After exploring India for three weeks, I’ve experienced the diverse ways people move in this country. In today’s modern society, it’s tempting to opt for isolated travel – air conditioning to aid in comfort, quick flights, or convenient Ubers that shield you from the vibrant surroundings. However, over the past three weeks, we have instead been encouraged to immerse ourselves within multiple modes of transport that facilitate connections and conversations. Whether amidst the bustling urbanised cities or rural scenes in India, the modes of transport are as diverse as the people who use them. Each mode of transport tells a story and by embracing a variety of them, I have gained an insight into the social dynamics of movement in India. Whether travelling via train, plane, rickshaw, ox and cart, bike, taxi, bus, or by foot, I have explored the plurality of ways people move in India and will cherish my transit tales beyond this trip.
Train: Backbone of Transport
As I write this, I’m seated on an early morning train, opposite a family whom I have played games with for the last few hours. What started as a casual game turned into a nail-biting tournament, fostering connections despite language barriers.
Trains serve as the fundamental backbone of public transport, and during this six-hour journey, I have been able to experience the daily train experience many locals rely on to get from A to B. Whether through conversation or a simple game, my interactions with different families highlight a key lesson India has taught me: often, the journey itself is as beautiful as the destination.
Bus: A Journey of Connections
Since day one we have embraced the social way of moving as a tourist through lobbying for a space on the bus, standard speed dating to break the ice, and finding games to pass the time on long-haul trips.
Over the course of my travels, the bus rides have become more than a means to each destination – they have transformed into a journey of shared stories, diverse cultures, and the warmth of human connection. Had we opted for isolated rides via Uber or smaller groups, I would have been deprived of invaluable social conversations and meaningful connections.
Rickshaws: The Art of Negotiation
Since the beginning, we have immersed ourselves in these small yet agile vehicles. Their humming engines, ever-present horns, three wheels, and cultural significance seem to make rickshaws not just a mode of transport but an integral part of the Indian experience. The exchange of conversation and negotiations with the driver adds another layer to the experience, reflecting the lovely spirit of Indian urban life.
Incorporating rickshaws into our daily routine for commuting from point A to B has enabled me to experience social movement and conversations that I will treasure.
Ox or Horse-Drawn Carts: Bridging the Past and Present
In rural and secluded areas like Isha Yoga Foundation, one can encounter more traditional means of transportation, such as ox and carts ferrying people. In Ahmedabad, I observed a horse pulling a load of passengers while skillfully dodging traffic (better than I ever could). These modes of transport not only fulfil practical needs but also add a touch of nostalgia, connecting communities to their cultural heritage.
As a foreigner, I often find myself gazing in awe, yet these transportation methods are seamlessly woven into the fabric of daily life here. Amidst the bustling cities, they represent a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, where the old gracefully meets the new.
Plane: Speed Dating in the Sky
Meeting 24 strangers just hours before a flight has been one of the most remarkable experiences I’ve had the privilege to undergo. The first journey served as a catalyst for us to truly get to know one another. Towards the back of the plane, near the toilets, we adopted a structure reminiscent of a job interview or speed dating. Standing, stretching, and yarning about our backgrounds and the upcoming journey we were set to embark on together. As the trip progressed, we also shared a domestic flight. When reflecting on our initial journey in comparison to this shorter one, it’s remarkable to witness the connections we’ve built over the past three weeks of travelling together.
Exploring the plurality by which people move in India has enabled me to immerse myself deeper in the culture. I am grateful that we have experienced multiple forms of transport along our journey so far, as my transit tales have allowed me to better understand the daily lives of locals and foster deep connections. I would rather experience the social dynamics of movement in India than opt for an Uber any day. I look forward to many transit tales to come along this journey, embracing the idea that the journey is often as beautiful as the destination.