Profile information
Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
Description
I am Ipsita. I am a writer, independent journalist and solo female traveller, on the road for 5+ years.
Five years back I sold and donated all my belongings at the age of 23, and ventured out for a whirlwind adventure. Ever since then, I have hiked long-distance in the Himalayas with my 70-litre backpack, hitchhiked cross-countries alone, camped at the remotest corners, volunteered in schools and local communities, and penned down stories that matter.
I write about human rights and social issues with a keen eye on marginalized and ethnic minority groups. I am highly immersed in experiential journalism, unearthing stories that need voice and prevalence.
Over the years, I have worked with multiple women’s organizations, tribal communities, education-led initiatives, adventure enthusiasts, and human rights advocates, and those whose narratives need global attention.
My writings have been published in Lacuna, Horizon, The Better India, India Outbound, and many others, both in print and online.
Just so you know:
Vegetarian.
Allergic to smoke.
Yoga practitioner.
Badminton player.
Adopted a minimalist and healthy lifestyle.
Serious and rigid about plastic-usage.
Learning French.
I hold a Master’s Degree in Economics (and don’t take it seriously).
Hiking, camping and running are my outdoor insulations.
Goat lover.
Instagram - @ipsita.paul_
Volunteering experience:
Before Traveling:
I volunteered with an NGO named Bhumi for one and a half years during my university days. I used to teach English to street children at various shelter homes in Kolkata (my hometown) while leading our English project known as 'Speak Out' as an interviewer and pedagogy trainer.
While traveling:
I have volunteered for the last 5+ years in every country I have travelled to. I have mentored hundreds of young people in numerous remote rural schools, communities and refugee camps focusing largely on English as a language, life skills, women empowerment, and social & environmental awareness. I have also volunteered in farms and been part of eco-projects, while learning more and more about organic farming and sustainable living (still learning).
Countries I have travelled to: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar border, Indonesia, Kenya and Tanzania.
Interests
Animals
Yoga / Wellness
Outdoor activities
Fitness
Pets
Writing
Videography
Van life
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Self development
Plant care
Nature
Mountain
Languages
Hitchhiking
Hiking
Gardening
Farming
Cycling
Culture
Charity work
Camping
Books
Adventure sports
Languages
Languages spoken
Bengali (Bangla): Fluent
English: Fluent
Hindi: Fluent
French: BeginnerMore details about my language interests
This workawayer has indicated that they would be interested in sharing their language(s) or learning a new language. You can contact them directly to discuss this.
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Animal Care
Some knowledge of:
Gardening
Life at a Farmstay
Eco Projects
Charity Work
Able to teach about:
Languages
Teaching
More details about your skills
I was a volunteer at an NGO called Bhumi in India where I was the Centre Coordinator first, then eventually became the HR Coordinator over the course of one and a half years. I was in charge of five shelter homes, while teaching English and leading our English project known as Speak Out. As an HR, my responsibility also lied in interviewing volunteers and conducting training and pedagogy sessions.
Apart from that, I was also a Catalyze volunteer, which was our Civic Initiative Team. We planted trees, made seed balls, painted walls at shelter homes, distributed sandwiches in poorer areas, conducted bake sales (for fundraising), organized marathons (also for fundraising), and cleaned public places.
I have volunteered in farms, schools, and local communities in the last 5+ years of travelling.
Age
28
What else ...
Instagram: @ipsita.paul_
Some more information
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
Smoking.Special dietary requirements
Vegetarian. I have bloating issues. So I can’t eat cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli. And unfortunately, beans.
Feedback
The work Natalia is doing is very inspiring! She is finding… read more
They are the best. Absolute best. They picked me up from the mrt station, and ever since then, I was treated… read more
Bavanie’s energy is unmatched and her playgroup initiatives are creative and really really important for the growth of children. And… read more
She cooked for us a number of times and it was sooooo gooood! Hahaha I still can’t forget her aloo paratha. She was always ready to help with anything… read more
Photos
Friends
Feedback
The work Natalia is doing is very inspiring! She is finding… read more
They are the best. Absolute best. They picked me up from the mrt station, and ever since then, I was treated… read more
Bavanie’s energy is unmatched and her playgroup initiatives are creative and really really important for the growth of children. And… read more
She cooked for us a number of times and it was sooooo gooood! Hahaha I still can’t forget her aloo paratha. She was always ready to help with anything… read more
She was enthusiastic and creative. In the evenings, she took extra hours to learn more about our students and help them with conversation practice. She is now helping at another nearby program for our… read more
Myah Reh’s unyielding positivity and willingness to share his personal and professional journey opened vistas for me, especially to the passage of a… read more
Big thanks 🙏 from all of us 💕
The woodcarving masters even gifted me their… read more
