Tourism is indeed a great teacher. There is a sanskrit shloka to the effect which says that travel and tourism enhance your awareness, like a drop of oil spreading in a bowl of water!
How does tourism teach us so much? Let us look at local examples first. My brother, Parag, sent me yesterday a few pics from his family sojourn to Leopold Cafe, the Taj International and the Gateway of India, not to forget the Atal Setu. Why, in these four places is summarised india's colonial past and the glorious present, not to forget the resilient Indian spirit, right?
Indeed Indian tourism itself is a great experience. We have our own Switzerland (Kashmir), our own Rome (Maha Kumbh Mela right now, but there are many many more unique pilgrim places, right?), our own Oxford ( Nalanda being restored to its formal glory). Our Konkan can beat any sea front anywhere in the world, right? Why, across the length and breadth of India, we have very many Louvres without walls.
Do not you believe me? How about the architectural marvels that are the Maharashtra forts and the Tamilnadu temples? Oh, yes, we do have the proper museums as such, too. Have you ever been to the National Gallery in New Delhi? Our very own Pune has a Kelkar museum, which like the Salarjung, is a wonder created by an individual.
Indeed, even if one were to take one state tour per year, one would require at least two months per annum to taste its glories of multiple uniquenesses which would feast all our five senses. Most of all, the memories thus created are special and unique. Aai, for example, cherished more her lovely journeys with Sanju and his family to Munnar, to the Himalayas than her stay at their Boston home which she adored, too.
Tourism in our very own India, in brief, is a great experience. Happy National Tourism Day!
Pratima@ I remember with fondness Papa's amazement at the Tehri dam during his Char Dham Yatra, while Kunal's comment about the 'casual' meets up-n-close with tigers in the Bandhavgad tiger sanctuary still fascinates me.
Why, an eight year old Siddhu had actually become the best boy ever after his Himalayan experience, though his naughty boisterous self soon bounced back! Amar's international travels are cuter though, shared as they are with Ashwini, a very happy addition to the family.
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