Lucknow: “You don’t need wealth or luxury to achieve your dreams. Even in the face of adversity, dreams can take flight with strong willpower.” These were the inspiring words of senior journalist Sudhir Mishra, who addressed an eager audience during a discussion on his book Musafir Hoon Yaaron at Book-A-Thon, held at Phoenix Palassio Mall in Gomti Nagar on Sunday. The event was jointly organised by Crossword Bookstores and Vani Prakashan.
In conversation with noted historian Dr. Ravi Bhatt, Mishra delved into the emotional and physical journeys that form the essence of his book. “The reader will see two journeys running in parallel,” he said. “One is my journey across geographies, and the other is my inner journey of growth. I didn’t come from a privileged background—I began by giving tuitions. But over time, with persistence and inner resolve, I was awarded multiple fellowships and was able to chase my dreams.”
Sharing his fascination with geography, Mishra said, “I had a deep interest in geography, though I could study it only till Class 8. But that passion never died. It turned into a desire to explore the diverse geographical regions of the world—and that desire became my driving force for travel.”
When asked whether fluency in English defines intelligence, Mishra responded with clarity, “Language is simply a tool for communication—it should never be a barrier. What matters is not what we say, but how effectively we convey our thoughts. Today’s generation communicates through emojis. It wouldn’t be surprising if someone soon writes a book entirely based on them.”
On the subject of writing, he stressed the importance of authenticity. “One cannot write simply for the sake of being simple. To write effortlessly, one must live effortlessly. I never think of myself as an editor—I feel like an ordinary person, and that’s what I try to bring into my writing.”
Sharing a powerful anecdote from his past, Mishra recalled receiving a fellowship in 2006 to research HIV/AIDS in Toronto. “For 15 days, I lived 24/7 among global icons—Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, Peter Mukerjea, and others. Among them was Hollywood actor Richard Gere. I was awestruck and a bit self-conscious. I wanted a picture with him but hesitated. To my shock, Richard Gere approached Peter Mukerjea, pointed at me, and said, ‘Can I get a photo with this young man?’ That moment stunned me. He posed in such a way that it looked like I was the celebrity. That picture is still one of my prized possessions. It taught me that to be truly great, one must first learn to be humble.”
Historian Dr. Ravi Bhatt, speaking at the event, lauded Musafir Hoon Yaaron as a valuable narrative. “Travelogues like this are vital records of personal and cultural history. Two centuries from now, readers will look at this book as an important document of its time.”
The event saw the presence of many book lovers and literary enthusiasts, making it a heartfelt celebration of resilience, reflection, and the written word.
