Indian culture with Nunika

 Fashion student Nunika, hailing from Delhi, India, dives into her journey of living in the UK as an international student. Tune in as she shares the vibrant contrasts between life in the UK and Indian culture. Don’t miss her unique insights and experiences! 

This episode was recorded at Guru Nanak Gurdwara And Sikh Cultural Centre - Stoke on Trent, and we would like to extend our thanks for the hospitality we recieved. 

Transcript

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Welcome back to series day of the Student Connect podcast. I'm Tiffany and I'm Danny, and we're your host for today's episode. This podcast is created in association with Staffordshire University and is hosted by your student content team. It is a student led podcast sharing the experiences of students progressing throughout university education and inviting experts from a variety of life topics. In this series, we are exploring cultures to grow our understanding and deepen our knowledge about the diverse backgrounds that make up our community. We want you to help shape the series, so if you'd like to join us as a guest. Email us on comms at staff DACA UK or drop at Staffs Uni a DM on any form of social media. Along the way, we will endeavor to share our honest stories, sometimes too honest. So how to educate and discover more about other cultures? There may be some sensitive topics that are discussed. We feel that these are really important to share to help raise awareness of the issues that we go over. If at any point we use incorrect terminology, please be rest assured that this is not meant to cause offense and we are just trying to educate ourselves. So without further ado, let's get straight into it. Hi. Hi. I hope it's out. I just hope you're not Bob. Yeah. All right, Bob, get rolling for you. Yeah, it was an. It's my last episode, so I'll cry. I'm holding back tears. no. So I'm also graduating to. And I really know it's scary. I know we're adults. I know we all I know. Oh, well. Don't worry. how would you feel about graduation coming up? Absolutely terrifying. I'm so excited. I could go. You know, it's a bit bittersweet. Like I'm happy, but it's all over. I've done this big achievement. I can go away, celebrate. But that means I'm entered into the real world. Yeah, that is not for me. Yeah, it's almost like. It's weird in a way, because, you know, to me, life is kind of like a second home. It's not really comfortable. And then you graduate and then you're like, oh, right. Yeah, yeah. And that's sort of what I'm realizing at the moment. I'm like, okay, so it is, it is scary. It is scary. But I've made it this far. You have to. So it should be proud. Come to you. so yeah. Final assignments going. Yeah. They're all right around it in the other day. I've got one more thing, which is a presentation. and then. Yeah. And then at the end. So that's it. That's in two weeks time. And then at the end of that week, I go away to Indonesia for four weeks, which you get to see on our social media. Make sure you stay tuned. That's gonna be exciting. And I am unbelievably, unbelievably anxious. Shock, horror for anyone. Surprise, surprise that I'm saying that. but I'm also really excited. Yeah, and I'm glad I've taken that uncomfortable staff and just said, you know, just go for it. It's what you need. You need to push yourself. Especially because Graduation's coming to the end. And of course, you're entering like that world where it's you going to be dependent. And that's pretty much thrown you into the deep end. Yeah. So once you've done that, yeah, I'm really look forward to it. I really look forward to it. a lot of it is gone. It's gone as well because I'll be learning a lot new cultures. And I'm gonna keep saying I'll come back as a different person, and I can I can see why she's saying that as well. because obviously I'll, I'll just, just I keep telling her about my anxieties, and I think she's getting a bit, like, down. Just calm down. But, But no, it's really good. Really good. so. Yeah. So, like we said, this is our penultimate episode together between me and Saskia. so, Tiff, what's been one of your highlights of doing this together? What's been what's what's one thing you've gained? Gained? Definitely confidence. And, like like, I remember the first time I did like the episode, I was like, oh my God. Like really, really nervous. But now I just kind of like come in and say, yeah, yeah. And it's nice and chill like that anxiety about it. Isn't that really what we really call off on? Yeah, because I am I mean, remember at first, I did my move, Alex and I just remember I said, like 1 or 2 things here, there. And, you know, the problem was I was just overthinking what to say. Whereas now I don't even think about what I'm going to say half the time. I just say it, if it's, you know, the reason for, and I think it's about like the confidence even if, like, it's not as noticeable on the podcast, but outside of the podcast. But when it comes to doing other things, like interviewing people or just speaking to people in network, it, skyrocketed in that it's like personal and professional development that, yeah, that's cool. But of course, because it's your last episode, I want to know what it's like. What are your highlights? Is there a like a funny moment or anything that you you'll never forget? A funny moment? it's quite a feat if, I mean, if you've obviously started filming a lot with video, like some of the people out in the background. Yeah, there was one where we is one of the first recorded ones we did, and it's just. Yeah, the guy just gave us two. Just started laughing. Just said I was like, okay, that, And I saw, like, the lawnmowers. And then, like you said, about the, deficit with the Spitfire, the just, school group just come in. but, yeah, like, I, I, I've enjoyed every minute of it. And, the reason why I became a content creator was to put myself in uncomfortable situations because I didn't, like, see myself on camera. I didn't like to be filmed. I didn't like any of that. Like public speaking, really. And, like, now I'll do anything. And if I got paid in that good. Yeah. So. Yeah. that's what the one of the reasons why I did it and like, now I've, I've, I know that I've come on very far and I'm glad. I'm glad I've done this. Yeah. I've got a, like I said, funny moments. But you didn't say that one I thought you were going to say. Because my funny moment of yours is when we were at the chat field for your episode as a guest, and you kept getting attacked by that flight of attacked by, because I was trying my hardest to, like, keep it going. But every time I spoke, it came back and you were like, yeah, he was. He was out to get me. It wasn't out that at me. But Yeah. No, no, no, that was a good episode. Spare was. Yeah. and I tell you a lot of things about this podcast been given the opportunity to talk about my own experience, which is really good. And I've, I've learned so much of, like, just so many different people. and then I still see them, people around campus and, like, it's cool because you just, you just. I love to learn about other people, you know, in, like, there experiences and that this podcast is perfect because it gives you that opportunity. Yeah, 100%, 100%. With the podcast reviews. Reviews are very, very important. In fact, they're quite key. so we want you viewers or listeners or listeners to discriminate. We can't wait to see who's listening. I always forget you. Always forget. I would really love to know what you think. If you're listening on Spotify and Apple, please rate our podcast, please. and if you're watching us on YouTube, make sure to like, subscribe, and drop a comment about anything that you've enjoyed so far about the podcast. Yes. So in this series we are sharing with some awesome places across Staffordshire. As we discover more about cultures and backgrounds from our community. Today we are at Guru Nanak Gurdwara and Sikh Cultural Center situated in Stoke, just a short walk from campus. And we're here today to chat with such a fashion student and content creator, unica, about Indian culture and being caught up with Sikh influence in her life. So let's let Lineker explain a bit more. Okay, so welcome to the podcast as a guest. can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Sure. First of all, thank you. and. Yeah. So, I'm an international student. I study fashion, as you guys already mentioned, a part of the graduating cohort amongst all of us, which is really, really nerve wracking because, like, yeah, we're we're all getting to the finish line or to, and I'm Indian, which is why we're here, bro. So we're here today at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara and C Cultural Center. Can you tell us little bit about why we're here specifically? so I, born and brought up with a family where my dad's side of the family is, like, sick. And my mom's side of the family is Hindu, so. But my belief sort of lies along with the Sikh side of things. So with the Gurdwara, so that's why we say over. so could you tell us a little bit more about your upbringing in India and what that was like? sure. I feel like I'm going to disappoint my parents a lot when I say this, but we live in a massive family of ten people. because you'll say that's not massive enough, but it's. It's a big family. where and I live with, like, my cousins and stuff. So it's a nice little big group. and my, it's a nice mix because everyone kind of has their own take on their faith, which is quite interesting, I think. although my mom's a Hindu, she believes a lot with a mix of both things, and she's been to Catholic school, so it brings in an entirely different perspective. and then with my dad, he believes more in the sex side of things. And although my uncles also think he believes more on the Hindu side of things. Yeah. So it's, you know, secular. Yeah. Would you say it's quite relaxed and to not relax, but like, you know, it's not such like put on to let's even, like, follow this. You kind of get where I'm coming from on this one. And that one's kind of up to you to make your own choice with that. Yeah. I feel the right way to do it. Yeah. Yeah. Definitely is. I think the, the cool thing about being at home is, everyone kind of has just taken their own path with it. So I kind of do a mix of both. Yeah. Which my mom finds really interesting. And I have this conversation with very often, because I'll do a, I'll do some things that I follow or some, some that I follow them. and it's just, I think it's just a way of kind of taking my lead on it. And my friends are okay with it, which is good for me, because you should have your own sort of interpretation and feeling to it, because it makes it more personalized to you. Slamming. Next question following up with that is, has that how sort of like your belief is that made it feel stronger because it's sort of you drive in that in a way. Yeah. I think it just it really helps because when you were the one that's sort of the driving force of what you believe in, and you're kind of finding your own way with it. it becomes a lot easier to say what's wrong and what's right. And I think that's. Oh, pretty controversial, because with most religions, there's a big conversation of this is the right thing to do, and that's the wrong thing to do. Yeah. And when you're kind of following a mix and you're kind of making your own as you go, you kind of make your own rules. Yeah. And so can you share some of the kind of cultural traditions or practices from today that have had a significant impact on you? Like, yeah. So that like you explore a couple of different faiths. So do you adopt different traditions from each or how does that work? Which ones are special to you? So we kind of celebrate a mix of both things, which is, interesting because like if dates don't clash, which is great. Yeah. Which is amazing because then it'd be a big problem. but we really, we celebrate divinely. Like, that's our big festival at home. We pray and, you know, we have a nice big feast and stuff. and we also like, if there's a a sick festival to say it would also celebrate that, like the kernel of Jayanti, which is the birth of one of the gurus. and we go to the guru, the order for it. So we kind of celebrate a nice little mix of both to say. And I think being here is, an entirely different perspective that I've taken because I didn't realize some of the things aren't very common. So, like with us, it's really normal to have everyone has a temple in their house. Everyone has a tiny little mini like prayer section or temple, and that's not something that's common here. and I didn't actually realize that up until I was asked to be on the podcast. And I was like, oh, wait, like, that's that's not a thing at all, because you don't realize these things until you actually sit down to think about it. Right, right. And that's quite cool. Now makes you think. Done it. But again, no amount of matches. I mean, like how it is. You mean just like around surrounds, like homes? Yeah, that's a whole lot. Everyone's Holmes is different to like that. So. But at least an open joint I mean like. But as you. Yeah. Around the world it's all different. Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah I'm. I'm not. I'm not talking about my brain. Yeah. Sorry. It's about like, slow speed. For someone that's, never been, to die like myself, feel again, like Tiff or even like some of the viewers or listeners. Can you sort of describe what it would be like if someone else or viewers visit about what would it be like? And also a lot, how does it differ? Oh, okay. So let us I'll start with the first question. It's and if I had to describe it in like two key words, it's very vibrant. It's busy. And I have to do a third. And that's the food's amazing. And I kind of just have to do that because it's not even a keyword. It's the full sentence. She doesn't. Yeah. I think that's the one thing that I miss most. Yeah. But the most incredible thing, and I think something that's very common between Stoke and Delhi is the mutual respect for people. Yeah. Which is, common across a lot of cities. and it's really cool that that happens here. Like if you walk down the street, someone's going to like, say hello and like, there's a lot of mutual respect you, which I think is really. Did you feel that like because obviously of you being an international student, and like when you moved to state that you were slightly, like, welcomed, by what? Obviously. But people that you obviously never spoke to before, did you feel like welcomed? See, that's really tricky because when I came, I was it was Covid, so I was I was locked in for quite a big amount of time. So when I did come out, and I'm quite, you know, very blessed that I'm a bit well-traveled. so I kind of knew if I'm walking down the street in someone smiling, I mean, it's okay, which isn't okay for a lot of other people. Like, they don't realize if it's out school to see if it's just kindness or if they're going to ask you something and you're just, you know, like, tricky enough in that situation. Yeah. because I've met a couple of friends of mine who were in the UK for the first time ever and they said, oh, we just walked on the street in someone's of this, and I didn't know what to do. And I was like, oh, what? Like, why? Why are you smiling at me? Like, are they gonna ask me something or are they gonna approach me after this? What's. Why are you smiling at me? but I think that's that's something that's very common as well. So. Yeah. The common courtesy. Yeah, yeah, yeah, as someone called you. Yeah. Yes. Oh, my buddy had the biggest shock of my life because I walked out and it was a coffee, and I got my coffee, and she's like, She's like, is that all dark or something? And I had to look to the right to my friend just got, did she just coming down? Yeah. I'm I'm not. Okay. And she said, yeah, it's the term of endearment. And you should be like, happy that you feel okay. And I'm quite lit like I want to I would, I would be excited if it happened earlier in my journey and it hasn't happened enough now that I don't even need to know about it. Kind of cytokines. We need to do better. He's not disappointed in us. But like I think it's important. Like you talk about the experience because I think like you, traveling internationally can be a big thing. But then to do that during like Covid and then having to also like move to different countries and understand how challenging is not just like someone like me, I would really struggle with like, you have to you don't want to be like, no, like I always wanted to move. I knew I always wanted to move, and, it was my dad who was kind of hard to convince. My mom was always on my side, which is, you know, but, yeah, with my dad, it was a it was going to be a really big conversation with my dad because my cousins are sort of like, I don't call my cousins my cousins. It's disrespectful. Like all my cousins. My brothers. Yeah. so when I say that for him, all four of us are just absolutely equal. And, and I'm the youngest one, so none of them have traveled. Yeah. So he's just like, oh, you're the youngest one. You're the only girl and you're going to do this. And it's not a matter of looking down on you and you're going to do this. It's a matter of I'm so concerned you're going to do this. Wow. so I did foundation at home for any. And I did that to show my dad that I'm actually dedicated. I really love person. Like, I really want to do this. I got good grades, which is, which is something that's very A+ in the Indian culture. If you get good grades, you're in the good books. Yeah. That's good. so once I got that sorted, I was like, oh, look, a book of dreams. I got an acceptance letter. It's just going to happen. Like I didn't even apply. I just got an acceptance letter. I mean, just like, when did you apply? like like last summer. When? Okay, we're going to we're going to talk about this in a minute, and then things just kind of worked out. Yeah. We started we talked to him. He he loved it. And he was like, I'm I'm so happy, you know what you did. And I'm so glad that that's what that is. Are you going to take that step? I'm very like, I would be a very different person if I did. Yeah. and I'm not saying bad or good, but I think just dating. Yeah, yeah, I think I'm just glad to hear you say, because it's the stove effect, just like the effect and talking about your degree and education, obviously, we said at the beginning that you study fashion. Yeah. And so has your Indian heritage influenced your approach to fashion and design? I've so far this year, actually, if I'm speaking very specifically, for my FMB, I chose to be inspired by my background and I chose that as like the big thing that I want to do. I want to like, bring that in. I want to bring the culture and I want to talk about it. So for the dissertation I wrote about the story, so it was just how it's like evolved, where it's cut, where it comes from, the original stuff like that, a step to him. Yeah. So he, and then for the actual like final major project, which was my designed and constructed collection, I took inspiration from Indian, where I took inspiration from the architecture, the culture, jewelry, all of that. And I kind of just brought it together and did my research based off of that. What I've made is something very Western. but I think that's what that's what I'm trying to approach. I'm trying to approach the future. Yeah, that makes sense. That's cool. So is fashion always been sort of like a big but, sort of passion thing? Not to not to, like, make that romantic, you know? But, you know, to me, because I was a lot like minded, was a lot about teaching and education has a lot. But for like for me, that's been since like, quite young. Would you say that? Same with you. Yeah. Fashion. Yeah. Yeah. It's it's very similar. I feel like I wouldn't know what else I wanted to do if I wasn't studying fashion, so. Really long time ago. I want to like, study English and, like, you know, be a writer or something. and I brought that up with my dad because I thought that would get me, you know, good points. In his book, I was seen something really, like, cool and stuff, and he was just like, okay, sure. Like, that's what you want to be. And like, a month later, when I was like, about to finish high school, I went back and I said, I actually wanted to design, and he looked back and he said, well, I'm still happy. yeah. Alongside like, why not I to choose something else, like, why do you have to choose something that's hard? And I was like, I don't know. I thought like that would give me good points. And he's like, you know, just do what you what you want to do. And I was like, okay, cool. I want to study fashion. Yeah. yeah. Let's not look back ever since. And I don't regret to run with it. Yeah, yeah. I would say your family's been a really, like, cool part of that. Like, support and push for you to. Yeah. Follow. Well, not follow but go down that route. Oh, extremely. I don't think I could have done it without any one of my family members, including dogs and I don't like to talk about sports from everyone. but yeah, I like to this date, I will I will call my mom and dad every single day. just to say even if it's just to say hello or just, like, do a quick run does oh, this doesn't work out. And I try this and whatever you like. Yeah. but yeah, I make it I make it a point. And I think that comes from the fact that there's a lot of support. Yeah, I know that if I fall back that there is someone holding my back. Yeah, yeah. And I think that's that's of it, which is I see that's the good thing about being in a family of ten people. There's different people you go to for different things. Yeah, yeah. So if you, you know, you're like not doing too well on a module. I know which brother to call because I know he hasn't done well in school yet. So I know that kind of support that I got. And then if I'm doing really well, I know which one to call because he gets it. And so that's, that's nice. I've got my pick from the world. Nice. That was my safety plan. Yeah, yeah. Those are. So are there any misconceptions about Indian fashion or culture that you want to address for your work? Like is there any kind of element of fashion design that you want to use as like a platform? I think one of the biggest things that are sort of misunderstood is the fact that Indian clothing is just limited to the story. And I want to really expand on that. There is not just a sari, there's a langa, there's a sharara, there's a there's way more. There's a suit. so there's way more than just a sorry, but obviously I, I understand and respect the fact that that's the one that's popularized and that's amazing, isn't it? Because it's across the world now you see everywhere. Yeah, yeah. but I remember watching, I think, one of the shows and the girl, she's trying to, like, address Indian wear, and she keeps saying sorry when she's wearing a line. And I'm like, I'm so disappointed because I'm glad you're taking on the world and you're trying to like, showcase Indian culture, but you know, you're the wrong way. You may as well teach them something like, you know, rather than being apologetic about yeah, yeah, yeah yeah yeah. Oh, look, I want it. Well that's the big one. But that's good. That's good that you recognize that. Yeah. Making that push for it. Yeah. Because I mean like taking that step of being different. Yeah. Say like not that applies to anything like I saw in that film and TV and radio, you know, taking them steps where you do something different. That's what makes you stand out. Yeah. That's why people want to be different. But, you know. So yeah, be different. Be so yeah. Like, oh, I've just like finished editing my first ever short film. And even though it's got nothing to do with Birmingham, I've still got to spin on it. And then I've got a couple of other projects in mind, and even they've got a booming spin on it, and I haven't really thought about it that way at first. Yeah, and after I was thinking about it, I was like, let me just add. Yeah, but I mean, it's just it's just super easy. It just comes through always like it, doesn't it? Like you just your background somehow always influences your future and you kind of bring it in without even knowing, like it's almost subconscious after a point. And I think that's that's not us. I mean, like us, we do completely different things. Universe. Yeah. I would like background and and upbringing have played a massive part. Yeah, yeah. Like when I did my episode, a lot of like the impacts from teachers are the reason why I want to go into like, teaching and like coaching, for example. Yeah. And like you said, like this. Got your story. So yeah, it makes an impact. Yes. Massively. Yeah. But actually the accent on the in the introduction, that's why it's important why we've got a podcast like this so we can have like them discussions and. Yeah. So yeah. Got it all out there. Oh yeah. Yeah. Moving on. how has your Indian heritage influenced your approach to fashion and design? Oh, see, that's a tricky one because, with the Indian background, I always feel within India there's several generations that kind of live together at once. And I say that because there's that very old generation who thinks showing skin is absolutely wrong and you shouldn't be doing that, and you shouldn't be wearing anything Western, you should just be wearing and looks. And then there's the generation after that was I was doing a mix like they mix Indian wear with Western, where they kind of wear a mix of stuff. And then there's generation after that was, you know, wearing just Western wear. But they'll do Indian as their occasional wear clothes, which is neat. so I think that it's really, really cool that you have that little mix. Yeah. So when I'm trying to approach it in my direction, I think it comes across as I'm still respecting what's happened in the past and also sticking out. But at the same point of time, I'm trying to look at the future. So it's that changing the mentality and the mindset of people into saying, that's okay and that's amazing, but this can be amazing too. Yeah. It's just a matter of that's really good that you like, recognize that? Yeah. A well, I suppose it's based on like keeping what you're comfortable with while also like having your beliefs. Yeah. It's good to have a balance. And like religion is, even though it's a big community thing, it's very personal. So why not put your spin on. Yeah. Yeah. So with your career and all of like your fashion element, what are the aspirations? What do you want to achieve? Where do you want to end up? I think it's about time I go back and say thank you for everything I've learned and, you know, just respect the culture that I've come from. So after I graduate, I'm planning to move back. I'm planning to start my own label. Yeah. Which I'm really excited about. And, yeah, it's it's exciting. It's really exciting. But I think it's just, it's just nerves as an act because you've got something and you're coming out of the educational sector now. Yeah. Because I've been in that loop since forever. It's like, this is the first time you're coming out of that loop. Yeah. So it's weird because you're going to wake up, you're like, oh, I don't have glasses anymore. Yeah, yeah, this is what I was saying. Just want it like it's crazy because obviously all three will graduate in in like I do see universe at the moment as sort of like that comfort zone. Yeah. A little bit like I like coming here. I don't like it. I love coming in. And soon that's not going to be the case. And like, I find it a bit hard to kind of grasp that like even now lot I mean, I graduate in like July. Yeah. In my life. So like okay, uni tomorrow, but eventually it won't be. I've got uni tomorrow, it'll be whatever it is my career like just sort of YouTube like know. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well I think I'm going straight into a master's, so I'm still a bit like, oh, I've got another year. But that is going to be completely different. Yeah, yeah. I feel like that's going to be the closest to industry anyway. So you're gonna, you kind of get a taste of it wouldn't you. Yeah. About a year fly by it. Well because this year's flown. Yeah. No that one's going to be even quicker soon because like like last thing like, obviously I've done a dissertation and like, I was thinking, like, oh, this is going to take ages. Like, no, don't like it didn't it didn't feel that long at all. I mean, if you one of them that leave you to it probably does. But because I've been working on it for ages, like it just felt like that and like I somewhat process in my head that that's the biggest piece of work I've ever done, like edit and it's the most it's probably the piece of work that I've put the most effort in at any point in my education, and I haven't processed that still. Yeah. And I think, I think when I get my results, I'll then because then I can reflect back on, oh yeah, my hard work. Yeah. It's like shorter get like yeah. Yeah. It's just a recognition of it. It's not just like, oh, I, I did this much. And because it kind of equates to grades and that's really hard to accept sometimes because you're just like, oh, how how has that equated to a grade? it's yeah, I'm a stickler for that. Yeah. So but you know, it's really hard to it's really hard to accept that you were, you're getting equated to like, a number. Yeah, yeah, but I think it gets easier. Yeah, yeah, because you learn to, like, not take it as seriously. I'm not saying like, oh, don't isa isa. but if you don't, you just know you tried. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Let me see you try and I'll. I'm pretty sure it's like, I'll just give up with degrees when you go for like, employment. So they'll never ask you for the number as long as you've got the degree. If I'm remembering to. Yeah, yeah. The amount of like, mentors and teachers that I've said to it like I've been in sessions with admin said the greatest. Nah, I'm not. You know, as long as you've got that degree, no one, it will never come up in conversations. Like I think the main thing is though, by with like the degrees and stuff, it's what you get out of it. Yeah, yeah. That experience, that industry experience, the placements, the learning. I think that's the most important key part. Yeah. There's obviously from for mind like you know doing like the projects that I do doing the placements. I do like summer school in the summer. I've got so much out of that. And that's for doing this degree fit into this degree. I want to done that. Yeah. And like like, yeah like the the grades might not look hot, but when I talk about them experiences. Yeah. Yeah. And I just I think a YouTube. Yeah yeah yeah definitely. Yeah. Especially with like industry reason life projects and stuff you do in placement year obviously. Like you come back around, you're like, oh I learned so much and you and then you can't equate it to a number. Yeah. What you've learned is just beyond yeah. You can't, you can't put like you can't put a value on. Yeah. A couple of I want to like just buy that experience. And in a way I mean like me pay course for someone for some smart person comments. But like, yeah, what? I mean, like it's you don't get that anywhere else. Yeah. I really don't think you get anywhere else. Yeah, I think as well, because I feel like, well, our courses are really practical. Yeah. Like the problem solving element of it because we're so hands on it sometimes it feels like we're in a job role. Yeah. We've. Well anyway, so we've got that experience of not just like learning about it and having an idea of it, but we've it might not be working experience, but we have experience. We've experienced the challenges. So when it comes to the real world, we can say, oh my God, I'm running into this issue, but I've been here before. We can fix it. This way. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And you can't really get that. Yeah. Anywhere else unless you've done it. Yeah, yeah. It's true. One thing I did want to ask as well, like staying on sort of like a university topic is watch better stats. and so, it kind of actually blends into the conversation of new prospects and people being really, really kind because. I had my interview online, obviously. unless I want to take, like a ten hour flight or anything on the that. so I had my issues. So I had my interview online and the lecturer, who is now the module leader. She like after the interview, was just like, oh, have you seen the campus or have you seen like the Fashion Rooms and you've interviewed like the YouTube channel and stuff? And I was like, no, I haven't seen it yet. And she was just like, oh, are you excited? Do you want to see it? And I was like, yes, please. And she just did. She got up with her with her laptop, turned the laptop around, and she just walked through and she walked through the entire, like, corridor and stuff just to show me what it looks like. Yeah. And just, I think just the act of kindness. Yeah. Made me say, oh, my God, I really want to be here. Because if she's teaching me, I know I'm in good hands. Yeah, because it's a lot about who's teaching you as well, I think is as much as it is the university, obviously, and the experience and stuff. But I think, I mean, I, I chose Stoke as well because I've lived in the city all my life and I wanted like a slightly slower paced area. I wanted, I wanted that not busy. you know, cars everywhere. Yeah, people yelling all the time kind of thing. And I just wanted some calm and quiet and. Yeah, I don't regret it, I love it. Oh, really? Your reason for choosing the staff reminds me of mine. Actually, because, I was in, like, the second wave, like Covid. Yeah, thing or whatever. so I couldn't attend an open day, so I ended up having to isolate, you know? Got it. But they sent like. Is it a morning or the day before? I've had a parcel delivered from the uni and I was like, well, I forgot. Well, I've got a package. I've ordered it. Yeah. Yeah. And I opened it and they sent out like these, like virtual open day. But parcels you have like a tea bag in it. Coffee, milk, whatever in this case. But you know. Oatcakes. That was not something I would need. A lot cricket though. Okay. but. Yeah. And I just thought that is the kindest, like, most thoughtful thing because it looks infinitely okay. It's just. Yeah, it was just the worst thing. Yeah. Not being a lot, I think to do, actually. Look, if you buy cream and as soon as that parcel came in, I was like, oh. That's cool. Yeah. But it's like that's a nice touch. And little things are stuck with you so much that when, when you talk about, you could tell it's really nice stuff. You and I suppose that's one of the good things that you and you've done that you sort of clocked on that. These little things. The resonate and the all really like. Yeah. In this space sort of swaying in when you're making a decision. Yeah. Yeah. Kind of a bribe to come in here. This is bad. So smoke cakes here. I'm just not, you know. Of course the stoke is about. Okay. Well, I'm just saying, I mean, it swayed me. but. Yeah, like, moving back on to, like, the stoke part. And the heart of the city is a lot quieter. I think it's going soft like it's. It's six towns, one city. And like, each town's completely different really to the next. Yeah, yeah. This is, it's nice to have some quiet. Yeah. And it's a lot. Is it. Well near slap bang at metallic Country as well. So I, you can, you can you want to get Manchester. It's like what you train off that. Birmingham's close Liverpool close. Yeah it's close I mean there's only the longest train from here to Birmingham. Now that they've changed the trains is 48 minutes. That is not long. Look they're not really taken off. So yeah, that's this real quick. Real quick. Yeah. Let's, let's, take it back to like the. Yeah. Look at about steak and oatcakes. so, kind of I know we've already touched on about, like, the kind of mix of, like, traditions and things, but, how are they observed in your household when you were growing up? we celebrate a lot more of the Hindu festivals. Yeah. and I think it's just because they're actually quite loud. because we have Holi, which is the color festival, a sort of colors, and you just like you've got dry color powder recently, and you play around with it and you just paint everyone. Yeah. It's meant to be, like, bright and happy and, and the other one obviously is the Valley, which is Celebrate the Lost stars as well. and you have fireworks and lights and it's just meant to, like, ward off negativity because, yeah, yeah, every corner and stuff. so yeah, I think the Hindu ones have been like celebrated a lot more in my house. Yeah. for all of the sick ones, we kind of just, we make it a point to go to the courtyard and, like, we'll take some food with us that we can, like, donate there or something like that. But it's, it's a lot more quiet in terms of celebration, like it's a more peaceful celebration. And I think the Hindu ones are just the most fun. Personally, I do, yeah, I like the I like the playing around in the messing about and stuff. It's cool. I have you have you have has it been a good sense of like community? Yeah. Like at stuff in regards to, like celebrating festivals, would you say yes. Yeah. I think it's just I've found my little, like, circle of international friends that I can turn back around and be like, oh, by the way, this is the valley. And like, they're not all Indian. So it's even more fun because then I'm, like, teaching them a little bit and like, I'm sort of celebrating it now because my best friend's Muslim and like she celebrates that obviously every time. So we make a big feast. And like when the valley comes around, she'll come home. She's like, oh my God, I got tea. Like, so we celebrate and stuff. So it's it's amazing. It's a really like it's a very wholesome feeling, isn't it, because you're turning back and you're learning so much and see, something like that wouldn't happen if you're stuck at home when you're not traveling. Exactly. So make the meals. That's a good thing with uni because like, it's getting to know people that are not on your course. I think so, yes. Yeah. Because it's all right. Obviously keeping to just your course. But I found that when I've spoken to people that from a lot of different courses you learn a lot. Yeah. And they want to learn of you and you can learn of that. And then it's massive. Yeah. And I think like as a stay at home student, that's one thing of sort of like got sort of missed out on is I think if I stayed in student accommodation, I'd be able to learn off like my housemates different, like courses and stuff. Yeah. But yeah, on the same. But I mean, I know I'm not a, stay at home because, well, I am but a commute. Yeah, but that commute in especially first year took up such a large amount of time, like getting to uni, going home, meaning that I didn't really I didn't really go to any like, events, you know, when you go to night out. So I didn't really meet people. And I have massive respect for you being an international student because I could even move away from Bali. So I'm still the same as when. So I've got a huge respect for you making that jump. But yeah, you try, which I say we all try in our own way. It's like it doesn't have to be that big moves, but the fact that you were still so stoked and stuff, yeah, you still take that time out and you travel and you come and you take your classes and you meet your friends, and it's. And that's the Lord. Yeah. It's just about that weight. Yeah. So that gives us some slack. Just. Have you sort of faced any like, challenges or barriers surrounding your, like, beliefs. And then that can be like at any point in time. Yeah. I don't really think it's a lot of challenges. I think it's it's been quite smooth sailing. I think it's just a matter of educating people about. Yeah, yeah. Because especially when you move, I think culture shocks are obviously massive. Like we have this really crazy thing where you don't really touch people's shows out of respect. Yeah. like, if you're doing it, you're doing it as a, as a kind gesture, basically. But, like, I'm not allowed to touch my dad's shoes because he says, you're disrespecting me by talking with us in our culture, you touch people's feet when you're greeting them. Yeah. Which is meant to be a sign of respect. Yeah. Yeah. So if you're picking up people shoes, it's it's, like, it's a respectful move to do. But then I feel disrespected because you're picking on my shoes. Yeah. Does that make any sense? Yeah, I think so. Because I'm younger. I'm like, oh please don't. Yeah. So I was out on placement the night where I was working. You were meant to take your shoes outside, and this one day the girls, like, they just kind of picked up my shoes in the bathroom and I was like, oh my God, you didn't have to like, like. And I went like for a good, like five minutes. She's like, it's just she was like, what? What's the big deal? And I was like, I need to explain that. Like, it clicks in a second, doesn't it? Yeah. Oh, yeah. Yeah. Oh, that's that's not normal anymore. And not that it's not normal, but it's just the fact that people don't actually know about this. So I sat there and I was like, okay, so with our culture, what happens is if you pick up people, show it like you're doing it as a sign of respect for people's shoes. It's like a good thing because I'm doing all this respect. But the person who shows you have picked, they might feel disrespected just going, oh no, please don't do this. Just give me a hug. so yeah, that's, I think it's it's more of a culture shock aspect that kind of kicks in a lot of the times that I and I go into the full year of, oh my God, don't do that. Not realizing the other person doesn't really understand why. Yeah. And that is what I've learned over time to, like, explain myself and to teach people that, oh, this is why you're not doing this. No, no, no, no, I was just saying. Because if you saying that, I'm now thinking, like I'm intrigued to look little, I'm intrigued. It's like, no. Has there been times where I've done something without realizing where the other person's just politely, like, gone with it? Yeah. I've been a bit like, oh, that's not yeah, I feel comfortable with like that because obviously I've never been corrected on anything. Yeah, yeah. And so it just makes me think that like, yeah, I wonder if there has been a time, you know, I've done some work that's been. See you just big enough people will speak up. Yeah, I'm a director. That means you're in the good book. Like, on the other hand, I want to know because, like, I think people should be okay to just. Just for a little bit. Yeah. Yeah, yeah. Hi. Like. Yeah. This is my sample. Yeah. This is why. Because I'd love that. Because. Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah. And so I'd be really comfortable with that. Yeah. As long as your opens being educated and yeah. Ignorant about. Oh yeah. Whatever. Yeah I mean even like with their reactions saying like oh what's the big deal. Like in my head I'm like, why would you respond rather than just like just to run, say like, oh, how come you reacted like that? You know, it's like, yeah, just little things like that. Yeah. Make it just come across a bit better. I don't know, I don't know if you'd agree with that. Yeah. Yeah. I think it's just a matter of if you're teaching, you're teaching it to say it. You're not teaching it to preach. Yeah. You're not teaching it to say, oh my God, from tomorrow on, you need to say you're teaching it for the sake of letting people know it's knowledge you're passing it on. And then what the other person wants to do with it is their choice. Yeah, yeah. That's so I think that's that's the bit that everyone needs to just accept the. Yeah. And work with that. If I've passed my knowledge on I've done my bit. Yeah I can follow you around me like, oh why are you doing that or not. Yeah. Yeah. We're running out of time now. So if we ask one more question, you mentioned earlier about how the food's great. Yes. What is your favorite dish? Food, meal. Anything. Yes. I'm, I'm also the thing ever in the world is butter chicken and garlic naan. And let me disappoint everyone in the UK and say none here does not taste the same. None is meant to be soft and crunchy. Still, it's meant to be really, really crisp. Like if you if you hold it in your arms and like the arms hands, you hold it in your arms, you just give it a nice hug. if you all are in your hands and you crush it, it should just crush like beautifully done. So I mean, just, you know, she's listening to me talk about this like, it's such passion. Yeah. Yeah, that's that's definitely, definitely my favorite thing. And see why I'm like, that was okay. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. She call it normal now is the correct way. None. Look at the eighth we say we say really heavy is. Hi, guys. So I'm sitting here with, Rick at the group, and he's going to tell us a little bit about the community kitchen. Hi. Right. Okay. every quarter, has a community kitchen, langar kitchen, basically. We serve longer, food to anybody who comes to the good donuts, a concept which is started by our first group. Good. Anonymous. The f g. And it's been carried on since, anybody can come to the good draft regardless of race, religion, etc., and everybody is served a meal. and we have our kitchen here. we probably serve probably a couple of thousand meals, a week. but some of the bigger when you go to India, they probably do tens of thousands of meals in a day. All the server which is six service. All the service is provided voluntarily by the people attending the Gurudwara. But it's. Men, women, anybody, children, anybody can offer this service. it's all voluntary. And, hopefully people feel good about doing it afterwards. I have the fondest memory in my childhood of going to the war and, like, helping in the kitchen. Yes, in the back with my parents and stuff. So. Yeah, it was lovely. Yeah. But the other good thing is, is that, it also gives it, an opportunity for the younger generation to learn skills of the older generation, because they'll be working together. They interact together, and you can pass skills from one generation to another. Yeah. Fabulous. So, I hope people enjoy it. And, they got some spiritual enlightenment out of it as well. Yeah. I mean, that sounds amazing. Make sure you come by the Gettysburg Address for some longer, which is food. Oh, thank you so much for coming on the podcast. I think you enjoyed it as well. That nice? I'm really good. It's been really good. Thank you. Guys have been lovely. I'm so happy as well because it's like the final 21. Yeah. How are you guys? You know, because, like, that's not to say. Danny, you've come very quiet. I've got most so all about it. And I'm like, I'm like. yeah. Done it all. Yeah. I'm not crying. I'm not crying. It's just the show we see. So. Oh, no, it's not serious. It's never been serious. I'll be serious since day one. I mean, as as for production, you know, not as much. Shall we wrap it up? Yeah, let's wrap it. Thank you so much to Nina Cat for joining us as a guest today. Thank you. Don't look. Oh, I got a link. Oh, gosh. Howdy. That's. Right. And of course, as it's his, last episode with us, a huge thank you to Danny for being a great co-host for this series and the other series we did from the best. It's been a pleasure. Also. Oh, how many people say that? So. But no, you're doing really, really well. Oh, it's just so, so comfortable and amazing. Yeah. Thank you to the staff, University Media Center, podcast producers and production editing team. We literally, quite literally could not do it without any of you. So from me. more specifically, a massive thank you for all the support you've given me throughout my, time on this podcast. And of course, a massive thank you to the Gurdwara for welcoming us today. It's been wonderful. If you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, then please send us a direct message on any form of social media to find further support at university. You can visit Staff Star Athlete UK or your Student Connect team. don't forget to tell us what you think about the podcast so far. Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple podcast, or leave a thumbs up a comment. if you're watching on YouTube, I just got goosebumps because for the very last time on this podcast, I'm saying goodbye. Yeah, I've got goosebumps. Yeah. I'll see you all next time. Yeah. Danny. Yeah. Try not to rock you. Bye bye. Oops. I think culture shocks are obviously massive. Like we have this really crazy thing where you don't really touch people's shoes out of respect. So I was out on placement the night where I was working. You were meant to take your shoes outside, and this one day the girls, like, they just kind of picked up my shoes in the bathroom and I was like, oh my God, you didn't have to like, like. And I went like, for a good, like five minutes. She's like, it's just she was like, what? What's the big deal? And I was like. I need to explain that. I like it clicks in a second, doesn't it? Yeah. Oh, yeah. Yeah. Oh, that's that's not normal anymore. And not that it's not normal, but it's just the fact that people don't actually know about this. So I sat there and I was like, okay, so with our culture, what happens is if you pick up people, show it like you're doing it as a sign of respect. So I think people should use this like a good thing because I'm doing out this respect. But the person whose shows you have picked, they might feel disrespected just going, oh no, please don't do this. Just give me a. So. Yeah, that's, I think it's, it's more of the culture shock aspect that kind of kicks in a lot of the times that I, and I go into the full year of, oh my God, don't do that. Not realizing the other person doesn't really understand why.