24/08/2025
Between academic talks, I had the chance to experience Kochi — a city where cultures, faiths, and history meet the sea.
Kochi was once a thriving spice port, the very reason the Portuguese first set sail eastwards. Their foothold here in the early 1500s marked the beginning of European colonisation in India, and it was from Kochi that they expanded to capture Melaka, Malayan peninsula in 1511 — reshaping global trade and power in the early 16th century.
From the sacred interiors of St. Francis CSI Church, where Vasco da Gama was once laid to rest, to the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, elevated by Pope John Paul II in 1984 and adorned with Gothic arches, frescoes, and a rare seated statue of Jesus — the city’s spiritual heritage left a deep impression.
Along the waterfront, I witnessed both the grandeur of the Chinese fishing nets, timeless silhouettes from the 14th century, and the intimate skill of fishermen casting nets by hand. The joy of a fresh catch reminded me that Kochi’s soul still beats with the rhythm of the sea.
The journey continued through Jew Town, the Paradesi Synagogue, and Mattancherry Palace, where vivid murals and intricate carvings spoke of Kerala’s layered past. At the Dhobi Khana laundry, I was struck by the endurance of tradition — generations keeping alive the humble craft of hand-pressing clothes with charcoal irons.
And of course, no exploration is complete without food — a Kerala thali on a banana leaf, simple yet rich in flavour, reflecting the warmth of local hospitality.
Kochi is not just a destination; it is a living crossroads of spice, faith, and history. Truly an enriching exploration alongside the professional journey.
