Hey there! I’m a PhD researcher and course instructor currently living in the Canadian Rockies, right next to some of the most stunning turquoise lakes in Alberta. I teach journalism at the University and research on media and communication policy.

I was born in Himalayas and have great admiration and gratitude for nature, people and culture. During my school days, I was a Boy Scout and I’ve been exploring places and wilderness since I was 12. I feel each person I’ve met during traveling, every river crossed, mountains I've climbed, the films I’ve seen, and the cultures I’ve immersed myself in have together made the person I am today. My lessons have come not just from academic books (that I read for living), but from the shared journeys and wisdom of those I’ve encountered.

I also love being outdoors, whether it’s hiking, trail running, swimming, skiing (still learning), or just sitting quietly by a lake. Nature feels like home. Outside of work and adventure, I am a very good cook and love experimenting with new recipes, it’s one of my favorite ways to unwind and sharing food allows me to connect with people. I enjoy films and music from around the world, especially ones that linger with you long after they end.

The road means little without the people you meet on it. That’s why I cherish travel and I love Couchsurfing. It offers a rare chance to connect with people from all walks of life, stitching together moments of shared humanity. As Benedict Anderson (1983) might say, it feels like being part of an ‘imagined community’- strangers bound not by geography, but by a quiet sense of belonging.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

As a child, I was a Boy Scout and since then, I have been involved in volunteering, helping people, doing social service, and community development. It left an everlasting impact on my mind and it instilled deep love and respect for fellow human beings, admiration for nature and wildlife, that only gives but never expects anything in return. It taught me the value of continuously learning about our world and the importance of contributing positively to society. I still strive to follow these ideals and ethos in my life.

As I grew up and became more independent, I traveled more. But now, when I sit back and reflect, I realize that apart from enjoying new places, sights, food, languages, colors, sounds, and cultures, it made me humble. TRAVELLING MADE ME HUMBLE. Learning about the stories of people not only leaves a deep impact on my life but also enriches my understanding of humanity.

As life goes on, I cherish those memories and look forward to the opportunity to hear stories, make new friends, and have meaningful conversations with people from diverse backgrounds. Thanks for reading :)

Interests

• arts
• literature
• environment
• running
• news
• movies
• traveling
• podcasts
• quizzing
• fountain pens

Music, Movies, and Books

World Cinema: The Bicycle Thief (Ladri di biciclette), Past Lives, Little Forest (리틀 포레스트), A Seperation

Bollywood: Pyaasa, Kagaz ke Phool, Court, Three of Us.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I routinely donate blood for young Thalassemia patients.

Teach, Learn, Share

With my love for cooking, I can whip up delicious meals in the kitchen and share some of my favorite recipes with my hosts. I read a lot about food, and I'm always up for a culinary exchange, where we can cook together and exchange cooking tips and recipes. I'm keen on trying out local cuisines and learning about traditional dishes from my hosts, and I'm happy to help out with meal preparations during my stay.

My last fun experience was in Montreal, where I was to attend a conference and present my research but I also taught my host how to make naan bread.

What I Can Share with Hosts

As a social science researcher, knowledge is my bread and butter. I have perspectives on things, cultures and societies and I love engage in meaningful discussion about anything and everything over wine, coffee or just water. If you have a kid, I can help them with their term paper (LOL) and can also give academic guidance. I am saying because I reviewed the SOP of a host's kid in Philadelphia.

As an avid traveler, I have plenty of travel stories and experiences to share. I can talk about my adventures, share my Google Maps lists of the best restaurants in the cities I have visited, help you plan your upcoming trip, provide tips on budget travel and guerrilla packing, and brainstorm with you on which tourist traps to avoid at the next place your are visiting. I also love hearing about my host's travel experiences and getting local insights on hidden gems in the city I am visitng.

As a movie buff, we can talk about films and cinema and how movies have taught me so many things about the places I haven't visited. I can share my favourite movies and TV shows, and we can enjoy a movie together.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bhutan, Canada, Ethiopia, India, Israel, Nepal, Scotland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, India, Israel, Scotland, United Kingdom, United States