-Pratyusha Mukherjee
Rashtriya Raksha University, Pasighat Campus hosted an engaging and inspiring interactive session titled“From Barracks to Backpacks – Journey of an Army Traveloholic”, featuring Col. Ashish Raisinghani of Border Roads Organisation, as the distinguished speaker.
The session brought together students, faculty members, and staff for an enriching conversation on life in uniform, leadership, adventure, travel, and cultural learning.
During the interaction, Col. Raisinghani reflected upon his formative cadet days, sharing how discipline, training, camaraderie, and resilience shaped his personality and professional journey. He spoke about the values instilled during military training, including physical endurance, mental toughness, adaptability, teamwork, and a strong sense of national service. His narration offered students a meaningful glimpse into the making of an officer and the life lessons that emerge from the disciplined environment of the Armed Forces.
A significant part of the session focused on his experiences in the Armed Forces and the Border Roads Organisation, where service often involves working in difficult terrains, remote regions, and challenging climatic conditions. Col. Raisinghani highlighted how a life in uniform develops not only courage and responsibility but also a deeper appreciation for people, places, cultures, and the diversity of the nation.
Beyond his military journey, Col. Raisinghani shared his fascinating experiences as an avid traveller, having explored several countries and cultures across the world. He spoke about travel not merely as recreation, but as a powerful medium of self-discovery, learning, humility, and human connection. His journey from the structured life of the barracks to the open and exploratory spirit of backpacking captured the imagination of the audience.
Adding a literary dimension to the session, Col. Ashish Raisinghani, spoke about his authored book, ‘Confessions of a Traveloholic’, a compilation of thirteen travelogues drawn from his personal journeys across India and abroad. The book reflects his deep passion for exploring places beyond conventional tourism, with emphasis on experiencing destinations through local cultures, people, food, and everyday life. Written from the perspective of a traveller who values authenticity over package tours, the book combines engaging travel narratives with practical insights on trip planning, budget travelling, backpacking, challenging bike rides, family travel, trekking expeditions, and exploring lesser-known as well as foreign locations. Through this work, Col. Raisinghani has not only documented his travel experiences but has also created a guide for fellow travellers to “live these trips” through his eyes, making the book an extension of the same spirit of curiosity, courage, and experiential learning that shaped the day’s interaction.
The session also introduced students to the culture of budget travelling and backpacking. Col. Raisinghani offered practical tips on planning affordable travel, travelling light, choosing meaningful destinations, interacting with local communities, and developing confidence as an independent traveller. He also spoke about the role of Youth Hostels in promoting affordable, safe, and culturally enriching travel experiences for young people. His insights encouraged students to view travel as an educational experience that broadens perspectives and builds life skills.
The engagement was especially relevant for the youth, as it connected themes of discipline, adventure, cultural exposure, national service, and personal growth. Col. Raisinghani’s experiences served as a reminder that learning extends far beyond classrooms and textbooks. Whether through military service, travel, or interaction with diverse communities, every experience can contribute to the development of character, confidence, and worldview.
The programme concluded with an interactive exchange, where students actively participated by asking questions about military life, travel planning, backpacking culture, and personal growth through exposure to different cultures. The session left the audience inspired to embrace discipline, curiosity, courage, and openness to new experiences.
Overall, the event reflected Rashtriya Raksha University’s commitment to holistic education by creating platforms where students can learn from real-life journeys of service, leadership, exploration, and resilience. The session with Col. Ashish Raisinghani was not only informative but also deeply motivating, encouraging young minds to dream boldly, travel responsibly, and serve society with purpose.
(Def PRO,Guwahati)
