'May we all come out of this time stronger, more passionate, and more generous in spirit'
Editor Divia Thani on what we can learn from the hospitality industry
Divia Thani
Published: Sep 08, 2020 | 20:12:14 IST
Over the years, I have relied on Surjit Singh to be my guide to Amritsar whenever I visit, whether it is to the Golden Temple, for jutti-shopping or to the Wagah Border. But I have also called him on occasion to courier prasad to me for a friend whose father was ill, or to arrange a paath (scripture reading) for another friend who lost a relative. He often sends me a WhatsApp message in the morning, a line from a raga from the Guru Granth Sahib along with an English translation. And whenever my family makes a trip to Amritsar without me, I book their flights only after checking whether Surjitji is free on those dates—I rest easy knowing they will be taken care of. No matter what, I have asked of him over the years—sometimes simply for a photo of the Golden Temple on a tough day—Surjitji has accommodated me with the warmth of an old friend. A true Sikh, everything he does, he considers his seva. And in my mind, he is synonymous with Amritsar. (Surjit Singh; 721 Tour & Travels; 9815368577)
I feel much the same way about Muzaffar Andraabi in Srinagar, whom I met via his Jaipur-based brother, Mubashir. In 2016, I visited Kashmir several times for work, and the home of Muzaffar and his wife Irfana felt like my base in Srinagar. Muzaffar once led tours across Central Asia, but he returned to Kashmir years ago in the hope of showing tourists his homeland. For obvious reasons, it's been a difficult journey. And despite the many lows, Muzaffar's passion for his state, for its history and rich culture, still shines. That deep emotion that being in Kashmir always brings out is, in several ways, thanks to the hours we spent chatting over kahwa, the many stories and incredible hospitality he shared so generously with me. (muzaffar@kashmircaravans.com)
And in Chettinad, where I once escaped for a rainy weekend with a girlfriend, 86-year-old Meenakshi Meyyappan at The Bangala turned out to be just the doyenne I had heard so much about. She rules over the property with a delicate balance of discipline and tenderness that reminded me of my favourite school principal. Her kitchen is nothing short of a national treasure—some of the best food I've ever eaten in India, showcasing the wealth and depth of regional cuisine when treated with respect and honour. Plus, there is no grand home or saree store in Chettinad she does not know.
How thankful I feel not only to have travelled across India and around the world, but also to have encountered so many people who share two common, remarkable qualities: a passion for their homes, culture, communities and history and everything they stand for, and a generosity of spirit, a willingness to share with strangers not just the best things but also the truths of their people and place. I might be biased, but I believe that the travel industry attracts this magnanimous sort of personality.
At the end of the day, travel is about forming connections—you connect to the earth, to nature, to the past, to human endeavours, to other people whom you otherwise would never encounter. The power of travel lies in people. Whether it is a foodie revealing the hidden gems of Hyderabadi cuisine, a hotelier driven by a higher purpose, or a gardener who delights in seeing his guests in awe of his blooms, these are the people who make your trip, the people you remember after you return home. Travel accounts for a whopping 4.2 crore jobs in India; these are the people whose lives you directly affect each time you make a booking. I am so honoured to share some of my favourites with you in this special issue, a tribute to all those who work in the travel industry. May we all come out of this time stronger, more passionate, and more generous in spirit.
Editors Letter