What was your vision in helping start Volunteer Quest India?
I’ve always thought that travel is more about the people you meet than the places you visit. My journey into the travel industry began as a way to connect with travelers and create unforgettable experiences.
When I found Volunteer Quest India, it felt like the perfect match for my passion for cultural exchange and making a positive impact.
Took a refreshing break in Rishikesh to dip my feet in the water during a work trip managing volunteer programs.
Why do you do what you do?
I do it because I truly enjoy the connections and friendships made when people come together over shared experiences.
Working with Volunteer Quest India lets me keep helping people connect with new cultures while making a real difference in local communities. My work with VQI has given me so many good memories to look back on and a feeling of gratitude.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
I’d tell myself to cherish every moment, even the tough ones. Each experience, good or bad, teaches you something valuable.
Stay open-hearted and open-minded, the world has so much to offer if you’re ready to connect with it. I'd also tell myself not to worry too much about the future, things will fall into place one way or the other :)
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
With Volunteer Quest India, it’s not just about volunteering, it’s about real experiences and genuine connections. We keep things small and personal, so you’re not just another face in the crowd.
A lot of program organisers feel distant, but we’re right there, making sure both volunteers and local communities actually benefit. You’ll see firsthand the difference you’re making, and that’s what’s so special about us.
On my annual skiing trip, I look forward to these throughout the year!
What is Volunteer Quest India's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our goal is simple—connect people and create real impact. We don’t just place volunteers anywhere—we work closely with communities and local NGOs to see what they actually need.
It’s not about ticking boxes or doing things just for show. Our focus is on projects that have a lasting effect, and we stay involved to make sure they keep running the right way. It’s about making a real difference, not just short-term help.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I want volunteers to go back from India with more than just travel memories—I want them to feel like they were part of something real and impactful.
It’s not just about volunteer work or travelling, it’s about learning, growing, and connecting with people from different backgrounds. The friendships we make, the small moments we experience, and the challenges we face all shape us in ways we can't even imagine.
I hope every volunteer leaves with a new perspective, a sense of purpose, and stories they’ll carry for life.
All suited up to give a talk on the importance of voluntourism in global tourism.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling opens your mind in a way nothing else can. When you step into a new culture, you see the world differently.
You learn to appreciate different ways of life, question your own assumptions, and grow in ways you wouldn’t back home. It’s not just about sightseeing—it’s about meeting people, sharing experiences, and realizing how much we all have in common.
In the end, it makes you more understanding, more adaptable, and more connected to the world.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel for me means adventure and friendships. For me, travel is taking the path less traveled, full of excitement and exhilarating new experiences.
Being an extrovert, I also love meeting new people on my travels, and for me, a friend is for a lifetime. There have been so many cases when I've made a friend while traveling and they have come to stay with me when visiting Delhi, where I live.
