From rural roots to the charm of Poland

Life often moves forward with our daily routines, yet it still craves something more. I applied for the Wikimania 2024 scholarship for the first time but faced the disappointment of rejection. Initially, I was disheartened when I received the email, and I had all but let go of the idea of attending Wikimania. However, I soon realized that setbacks aren’t the end. To my great joy, I was selected by CIS-A2k after being rejected by the Wikimania Scholarship selection committee. This experience reaffirmed that hope is resilient and always alive.

Passport and Visa

Since I didn’t have a passport at the time, I quickly completed the application and waited for it to arrive. Throughout the visa process, Nitesh ji, Nivas ji, Madini ma’am, and Pavan ji from the CIS-A2k team provided invaluable guidance, helping me organize all the necessary documents and ensuring every detail was correct. Although I had some doubts after hearing that some applicants had their visas rejected, I remained hopeful. After 17 days of anticipation, finally i got my visa, reaffirming once again that hope never dies.

The journey

It was a journey filled with excitement and joy. My first international flight truly gave wings to my dreams. Departing from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, I was joined by Sujata ma’am from Bangla Wikisource and Ramajit from Santali Wikipedia, who made the entire trip so enjoyable. Sujata ma’am felt like a guiding presence, while Ramajit was like a twin brother. The Frankfurt airport was massive, and without their company, I surely would have felt lost. Together, we made our way and finally reached Katowice, Poland, late in the evening. Despite being tired and hungry, the thrill of the journey overshadowed any discomfort, and we captured a few snaps to make it a memory we wouldn’t soon forget.

Flavor of Assam

Amidst all the excitement, one of my primary goals at Wikimania was to introduce a small yet meaningful slice of Assam to the global stage. I wanted to share not just my presence, but also the essence of my culture. On the very first day, I embraced my roots by donning traditional Assamese attire—a reflection of my pride in where I come from. Along with that, I made sure to place some of Assam’s signature sweets, the beloved Pithas, on the event’s sweet table. I also brought two Japi, our traditional Assamese headgear, often used as cultural emblems, and placed them on display for artifact collectors.

For many, these gestures might have appeared minor in the grand scheme of such an international event. However, for a village boy like me, they held immense significance. Bringing these items halfway across the world to an international gathering was not just about sharing food or artifacts—it was about representing my homeland, my culture, and my community in a space where it could be appreciated by people from diverse backgrounds. It felt like I was carrying the spirit of Assam with me, offering it as a gift to the world.

To my delight, by the second day, all the Pithas were gone. It filled my heart with joy to know that a part of my culture had been embraced, even in a small way. This simple act of sharing made me realize that no matter how far we go, we always carry our roots with us, and it’s the small, heartfelt gestures that often leave the most lasting impressions.

Bridging Worlds: Lessons from a Journey

The entire arrangement was a delightful surprise for me. Over the course of four days, I immersed myself in approximately 13 sessions, each offering new perspectives and invaluable knowledge. What struck me most was witnessing how people from various countries, speaking different languages, all shared a common pride in volunteering for their cultural heritage. It was truly inspiring to see individuals from around the globe, all united by the same goal: to preserve and promote their roots through Wikimedia.

I felt a deep sense of pride for my mother tongue during these moments, as I watched others celebrate their own languages and traditions. It was a powerful reminder of the significance of our individual identities within the global community. Beyond the sessions, I had the opportunity to make new friends, engage in conversations with people from diverse backgrounds, and exchange ideas that broadened my understanding of our shared mission.

As a collector, I was thrilled to gather coins and postal stamps from different countries—each a small but meaningful token of the global connections I made. But what truly warmed my heart was the sight of a strong contingent of Indian Wikimedians. Their presence was not just comforting but empowering, and it made Katowice feel unexpectedly like home. Seeing so many of my fellow countrymen representing India on an international platform filled me with pride and reaffirmed the strength of our community.

These four days were more than just a learning experience; they were a celebration of cultural diversity, collaboration, and the shared commitment to preserving the world’s knowledge. I walked away not just with new knowledge but with a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.

A Cup of Assam Tea

As I’ve mentioned before, after a marathon journey, we finally arrived at our hotel late the next day. Exhausted and hungry, I decided to go for the classic traveler’s trio: a burger, chicken kebab, and some salads. But as I looked at this foreign spread, I felt like I was on a cooking show with a mystery basket—unsure of what to eat or what might agree with my stomach.

The next morning, I was greeted by a buffet so grand it could have been mistaken for a royal feast. Instead of excitement, I felt a wave of dread. What should I pile on my plate? Would my stomach, used to the spicy embrace of Indian food, survive this adventure? After a cautious scan, I managed to spot a few items that seemed vaguely familiar.

The biggest letdown, however, was the lack of a simple cup of tea. Back home, tea is more than a drink; it’s a warm hug in a cup. To my utter relief, amid the exotic teas, I found Darjeeling and Assam tea bags. My heart did a little happy dance as I pocketed about ten of them, as if I had just discovered hidden treasure. That first cup of Assam tea was a luxury, a tiny taste of home amidst the culinary chaos.

Still, adapting to foreign cuisine proved tricky. After three days without rice—a staple of my diet—I told my mom over the phone, “Mom, I haven’t had rice in three days!” She laughed and said, “Had I known, I would’ve sent you some KUMOL SAUL (soft rice, which need just some hot water to make it edible) with your luggage.”

On the last day, they served an “Asian” lunch, which turned out to be a Polish version of Asian food—mild and missing the spices I craved. Yet, with no other options, I ate what was available. Navigating this sea of unfamiliar food was a challenge, but it showed me that food is more than just nourishment; it’s a connection to our roots and culture, even if it means making do with a less-than-spicy buffet.