Journeys and Jottings
Issue 48 - Happy Anniversary to Journeys and Jottings - a spring special, technology vs travel, March for endometriosis, 100 Stories of India and more
Hola, long time no see. And it's just that I have been a bit caught up with a lot of this and that, some travels, events, writing, and a few health issues as well. March reminds me of many things, starting with the anniversary of this newsletter. It’s been two years since I started penning this down and a big thank you to all of you, subscribers who have been with me for the last so many months.
As I look out of the window while writing, I see the tabebuia tree blooming right in front of me, a reminder that seasons change but some moments are always there eternally to remind us that life is indeed beautiful.
I started writing this newsletter when I was in a low and lull phase after a few personal tragedies. A blank mind and a black screen were all that I had in front of me. What started more as a motivation for me to start writing after a brief hiatus has now become an inspiration of sorts to keep pushing me to write. I started writing as a form of therapy but I did not want it to become a journal of sorts. I didn’t want to write about my life or my personal experiences then. I found a variety of muses around me. So I wrote about people, places, stories, and conversations that fascinated me and I hoped that it will interest you as well. A painting on seasons showcased on the walls of Raghurajpur, an Arts and Crafts Village of Odisha.
I wrote about spring in my second issue and how it is celebrated in India. If you would like to read it again, here is the link . One of my favourite issues in March 2022 is this post on Madhya Pradesh and Baigas in this issue and the tribal lore on life and seasons.
Travel and Tech - A Panel Discussion at Pondicherry University
March has been a rather quiet month for me as far as work and travel are concerned. I went on a short trip home to Chennai and then to Pondicherry to participate in a panel discussion on Travel and Tech along with stalwarts from the industry and the academic world.
While there were so many different points of view on the pros and cons, students needed a bit of reassurance that their jobs won’t be taken away by robots and AI. It’s sad to see so much fear and insecurity as we look at man versus machine, rather than trying to figure out how we can use technology. What do you think?
March for Endometriosis
Talking about health, it’s been a decade since I started my battle with endometriosis and chronic pain, and clinical anxiety. March is the month of endo awareness, a silent disease that has not just been both undiagnosed and misdiagnosed but is so debilitating that it robs you of your will to live and leaves you exhausted all the time. A huge shout to all the super women and endo sisters out there, who have been silently managing life and pain and disease and giving them hell. rote Here is an article that I wrote about my personal journey .
100 Stories of India - Tanakpur
Located on the foothills of the Himalayas and on the banks of the Sharda River and surrounded by dense forests is the charming town of Tanakpur in Uttarakhand. Rugged and raw with pristine views, Tanakpur is often referred to as the ” Gateway to the Kumaon Himalayas. ” The town is also adjacent to the Nepal border as a bridge across the Sharda River separates India from Nepal. However, Tanakpur is also a destination for pilgrims and devotees as the Devi Purnagiri Temple is located 20 kms from the town and you have to do a short trek of 3 km uphill to reach the temple which is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas. There are several tourist places near Tanakpur from lakes, forests, and temples, and here are some of the places to see here in this offbeat Himalayan town
Maa Purnagiri Temple
Sharda Ghat
Shyamlatal and Vivekananda Ashram
Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary
Feedback
I do hope that you enjoyed reading this issue. Looking forward to your feedback as always. I would particularly like to know if you have any other suggestions regarding the travel content.
We are going to keep the flow of conversations going and I would really appreciate it if you will share my newsletter with your friends and family.
See you soon! You can also read my travel stories on my blog and follow me on my social media.
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I happened to read your article on endometriosis. Cant even think of the pain you have been in those tough times, but as females I guess we have our patience levels notch higher than men. Also yes, its the faith which takes us to different places to pursue our passions and projects.
Stay healthy,
Stay blissed !