More Than Just Gear - It’s a Lifestyle
Life, much like my military career, isn’t a single track. While the thrill of traversing continents and immersing myself in diverse cultures fuels a significant part of my soul, it’s merely one vibrant thread in a rich tapestry of passions.
My kind of living is about embracing a spectrum of experiences, finding joy and growth in moments both grand and quiet. You might find me descending into the silent wonders of the ocean, the weightlessness a stark contrast to the grounded reality of my profession. Or perhaps lost in the comforting ritual of a slow-brewed coffee, each sip a moment of mindful pause amidst a demanding schedule. And then there are those stolen moments above the clouds, gazing at the world from 30,000 feet, a perspective that constantly reminds me of the vastness and interconnectedness of our planet.
As an author, these experiences don’t just shape my days—they shape my words. Every dive, every cup of coffee, every airborne meditation becomes material: stories waiting to be told, reflections itching to be inked. Writing allows me to capture the fragments of my life and offer them to others—not as final answers, but as shared explorations.
These pursuits weave together to create a life that is both adventurous and deeply fulfilling. Whether through journeys, journaling, or just paying attention, this is the kind of living I cherish.
The Spotlight
Where Emotions Find a Stage and Stories Come Alive
The world unfolds its wonders not just in geographical miles, but also in the intimate spaces where human experience is distilled and shared. For me, one such cherished realm is the theatre.
Stepping into a darkened auditorium is akin to embarking on another kind of journey, one that delves into the intricate landscapes of the human heart. Here, on a stage illuminated by carefully crafted light, emotions find a tangible form. Joy erupts in infectious laughter, sorrow hangs heavy in the air, and the complexities of human relationships are laid bare with raw honesty. As a keen observer of the world, honed by years of navigating diverse cultures and understanding the nuances of human interaction in my military career, I find the theatre to be a powerful mirror reflecting these very aspects.
Whether it’s the grandeur of a classical play, the poignant intimacy of a modern drama, or the vibrant energy of a musical, each performance offers a unique lens through which to examine ourselves and the world around us. The actor’s ability to embody a character, to breathe life into words on a page, is a testament to the profound capacity for empathy and understanding that lies within us all. It’s a space where stories, both familiar and new, come alive, sparking introspection and fostering a deeper connection to the shared human narrative.
Just as I meticulously plan my travel itineraries, charting courses through unfamiliar territories, I find a similar satisfaction in understanding the intricacies of a play – the playwright’s vision, the director’s interpretation, the actors’ craft. My ongoing certificate courses at the National School of Drama and the Sri Ram Centre for Performing Arts are not just hobbies; they are explorations into the art of storytelling itself. They allow me to appreciate the dedication and discipline required to bring these narratives to life, much like the strategic planning and execution demanded in military operations.
Perhaps it’s the shared sense of discipline, the collaborative spirit between actors and crew, or the sheer power of collective experience that draws me to the stage. Just as a successful military mission relies on the seamless coordination of diverse skills, a compelling theatrical performance hinges on the harmonious interplay of various artistic elements.
So, while the call of the open road, the allure of distant horizons, and the quiet contemplation over a slow-brewed coffee remain integral parts of my life’s tapestry, the theatre offers a different kind of adventure – an inward journey that enriches my understanding of the human condition and reminds me that some of the most profound explorations happen not across vast distances, but within the shared space of a story told well.
The Breath
A Quiet Moment. A Grounding Stretch. My Reset Button.
Amidst the structured life of an armed forces officer and the exhilarating chaos of travel, there exists a quiet anchor: yoga. It’s more than just a physical practice; it’s a sanctuary I can access anywhere, anytime. Whether it’s a sun-drenched beach after a long flight, a quiet corner in a bustling city, or the familiar stillness of my own space, rolling out my mat is an instant invitation to reconnect.
The grounding stretch of a warrior pose mirrors the steadfastness required in my profession. The focused breath during pranayama brings a sense of calm amidst demanding situations. Yoga, for me, is the ultimate reset button. It allows me to shed the accumulated tension – both physical and mental – and return to a state of equilibrium.
Just as travel broadens my perspective and connects me with diverse cultures, yoga deepens my understanding of myself. It’s a journey inward, a constant exploration of my own strength and flexibility, both on and off the mat. The discipline and mindfulness cultivated through yoga seamlessly translate into my professional life, enhancing focus and resilience.
This practice, honed through certifications from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga and Yoga Alliance USA (RYT 500), is not just a hobby; it’s an integral part of how I navigate the world. It’s a quiet moment in a dynamic life, a grounding force amidst constant movement, and a reliable way to hit my personal reset button, preparing me for whatever adventure – or duty – lies ahead.
The Brew
Warm Mornings, Deep Thoughts, and a Passport in One Hand
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee is, for me, the quintessential start to any day, whether it’s a quiet morning before duty or the dawn of a new adventure in a far-flung corner of the world. It’s more than just a beverage; it’s a ritual that invites contemplation, a warm companion to deep thoughts, and often, the precursor to holding a passport in hand.
My love affair with coffee has been an unexpected journey in itself, one that has led me far beyond the familiar comforts of my routine. It began with a simple appreciation for a good cup, but curiosity soon took over, pulling me towards its origins and diverse expressions. This fascination has been the quiet instigator of some remarkable explorations. I’ve traced coffee’s rich history from its birthplace in the highlands of Ethiopia and Rwanda, experiencing the very essence of its cultivation. My quest for unique coffee experiences then led me to the rather unconventional “poop coffee” of Brazil, the surprisingly delightful super special egg coffee of Vietnam, and the robust traditional Turkish coffee savored in Serbia alongside a perfectly flaky Austro-Hungarian croissant.
This deep dive into the world of coffee culminated in a hands-on coffee roasting course in Mexico, a truly immersive experience that deepened my understanding and appreciation. It’s a testament to how a simple love can blossom into a full-fledged exploration.
Interestingly, this passion has resonated with those closest to me. The thoughtful gifts of fragrant coffee beans, ranging from the prized estates of Coorg in India to the misty high lands of Sri Lanka, are a testament to their understanding of this integral part of my “kind of living.”
For me, travel isn’t just about seeing new landscapes; it’s about experiencing different cultures through their everyday rituals, and coffee, in its myriad forms, is often a central thread. It’s a reminder that even the simplest of pleasures can be a powerful catalyst for discovery, connecting us to new places and people, one warm, thoughtfully brewed cup at a time. And as a soldier with a thirst for the world, a passport in one hand often follows closely behind the comforting warmth of a coffee mug.
The Deep
Beneath the Waves, the World Slows—and Everything Expands
Adventure pulses through my veins, a current as vital as the one that courses through the oceans I’ve come to love. While travel paints vibrant strokes across the canvas of my life, scuba diving plunges me into a dimension where time itself seems to soften, and the world around me swells with breathtaking wonder. It was a simple nudge from a friend, a casual remark about seeing only a fraction of our planet above the surface, that ignited this deep-seated passion. That seed of curiosity blossomed into my first dive amidst the coral gardens of Mauritius.
From there, the underwater realm beckoned me further. The vibrant marine life of the Maldives captivated my senses, but it was in the depths of Indonesia that a new fascination took hold. My basic diving courses there culminated in my first wreck dive, a descent into the silent history held within the sunken USS Liberty. The allure of these submerged relics intensified, drawing me to Cyprus for my advanced training. The Zenobia shipwreck, a colossal titan resting on the seabed, became an instant favourite, a testament to the captivating stories hidden beneath the waves.
My diving journey has since spanned continents, each dive a unique conversation with the ocean. I’ve explored the underwater landscapes of Mexico, each site offering a different hue of the planet’s aquatic tapestry. Closer to home, the waters around Neil Island in the Andamans unveiled their serene beauty. Recently, an assignment with the Indian Army near Port Blair presented a poignant opportunity: diving the Agami Maru, a Japanese ship resting in its watery grave.
For me, scuba diving transcends mere adventure; it is akin to “water yoga.” Descending into the embrace of the ocean, a profound stillness washes over me. The rhythmic sound of my own breath becomes amplified, a meditative anchor in the liquid expanse. The visual symphony of marine life unfolds in slow motion, each creature a brushstroke in a living masterpiece. It’s a tangible lesson in equilibrium, a visceral understanding of how to balance the external pressures by cultivating an inner calm. Beneath the waves, the noise of the world fades, and in that silence, my own world expands immeasurably.
The Fall
Freefall into Fear, Thrill, and Freedom—All at Once.
They say life begins at the edge of your comfort zone. For me, sometimes that edge involves jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. Like everyone, I’ve harbored that primal urge to fly, to taste the raw adrenaline of freefall. My chance came during a UN assignment in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a detour leading to a short, captivating vacation in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa.
Table Mountain’s majestic presence, the charming waddle of penguins, the breathtaking vistas of the Cape of Good Hope, and the electric pulse of its nightlife – all etched themselves into my memory. Yet, amidst this kaleidoscope of experiences, nothing quite matched the visceral thrill of that tandem skydive.
Standing at the open door, the wind roaring past, a primal fear clenched for a moment. But then, a leap of faith. The world flipped, the ground rushed closer, and an exhilarating sense of freedom washed over me. It wasn’t just the adrenaline; it was the sheer audacity of defying gravity, the breathtaking panorama unfolding beneath, and the profound feeling of being utterly present in that freefalling moment. It was fear confronted, thrill embraced, and an unparalleled sense of liberation experienced – all at once. This, in its purest form, is living. And while travel opens doors to such extraordinary moments, it’s just one exhilarating chapter in my ongoing adventure.
The View
Window Seat Dreams and Cloud-Chasing Thoughts
For me, the ascent of an aircraft is more than just a transition from one place to another; it’s a departure into a unique realm. There’s a certain magic in being suspended between earth and sky, a feeling of being momentarily untethered from the everyday. I confess, a window seat isn’t just a preference; it’s a necessity. Gazing out at the unfolding tapestry below – the patchwork fields shrinking into miniature, the silver ribbons of rivers snaking across the landscape, and finally, the endless expanse of clouds – ignites a sense of wonder that never fades.
But the allure of flights extends beyond the captivating views. It’s the unexpected human connections forged within the confined space of a cabin that truly resonate with me. The long durations and inherent restriction of movement often lead to the most fascinating of encounters. Stripped of the usual distractions, a simple “hello” can break the ice, leading to small talk that unexpectedly blossoms into deeper, more meaningful conversations. I’ve met some truly amazing individuals amidst the hum of the engines and the gentle murmur of fellow passengers – people whose perspectives have enriched my life in profound ways.
And then there are the times when connection with others doesn’t materialize. These moments, however, are equally precious. Stripped bare of the world’s constant demands and digital intrusions, the solitude of a flight offers a rare opportunity for introspection. Cut off from everything but the vastness outside and the landscape of your own thoughts, the mind wanders freely. It’s a space for reflection, for processing experiences, and for chasing those elusive cloud-chasing thoughts that often get lost in the whirlwind of daily life. Whether it’s the thrill of a new destination on the horizon or the quiet contemplation within the clouds, flights hold a special place in my heart – a chapter in my kind of living that’s as much about the journey within as the journey without
The Escape
Whole Worlds in Paper and Ink—Where I Travel When I’m Still
They say the paths to knowledge are threefold: engaging in conversations, embarking on journeys, and immersing oneself in books. Yet, the act of reading transcends mere information absorption. Within the pages of a book, one doesn’t simply listen to the author’s voice; we undertake a shared voyage. The narrative becomes our vehicle, transporting us to distant lands and unfamiliar lives while our physical form remains anchored.
This unique form of travel, accessible within the quiet corners of our homes, simultaneously broadens our understanding of diverse perspectives. The same event, filtered through the lens of different characters and narrators, reveals layers of meaning we might otherwise miss. As an officer in the armed forces, my experiences have underscored the vital importance of understanding different viewpoints, whether on a global peacekeeping mission or within the complexities of human interaction. Books, in their profound way, cultivate this very empathy and nuanced understanding.
Just as I meticulously plan my physical travels, I find immense joy in charting courses through the landscapes of literature. From the intricacies of military strategy explored in historical accounts to the philosophical depths plumbed in classic texts, each book offers a unique expedition for the mind. The discipline and analytical skills honed in my military career find a complementary outlet in the focused engagement required by reading.
Furthermore, my academic pursuits, ranging from international relations to the nuances of human behavior and even the ancient wisdom of yoga, are deeply enriched by the insights gleaned from countless books. Each volume acts as a condensed reservoir of knowledge, a silent mentor offering perspectives that complement formal education and real-world experience.
In a life often characterized by movement and action, books provide a sanctuary of stillness, a space for reflection and intellectual exploration. They are the quiet companions on a long journey, the insightful guides to unfamiliar territories of thought, and the enduring bridges that connect us to the vast tapestry of human experience. For me, travel may be a vibrant chapter, but the countless worlds contained within paper and ink hold a special, timeless significance in my kind of living.
The Frame
Freezing Time, Feeling Moments—One Click at a Time
While the call of duty and the thrill of exploration define significant chapters of my life, as you’ve glimpsed through my travels, there’s another passion that resides deeply within me – photography. It’s more than just pointing and shooting; it’s about capturing the essence of a moment, freezing a fleeting second in time, and imbuing it with the emotions I felt.
Each photograph, for me, is a silent storyteller. It holds within its frame the sights, sounds, and even the subtle nuances of the atmosphere. Looking back at these captured moments is like turning the pages of a personal diary. Some images evoke a surge of joy, a wide, involuntary smile spreading across my face as I relive a cherished adventure or a heartwarming encounter. Others might bring a gentle ache, a nostalgic longing for a time gone by, perhaps even a tear tracing a path down my cheek.
But regardless of the emotion they stir, these photographic memories are enduring. They persist long after the actual moment has faded into the past, becoming a tangible link to experiences that have shaped me. They are a legacy, a way to share glimpses of my journey and the world as I see it, perhaps even long after I’ve hung up my boots and stowed away my travel bags. Through the lens, I not only freeze time but also preserve the feelings, ensuring that these precious moments continue to resonate, one click at a time.