For Dad.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." – Saint Augustine.
East Meets West: An Indian-Bengali Girl's Broadcast Story in the Heart of Nottingham!
Moving from the vibrant streets of Kolkata to the historic city of Nottingham wasn’t exactly the scene from a Bollywood movie where the heroine discovers herself amidst cobbled lanes, teeming cafes, and impromptu rom-com moments. In reality, it’s been a whirlwind of constant adaptation, rigorous coursework, and more than a few too many cups of tea (I’ll get to the tea in a bit). But somehow, it’s been one of the most exhilarating and eye-opening chapters of my life.
When I first set foot in Nottingham, I wasn’t just a Bengali girl embarking on a new academic chapter—I was also a storyteller who had spent years crafting narratives in a city known for its vibrant arts scene and rich cultural heritage. Coming to NTU to study Broadcast Journalism was, for me, more than just an academic choice; it was about stepping into a new world where my voice could not only be heard but amplified through the lens of media and storytelling.
Cultural Fusion: Where Royal Indian Heritage Meets Royal British Academia (So much LEO Energy!)
If you’re imagining that the most interesting part of my experience here is the culture shock, you’d be wrong. Yes, I’ve had my moments of confusion—like when I tried to order "adda" (that’s our legendary Bengali group chat session, where gossip and debate flow effortlessly) over a Sunday roast and found myself speaking in an amalgamation of English, Bengali, and a questionable accent I’m still perfecting. But, in many ways, it’s the cultural exchange that’s been the most enriching.
Skies Worth Falling For
If there’s one thing I could write a love letter to (and I just might), it would be the sky in Nottingham. Never the same two days in a row, always dramatic, always unapologetically beautiful. Some days, it was all soft pastels melting into each other like a Turner painting. Other days, the clouds would gather in a moody huddle, casting long, cinematic shadows over the city. And then there were the sunsets—God, the sunsets—all gold and magenta, making even the most ordinary street corner feel like a scene from a dream. I would stop mid-walk, mid-thought, mid-text just to stare up, completely bewitched. My camera roll is full of sky photos, because somehow, capturing that fleeting beauty made me feel like I was holding onto something real, something magical. Nottingham may have taught me the craft of storytelling—but it was the sky that reminded me to pause, breathe, and just feel.
A Tribe of Strangers: The Diverse Souls Who Shaped My Journey
One of the most unexpected yet beautiful parts of my journey has been the friends I've made along the way. From the reserved yet razor-sharp wit of my British pals to the infectious energy of my international friends, it’s been a humbling experience to be surrounded by such a diverse group of people. We come from different cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences, yet somehow, we’ve managed to build a friendship that transcends all of those differences. They’ve been my sounding boards, my partners in crime, and my safe spaces in moments of homesickness. And though our accents, humor, and habits may vary, the one thing that binds us together is the shared love for growth, adventure, and pushing the boundaries of what we know. Whether we’re sharing a cup of tea or debating the best place to get dinner, it’s a reminder that family doesn’t always have to be blood—it can also be the people who help you find your way, no matter where in the world you are.
But it’s not just about adjusting to life in the UK; it’s about learning to navigate the nuances of a new academic system, too. Broadcast Journalism at NTU isn’t just about hitting "record" and watching the magic happen. It’s about understanding the narrative pulse of a story, honing technical skills that range from editing audio to producing news packages, and, of course, understanding the ever-changing dynamics of the media landscape. All of that while ensuring I don’t lose my sense of identity in the process.
The New “Home Away From Home”: NTU, The Maltings and Me
When you’re a student abroad, you quickly realise that university life isn’t all about textbooks and lectures. NTU, with its state-of-the-art studios and bustling campus, feels like the epicenter of everything that’s exciting and future-forward. The Broadcast Journalism course has been my launchpad into an industry that I’ve always admired from a distance. Whether it’s through the intricate process of creating a compelling TV story or being part of a live broadcast, there’s a sense of adrenaline that courses through me, much like the feeling you get when your favourite song is about to drop the beat.
The Radio Station, the Camera, and That Perfect Shot
One of my favourite memories from NTU is when I first stepped into the radio station. As someone who has spent countless hours listening to talk shows back home, being in that room, talking into a mic, and producing content that could reach thousands felt like a dream I didn’t know I had. My heart pounded as I ran through scripts, adjusting sound levels, and planning the content that would go on air, all the while trying to maintain my cool.
Then there’s the camera. You know, the one that always seems to catch me at the worst angles when I’m not ready for it. But here, it’s not about the camera’s judgment—it’s about telling a story. Whether it’s capturing a breaking news event or a simple human-interest piece, there’s a magic in framing a shot that speaks volumes. I remember my first solo project where I had to cover a local event. I stumbled a few times (as expected), but when I finally hit “record” and saw the story come together, I realized that this was more than just an academic exercise—it was a representation of who I was and what I wanted to communicate with the world.
A Dash of Desi Flair in British Tradition
Of course, no story about being a Bengali girl in Nottingham would be complete without mentioning food. And I don’t mean the tepid "Indian" takeout options you’ll find in the UK. I mean the real stuff—the soul food that, at times, I’ve longed for. Luckily, Nottingham has its own hidden gems, where I’ve learned to perfect my "spicy curry face" and discover the best samosas this side of the world. Whether it’s heading to the local Bengali restaurant for a fragrant bowl of hilsa curry or simply making sure my kitchen always smells like home (thank you, onion bhajis), food has been my anchor. It’s a reminder that no matter how far I roam, the flavors of my heritage are always within reach.
Green Escapes and Golden Silence
Nottingham has this quiet, unassuming way of wrapping you in green. It’s not just a city—it breathes. From the sprawling beauty of Wollaton Park (yes, the one with actual deer just casually roaming around) to the secret wooded trails tucked behind student housing, nature here feels like a gentle rebellion against the rush of urban life. I found myself taking long, aimless walks—sometimes with music, sometimes with silence—letting the rustle of leaves and the scent of rain-soaked earth do the talking. In those moments, I felt grounded. Reconnected. It’s funny how a place so far from home could feel so sacred, so familiar, just because the trees decided to dance in the wind the way I needed them to.
Desi Hospitality 101: How to Host a Dinner Party (and Not Burn the Rice)
Hosting dinners here has become somewhat of a tradition now. The first time I invited a few of my classmates over, I wasn’t sure how they would react to my over-spiced, home-cooked Bengali feast. I made sure to explain that I’m not the best when it comes to cooking (at least not on the first try), but I think it was the enthusiasm that made the evening memorable. From ghee-laden rice to the beloved mishti (sweets), I realized that sharing food is a universal language. A bit of gajar halwa here, a piece of rosogolla there—suddenly, we were all speaking the same emotional language, despite coming from different corners of the world.
Fashion, Fluff, and Flourishes: Desi Girl Meets British Streets
And then, there’s the matter of dressing the part. I can’t help but laugh at how different my wardrobe has become. In Kolkata, you wouldn’t catch me dead without a perfectly draped saree or a casual salwar kameez. But here? It’s more about layers—because, apparently, England doesn’t believe in steady weather. A camel-colored trench coat here, a chunky scarf there, and I’m ready for whatever mood the sky is in. It’s funny, though, because the sarees have found their way into my life too, albeit for special occasions. Who says you can’t wear a saree while navigating the British landscape? I’ve become a master of combining the East and the West, pairing silk saris with leather jackets and boots, creating a fusion style that’s uniquely my own.
Broadcasting My Identity to the World
Studying Broadcast Journalism at NTU has done more than just teach me technical skills—it’s been about embracing my identity and weaving that into the narratives I want to tell. Coming from a place where storytelling is an art passed down through generations, I’ve learned to merge the old with the new, the Bengali with the British. From news bulletins to documentary films, there’s always a way to tell a story, and I’ve realized that my voice—Bengali, Indian, and all—is one worth sharing.
Through the lens of a camera or the click of a keyboard, I’ve learned that journalism isn’t just about telling what’s happening in the world; it’s about shaping the world with the stories we choose to tell. And while this journey is far from over, I can say that Nottingham, NTU, and all the experiences along the way have given me the courage to own my narrative. From the curry nights to the sleepless editing marathons, it’s all part of the bigger picture.
So, here I am, a Bengali girl in Nottingham, making my mark in the world of Broadcast Journalism—and, just maybe, finding a little bit of home in every step I take.
Now that I’m back in Kolkata, the city that raised me, I find myself looking at it with fresh eyes. There’s a certain magic in returning home after being away—familiar streets feel different, and the people around me seem to carry a new kind of warmth. The journey from Nottingham to Kolkata wasn’t just about traveling across continents; it was about growing into someone who’s learned to embrace every moment, both the big and small. From late-night study sessions in Nottingham to wandering the chaotic lanes of my hometown, I’ve come to realize that the world doesn’t just change when you leave—it changes you.
"Not all those who wander are lost." – J.R.R. Tolkien
- Rini.
