Before this year turns into history, let me recount those moments which made this year so much unique in my life. It was last year this time I was sitting in the library while writing my dissertation for M. Phil. Time changes so quickly when you were busy doing so many activities. I am happy that I tried my best to keep myself engaged with some fantastic things which I believe became a ritual of my life.
(Academic)
Participated in 5 national and International conferences
Attended two convocations for MA and M. Phil in Jamia and TISS respectively
Engaged in a semester-long course with India-China and USA bound Cornell university class.
Started my Ph.D. this year which was a childhood dream to get fulfilled
Summer school in Brazil’s capital Brasilia on public policy
Participated in Good Governance Yatra with more than 3000km traveling and learning experiences throughout western and southern India.
(Hobbies/Leisure)
Wrote more than 20 Hindi poems which are less than last year due to my friends left IIT-Bombay so I couldn’t gel with the situation, ultimately I left writing except on a few occasions.
(yoga/Meditation)
Tried to adapt always throughout the year in my life. Early morning was devoted to doing meditation and yoga fun in the evening as and when my yoga teacher took classes on weekdays. The weekends used to be fun with different varieties of practices.
(Travel)
Started visiting different parts of India from far of North East to South, South to Western India, and Western to Central India and tapped almost a dream to travel entire India which was my childhood dream. It gave me the perspective that how different and diverse we as India in one nation. I am happy to feel these vibes which made me realize why it is always difficult to think only one perspective in life to deal with all the problems of everyone while we are different. Hence the nature to deal with those problems needs to be different.
Visited three countries namely Bhutan to meet my friend Dawa, Tibet/China to get blessings from Mount Kailash & see mesmerizing beauty of shootings stars on the bank of Lake Mansarovar. Lastly, I visited Brazil’s capital city Brasilia which was a dream to see this part of the South American continent. It was more than last year’s maiden visit to Sri-Lanka visit.
(Hiking/Trekking)
Trekked almost in different parts of Indian terrain such as Himalayas, Nilgiris, Western Ghats and of course the Satpura Range of Central India. In the Himalayas, I tried my best to cover Central Himalayas and Northeast Himalayas.
I trekked more than 30 Treks overall. The range varies from 1000 meters (3280 feet) to 6638 meters (21,000 feet).
I tried to hike near India and Nepal border on the extreme of last Indian and Nepalese villages.
Walked more than 10000km
(Sports)
At the beginning of the year, I used to play Badminton in the university campus. But I left it due to non-availability of players most of the time in the vacation period in the college.
I started running which was more of an individual sport. I am thankful to my L O sir during Mount Kailash Yatra who made me realize the running fun while in the Gadwall Himalayas.
I ran on 4912 meters (15000feet) height level to merely sea level elevation of 100 meters (328 feet).
I participated in 7 marathon races so far which ranged from 7km, 10km, 12.5kms, 15kms and half marathon (21kms) and of course 10X10 race categories covering 100kms in 10days which develop my interest in running more and more. All credit goes to my coaches at Mumbai running. Kudos and more power to you all beautiful people at Mumbai running and Bombay running.
I completed more than 600kms run in total post-August 2018 with running app’s help though this no. is more than that.
Thank you to the people who came in my life during the year 2018. I thank them because they are the one who taught me by ignoring, not sharing, leaving and of course teaching me a good lesson by being with me behind which made me learn and un-learn something different the way I am. Hoping the next chapter of my life in the year 2019 will be more fun and learning to share with you more. Have a safe and fun-filled new year 2019.
elitedkumar 