Photo credit: www.cntraveler.com
A Journey of Independence: Exploring India Through a Personal Lens
For many, the roots of personal identity can often be traced back to family heritage and cultural connections. For a British Sikh, India holds a unique significance. With deep familial ties—stemming from my father’s and both sets of grandparents’ origins in this diverse nation—India has always felt like a second home. My childhood memories are filled with joyful holidays in a rural village in Punjab, a place that sparked my desire to explore the broader tapestry of India.
Though I had often fantasized about embarking on a gap year to travel, life’s commitments held me back. In a bid to embrace adventure, I decided to take a sabbatical from work, setting off on an unaccompanied journey across India. This would ultimately become a transformative experience for me.
Embarking on an Adventure
The preparatory phase included the typically tedious process of obtaining a visa, but the real emotional weight hit me the day I left. As I said goodbye to my mother, the tears we shed made the reality of my decision all the more tangible. Admittedly, I had led a sheltered life, growing up in a close-knit family. Stepping out into the world in my late twenties was an intimidating leap, particularly for a South Asian woman living with a disability.
As someone navigating the challenges posed by Brittle Bone Disease—where my bones can fracture with seemingly no cause—a three-month adventure through India served as a powerful testament to my autonomy and resilience. My journey took me through 11 distinct states, each presenting a unique flavor of culture and experiences, making every location feel like a new country entirely.
A Tale of Freedom and Exploration
Choosing to forego a rigid travel schedule was liberating. Each day, I made spontaneous decisions on where to go and what to see, fostering a sense of freedom that felt exhilarating. Over the span of 76 days, I traversed approximately 20,000 miles, covering 26 cities. My itinerary included vibrant regions like Rajasthan and Punjab, the serene landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, bustling metropolises such as Mumbai and Bangalore, and the tranquil shores of Goa and Kerala, culminating in a rich tapestry of experiences and insights.
This journey was not merely about seeing the sights. It represented an opportunity to confront my fears, embrace uncertainty, and discover the depths of my own capability. Each state brought challenges and moments of joy, instilling in me a profound understanding of the resilience required not just to travel, but to thrive amidst the unpredictability of life.
In the end, my adventure across India was far more than a scenic tour; it was a pilgrimage of personal growth—a celebration of independence that continues to resonate within my identity.
Source
www.cntraveler.com