Hello and Namaste!

I am Spurthi from India. I am a native Telugu speaker and a generally over-enthusiastic person full of life. I am a proud ecofeminist and believe in living a life full of purpose and meaning (although I am nowhere near and have been on this journey forever!)

Professionally, I carry over a decade's experience in the Indian development sector. I've worked with corporate sector, NGOs, UN agencies, and various governments at village, state and national level on community-based water and sanitation services as well as menstrual and hand hygiene. I am currently pursuing my PhD at University of Leeds, UK.

Some interesting things about me:
- I invested a year post my Masters in traveling across India, volunteering with different NGOs to find a cause closest to my heart.
- I love connecting people to causes. Also, people to people.
- I constantly challenge gender stereotypes at home by engaging with my family, even though they are mostly uncomfortable conversations.
- I am currently learning YouTubing and want to be an influencer covering diverse cultures, cuisines, causes and friendships.

Что привело меня на Couchsurfing

For stories and friends. I strongly believe stories connect people and cultures. I am super curious to learn about different cultures, especially through a gender lens. Also, as a foodie - dive into the different cuisines this world has to offer!
Of course for safe accommodation while I explore different places.

Интересы

• public policy
• social work
• sustainability
• social media
• ecofeminism
• changemaking

Музыка, кино и книги

1. Book recommendations from 2019.
https://www.shethepeople.tv/home-top-video/books-that-helped-me-find-my-feminism/

2. Five must-watch feminist movies (recommendations covering the world film)
https://confusedsocialworker.blogspot.com/2018/10/5-must-watch-movies-this-season.html

Классная вещь, которую я сделал(-а)

- Traveled across 20 States of India!
- Campaigned for 3 years and formed a citizen collective to get a statutory body functional in my home State!
- Got married traditionally with a modern twist, convincing an orthodox family on both sides, leaving an example of a less-waste wedding. Ended up being covered by all of local media for our efforts!
- Tend to make dance videos with people from different cultures. (May way of sharing favourite bits from my culture)

Учу, учусь, делюсь опытом и информацией

Teach
- Brush Lettering
- Pursuing higher education - tips
- Gender studies
- Digital campaigning/ influencing

Learn
- Anything on culture and sustainability

Чем я могу поделиться с хостами

- Fascinating stories from my decade's experience of working in the Indian development sector
- Insights from activism, advocacy, policy
- Can conjure upto 100 vegan dishes (mostly Indian cuisine)
- Film/ Series recommendations
- Offer Social Media/ Organizational skills
- Dance lessons | Suryanamaskars (Yoga)
- And just lots of positive energy

Где я побывал(-а)

Denmark, Indonesia, Netherlands, United Kingdom

Где я жил(-а)

India, United Kingdom