The Pathfinder’s Diary vol.1
A nomad’s tale from Indian streets to Western peaks — my journey through nature and self.
Not all those who wander are lost — JRR Tolkien
…some are just looking for a better story.
A few years ago, in 2019, my sister and I set sail on an unforgettable journey around the Komodo National Park. We began our adventure at the quaint Kelor Island — a hidden gem beside the famed Komodo Island in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. I didn’t know it then, but it was more than just a pit stop in our island-hopping expedition; it was the backdrop of a profound, almost surreal experience that remains etched in my memory.
After a playful race to the island’s peak under the relentless equatorial sun, laughing and competing like back when we were kids, we descended, drenched in sweat, to the welcoming cool of the ocean. Our boat captain, a seasoned navigator of these serene waters, recommended snorkeling — a chance to explore the vibrant underwater world that lay beneath the seemingly calm surface.
The transition from the arid heat to the soothing embrace of the sea was instantaneous and refreshing, yet shortly after we plunged into the water, an unexpected event occurred. My sister, unfortunately, sliced her leg on a shard of coral, the saltwater transforming a simple cut into a stinging burn. She retreated to the safety of our boat, nursing her wound, while I, unintentionally, drifted away from the safety of the shallow reef into the deeper, boundless blue.
Alone, surrounded by nothing but water, the sounds of laughter and conversation from other boats faded until there was nothing left but silence. It was just me and the ocean. Below me, the water was alive, teeming with more fish than I had ever seen, a stark contrast to the often murky, empty waters of our native India. Each stroke brought me closer to them…closer to a deeper connection. I was shocked. I was ecstatic. And of course, honoured to meet the cast of Finding Nemo in person!
Floating there, the vastness of the ocean beneath and the infinite sky above, I experienced a moment of transcendence. It was as if my soul momentarily detached, allowing me to view myself from a celestial vantage point — just a tiny dot in the vast fabric of life and nature. In that deep solitude, I couldn’t help but wonder how incredibly small yet profoundly connected I felt, floating alone in the vast wilderness.
This moment, though born from a mix of happenstance and misadventure, highlighted an elemental truth of our existence — the interconnectedness of all things. This theme would come to define not just the rest of our journey but also the very essence of this blog.
I’m Agraj, a wanderer in the truest sense and a seeker of wisdom. This blog documents my personal journey of self-discovery and growth, highlighting the transformative power of the wild. Please see this as a tribute to the endless lessons nature offers, lessons that have shaped me into who I am today.
My journey, beginning in the jam-packed streets of Bangalore, has taken me across continents, through various cultures, and into the heart of nature itself. Today, I’m writing this preamble from the lush green hills of British Columbia amidst the symphony of a forest of birds, a testament to the unpredictable yet beautiful paths life can take us on.
As someone with a unique perspective, coming from a business background, I’ve spent much time learning about social psychology and human behavior, specifically WHY people do what they do and how you can make them do things you want. Every message I come across in this industry shares the best way to get rich quickly or make your life easier (you may not know or acknowledge it, but it’s often at the expense of others who share this planet). I know I come from a place of privilege, but I often think — is living an ignorance-is-bliss, consumerist, comfortable life all there is to our existence?
Lately, as I’ve had the chance to travel around the world, I’ve been observing more things — crazy things — people, animals, and even plants. I’ve had this profound realization of our connection to the world around us, not just as observers but as integral parts of this vast, living network. Have you ever wondered about this complex web of life that we are all a part of? Our interconnectedness?
Our purpose?
My purpose?
Somebody once said — in the end, you only regret the chances that you didn’t take. I find myself engulfed by a burning desire to explore the unknown, to travel to the ends of the earth.
Science (and the great outdoors) have always fascinated me. And now, it’s time for me to learn about the HOWs — how we function, how the earth around us came to be, and how we can preserve what we have.
As I eagerly await the start of my conservation biology education on Canada’s west coast this fall, I’m excited to share a few stories with you. But why am I writing them? Look, I get it, we’re all just a small part of a big world. But maybe, just maybe, my journey can strike a chord with yours. We all have our own adventures, struggles, and moments of discovery. I’m sharing my story not because it’s extraordinary, but because it’s real. If my experiences can spark a bit of inspiration, help you feel less alone in your journey, or even just entertain you for a bit, then it’s worth it.
This blog is a travelogue of diverse geographies, intertwined with a story of personal growth, professional exploration, and a gradual awakening to a deeper purpose. It’s always fascinating to see how much we can learn from the world around us! So, let’s keep exploring together. Join me as I share these experiences, hoping to ignite a spark of awareness and love for our planet in all who wander here.
Remember, we are not alone.
So, let’s turn the pages back to where it all began — a city as vibrant and diverse as my journey itself. Welcome to the heart of India’s tech hub, Bangalore!
