⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ PART III
11: What do you think are the biggest challenges for India and your homecity in the next 5 years and do you think that they will be solved?
For India, the biggest challenges in the next 5 years will be balancing growth with sustainability, tackling pollution, improving infrastructure, and creating enough jobs for the youth.
For my home city Ahmedabad, traffic and pollution are challenges too, but it’s also developing rapidly - it’s India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, home to the world’s largest cricket stadium, and is being prepared as a potential host for the 2036 Olympics. Plus, the country’s first bullet train will connect Ahmedabad to Mumbai.
These won’t all be solved overnight, but I’m optimistic - India is moving in the right direction with steady progress.
12: What are the most beautiful places in your country and why? And what is the most beautiful country that you ever visited? Which country is the highest on your list that you want to visit?
India itself is like many countries in one — every state has its own beauty.
In the North-East, there are unspoiled natural scenery such as Meghalaya's living root bridges and Nagaland's rolling hills. Leh–Ladakh provides dreamlike mountains and emerald lakes that look otherworldly. Kerala is sometimes referred to as 'God's Own Country' for its backwaters, beaches, and green forests. Gujarat provides the wide white desert of the Rann of Kutch and Gir National Park, the habitat of the Asiatic lions. Rajasthan is about majestic forts, palaces, and the golden desert terrain. Uttarakhand and Himachal are just full of Himalayan beauty — trekking, rivers, and snow-covered peaks. Maharashtra boasts Ajanta–Ellora caves, seashore beauty, and Mumbai itself. Truthfully, nearly every state in India has something special to share, either natural wonders, cultural heritage, or religious places.
For the most scenic country I've been to, initially I would say India itself, due to its diversity. Externally, India, I must say, the Philippines was just absolutely stunning — with its clean blue waters, islands such as Palawan and Boracay, and the people's friendliness. It's truly a nature and beach lover's paradise.
On my wish list, the Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland) are at the top. I’d love to experience the magic of the Northern Lights, the long nights and long days, and the serene natural beauty there. It’s a dream trip waiting to happen.
13: If you could speak with yourself when you were 5 and when you will be 80 would you do that? What would you like to say or ask?
Yes, definitely. If I could speak to my 5-year-old self, I’d tell him: ‘Stay innocent, stay curious, and always remember ahimsa (non-violence) in thoughts and actions. Don’t fear the future — walk with compassion and simplicity. Gain fearlessness and encourage everybody you meet.’
If I could talk to my 80-year-old self, I’d ask: ‘Did I live with awareness and without too much attachment? Did I use my time to grow spiritually, help others, and stay true to Human values as well as Nature values?’ I’d hope my elder self reminds me that true happiness lies not in achievements, but in inner peace and kindness — and maybe also how to keep smiling even at 80.
14: What is the nicest memory with your grandparents? Are they still alive? Did they teach you things that you think are very important?
My nicest memories with my grandparents are very close to my heart.
My grandmother was an amazing cook and always fun-loving, bringing joy to everyone around her.
My grandfather was a man of principles — he had been active in India’s freedom movement and, after independence, dedicated himself to improving his village.
Both of them are no longer alive, but what they taught me still guides me: to live with fewer resources and always remember that what we take from nature, we must give back, or else imbalance will follow. I try to follow this even today.
15: What is your biggest dream before you are 50?
My biggest dream before I turn 50 is to have a book published with my name as the author.
Writing has always been a passion for me, and I’d love to bring together my ideas - especially suspense thrillers with a spiritual twist into something that can inspire, entertain, and maybe even guide readers.
And who knows, maybe Netflix or Amazon Prime will pick it up and I’ll finally get to argue about who should play the lead role. 😃 😃
