Still a Long Road (Nikhil Rajendra Shinde) India |

Still a Long Road
Nikhil Rajendra Shinde
India. 2025. 12 min

When we think of refugees from Afghanistan or any conflict-ridden country, we often see images of war, struggle, and survival. But beyond the headlines and hardships, there is something more. There are emotions, dreams, and silent moments of longing that often go unnoticed.

This feeling of longing and belonging is something I deeply connect with. Migration is a part of all our lives. We move for education, work, or opportunities, yet no matter how far we go, we always miss home. But for some, migration is not a choice. Many people are forced to leave their homes and countries due to circumstances beyond their control. While some of us have the privilege of returning, others may never have that option.

With Still a Long Road, I wanted to explore this unspoken side of displacement. Teenage years are when we form our core memories, shaping the way we see the world. What happens when someone at that fragile age experiences forced migration? How does a boy like Sultan, caught between his past and present, perceive his journey? Through his story, I hope to capture the emotions of exile, the weight of nostalgia, and the quiet resilience of those who continue to dream despite an uncertain future.

NIKHIL RAJENDRA SHINDE