“If travel is a journey to find ourselves, then South Asia is where my soul feels closest to home.”
Where the Soul Breathes: My First Realization
South Asia. Just saying it stirs something within me—a warmth in the chest, a flutter of old memories, and a rush of stories that deserve to be shared. I was born in Bangladesh—a land of rivers, green paddy fields, loud laughter, and even louder storms. This vibrant country is a tapestry of life, woven together by its people, traditions, and the breathtaking landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see.
From the very beginning, I felt like I was blessed with a divine ashirbad—to be born in a place where life is raw, real, and full of rhythm. The sounds of rickshaw bells, the calls of street vendors, and the chatter of neighbors painted a symphony of life that surrounded me. Every day was a new chapter, filled with adventures and the unexpected. I remember my childhood afternoons spent in the narrow alleys of Dhaka, where every corner turned revealed something new—a group of children playing cricket, an elderly man sharing stories from his youth, or the enticing smell of fresh fuchka being prepared by a local vendor.
As one poet beautifully expressed:
“Woh jagah hi kuch aur thi, jahan mitti bhi dua deti thi, jahan baarishon mein maa ka aanchal bhi bheegta tha.”
(That land was different—where even the soil gave blessings, where even my mother’s scarf danced in the rain.)
From this blessed soil, my journey across South Asia began. It was a journey not just across borders and roads, but across emotions, flavors, kindness, and chaos. South Asia is not something you visit; it’s something you breathe in. It stays on your clothes, your tongue, and your soul—long after you leave. As I traveled through the diverse landscapes of Bangladesh and India, I realized that the essence of South Asia lies in its ability to touch the heart deeply. It is a place where you can find joy in the simplest of moments—a shared meal, a friendly smile, or a spontaneous dance in the rain.
South Asia: A Living Canvas
South Asia is a feeling. It’s the morning azan blending with temple bells and church hymns. It’s saris dancing in the wind, their vibrant colors swirling like petals in a breeze. It’s chai stalls where conversations bloom over porcelain cups, the sweet aroma of tea mingling with the laughter of friends. It’s the loud honking of rickshaws, the rhythmic beats of tabla, and the smell of cardamom-infused dreams wafting through the air.
Here, strangers become companions, and friends become family. The roads may be broken, traffic relentless, and power ever-elusive—but life flows in full color.
I’ve danced in sudden monsoon rain on Dhaka’s rooftops, feeling the cool droplets on my skin as laughter erupted from my lips. I’ve watched the golden sunrise from a misty hill in Sikkim, where the world seemed to wake up in hues of orange and pink. I’ve shared peanuts with fishermen in Kuakata, their hands calloused from years of hard work, and lost arguments over cricket in Kolkata, where the passion for the game transcends boundaries.
Each place and each heartbeat left a whisper in mine. The people I met, their stories, and the warmth they shared became a part of my own narrative. As you read on, I invite you into the poetic pages of Bangladesh and India—not just as countries, but as experiences waiting to be discovered.
Bangladesh: The Gentle Soul You Didn’t Know You Needed
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