I can hardly believe it has been almost two years since I left India. I packed my suitcase, said my goodbyes, and closed a chapter that had shaped both my career and my character. This week I found myself packing that same suitcase again, boarding a flight out of Heathrow and heading right back.

My adventure in India began in 2009, mid-recession. I flew out via Singapore with a laptop, a suitcase, and a CD of briefing documents. I had been hired to help set up and run a new campus for a Singaporean design college. I had no idea what to expect, and in truth, there is no real way to prepare for building a design school from the ground up. But somehow, we did it. It was “bohot acha” - very good. I left with lifelong friends, talented students who taught me just as much as I taught them, unforgettable memories, and an experience that drastically reshaped my career.

There were also the things that don’t go on a CV - the dosa and sambhar served on banana leaves, the colour of the markets, the heat, the chaos, the chai, even the local cola that could revive a dead soul before a lecture. India embedded itself into my daily rhythms.

Returning in a New Role

Almost two years later, I returned not as a resident, but as the academic representative of my UK university. Over two weeks I travelled through Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore - the city I once called home - visiting prestigious schools, colleges, universities, education fairs, and agents across the country.

I gave talks and lectures, ran workshops and drawing sessions, interviewed potential students, reviewed portfolios, and spoke with hundreds of young designers eager to study abroad. The energy was exactly as I remembered: ambitious, fast, and full of possibility.

Unlike my first move to India which was long-term and deeply personal, this visit was intense, professional, and mission-driven. We worked hard and did good work. We will be following up on applications and enquiries next week, but I already know the trip was a success.

Why It Still Matters

Walking back through Bangalore nearly two years later confirmed what I already knew - some places don’t stop being part of your story just because you leave them. India still carries that sense of urgency and optimism in the air. Returning reminded me why I do the work I do: to help shape the next generation of designers and to open doors the way someone once opened them for me.

It was exhausting and exhilarating in equal measure, and I feel lucky to have a job that allows me to teach, to travel, and to stand in rooms where futures are decided.

It was, again, bohot acha to be back in Incredible India.

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If you are looking for a visiting tutor, guest lecturer, or speaker for workshops, reviews, or academic events in architecture and design, I am available for in-person and virtual engagements. Email me to enquire about availability and speaking bookings: hello@sonianicolson.com