Arushi Bhorkar — Bangalore

THE OFFSHORE is a series of Interviews of the humans studying or living away from home, preferably offshore. The conversations seek and unravel the personal, educational, and cultural aspects of the interviewees.

Captivating interactions, Unfolding experiences, and Unraveling facets.

Arushi Bhorkar hails from Nashik, Maharastra, and now resides in Bangalore, Karnataka. Bangalore is known for its cosmopolitan lifestyle along with quality educational and financial pursuits.

It’s World Mental Health Day. There’s nothing better than an insightful conversation with a budding Psychologist who spoke about her ordeals in context with The Offshore.

Q. Good Evening, Arushi! Welcome to The Offshore. Please introduce yourself to our readers.

A. Hello, I’m Arushi! Right now, I’m pursuing a Masters in Clinical Psychology at Mount Carmel College in Bangalore.

Q. Lead us in your background.

A. Well, I’m a single child born in Thane and brought up in Nashik. I’ve spent most of the time in Nashik. My father works in a bank hence, he has to switch between different places. Nevertheless, we choose Nashik as a one-stop destination. I grew up with my maternal grandparents and spent most of the time at their daycare center. I was treated as one of the kids at the daycare instead of special treatment for their own grandchild. Basically, I belong to a simple Marathi family who isn’t so ritualistic. Being a Brahmin, I’m imparted with the necessary sanskars but I have a freedom of choice.

Q. How do you look back at the crucial development in your early years?

A. We’re an open-minded family who has a social inclination. Since my father works at a rural bank, his touch with the local community level has imparted a sense of socialism. My parents and grandparents made sure that even though I grew up in an urban area, I experienced the diversified taste of life. But it was my pillar of strength — my amma, who kept my toes on the ground. Diversity runs in our family since it’s an amalgamation of a cultural mixture — Brahmin, Belgavi, Gujarati, and Tamil. During my developmental years, my Aunt and Uncle were my role models who carved a niche life. I have a separate line of thought against the likes of my family which is mutually respected. Basically, I’m privileged. And the doors for experiential learning are always opened.

Q. How were you as a school student?

A. An average school kid who hated Maths and loved Social Sciences.

Q. If you had to choose just one word to describe yourself, what would you choose?

A. Adventurous.

Q. Let’s discuss your adventurous turn towards pursuing a Masters in Bangalore. Why Bangalore?

A. To step out of my comfort zone (Nashik), I opted to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree at Sir Parashurambhau College in Pune. I tend to get bored once I settle inside a comfort zone, I’m always seeking for some sort of adventure or challenge. Apparently, my Aunt resides in Bangalore and I’ve known as well as visited it since childhood. Also, Psychology has a stronghold in Bangalore so it was good bait.

Q. Was your decision more inclined towards the lifestyle or educational pursuit?

A. I was always fascinated with the legitimate cosmopolitan lifestyle of Bangalore. Though I resided in Pune, Bangalore has its own charm and charisma when it comes to living a higher lifestyle. And of course, the bonus of pursuing a quality education.

Q. Tell us about your educational pursuits at Mount Carmel College.

A. Coming from a state like Maharashtra, it was a cultural shock. Here, we have students from every nook and corner of India so it’s a fine cultural mix right from Assam to Kerala. Beyond the odds of background and upbringing, there’s an intellectual connection with the fellow classmates. Yes, a class divide exists. But, since it’s a pure knowledge-based connection — it’s unbiased. Here, we have highly (overqualified) professors who for the sake and love of teaching have taken up the job which I feel is a bonus for knowledge-seekers.

Q. What are the strengths and weaknesses imparted by Bangalore?

A. I consider self-confidence as a strength and a weakness. Bangalore has opened the doors for experiential learning. While Pune taught me to be independent, Bangalore taught me how to be independent yet recognize your dark-side. Bangalore taught to strive alone amidst the chaos, at one point it is a weakness since it can tear you apart. There’s always something amiss and it’s okay.

Q. You’re a budding psychologist, what’s your self-challenge?

A. As a psychologist, it’s a challenge to deal with diverse people beyond the odds of language barriers whether English, Marathi, Hindi, or Kannada. It’s my self-challenge to empathize as well as connect with them.

Q. How do you perceive the latest happenings in the field of Psychology in India?

A. I would refrain myself from commenting on the latest infamous suicidal case because the way tables have turned is unsettling. Though I believe, the fact of the case is an issue of mental health is being twisted and the truth is being tarnished. Right now, the awareness exists whether it’s genuine or fake but the big question mark lies upon the acceptance. Shall the awareness shape its creation only after the demise of a celebrity?

Q. Any recommendations for our young readers…

A. If you’re young, please don’t remain in your comfort zone — one tends to stop growing inside the comfort zone. You always have to be ready for surprises from every nook and corner of life. If you’re not getting any surprises, that’s when you have to question and introspect yourself. You should always challenge yourself. It’s okay to opt for a comma, but don’t opt for a full-stop.

Thank you, Arushi! This was an insightful conversation, and I’m sure our readers shall seek realms of experiential learning too. Ciao!

© — This article may not be reproduced in its entirety without permission. A link to this URL, instead, would be appreciated.