Wonder while Wandering...

Learning is an ongoing process... We start learning from the very first breath and continue to do so till the last. Since childhood we learn many things, mostly through observations. In-fact the basis of our learning is observations. Newton observed falling apple and discovered Gravity, Benjamin observed lightning and discovered electricity... If we follow the biographies of eminent personalities, we see that 'Desharatan' (going around the country/world) as one of the important steps on their way to greatness. Mahatma Gandhi did a nationwide tour before actively devoting himself for the cause of independence. We read that Samarth Ramdas Swami also walked all the way from Maharashtra to Kashmir, visiting all the religious places and came back to Maharashtra with learning for his followers. As a matter of fact, Desharatan used to be a compulsory activity during the Gurukul days. Today we call it field trips. Many marketing companies make field work a compulsory program as a training and induction process. The underlying principle remains the same: face, observe, experience and learn.

I have been to almost all the states of India now and learnt that this fascinating country has a lot to offer to humanity. Inspite of the disparities like caste, language, customs, etc. this country runs on the fundamental humanitarian principles like brotherhood, love, respect for each other, and empathy. Our ways can be different but the art of leading a healthy and respectful life is the same. Some saints also reveal this realization of oneness among all Indians. The Hindus use "Om" while worshiping, the Muslims say 'Allah "O" Akbar', the Christians say '"O" Lord' and alike. The roots of our very existence take us to the same originating source whom we worship. No other country can be a best example of this other than India.

Though the mannerism at different places in India appears different, the fact remains that customs are so designed to help humans towards healthy and respectful life. The northern parts of India eat food with more proteins whereas people in the southern and coastal regions take more carbohydrates. Observing scientifically, the meals and eating habits suggest that the customs have been adopted to suit the climatic conditions of the places thus facilitating healthy living. There are differences in traditional dressing also, where again the environment plays a deciding role. Still there are similarities to be seen. Every culture professes some kind of turban or cloth on the head which prevents direct exposure of the head to sunlight. The science today tells us that sunlight falling directly on the head is not good for skull, hairs and memory. But all the cultures in India knew this since ages and have cultivated the habit of wearing turban, cap etc. on head.

Indians, be in any part of the country, are adaptive as well. They try to learn from all possible ways and imbibe the learning in day to day life. As a simple example, all of us are aware of stories from Panchatantra, stories of Vikram and Vetal, and historically the most recent ones that give similar teachings in a secular manner, stories of Akbar and Birbal. Knowingly or unknowingly we adopt the teachings from our surroundings and better our lives. One can see this not just in any particular state but throughout the country.

Happy Indians - By and large, Indians are happier people. Go to any part of India, you will find satisfied people, contended people, God loving people, and people who truly know and imbibe Indian values in their lives.

The more I wander around India, the more I wonder:

• I wonder how well the humanitarian values have been imbibed by all the 100 million people in the era where many large organizations struggle to have common values and communicate the same throughout the organization
• I wonder how this land of diversities set example for such a huge integrity
• I wonder how can people through different mannerism aim at the similar goal of leading a healthy and respectful life
• I wonder how, even after such vast disparities, it's the Love and Peace that prevails...

The more I Wander... the more I WONDER...