Unplanned Adventures!
Racket Boy’s travels are never complete without unexpected twists! On 12/9/23 I arrived in Delhi from Milan, smack in the middle of India hosting the G20 conference, and the story has been no different.
Little did I know that a simple craving for naan bread and dhall would lead to an encounter sent from heaven. As I wandered through the bustling streets of Delhi, I found myself drawn to a decrepit roadside stall near a stagnant river, a stark contrast to the polished section of New Delhi where the G20 leaders were gathering. The air was thick with pollution, but the aroma of freshly baked naan and the promise of authentic Indian flavours was too strong for me to ignore.
Just as I was savouring my delicious meal, a stranger strolled in, and our paths crossed. He introduced himself as Suresh Choudhary, a name that would soon resonate with significance. What I learned next was nothing short of serendipity.
Suresh Choudhary, it turned out, was the proud father of Arundhati Choudhury, an Indian national boxer and World Youth Champion who is currently competing at the Asian Games in China. Mr. Choudhary runs a private secondary school in Kota, a hub of education in Rajasthan. And in the spirit of warmth and hospitality that seems to be second nature to the people of India, he extended an invitation that filled my heart with gratitude.
He invited me to deliver a talk at his school when I return to India next year. The prospect of sharing my experiences and insights with young minds in a place known for its dedication to education was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. It was an encounter gift-wrapped and sent from heaven, a testament to the magic of unplanned travels.
This meeting with Mr. Choudhary and the prospect of inspiring young students adds another chapter to Racket Boy’s list of innumerable encounters and cherished memories. It’s moments like these that remind me why I embrace the spontaneity of travel. Each journey brings new friends, unexpected opportunities, and a sense of purpose that keeps me exploring the world with an open heart.
As I bid farewell to Delhi and head south to my ancestral land, Kerala, I can’t help but wonder what new adventures await me.
More stories to follow from the Rajdhani Express which takes two days and almost 3,000 km from Delhi to Trivandrum!