Blogs

In the cradle of the Himalayas, where the air is crisp with the scent of adventure, and the mountains stand sentinel against the passage of time, a remarkable tale unfolds. This is the narrative of the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh, affectionately known as SECMOL, a beacon of resilience and enlightenment amidst the majestic landscapes. Nestled within the embrace of Ladakh’s breathtaking vistas, SECMOL, or the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh, is not just an institution; it’s a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Founded under the visionary stewardship of Sonam Wangchuk, the name SECMOL has become synonymous with educational innovation and a catalyst for change […]

Introduction: Embarking on a journey from the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene landscapes of Leh is an adventure worth recounting. This column explores the various modes of transportation – airplanes, buses, cars, motorcycles, and bicycles – each offering a unique perspective on the stunning route, including the famed Manali Road and Zoji La pass. Air Travel: Soaring Above the Clouds Flying from Delhi to Leh is perhaps the quickest way to reach the majestic region. As the plane ascends, passengers are treated to breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas, a preview of the enchanting beauty awaiting them in Leh. Bus Odyssey: The Road Less Traveled For those seeking […]

In the rugged landscapes of Ladakh, where the air is thin and the mountains stand tall, I found myself drawn to a practice that transcends the ordinary pursuits of life. It is not the pursuit of game or the thrill of the hunt that occupies my thoughts here, but rather the pursuit of inner stillness and self-discovery.   The crisp mountain air seems to lend itself to contemplation, a natural ally to the introspective journey I have embarked upon. The sun, casting long shadows on the barren terrain, becomes a silent companion in this quest for a different kind of adventure. The adventure of the mind. In the midst of […]

Nestled along the shores of a Norwegian lake lies a hideaway crafted from the branches of trees, a sanctuary masterfully concealed by the architectural firm Gartnerfuglen Architects and architect Mariana de Delas. Tucked away on the secluded edge of a Norwegian lake, this structure, known as “Gjemmested,” is veiled in layers of birch branches. Perched beneath the steep slopes of Norway’s Telemark region, the Gjemmested structure rests, accessible only by hand-rowed boat or skis when the lake freezes. This cabin, bearing the essence of a secluded retreat, was designed as a haven where one can indulge in fishing or take a leisurely afternoon nap without the intrusion of technology. “When […]

In the rugged embrace of Ladakh’s Changthang Plateau, a nomadic community unfolds a timeless narrative. Picture vast plains framed by rugged mountains, where the nomads, known as Changpas, navigate the harsh landscape with an innate dance choreographed by generations of adaptation. These hardy nomads are the poets of the plateau, composing verses with the rhythmic footfalls of their herds, crafting a narrative that transcends spoken language. In every nomad’s gaze, weathered by the ceaseless exposure to nature’s whims, lies a resilience reminiscent of protagonists in tales of adversity. Life in Changthang is a perpetual odyssey, dictated by the rhythm of seasons and the migratory patterns of their livestock. The nomads’ […]

In the subterranean soil of the forest, trees are weaving intricate networks that humans can only envy. Beyond just nutrients, they convey information about events such as fires, droughts, and environmental conditions. The discovery of these eloquent speeches of trees and the interconnected relationships among them was credited to a persistent Canadian, who happened to be Peter Wohlleben. In a chapter of his book, “The Hidden Life of Trees,” Wohlleben alludes to the mysterious ways in which various tree species communicate but remains enigmatic about the specifics of the research. The clandestine experiment’s hidden truth lies behind an extraordinary woman and her groundbreaking discovery from 35 years ago, permanently altering […]

I have immersed myself in the pages of countless tomes, yet their contents have mostly slipped through the sieve of memory. What then, is the true purpose of this endeavor we call reading? In the annals of an era, there lived an adept pedagogue who presided over a multitude of eager minds. One day, a pupil approached him with a quandary, “I have traversed the volumes, yet much has eluded my grasp. Pray, what is the essence of reading?” At that juncture, the sagacious mentor chose silence over speech. A few revolutions of the sun later, the instructor bequeathed unto the scholar a dilapidated receptacle, besmirched and on the verge […]

On Instagram, the hashtag “minimalism” boasts over 20 million posts, paradoxically inundating the digital realm over the past decade. Stark white walls, nearly empty bedrooms, compact living spaces, and an unexpected array of Apple products dominate this aesthetic wave. Minimalism, as a philosophy, challenges our consumerist tendencies, urging us to expend resources only on what is truly essential. Amidst green spaces, this notion has spurred transformations, inspiring individuals to reorganize everything from kitchen pantries to wardrobes. I, too, have partaken in this trend, dedicating weekends to meticulously curating my belongings and parting ways with sentimental relics under the banner of earning the coveted title of a “minimalist.” “It’s a mindset, […]

Living at a deliberate pace, savoring every moment with profound mindfulness, slow living emerges as a distinctive way of life. At its core, it requires identifying the true priorities that resonate with one’s essence and allocating time accordingly. In his 2004 masterpiece, “In Praise of Slowness,” Carl Honoré articulates the essence of the Slow philosophy: the art of doing things properly and, in doing so, extracting greater enjoyment. Slow living stands as a revolutionary departure from the relentless pursuit of productivity, advocating an immersive experience of life over mindless haste. Contrary to misconceptions, slow living is not synonymous with indolence or lack of inspiration. In a society besieged by relentless […]

Surviving amidst the wilderness demands a mastery of these seven essential skills! Amidst the expansive realms of the great outdoors, numerous challenges may arise, yet armed with these survival skills, one can navigate through any dire circumstance. Life-threatening situations in the wild spare no one, be it seasoned adventurers or neophytes with a penchant for the unknown. Discovering oneself lost in the midst of rugged landscapes, enduring severe weather conditions, or warding off lethal creatures are just a glimpse of the concealed perils that accompany exploration into the untamed expanses. Caution is advised.   1. Choosing Appropriate Attire In the realm of environmental navigation, the impact of suitable clothing cannot […]