Interacted with thousands of people on AI, travelled to 2 countries, 8 Districs, 3 states and drove 4000+ KMs.

The call came from Gautam, friend and founder of Patkai Himalaya Foundation. “Pack your bags, we’re travelling in North-East India for a month,” he said. It was for an assignment with IISc(Project Vaani)—we needed to gather speech samples from 18 districts across the region. Without hesitation, I said, “Hell, yeah!” The project felt like National Geographic meets tech startup, promising adventure and purpose in equal measure.

Post-Holi, I found myself in Karbi Anglong, ready to embark on what would become a transformative journey. Over the next 50 days, we covered 4000+ kilometers across two countries, eight districts, and three states, fueled by countless cups of chai.

I was returning to the North-East after 12 years, carrying a mix of curiosity, thrill, and nervousness. It felt like meeting an old friend who’d had a complete glow-up. The roads were smoother, the internet faster, yet the warmth of the people remained unchanged, creating an immediate sense of familiarity.

Interestingly, despite my post-pandemic social anxiety, I never felt it during this trip. Perhaps it was because I was constantly engaging with people—from remote villagers to enthusiastic college students—becoming something of an extroverted AI evangelist in the process.

The food was undoubtedly the highlight of the journey. I savored exotic dishes whose names I couldn’t pronounce, discovered drinks that challenged my palate, and experienced flavors that made my tongue dance with joy. During various cultural events, I met incredibly creative individuals—singers, painters, and poets who opened my eyes to the region’s rich artistic heritage.

Celebrating Rongali Bihu was particularly special. It reinforced something I’d begun to notice: North-East India doesn’t just live sustainably—it celebrates sustainability. Whether it’s food, festivals, or daily life, everything is rooted in harmony with nature. This philosophy taught me profound life lessons and gave me a newfound appreciation for the region.

Those 50 days served as a reality check. I observed how people in the North-East live simply, celebrate often, and respect deeply. They don’t just find joy—they actively create it. This approach stands in stark contrast to our often linear, goal-obsessed urban lives.

The experience reminded me of Mick Jagger’s words: “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you might find you get what you need.” I discovered exactly what I needed during this journey—perspective, connection, and a deeper understanding of what it means to truly live.

By the end of the trip, I had gained a second home in Karbi Anglong, a heart full of gratitude, and a head full of stories. These weren’t just travel anecdotes, but stories about people, AI, and the magic that happens when you step outside your comfort zone.

This adventure deserves more than just one blog post. It’s a testament to long breaks, long roads, and the kind of experiences that remind you to live a little—or, in my case, a lot.

Stay tuned for more stories from this incredible journey.