Discovery & adventure involve exploring the unknown for knowledge (discovery) and seeking thrilling, often challenging personal experiences (adventure), blending historical exploration, modern outdoor activities (trekking, kayaking), and edutainment centers, all fueled by curiosity and a desire for growth.
In 1852, Radhanath Sikdar, a Bengali mathematician, discovered that Peak XV was the world's highest mountain, later named Mount Everest. His groundbreaking calculations were overshadowed by British imperial bias, as the peak was named after a British official. Sikdar's contributions to the Great Trigonometrical Survey were largely ignored, encapsulating the colonial erasure of non-Western intellectual achievements.
This road trip from Ranchi to Rourkela for Tania's cousin's engagement on April 25th was a blend of careful planning and unexpected detours, emphasizing family and resilience. Traveling with Tania, recovering from surgery, we prioritized comfort and safety, opting for a longer but better route. The journey included moments of spirituality, challenges with terrain, and the support of family. Ultimately, this trip became a cherished memory, reflecting life's unpredictable yet navigable nature.
In August 2007, I embarked on my first flight into Baghdad, experiencing a nerve-wracking corkscrew descent designed for safety amidst conflict. Arriving in a war-torn city, I was there to help transform the Trade Bank of Iraq's digital landscape. Supported by a local colleague, I navigated security and customs, witnessing Baghdad's scars of war alongside its resilience. This journey signified a significant beginning in my professional life.
Our adventure began in Ranchi as my wife, Tania, and I awaited the delayed Hyderabad-Raxaul Express. After returning home, we finally boarded the train and reached Raxaul just 15 minutes late. We then traveled to Birgunj, Nepal, via a tanga. The Indo-Nepal Gate marked our entry into Nepal. Exhausted but excited, we arrived at the Annapurna Hotel, eager to explore Birgunj and participate in my training.
Takdah unfolded before us like a whispered secret—mist-draped hills, colonial bungalows, and a warmth that felt like home. At Rose Villa Heritage Homestay, the Lama family’s kindness wrapped around us as gently as the mountain fog. Our days flowed with quiet walks, fragrant tea, and stories etched into timeless landscapes. Takdah didn’t just soothe us—it changed us.
The Pakri Barwadih megalithic site in Jharkhand, India, reveals the advanced astronomical knowledge of ancient civilizations. Dating back over 3,000 years, these monumental stones were used as observatories and calendars, marking seasonal festivals. Despite its significance, the site faces threats from urbanization and neglect. Preservation efforts are crucial to maintain this cultural heritage, which offers insights into human history and wisdom. Protecting Pakri Barwadih ensures future generations can appreciate this archaeological treasure.
The Isko Caves in Jharkhand, India, are a significant archeological site and a testament to the country's prehistoric art and culture. Situated in a forest, the caves contain rock paintings from the Meso-Chalcolithic period (9000-5000 BCE). Local tribes, upholding the tradition of rock painting, connect the present day to the past via rituals performed at these caves. These caves, discovered in 1991, require proper maintenance and protection to conserve this important heritage site.
Varanasi, a timeless city on the sacred Ganga, captivates visitors with its historic ghats and temples. A trip included a visit to Kashi Vishwanath temple and an evening cruise on the Ganga aboard the Alaknanda luxury liner, offering breathtaking views and the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti. The experience also encompassed exploring Ravidas Ghat and witnessing the city's rich cultural heritage. The day ended with a memorable Ganga Aarti and a peaceful float of a Floating Diya. The Alaknanda Cruise provided a unique perspective of Varanasi's iconic ghats, offering a tranquil escape from the lively streets, concluding with shopping, a temple visit, and a delightful dinner before departing for Ranchi.
In the heart of Baghdad, where faiths once intertwined, I traced the forgotten footsteps of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. From the tomb of Pir Bahlol to the ruins of a lost Gurudwara, this journey revealed not only history but humanity — a reminder that love, peace, and understanding can outlast even the ravages of war and time.
The narrator and his wife Tania embarked on a long bike ride on a perfect weather day to Bagda Valley viewpoint, some 50 kilometres from their house. The valley is part of the Chotanagpur plateau, with hills, forests, rare species of birds, butterflies, tribal villages, and farms. Their journey included off-road biking and a steep climb to a hilltop providing breathtaking views. After enjoying the destination's serenity and beauty, they had to leave due to drizzling weather.
