A Keralite's Journey: Seeking Opportunities Beyond Home

I am a Keralite who prefers to stay in my home state of Kerala but not to live there indefinitely. This dichotomy stems from my personal history, aspirations, and the dynamics of my surroundings.

Why Stay in Kerala, but Not Stay in Kerala?

Being raised in Kerala, my connection to the land runs deep. For me, no other place can be a paradise like my home. However, the decision to leave this paradise is a poignant reality of my life. The reason for this lies in a complicated narrative that unfolds in a few sentences.

Simply put, I am not smart enough to compete with my fellow Malayalees. Kerala, a state renowned for its talent and strategic ingenuity, is densely populated with highly skilled individuals. It is natural that those unable to compete are driven away. As someone who did not emerge victorious in the local competition, I too have embraced the nomadic lifestyle.

Changing Plans and Aspirations

As a young adult, I have come to understand that my long-term and short-term plans are influenced by market risks. College experiences have shown me that my interests and future decisions are subject to external factors. I have ideas and plans, but they are contingent on the environment, economy, and market conditions I find myself in.

Flexibility is a key aspect of my life. While my current five-year plan and subsequent plans do not focus on settling down, I am open to various opportunities. By the age of 30, I am not committed to a single place or person. Moving around, I have learned to adapt, understand, and embrace different cultures, a skill that has significantly contributed to my survival instinct.

Exploring and Living Nomadically

My journey as a Keralite has seen me spending more than 90% of my life in other southern, western, and northern states due to my parents' professions and my own educational pursuits. This experience has not only enriched my knowledge but also made me a global citizen in the truest sense.

The best part of my nomadic lifestyle is the ability to learn and understand the cultures of different places. I have low inhibitions against change and am ready to embrace new opportunities like a nomad. Living in Kerala, one of the most amazing states in India, has its own charm, but my heart yearns for experiences beyond the book and beyond the familiar.

My love for football, acceptance of diversity, and nostalgia for Keralite culture persist, but they are just a part of my broader journey of exploration and adaptation.

What matters most is not where I began or where I end up, but the journey itself, the experiences I have along the way, and the person I become as a result.