Ever wondered what it’s like to grow up offline, deep in the jungle, at a tiny Indian boarding school? In this episode, I chat with Praneeth Koneru about his nine-year adventure at Rishi Valley School, a place with no Wi-Fi, no phones, and barely any contact with the outside world.
Ever wondered what it’s like to grow up offline, deep in the jungle, at a tiny Indian boarding school? In this episode, I chat with Praneeth Koneru about his nine-year adventure at Rishi Valley School, a place with no Wi-Fi, no phones, and barely any contact with the outside world.
We dive into the unique challenges and joys of boarding school life: building friendships in tight quarters, navigating strict rules, surviving basic dorm living, and discovering independence the hard and sometimes hilarious way. Praneeth shares how the experience shaped his life skills, confidence, and ability to handle conflict, lessons that still help him today.
This conversation is not about criticizing India, but about appreciating its incredible diversity, culture, and traditions. From South Indian cuisine and customs to the way students learn self-discipline and relationships, we explore how cultural context shapes education and identity.
If you’re curious about growing up differently, navigating identity, and learning life lessons in unexpected ways, this episode is for you. You’ll laugh, reflect, and maybe gain a new appreciation for the many ways childhood can happen, even without Wi-Fi.