We took a chance to start our lives from scratch in Liverpool
The lives of three strangers from the same country changed forever after moving to Liverpool. The stories of Indian students Harshada Karande, Andrea Neeto Anto and Akhil Skaria feature in a new exhibition at the University of Liverpool.
The exhibition is called ‘Indian Perspectives with Tony Phillips and Jasmir Creed’. It features more than 100 works including drawings and paintings that explore the legacies of British colonial rule of India and the experiences of people of Indian heritage living in Britain. It is being shown to the public at the Victoria Art Gallery and Museum until April next year.
As part of this event, a short film has been produced showcasing the students’ experiences living in Liverpool. Harshada Karande is from Mumbai, India’s largest city and home to one of the country’s largest financial centres.
Harshada completed an undergraduate and master’s degree in her home country but afterwards was left unsure of what she wanted to do. She began thinking about studying further in the UK, and was drawn to Liverpool, despite knowing very little about the city other than a University of Liverpool course she liked the look of.
The 25 year-old hadn’t spent much time away from her family before, but felt it was time to try something new. She told the ECHO: “The course was great. And I said, why not take a leap of faith? I didn't know anything about Liverpool, so that was the big decision in my life - to just pack my bags, move abroad and try out something.”
When she moved here a year ago, there was one thing that put Harshada at ease. She said: “I really like the people in Liverpool. It's always been about the people for me, along with the culture and the food. I was expecting the UK to be a very contrasting experience for me coming from India, but I think because of a city like Liverpool, it made me comfortable.”
Harshada loves spending her time exploring Bold Street and going to Sefton Park with her friends. She says the biggest difference for her now though is her confidence and openness to speak about the experience. She adds that she would never have signed up to do anything like the short film back in India.
Harshada said: “I was never this person who would take part in something like a social experiment or even to be filmed. But I've moved abroad and this was a perfect opportunity for me to just put myself out there. I think Liverpool and the University has made me become better and more confident. Moving away was not easy, so I feel like now that I've moved away and I've lived away for so long, no matter whatever happens, I have that confidence that I can tackle something in life.”
It’s a similar story for Andrea Neeto Anto, who is from Kerala, a state in India home to palm-lined beaches, a vast network of canals and the Western Ghats mountains. Andrea also features in the film her undergraduate in media and communications with film studies. She was also drawn to the university’s course options but found settling in tricky at first.
Andrea said: “The whole experience was a bit too overwhelming at the beginning. During my first year I was really taken aback. I was really reserved. You slowly start to meet people and just get comfortable. And the biggest challenge was to just put yourself out into the world. But I think that has been the best. Taking up opportunities like this or meeting people - it's been really good. I'm now more confident as a person.”
The 21 year-old started to relish exploring the city, especially the docks, and was able to meet like-minded people through the various dancing, music and Indian societies at the university. Nevertheless, being open on camera about her experiences was a bit daunting.
She said: “All of us are working as international student ambassadors, so this was something that came through that. I was actually a bit too hesitant to take it up at first because I've never even faced a camera before. It was a huge step but I think I loved the experience. After coming here and watching it, it's really good.”
Andrea feels the chance to step out of her comfort zone was crucial for her. She said: “I think it's just the schooling system in India. You go to school, come back, you meet your bunch of people - it's like living in a small bubble. Moving here has developed me as an individual so much. It’s lovely meeting new people and interacting. I think it was a huge cultural shift, but at the same time a really good experience.”
Akhil Skaria, 31, is also featured in the film. Studying for a master’s in business administration, he too was attracted to the university. Despite being a huge Manchester United fan, he’d only heard good things about Liverpool from his friends who had visited.
Akhil is from Bangalore, known for its tech industry, parks and vibrant nightlife. He also felt the time was right to explore something new. He said: “I was getting into a comfort zone back home. I was working in the education sector. There was a time when you knew that you're getting too comfortable.”
Akhil got the chance to explore the UK through his membership in the ballroom and Latin society with performances around the country. However, he insists Liverpool is the friendliest city he has encountered, even if the Scouse accent has been challenging at times for him.
Laughing, he said: “You watch a lot of British movies to get used to the British accent. But then I came here, I was like, oh my God. My instructor in ballroom Latin is a Scouser. When he used to give instructions, I was like, should I go here or should I go there? That was a little bit difficult for me to process.”
For Akhil, the small things you have to learn about when moving to a new city all add up to change you as a person. He said: “When I was at home, everything was provided, everything was given to you right here. Here, you start from scratch. You have to learn how to pay for a bus ticket and that you need £1 to unlock a trolley. At the same time, I embraced it.”
The three of them, who all live in Liverpool city centre, barely knew each other before the film, but now have learnt just as much about their home country as well as Merseyside. Akhil said: “I think though we come from India, we come from different parts of India with different experiences, so to blend all that and to hear from each other is great.”
Even if they decide to move back to India, all of them agree that their time in Liverpool will stay with them forever. Akhil said: “I have made friendships and bonds that could last for a lifetime from here. Liverpool definitely has become home for me in the UK.”