Life on soil

Wandering Souls and Timeless Connections: A Journey to Aalo The border villages of Arunachal Pradesh hold a charm that words often struggle to capture. My recent visit to one such village, Aalo, transported me back to my hostel days—a time when dreams were abundant, and connections were serendipitous. Nestled in the pristine hills, Aalo is a tranquil escape where time seems to flow differently. The lush greenery, the crisp mountain air, and the simplicity of life here hold a certain magic. But my most profound takeaway from this journey wasn’t the beauty of the landscapes; it was the memory of two kindred souls I met during those nostalgic hostel days—Vivian and Prashant. Chapter 1: The Serendipity of Meeting They say you cross paths with millions of people in a lifetime, yet only a handful truly leave an imprint. Vivian and Prashant were among them. Music artists by passion, their craft radiated an authenticity that resonated deeply. Our first encounter was unplanned yet transformativ...

Travel is often romanticized as a series of grand landscapes, thrilling adventures, and bucket-list experiences. But for me, it’s the stories of people—the fleeting, unplanned conversations—that make the journey truly unforgettable. One such moment happened on a bus ride from Kamakhya to Jalukbari, a seemingly ordinary commute that turned into a window into another person’s world. As I settled into my seat, the bus chugging along the winding roads, I found myself next to a man who seemed to carry a quiet sense of wisdom. He was about 51, his weathered face bearing the marks of a life spent in motion. We exchanged casual greetings, and soon, our conversation unfolded like an old book brought to life. He told me about his years as a roadside seller, traveling across South India. For 20 years, he had journeyed from one town to another, setting up makeshift stalls in bustling markets, selling everything from trinkets to tools. His eyes lit up as he spoke, the corners of his mouth curling i...