Returning to India After Three Years

Travel has a way of forcing you to slow down and observe the world differently. My recent trip to India in 2026 reminded me of that again. I had visited before in 2023, and returning this time brought back many memories while also giving me new perspectives.

India has always been a country that leaves you thinking long after you leave. The scale of everything is bigger, the energy is constant, and the people make the experience unforgettable.

Delhi: Energy, Culture, and Movement

Delhi was once again vibrant and full of life. The city moves at a pace that can be difficult to describe unless you have experienced it yourself. Markets, food stalls, offices, and neighborhoods all seem to be in motion at the same time.

One thing that stood out immediately was the traffic. Every day that I attended the India AI Summit we had to leave very early in the morning and often returned very late in the evening because navigating the city took time. The traffic situation in Delhi is intense but somehow still organized in its own way.

The cars on the road are often small and closely packed together, many of them showing signs of everyday use with scratches and dents. Buses on the other hand are usually full and surprisingly comfortable with air conditioning. The city has found ways to keep moving despite the congestion.

Conversations at the India AI Summit

A big part of my visit was attending the India AI Summit where innovators, researchers, and policy thinkers were discussing the future of artificial intelligence. As someone working in digital health and public health innovation, these conversations were particularly interesting.

Artificial intelligence is beginning to shape healthcare systems around the world. From disease detection to health data analysis, the possibilities are expanding rapidly. Being in those rooms reminded me how important it is for countries across Africa to participate actively in shaping how these technologies are developed and applied.

For those of us building health technology platforms, conversations around data governance, ethics, and equitable access are essential.

Hospitality at the JW Marriott

My stay at the JW Marriott was another highlight of the trip. The hotel was filled with interesting people from different parts of the world who had come for various conferences and meetings.

The staff and facilities were exceptional. The environment made it easy to relax after long days of meetings and travel. Conversations at breakfast or in the lobby often turned into unexpected exchanges of ideas and stories.

A Visit to Agra and the Taj Mahal

While Delhi is energetic and intense, my favorite moment of the trip happened outside the city.

I visited Agra to see the Taj Mahal. Standing in front of it in person is very different from seeing photographs. The symmetry, the scale, and the history behind the monument create an experience that is hard to put into words.

The Taj Mahal is not just a monument. It is a symbol of history, architecture, and human expression. Seeing it reminded me how culture and heritage shape the identity of nations.

When Your Body Meets a New Food Culture

One small challenge during the trip was experiencing what many travelers jokingly call the “Delhi belly.” It was not because the food was unclean. It was simply that my body was adjusting to a completely new food culture.

Fortunately, it resolved itself after a few days. It was just one of those reminders that travel often requires the body to adapt along with the mind.

The People Who Make India Special

More than anything else, the people remain the heart of India. Everywhere I went, I encountered individuals who were welcoming, curious, and open to conversation.

From hotel staff to drivers to fellow conference participants, people were eager to talk about their country, their work, and their perspectives on the world.

Those conversations are often the most meaningful part of travel.

Reflections from the Journey

As someone working at the intersection of public health, technology, and policy, trips like this always provide new ideas. They remind me how interconnected our challenges are.

Whether it is artificial intelligence, healthcare systems, or urban infrastructure, many countries are asking similar questions about the future.

India remains a place that challenges you to observe, think, and reflect. And every visit leaves you with a deeper appreciation of the complexity and beauty of the world we share.