into the Wild - Directed by Sean Penn
Forrest Gump - Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Before Trilogy (Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, Before Midnight) - Directed by Richard Linklater
The Fault in Our Stars - Directed by Josh Boone
Midnight Sun - Directed by Scott Speer
The Shawshank Redemption - Directed by Frank Darabont
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - Directed by Michel Gondry
The Pursuit of Happyness - Directed by Gabriele Muccino
Life of Pi - Directed by Ang Lee
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Directed by Wes Anderson

Indian Movies:

Taare Zameen Par - Directed by Aamir Khan
Dangal - Directed by Nitesh Tiwari
Lagaan - Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker
Queen - Directed by Vikas Bahl
Udaan - Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara - Directed by Zoya Akhtar
Drishyam - Directed by Jeethu Joseph
Premam - Directed by Alphonse Puthren
Bangalore Days - Directed by Anjali Menon
Maheshinte Prathikaaram - Directed by Dileesh Pothan
Ustad Hotel - Directed by Anwar Rasheed
Charlie - Directed by Martin Prakkat
Kumbalangi Nights - Directed by Madhu C. Narayanan
Mumbai Police - Directed by Rosshan Andrrews
Neram - Directed by Alphonse Puthren
Take Off - Directed by Mahesh Narayanan

Tamil Movies:

Vikram Vedha - Directed by Pushkar–Gayathri
Kaakha Kaakha - Directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon
96 - Directed by C. Prem Kumar
Super Deluxe - Directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja
Vada Chennai - Directed by Vetrimaaran
Aruvi - Directed by Arun Prabu Purushothaman
Jigarthanda - Directed by Karthik Subbaraj
Pariyerum Perumal - Directed by Mari Selvaraj
Kannathil Muthamittal - Directed by Mani Ratnam
Visaaranai - Directed by Vetrimaaran

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One amazing thing I have done is embarking on an unforgettable adventure hiking and trekking through the picturesque landscapes of Uttarakhand, India. It was a journey that not only tested my physical endurance but also enriched my soul with breathtaking natural beauty and spiritual experiences.

The journey began with a trek to the Indian Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its vibrant blooms and lush meadows nestled amidst the Himalayan peaks. As I wandered through this floral paradise, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors and fragrances, I felt a profound connection to the pristine wilderness surrounding me.

Continuing onwards, I made my way to Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib, a revered Sikh pilgrimage site located at an altitude of over 15,000 feet. The challenging trek to reach this sacred shrine was rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the glacial lake and surrounding snow-capped peaks, as well as the serene atmosphere of devotion and tranquility at the gurudwara.

From there, I journeyed to the ancient town of Badrinath, situated along the banks of the holy Alaknanda River. Surrounded by majestic mountains, this spiritual hub is home to the revered Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The sense of reverence and spirituality that permeated the air left an indelible mark on my soul.

As I continued my expedition, I visited the sacred cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh, where the mighty Ganges River flows through the heart of these vibrant pilgrimage centers. Immersing myself in the rituals and prayers along the ghats, I felt a profound sense of peace and renewal wash over me, as if the sacred waters were cleansing my spirit.

One of the most memorable moments of my journey was hiking to the Mana village, known as India's last village before the Tibetan border. Here, I stood in awe as I gazed upon the majestic Saraswati River, its crystalline waters flowing gracefully amidst the rugged Himalayan terrain. Standing at the threshold of two nations, I was humbled by the raw beauty and timeless majesty of the mountains.

This adventure taught me the importance of perseverance, gratitude, and reverence for the natural world. It was a journey of self-discovery, spiritual awakening, and awe-inspiring encounters with the wonders of Mother Nature. Truly, it was one amazing thing I will cherish for a lifetime.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: I'm passionate about sharing my knowledge and experiences in biophysics, biotechnology, and molecular biology. As a Ph.D. scholar specializing in these fields, I can offer insights into various research methodologies, laboratory techniques, and scientific concepts. Additionally, I'm enthusiastic about sharing my travel experiences, particularly in exploring offbeat destinations and trekking adventures.

Learn: I'm always eager to expand my horizons and learn from others. I'm interested in gaining insights into diverse cultures, languages, and traditions through meaningful interactions with fellow travelers and hosts. Additionally, I'm keen on learning more about different approaches to photography, music, literature, and outdoor activities that align with my interests.

Share: I'm excited to share my passion for travel, adventure, and science with like-minded individuals. Whether it's discussing the latest advancements in biophysics, exchanging travel stories and tips, or collaborating on photography projects capturing the beauty of nature, I'm committed to fostering meaningful connections and mutual learning experiences through sharing knowledge, experiences, and perspectives.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Cultural Exchange: Share insights into Indian culture, traditions, festivals, and cuisine. You can offer to cook traditional Indian meals together or teach them how to prepare a dish from your region.

Language Lessons: Offer to teach them basic phrases or conversational Hindi, Kannada, or any other Indian languages you're proficient in. Language exchange can be a fun way to connect and learn from each other.

Travel Stories and Tips: Share your travel experiences, recommendations, and insider tips for exploring India, especially lesser-known destinations or offbeat trails. You can also provide guidance on navigating public transportation, finding accommodations, and staying safe while traveling.

Photography Skills: If you're passionate about photography, offer to share your skills and techniques with hosts. You can go on photo walks together, provide tips on composition and lighting, or even help them improve their smartphone photography skills.

Music and Literature: Share your favorite Indian music, movies, books, and literature with hosts. Introduce them to Bollywood classics, regional music genres, or contemporary Indian authors and poets.

Nature and Adventure: If your host is interested in outdoor activities, offer to take them on nature walks, hikes, or treks in nearby scenic spots. Share your knowledge of flora and fauna, and immerse yourselves in the beauty of nature together.

Science and Research: If your host is curious about your field of study, offer to share insights into biophysics, biotechnology, and molecular biology. You can discuss recent advancements, share interesting research findings, or even demonstrate basic laboratory techniques if feasible.

Hospitality and Friendship: Above all, offer your genuine hospitality, warmth, and friendship to your hosts. Make them feel welcome in your company, listen to their stories, and create memorable experiences together.

Countries I’ve Visited

France

Countries I’ve Lived In

India