Vikas Bhasin

Name: Vikas Bhasin

Location: Delhi, Dharamshala, Shimla

Role with World Unite!: Coordinator for the Himalayas

Nationality: Indian

Languages: English, Hindi

Vikas is a professional mountain guide from the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi and is working as an Operations Manager for our partner Chrysalid. He will arrange your volunteer placement or internship in Shimla or Dharamshala where he will personally welcome you and provide support services.

Hasmik Ghalechyan

Name: Hasmik Ghalechyan
Location: Jaipur (Rajasthan), India
Role with World Unite!: Coordinator in Jaipur
Nationality: Armenian

Languages: English, Hindi, Armenian, Russian

Since 2010, Hasmik, who is a coach for intercultural communication by profession, has been working in India in the field of non-profit and community development.

What do you enjoy most about your work with World Unite!?

I have always had a drive to work on a bigger scale and make an impact on global level. My main profession is into intercultural communication which enabled me to understand people from diverse background and serve their needs through various programs. Being the only Armenian in Jaipur, I have already learnt Hindi and merged into the culture: that’s what helps me serve foreign visitors better as I am well aware of the cultural peculiarities of both India and Western countries.

What is your favorite local food, and where can it be found?

I'm a spicy food lover and I enjoy Pyaz ki kachori, Dosa, Daal and Shahee Paneer most which can be found at different local restaurants all over Jaipur.

What should participants coming to Jaipur make sure not to miss?

They should not miss seeing the royal palaces and temples, visit Elephant village and see an Indian wedding if they have a chance.

Do you have any hobbies or special interests, and where can you do your hobbies in Jaipur?

I love traveling in India and I use all the chances to do so. Jaipur is near many wonderful places so it's possible to travel to Jodhpur, Agra, Pushkar, Ranthambore even for 2 days on weekend.

Antonio Varghese

Name: Antonio Varghese

Location: Cochin (Kerala), India

Role with World Unite!: Coordinator in Cochin

Nationality: Indian

Languages: English, Malayalam, Hindi

Antonio is our coordinator and providing support services in Cochin/Kerala. He and his wife, who is from Latvia, are also running the accommodation where our participants in Cochin stay, and they are arranging excursions. The team is completed by Freddy, a tour guide, who is providing the local orientation for your participants.

Which language(s) do you know?

English, Malayalam, Hindi. And my wife speaks Latvian, Russian, Swedish, Norwegian and English.

What is your favorite local food, and where can it be found?

Just to mention some of my favourite foods that can be found at restaurants all over Kerala: Steam cake, Appam, Uppumavu, Eddali, Dosa etc...

What should participants coming to Cochin make sure not to miss?

They should not miss seeing the historical places, taste different foods , traditional dances, music etc.

Do you have any hobbies of special interest, and where can you do your hobbies in Cochin?

I enjoy football, chess, cricket, and spirituality. I was a catechism teacher for 15 years.

Nutan Barthi

Name: Nutan Barthi

Location: Jaipur

Role with World Unite!: Shared apartment manager, support of participants

Nationality: Indian

Languages: English, Hindi

Nutan is managing cleanliness, order and meals at the Shared Apartment in Jaipur. She is arranging the weekly cultural activities for participants such as Yoga and cooking lessons. Additionally, she is picking up participants from the airport and supporting them during their time in Jaipur.

What degree(s) do you have?

I have a Bachelor degree in commerce and will soon be starting my Master's degree in marketing.

What did you do before starting your work at World Unite!?

I was working in a similar field of cultural exchange as a coordinator.

What is your role at World Unite!?

I am the manager in our shared apartment in Jaipur, and I take care of pick-ups and drop-offs, maintenance of the shared apartment, coordination of food, and provision of workshops to participants.

What do you enjoy the most about working at World Unite!?

Overall the work is very interesting as I meet new people and get to know their culture. I enjoy most organizing cultural workshops for the participants such as teaching them Hindi, cooking workshops, etc.

What place at your location do you find most enjoyable to spend your leisure at?

Peackock restaurant is my top favorite as it has a royal atmosphere.

What is your favorite local food, and where can it be found?

South Indian food like Idli Sambr, Dosa and it is possible to find it anywhere as there are many restaurants serving them.

What should participants coming to your location make sure not to miss?

Eating golgapa, sightseeing to Taj Mahal, Hawa Mahal and shopping in Bapu Bazaar.

Do you have any hobbies or special interest, and where can you do your hobbies at your location?

I love photography and with Indian crazy colorful reality it is possible to click interesting photos nearly anywhere.

What is the most memorable episode that you have experienced with a World Unite! participant?

The most memorable episode is our tenting in Pushkar and drinking chai under clear sky there.

Govind Rathore

Name: Govind Rathore

Location: Jodhpur (Rajasthan), India

Role with World Unite!: Coordinator in Jodhpur

Nationalitity: Indian

Languages: English, Hindi

Govind is director of our partner organization Sambhali Trust and together with his brother, he is providing support services to our participants in Jodhpur.