Namaste! My name is Madhav Sharma, a 28 year old traveler, explorer and wanderer. I am one of the few lateral entrants to the Government of India, and I currently work at the Government's think tank, NITI Aayog, as a young policy professional.

Very early in my life, I was struggling with learning disability, lagging behind my class as well as getting bullied. As I grew up, I started to take a keen interest in areas outside of academia, the things that connected me to nature and allowed me to be outdoors.

My Volunteering Endeavours:
Throughout my life, I have always done social work for the empowerment of the marginalised communities and sections. volunteer for Action for Autism, an Indian not-for-profit that provides support and services to persons with autism and their families, and to create an environment in India in which people with ASD are able to grow to their full potential. Further, I have volunteered for Make A Difference, an Indian non-profit organisation working to ensure better outcomes for children in orphanages and shelters across India, as an Academic Support Volunteer and assisted children pursuing their +2s in school with studies and career development. Currently, I volunteer for NavGurukul, a non-profit organization that teaches young girls from marginalized sections of the society to code by introducing programming and equipping them with the right skill sets, and thereby ensuring a level playing field in the employment market. I often participate and volunteer in social drives and campaigns to keep myself rooted with social causes.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I believe Couchsurfing is such a great place to make connections with people. We are a group of people who came together to offer our homes, share our stories and discover meaningful connections.

This is why I am here, I want to make friendships that transcends geographical borders.

Interests

My learning disabilities during childhood as made me really curious about things. Learning for me has always been about knowledge and enlightenment. It has been an avenue for me to explore different walks of life. I love the idea of travelling to a different city and engage in self-exploration. I have always been someone who would like outdoorsy things - trekking and mountaineering has taught me a lot and has made me who I am today.

I love tennis! You'll find me in one of the courts in Delhi in the morning!

Professionally, I work at the intersection of technology and public policy. As a former data scientist who jumped ship to use my data skills for public policy, I have worked towards finding solutions to pressing global and national policy issues

• tennis
• public policy
• travel
• trekking
• science fiction
• data science
• films and filmmaking

Music, Movies, and Books

When it comes to my music, I am a bit of an old soul. I like the pre-2000s music, mostly rock and roll and R&B. In fact, I am going to a Paul McCartney concert in Boston this summer!

I absolutely love films! All kinds! I love to know more about how movies are made, the direction, cinematography, production and everything! I try to watch all movies from that lens

Lately, I have taken a keen interest in science fiction novels. I love reading Khaled Hosseini, Dan Brown, Frank Herbert!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

So many things come to mind! I believe every little part of our lives should be filled with amazement!

If I have to pick one, it would be my first solo trip in Bali back in 2017! I was scared, excited, nervous and at the end of my adventure, a new person

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach - Programming, Indian Culture
Learn - Healing, self-love, life
Share - Experiences and moments together (with food!)

What I Can Share with Hosts

I would bring treasure trove of Indian sweets and snacks that you will instantly fall in love with! And don't worry, it's not gonna be too spicy or anything!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Czech Republic, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Singapore

Countries I’ve Lived In

India