LEARN FROM TRAVEL
Bridging Cultures | Creating Value | Experiencing Real India
The fusion of Japan and India creates new opportunities and value. Japan brings precision, meticulous planning, technological expertise, and hospitality, while India offers diversity, creativity, adaptability, and a dynamic economic ecosystem.
Programs align with India–Japan youth exchange and innovation initiatives, fostering cross-cultural collaboration.
Participants connect with Japanese companies in India, local Indian social enterprises, NGOs, and SHGs.
Learn how community-driven startups in rural India convert challenges into economic and social opportunities.
Programs act as a gateway to understand India's economy, innovation ecosystem, and grassroots entrepreneurship.
Explore thematic areas: education, healthcare, livelihoods, waste management, sanitation, craft, and culture.
Drive projects in Indian villages with potential for funding or partnership from Japanese companies.
Students stay in clean, secure towns/cities, never inside remote villages for safety reasons.
Towns are accessible to hospitals, transport, and essential services.
Nurse on call and driver on call services available in case of emergency.
Daily travel ensures immersive village experiences while maintaining safety.
Founder – Local Narratives | Social Entrepreneur | Connector of Communities
Vaishnavi Somani leads Local Narratives, a social impact initiative dedicated to creating jobs and opportunities in rural India by connecting global learners with local communities.
Daughter of a sugarcane farmer, Vaishnavi grew up immersed in village life, understanding rural challenges and aspirations firsthand. Led college treks to meet local communities, developing early exposure to grassroots experiences.
Worked 6 years in Mumbai and Europe (Cipla, Novo Nordisk), gaining corporate experience in pharma and marketing. Introduced to the impact and Japan sector through her tenure at Next Bharat Ventures (Suzuki), where she learned Japan-India collaboration models.
Left her corporate career to found Local Narratives, creating a platform for experiential learning and social impact. Received early mentorship from MakeMyTrip and initial funding from the Deshpande Foundation. Built strategic partnerships, including TigerMov (Japan), enabling cross-cultural programs for Japanese students. Leads a 3-credit course on Local Narratives at IIM Bangalore. Worked in the Suzuki impact initiative for nearly a year, gaining deep insights into Japan-India value exchange.
Encourage and sensitize global students to immerse in local India, understand grassroots innovation, and create tangible social impact. Build a bridge between rural India and the world, fostering mutual learning and cultural exchange.
Apply now to join our India-Japan Educational Immersion programs and bridge cultures through meaningful impact.
