One of the greatest constants of life is its unpredictability. What more proof do we need than this year’s pandemic! Thwarting our daily schedules, quarantining us home, and punching a great hole in the global economy, COVID-19 did something many − or more precisely all − were unprepared for. What tumbled out of balance was our freedom to travel, whenever and wherever we wanted. Travel, sure, suffered a lot.However another one of life’s greatest constants − which ameliorates difficult situations − is perseverance. It is through patience that we overcome. We have to face our life, our society, and our reality. It can only be achieved through steadfast persistence and faith in God. With this hope and a sliver of courage, we are publishing this edition of Wisdom Quest as a travelogue − so that you may each dive into your past travels and journeys, carefully carved in the kingdom of your memories. Our writers have traveled to diverse nations and regions around Asia. And they bring to you marvels experienced in their journeys. Namita escaped to witness the pure and surreal Bhutan while Gargi traveled to Japan with her family, meticulously bringing to life the beauty of this Land of the Rising Sun. Kashif explored arduous trekking trails of Dachigam National Park, and Aditya wandered to Kaziranga for an ephemeral rendezvous with the wild. Anfas provides a glimpse into the life ofordinary mortals and their incessant need to explore. Tanay visited the beautiful beaches of South India while painting a picture for readers to relish each landmark’s beauty through mere words. Aayushi daydreams about Norway and its majestic auroras, making the reader pine with her for a visit, someday in the future. And Zeenaz writes about her home, her peaceful abode − Harwan located in Srinagar − midst glorious trans-Himalayan mountain ranges and glistening Chinars. Srijan talks about a memorable trip he took with his close friends to George Everest hills, to catch its beautiful sunrise. And then we have Arijit, who dramatizes love, life, travel, and human bonds in his unique write-up.
With the blessed promise of a better year ahead, let us all pray for health, happiness, and resplendent places to journey − solo or with good companions.
With Warm Regards and Best Wishes,
-Adeela Hameed
Editor