Known and Unknown Gurus in My Tourism Career

Every person who crossed my journey became a Guru, leaving behind a lesson that shaped my life.

As we celebrate Guru Purnima, I find myself reflecting on the many Gurus who have shaped my life and career. Some consciously guided, supported, and encouraged me, while others unknowingly taught me valuable lessons through their actions and experiences. Looking back on more than three decades in the tourism industry, I realise I have never walked this journey alone. Every person I have met has, in some way, contributed to my learning.

My greatest Guru and mentor has been my colleague and life partner, Sameer. A highly experienced tourism professional, he has travelled to more than 28 countries and guided thousands of travellers. It was he who encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and become a tour leader at a time when women were rarely chosen for such roles. His confidence in me gave me the courage to accept this responsibility.

From Sameer, I learned one of the most valuable lessons in tourism—to remain calm and patient. Delayed flights, lost luggage, changing weather and unexpected situations are inevitable. A tour leader cannot afford to panic. When the leader stays composed, the entire group feels reassured. This ability to remain calm has been one of the greatest gifts of my career.

My parents have always been my Gurus. My mother nurtured my confidence by encouraging my interests and hobbies instead of focusing only on academics. Even after my marriage, she lovingly cared for my daughter whenever I travelled for work, giving me the peace of mind to fulfil my responsibilities. My father trusted my judgement and believed in allowing me to make my own decisions. His philosophy was simple: “The decisions are yours, and so are the consequences.” Those words instilled in me a lifelong sense of independence and responsibility.

My daughter, Bela, is another special Guru in my life. When she was just six years old, I often had to leave her with our parents while travelling with tour groups. Those were emotionally difficult days, as I balanced the responsibility of managing travellers with the constant thought of my little daughter back home.

Looking back, I realise those years strengthened us all. Bela learned to become independent, while I learned that love does not always mean being physically present. Today, she has grown into a confident young woman who guides me with new technology and modern ways of working. It is a wonderful reminder that learning has no age.

My brother, too, has been a Guru in his own way. He taught me how to drive, giving me another level of independence. He would often tease me about being such a chatterbox, while reminding me to stay calm and focused—simple advice that has remained with me throughout my life.

My in-laws, with their extensive experience of world travel, also guided me from time to time. During my education and early career, my teachers, friends, managers and colleagues became Gurus by encouraging me, correcting me and giving me opportunities to grow. Even the travellers I have accompanied have taught me valuable lessons. Some showed me what to do, while others taught me what not to do. Both lessons have been equally important.

Tourism itself is a great teacher. It demands knowledge, organisation, punctuality, hospitality, communication and adaptability. Technology evolves, visa regulations change, travel trends shift and new destinations emerge. A tourism professional must therefore remain curious, alert and willing to learn throughout life. Every journey brings new experiences, and every experience becomes a new lesson.

My learning has extended beyond tourism. I also bow in gratitude to my Gurus in music and art. Learning the violin and pursuing my lifelong passion for painting eventually led me to develop my creative identity through ArbelsaArt, inspired by the beautiful Madhubani painting tradition.

Among all my Gurus, one deserves special recognition—the Guru within. It is the inner voice that keeps curiosity alive, encourages us to take the next step, gives us courage when we are afraid, and reminds us never to stop learning. It teaches us to trust our instincts, learn from our mistakes and continue moving forward.

On this auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, I bow with heartfelt gratitude to all my known and unknown Gurus who have enriched my life through their guidance, encouragement and example. I am grateful for every lesson, every challenge and every opportunity that has shaped the person I am today.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Guru Purnima!

(The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be contacted at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com. Views personal.)