“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”
– Saint Augustine

This was a quote ,written on the walls of an airport and it is quite insightful. I fully endorse this view. One of the best ways of education for adults and children alike ,is travel around India and the world. The learning through these travels, are more valuable than any book can teach us.

I love travelling any way and like to drive or go by train, bus or a plane. Every travel both within my own beautiful country or outside, has taught me something. Every single time, I meet people from different cultures and observe different things around me ,and learn from it.

If you travel by road, you stop at unknown places for a coffee and meet interesting people from the local community. They can teach you important life lessons ,of service and hospitality. I remember a recent travel, when a lady told me, while sitting in a rickshaw ,that with love, you can get anything done in life.

It could be these simple interactions, which transform your life. This observation was based on a simple human act ,of the auto rickshaw driver to a passenger ,but it is etched in my mind forever. I will always remember that with love, you can get anything done in life.

I remember another travel to Kashmir ,long time back. It was the time when terrorists were on the rampage in the valley. A taxi driver, who was taking us around ,told us ,how most people are human and loveable but a few unkind terrorist spoil the social fabric. He further emphasised the value of unity in diversity.

Another interesting aspect of travelling, especially by train ,is that you end up meeting interesting people from different walks of life and they can share their knowledge and wisdom with you ,during the journey, through your conversations with them.

When you travel to countries outside India, you end up learning interesting aspects of different cultures and their behaviour. I recall my visit to Japan, where the common people -interactions teach you about how one can be courteous ,in every aspect of life.

My visit to many European countries have taught me, how to protect and preserve our heritage. They not only preserve them but are proud of retaining their beauty and sanctity. They make you realise how much history and heritage ,can teach us in life.

I was recently travelling to Delhi with a friend, to conduct a workshop and this friend shared this beautiful quote, written on the walls of an airport and it excited me to write about it.

If you have not yet travelled around India or the world, just try to visit a place you have never been to before, with an open mind. You will realise ,that you learn more than any other experience, you have had in life ,so far.

Life is a journey and travel is a book,which teaches you through the pages of this book.

S Ramesh Shankar

15th Aug 2025

“Life is like a camera – focus on what matters, capture the good and delete the rest. “

I loved this quote, I received today morning ,from someone. I try to live life, this way ,every day. It helps ,if we focus our life ,on what matters to us. This does not mean that we are self centred. What it means is that we do not lose our focus in life or our goals. We are not distracted by obscure things ,happening around us. We also do not interfere, in other peoples’ lives.

Let us start with the morning newspaper. I love reading the printed newspaper every day ,although I may have read the news ,on my phone or tablet during the previous 24 hours. I focus on what is happening in my country and the world.

I love to read all the positive news around us and get inspired by them. I do not waste my energy in reading about crimes or about negative things. I look at ,how I can contribute as an individual, family or community ,to make a better world around me.

I do not like to gossip or share unwanted material, on whatsapp or other social media etc. I consider it a waste of time. I share any good news I get or anything new or innovative ,I read about, in any media.

I prefer to spend my time reading or writing, about the positive things happening around me. Sometimes, I do write about my failures too and what I learnt from them. I am a born optimist and try to keep my mind positive always.

I do end up reading a lot of negative things in newspapers or media. I generally do not read them in detail and immediately delete them from my memory ,as it will take away the positivity in me.

It may be helpful, to mix with family and friends, who are positive also and refrain from the company of cribbers and negative people. As they say “sangati” or the positive company makes you positive too.

I prefer to watch sports and also music reality shows. I do watch cinema of genres, which I like, like comedy, romance or about life in general. I dislike watching crimes and news on tv, where a set of participants keep arguing about things ,they know little of.

I love to go on my walks, practise yoga and play badminton, which keeps me physically and emotionally fit. Long drives in my car ,to be with nature, keeps me energised too.

Life is an adventure and we need to keep the memories, which we would cherish and which gives us happiness. Sometimes, we cannot ,avoid negativities in our life. But, we need to learn ,to get over them as soon as we can.

We have to decide ,what matters to us. We need to create enough memory, to keep the good and have the courage, to deal with the negativity around us.

If we learn to focus on what matters to us, capture the good and delete the rest, then life is enjoyable every day.

S Ramesh Shankar

17th July 2025