Ipsita

Travel information

I am currently

Description

I am Ipsita. I am a writer, independent journalist and solo female traveller, on the road for 6 years.

Six 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.

I have reported from Myanmar refugee camps, the ecologically-vulnerable areas around the Bangladesh border, even interviewed Congolese refugees and done on-ground research in East African countries like Rwanda and Uganda.

As a solo female traveller, I am at the intersection of adventure and cultural travel - balancing hiking at 5000 meters with dancing at local weddings.

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 The Independent, Lacuna, The Better India, The Lab, Batik Air Malaysia and many others, both in print and online.

Just so you know:

Vegetarian.
Yoga practitioner.
Badminton player.
Adopted a minimalist and healthy lifestyle.
Serious and rigid about plastic-usage.
Learning French.
Somewhat introverted.
I hold a Master’s Degree in Economics (and don’t take it seriously).
Hiking, camping and running are my outdoor insulations.
Mountains are everything.

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 6 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, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda.

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: Intermediate

More 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.

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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Animal Care

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Some knowledge of:  

Light gardening

Life at a Farmstay

Eco Projects

Charity Work

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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

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  Smoking.

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  Special dietary requirements
  Vegetarian. I have bloating issues. So I can’t eat cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli. And unfortunately, beans.