The song of the road
October 2011
One Life to Ride-A motorcycle journey to the high Himalayas, Author: Ajit Harisinghani, Published By: Full Circle, Pages: 227, Rs. 295
This is a travel book for travel enthusiasts. An adventurous account of a speech therapist’s 4,300 km solo motorcycle journey across different regions, states, cultures and traditions of India through narrow roads, dusty plains, hills and steep slopes. Extreme weather conditions that ranged from searing heat, to sub zero temperatures were another variant. This part travelogue and part memoir eloquently captures India in all its varied colours. Homage to the unseen force behind the majesty of life is innate in the intense evocation of nature, the chirping of birds, exotic meals, and the hope-filled, joyful faces of fellow travellers. Not only are we privy to the author’s personal journey but through it learn many lessons ourselves. These include appreciating the good things we take for granted in our privileged lives, enjoying each moment of life, contentment, and trust in God’s providence.
Harisinghani is particularly eloquent on the plight of the Indian soldier, his desperation, anxiety, frustration and home-sickness while staying far from home, putting his life at stake to safeguard his countrymen. The fine pictures taken along the journey of sufis, saints, sadhus, fakirs, soldiers and temples, add another dimension to the narration.
The author says, “Alone on the bike, away from routine restrictions, I feel different. No one on the road knows anything about me. I am free of my personal history and can be whoever I want to be. I can even change my personality as often as I change my shirt.”
A book worth reading.
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