Traveling

Traveling is the best kind of education. Of course, it is no substitute for the basic learning
of the three R's. But it can be a substitute for most other kinds of learning. For when we travel
we get the opportunity of seeing and knowing people at first hand. One sees them as people but
meets them as individuals. Traveling even in one country is beneficial. Some parts of the country
abound in rain and in backwaters, in lush, green landscapes: others have the right kind of soil and
terrain for plantations - rubber, tea, coffee or timber. Still others may be having factories for
canning marine products. In another part of the country there may be oil fields or coal mines or
oil extracting units. So by traveling over these areas one is able to see the different kinds of
industries, soils and people.
Customs, languages and religious practices differ from place to place. One learns about
them and learns to live with and accept the differences. The truth of it can be seen in multiracial
societies like Singapore and Malaysia where Chinese, Malays and Indians live side by side.
Traveling from one corner of India to another is like traversing a whole continent. The cultural
preferences vary from place to place. These experiences increase aesthetic sensitivity.
Besides learning about the customs of other people and gaining a great deal of
knowledge, travel also teaches adaptability. Those who travel a great deal and are willing to
rough it out are not so fastidious about the ordinary comforts of life. They make cheerful and
pleasant companions. Travel also breaks through religious fanaticism and encourages exchange
of ideas. People who have succeeded in developing an interest in birds and animals, in rocks and
minerals and in plants and trees find travel a rewarding experience.
In the present day society, individuals can perhaps survive only if they can get out of their
limited circle. It is important that they know what is happening around them not only
economically and intellectually but also politically.