Traveler and tourist - Two ways to see the world

At first glance, the difference between a traveler and a tourist might seem trivial. After all, both visit different places. Both love the thrill of travel, of exploring the unknown. And both seek to gather experiences that enrich their lives. So, is there really a difference?

I believe there is a difference.

A tourist typically sets out to see places. Their main goal is to cover as much ground as possible, especially those iconic, postcard-perfect destinations everyone talks about. Tourists often travel with fixed itineraries, carefully planned for maximum efficiency and economy. Comfort and convenience are key. If their budget allows, they’ll choose luxury hotels, guided tours, and organized experiences. For tourists, travel is often a well-deserved break from the routines of daily life, a reset button before returning to their regular world.

A traveler, on the other hand, ventures out not just to see a place, but to feel it, experience it. For them, it’s not about ticking boxes but soaking in the soul of a destination. They may skip the tourist hotspots and instead spend time in lesser-known neighborhoods or small villages. Their plans are fluid, changing as they move from one place to another. If they connect deeply with a location, they might stay far longer than expected. Travelers are less concerned with luxury and more interested in authenticity and connectivity with the people of that place. They often avoid mainstream hotels, seeking local stays or hostels where they can meet like-minded people on similar journeys. They may form lifelong bonds with some travellers as they spend a lot of time together and get the chance to know each other more than any tourists can.

While I’ve been to many places as a tourist, I haven’t yet had the opportunity to be a true traveler. But I long for that experience, an unhurried, immersive journey that connects me with people and places on a deeper level. It’s something I hope to do at least once in my lifetime. That’s why I was so happy when my daughter decided to take a solo trip through Europe, and then again through Southeast Asia. I’m sure those journeys changed her in ways no classroom or office ever could. She must have met extraordinary people and collected stories and experiences that will stay with her forever.

The truth is, such experiences are rare, not because people don’t want them, but because the world we live in doesn’t always make room for them. The capitalist system is designed for productivity, for generating and consuming capital. Extended time away from work or commitments isn’t easy to carve out. The system does not allow it, and many times, it brutally punishes people who dare to disobey generally accepted norms. 

But if you ever get the chance, be a traveler. You may feel anxious and worried about many things that we are told are super important, job, career, money, and whatnot. Of course, they are important, but if all these things don't offer us the freedom to take a break, then what's the point? 

You’ll likely find yourself a tourist many times in your life. That’s the easier path in today’s world. But even once, if you can be a traveler, take that leap. It’s a chance to step out of your comfort zone, immerse yourself in the unfamiliar, and return with something more than photos and souvenirs. Return with insight, perspective, and stories that live inside you.

You won’t regret it.

Thank you for reading, and please share your views on this topic. 

© Vinay Thakur, All rights reserved. Vinay can be reached at thevinay2022@gmail.com 

Am I still a Hindu?

When people ask me which religion I follow, my answer is simple: I don't follow any particular religion. I take whatever good I find from any religion or any other source and try to practice those things. Relevance and rationality matter more to me than the source. If something resonates, I adopt it—whether it comes from a book (any so-called holy book or countless other amazing books published every day), a conversation, or even a quote on a wall. What matters is the principle and the impact it has on my life, not where it originated.

But for some people, that’s hard to accept. They say, “You must follow something—you don't seem like an atheist.” And they’re right, I’m not an atheist, at least as in popular culture. But I also don't subscribe to any formal religion. I understand it doesn't fit neatly into the usual boxes, but not everything has to. Life doesn’t always align with conventional definitions and stereotypes.

Yes, I was born into a Hindu family and practiced Hinduism for the first 25 years of my life. Back then, if I had to align myself with any religion, it would’ve been Hinduism. Why? Possibly because I was born into it and was brainwashed to believe that it was the best, but also because, at least in theory, Hinduism allowed space for multiple viewpoints—even for atheists and skeptics. Philosophical schools like Charvaka once thrived within its umbrella. That kind of tolerance felt unique. Even though the reality is that none of the original works of people like Charvaka survived, and their teachings are not part of any mainstream Hindu philosophy. 

Historically, Hinduism didn’t have a single founder, a definitive holy book, or rigid rituals that applied across the board. There were countless gods, a variety of practices, and no universal rulebook. That lack of structure once gave it a flexibility not seen in many other organized religions. It was like a cultural and spiritual marketplace where people could pick what suited them. This diversity could be a strength—or a weakness—depending on how you look at it. However, things have changed over time. Hinduism today feels far more structured, dogmatic, and rigid. Rituals are standardized, identities are more politicized, and dissent is often silenced. There's an increasing emphasis on creating conversion-like rituals and defining who qualifies as a "real Hindu." And while some celebrate its ancient openness to debate, that spirit seems to be fading in practice. Also, what cannot be ignored is the fact that casteism and the varna system—deeply discriminatory constructs on their own—are still very much a part of practiced Hinduism. No matter how often people deny or justify them, their presence in the lived reality of millions is undeniable. These are not fringe issues—they are central to the way the religion functions socially, even today. Dr. Ambedkar has written extensively about this, and this was the main reason why he left Hinduism. 

I no longer feel I belong to this version of Hinduism. My departure from religion wasn’t out of rebellion, but out of conscious reflection. It was a gradual process resulting from countless incidents of discrimination, suppression, and religious violence around me. I know that some fanatic supporters of some religion might argue that their religion only teaches peace and love and is the most tolerant religion, but the amount and scale of violence practiced in the name of religion is astounding, and any religion, including Hinduism, is no exception to this. Therefore, I realized that I don't need a label, a scripture, or a divine figure to practice kindness, empathy, or compassion. I don’t need a ritual to validate my moral compass. I’d rather be a good human than a good follower of any religion.

Does that mean I reject religion entirely, the way most atheists do? Not at all. I still find wisdom in religious teachings across traditions, and believe that even today, many people need religion for their personal needs. I respect some aspects of all religions, and I question all of them equally. I approach them with open-minded curiosity rather than blind faith or allegiance. Nothing dominates my thinking, and my door is always open to ideas that uplift and empower, regardless of their source. The truth is, the space outside of organized religion is expanding. More and more people identify as nonreligious, spiritual-but-not-religious, or simply humanist. Religions are adapting in response, trying to become more inclusive and accommodating. That’s a good thing. It reflects a growing recognition that rigid structures don’t work for everyone.

Religion is deeply human; it's one of the oldest human inventions. God, divinity, spirituality, all are human inventions invented to satisfy different aspects of human curiosity. They try to fulfil psychological and emotional needs, and are not going away anytime soon. But not everyone needs to subscribe to these ideas to live a meaningful, ethical life.

So, am I still Hindu? In the cultural sense, maybe. But ritually and philosophically, I’ve moved on. I am a nonreligious person who believes in humanity and love. I’ve found more freedom, more perspective, and more responsibility outside the walls of any one religion. I see clearer now, without the blinkers of exclusivity. I may not belong to a religion anymore. But I belong more fully to myself, to reason, to compassion—and that feels like the right path for me.

Thank you for reading, and please share your views on this topic. 

© Vinay Thakur, All rights reserved. Vinay can be reached at thevinay2022@gmail.com