TRAVELLING AS A MEANS OF EDUCATION

There is no doubt that travelling broadens the minds and enlivens the spirit. It is a means of general education and an end in itself. People who have not traveled may be compared to frogs living in a well. Just like the frogs, which believe that the well is the whole world, they too believe that their village, or town, or city is itself the whole world. This way of thinking makes them narrow minded. People who often read books, magazines and newspapers come to know something about the outside world, but this is not the same as seeing the outside world with one's own eyes. No illustrated book or magazine can ever provide the joy and thrill of seeing with one's own eyes the sublime beauty of Taj Mahal by moonlight.

To travel in India and see its hills, mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes make the study of its geography vivid, lively and interesting. How interesting and exciting history becomes when we visit the very places where Shivaji was crowed king, or where Tipu Sultan was betrayed and killed! We can understand India better if we come in contact with the variety of its people- people following different religions and customs, speaking different languages, wearing different costumes and eating different types of food. And beyond India lies the vast world. How wonderful, interesting and educative it would be to visit foreign countries, experience the different climates, meet people of different races and faces and visit places of great historical importance!

Apart from natural and historical sights, travelling enables a person to meet different people and study their customs, modes of dressing, culture and language at close quarters. Meeting different people makes a person broad-minded and tolerant. Travelling brings people nearer. Their outlook becomes broad and progressive. Travelling removes prejudices and helps to build universal goodwill and fellow feeling. It helps a person to become a citizen of the world in the true sense.

Fortunately, travelling is much easier and faster today than it was ever before. For those who cannot arrange their own travelling programmes there is always a travel agency that plans a tour to suit their purse and cater to their individual needs like providing required type of meals on an international flight. Therefore, never lose an opportunity to travel. It will be an experience well worth the time and money spent after it.