New Delhi: Almost everyone enjoys traveling, but for Dr. Rishi Raj of Delhi, who has traveled to 36 states in India, travel is a means of 'self-discovery'. Dr. Raj is preparing to travel to Antarctica via Argentina this month. With this journey, he will become the first Indian to visit all seven continents. Dr. Raj, who works as an AGM at the DMRC, is distinguished by his passion for traveling, writing, and understanding India's cultural and geographical diversity. He explains, "Through my travels across states, I tried to experience the essence of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat—the spirit that binds our nation together despite its vast diversity. Beyond personal exploration, my goal has been to document and share these experiences through books, illustrated stories, and films that inspire patriotism, curiosity, and respect for culture in children and youth." He explains, "These journeys gave me the opportunity to witness India's incredible diversity, its languages, traditions, and people. Each journey became a classroom for me, teaching lessons in history, culture, and human resilience, while also deepening my spiritual understanding." These journeys not only enriched my understanding of the spirit of India but also shaped my mission to share stories of courage, culture, and patriotism with the next generation.

"The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2012 was a life-changing experience. Standing before the sacred mountain and the crystal-clear waters of Mansarovar brought me spiritual peace and inspired me to write my first book, "Kailash Darshan - Kuchh Yaadein, Kuchh Baatein." Visiting Kargil in 2007 and 2018 and paying tribute to the martyrs in Dras was deeply moving—the bravery of our soldiers resonated from every mountaintop. That experience inspired me to write "Kargil - Ek Yatri Ki Jubani," a series of illustrated stories honoring their sacrifice." Dr. Raj said.

"Later, visiting Jallianwala Bagh during the centenary of the massacre in 2019 was very emotional; walking through that historic site further strengthened my resolve to tell children about India's freedom struggle through an illustrated story," he says.

"During a trip to Himachal Pradesh in 2018, I met an elderly man near Palampur who had lost his son in the 1999 Kargil War. Despite his loss, his eyes were filled with pride as he spoke of his son's bravery. He said, 'He now protects the country from heaven.' This visitation further strengthened my commitment to sharing such stories of courage and sacrifice through my writing and films," Dr. Raj said.

Dr. Raj says that he was deeply impressed by Sikkim during his trip. It was heartening to see how the people of Sikkim have incorporated environmental awareness into their daily lives. The state's complete ban on plastic, emphasis on cleanliness, organic farming, and respect for nature reflect a remarkable sense of collective responsibility. Even small villages maintain a clean environment, and every citizen takes pride in keeping the state green and sustainable. This strong community discipline and harmony with nature is something other states can learn from and adopt.

Dr. Rishi Raj's life and work reflect a deep love for India and an unwavering belief in the power of travel, storytelling, and knowledge to unite and uplift society.

Dr. Raj's YouTube channel, "Exploring India with Rishi," and his published works beautifully capture the soul of India, its landscapes, heritage, and unsung heroes. He has written over 24 books based on his travel experiences, all of which are available on Amazon. Several of his works have also been honored by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, for his valuable contributions to travel literature and national awareness.

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