In November 2023, we boarded a flight to India — a trip we had been planning since the beginning of the year. It came in the wake of personal circumstances that left us feeling compelled to explore this region of the world. At first, we didn’t have a clear journey in mind, but we knew our purpose: to document and tell stories.

Back then, we were in the midst of creating Background. While still unnamed, the project already had a clear sense of purpose and direction. It was less about the where and more about the why: uncovering narratives, capturing moments, and connecting with the world around us.

And yet, some places resonate in ways that go beyond the stories we seek. India, with its kaleidoscope of contrasts, wasn’t just a backdrop for our journey—it became a teacher. As we searched for narratives to tell, we found ourselves drawn into the energy of a country that defies expectations, offering not just moments of visual impact but profound lessons on how to see and live life differently.‍

India is a land of contrasts. It’s a place where where chaos and serenity coexist in a delicate, mesmerizing balance. The streets are alive with an unrelenting energy—vivid colors, the cacophony of honking rickshaws, and the aroma of spices wafting through the air. Yet, amidst the hustle, there’s a profound sense of calm in its spiritual corners, an openness that invites connection.

This generosity of spirit seems boundless, as we discovered when we were invited to join a ceremony led by a local guru. It wasn’t just an act of hospitality; it was a moment of shared experience, where we were welcomed as if we belonged, despite being strangers. We share a simple meal, and partake in a deeply spiritual moment. It was a small act that reminded us how human connection doesn’t require elaborate explanations—just a willingness to share. Even now, I can recall the aroma that filled that tiny house and the unforgettable taste of the food offered to us.

At the same time, this generosity exists alongside stark realities. The streets are overwhelmed with trash, and in the midst of it, thousands of children grow and play. Among them, we met Sunny, a young boy who lives alone in a temple. He lost his entire family. His story is a painful reminder of the inequalities that shape India. Despite his hardships, Sunny offered us something priceless: his time, his curiosity, and a resilience that was palpable in his gaze. These experiences confront us with what we often overlook: how many people like him are forgotten every day?

The contrast between beauty and hardship is everywhere. The Ganges River, revered as sacred, is also one of the most polluted rivers in the world. At dawn, its waters shimmer with hues of gold, reflecting the first light of the sun and the devotion of those who gather along its ghats.

Social castes still dictate destinies, and women face limitations rooted in traditions rarely questioned. This rigid hierarchy, rooted in centuries-old traditions, continues to influence access to education, employment opportunities, and even marriage prospects. For many, birth determines the trajectory of their future, creating an invisible but unyielding boundary between what is possible and what is forbidden.

These systemic inequalities are deeply intertwined with environmental issues, as marginalized communities often bear the brunt of ecological harm. Birth determines access not only to opportunities but also to safe environments. This is a stark reminder that environmental justice is inseparable from social justice.

In cities, glimpses of progress emerge. Young people challenging norms, inter-caste marriages defying conventions. However, in rural areas, the caste system remains an unspoken law, and the fight for environmental reform is often sidelined by the immediate struggle for survival.

Organizations rooted in indigenous knowledge and local traditions are blending ecological science with cultural practices to restore rivers and landscapes. These efforts go beyond environmental concerns, aiming to empower marginalized communities historically excluded from such conversations. India’s intertwined environmental and social challenges amplify one another, but they also offer immense potential for change, showing that justice for the earth is inseparable from justice for its people.
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India showed us that even in challenging environments, there’s always room to offer something: a smile, a greeting, a moment of connection. This generosity, rooted in a land of contrasts, mirrors the resilience of its people and the lessons found in its complexities.

Traveling through India isn’t just about discovering a different place; it’s about questioning your certainties. It’s in witnessing how communities facing social and environmental challenges continue to share and connect that we learned life can be simpler and still profoundly meaningful. That giving isn’t measured by abundance but by intention. And that, sometimes, the most profound lessons — about justice, connection, and sustainability — emerge from the simplest acts of care.