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By:

Asha Tripathi

14 April 2025 at 1:35:28 pm

Alone, Not Lonely: The Power of Solo Travel

Solo travelling is not a destination—it is an ongoing process of becoming. Solo travelling is often misunderstood as loneliness, when in truth it is one of the most powerful forms of self-connection. It is not merely about visiting places alone but about crossing invisible boundaries—those built by fear, hesitation, and long-standing beliefs. It is a conscious choice to step beyond comfort and walk toward growth, self-awareness, and quiet confidence. It becomes a journey not only across...

Alone, Not Lonely: The Power of Solo Travel

Solo travelling is not a destination—it is an ongoing process of becoming. Solo travelling is often misunderstood as loneliness, when in truth it is one of the most powerful forms of self-connection. It is not merely about visiting places alone but about crossing invisible boundaries—those built by fear, hesitation, and long-standing beliefs. It is a conscious choice to step beyond comfort and walk toward growth, self-awareness, and quiet confidence. It becomes a journey not only across physical landscapes but also across the inner terrain of one’s own thoughts, strengths, and possibilities. Over time, I have been a part of several travel and community groups where I frequently meet solo travellers. Listening to their stories, observing their confidence, and witnessing their independence have always filled me with admiration and deep respect. These individuals carry a quiet strength—rooted in self-trust, awareness, and courage—shaped by experiences that demand both vulnerability and resilience. Their journeys are not about escaping life but about embracing it fully, choosing to engage with the world on their own terms and discovering more of themselves along the way. Interacting with solo travellers has deeply inspired me. I have often appreciated their ability to move through the world fearlessly, to adapt with ease, to explore with curiosity, and to remain grounded even in unfamiliar spaces. There is a quiet assurance in the way they carry themselves, shaped by experiences that demand both courage and openness. Their experiences slowly reshaped my understanding of what it truly means to be independent—not as isolation, but as self-reliance rooted in confidence. They reminded me that fear is natural—but limitation is optional, and growth begins the moment we choose not to let fear define our boundaries. For women especially, solo travelling is a powerful act of breaking barriers. Society often places unspoken restrictions on women’s mobility and choices, shaping expectations about where they should go, how they should behave, and what is considered “safe” or "appropriate". Solo travel gently but firmly challenges these narratives and encourages women to reclaim their freedom and autonomy. It becomes a statement of trust in oneself and in one’s judgement. Fearlessness here does not mean being careless—it means being aware, prepared, and confident in one’s own abilities, navigating the world with both caution and courage. Solo journeys create space for reflection and inner growth. Away from daily routines and expectations, and free from the noise of familiar responsibilities, solitude becomes a quiet yet powerful teacher. It allows us to pause, introspect, and reconnect with our inner voice—often unheard in the rush of everyday life. In this stillness, clarity emerges gently and naturally. We begin to trust ourselves more deeply, acknowledge our own strength, and recognise parts of ourselves that may have long remained unnoticed. Inspired by the many solo travellers I have met and admired, I finally took my first step. With courage shaped by reflection and confidence nurtured through inspiration, I kick-started my solo travel journey with a trip to Amritsar—choosing to experience the world independently and mindfully. I still remember the quiet moment before confirming my ticket, hesitating briefly, aware that this decision marked a shift within me. It was more than just selecting a destination; it was a personal milestone, a quiet promise to myself that I was ready to move beyond hesitation. That first journey marked the beginning of a new chapter—one defined not by fear, but by intention, awareness, and the willingness to grow through experience. Nevertheless, it never stops here. This is only the beginning—just the first step in a journey that continues to unfold. Each journey ahead holds new lessons, deeper courage, and greater self-discovery, revealing layers of strength that often remain hidden until tested. Solo travelling is not a destination—it is an ongoing process of growth, freedom, and becoming, a continuous evolution that shapes not only where we go but also who we are becoming along the way. (The writer is a tutor based in Thane. Views personal.)

Lingua Pragmatica

Updated: Mar 20, 2025

As Southern leaders like M.K. Stalin rage against Hindi, Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu offers a model of pragmatism over parochialism.

Chandrababu Naidu
Andhra Pradesh

Amid the cacophony of opposition in southern states to Hindi, Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu has taken a markedly pragmatic stance by remarking recently in the state Assembly that there was no harm in learning other languages. Hindi, Naidu noted, was useful for communication across India, particularly in political and commercial hubs like Delhi. His remarks, though avoiding explicit mention of the NEP, were widely seen as an endorsement of multilingualism and a rebuke to the linguistic chauvinism that has gripped parts of the South.


Few issues in India stir political passions quite like language. It is not merely a means of communication but a marker of identity, a relic of colonial resistance, and a source of political mobilization. In the southern states, where anti-Hindi sentiment has long been entrenched, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its three-language formula have reignited old tensions. No state embodies this defiance more than Tamil Nadu, where the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) led by M.K. Stalin has framed the policy as an assault on its linguistic autonomy.


Naidu’s words, welcomed by his ally and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, mark a sharp contrast with the DMK’s position. Tamil Nadu’s hostility towards Hindi dates back to the 1930s, when C. Rajagopalachari’s attempt to introduce it in schools met with fierce resistance. The anti-Hindi agitations of the 1960s cemented the DMK’s ideological stance, with its first Chief Minister, C.N. Annadurai, famously warning that Hindi imposition could push Tamil Nadu towards secession.


The question, however, is whether this rigid opposition serves Tamil Nadu’s interests. While Stalin, with an eye to the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, has been relentlessly portraying Hindi as a threat to his state’s regional identity, Naidu, a partner of the BJP-led Centre, is framing it as a tool for economic mobility. His argument is not that Hindi should replace Telugu or English but that it offers a competitive advantage.


The economic case for multilingualism is compelling. Indians who speak multiple languages tend to have better job prospects, higher earnings and greater geographic mobility. Andhra Pradesh’s Telugu-speaking diaspora is a case in point. Telugus make up a significant proportion of Indian-origin professionals in the United States, the Gulf, and Southeast Asia as Naidu pointed out, hinting that this success story was built not on linguistic rigidity but on adaptability.


In a country where inter-state migration is rising and where Hindi remains the most widely spoken language, refusing to learn it amounts to self-imposed isolation. Tamil Nadu’s approach, by contrast, risks limiting its youth. The DMK government has refused to implement the three-language policy, keeping schools strictly bilingual with Tamil and English. Its justification that Hindi is not necessary for global success could be true in a narrow sense but ignores the domestic context. If Tamil filmmakers can dub their movies into Hindi to expand their audience, why should Tamil students be denied access to the language that could open more doors for them within India?


The DMK has accused successive central governments, particularly under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), of pushing Hindi at the expense of regional languages. Yet, rejecting Hindi outright is an overcorrection. The reality is that Hindi is an important language in India’s economic and political landscape. Naidu’s position, one of accommodation rather than confrontation, offers a middle ground that other Southern leaders would do well to consider.


Some states already recognize this. Karnataka, despite its own history of linguistic pride, has allowed Hindi to be taught as an optional language. Kerala, whose migrants work in Hindi-speaking regions and the Gulf, has been less hostile to Hindi education. Naidu’s model, balancing regional identity with practical necessity, offers a way forward. Languages should be embraced, not politicized. Southern leaders would do well to listen to him.

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