Retirement is often looked upon as the end of the journey by many people. It is commonly seen as a phase of life where individuals slow down, accept ageing, and confine themselves to their homes. People imagine this period as one spent quietly with grandchildren, engaging in spiritual activities and reflecting on life. At least, this has traditionally been the definition of retirement in India.When Vinod Alang retired as a social security officer from a well-known hospital, his wife, Rashmi, who had spent 22 years working as a teacher took an early retirement too because she now wanted to live her dream—to travel unbridled! “The best thing about us is that we share same passion—we both love to travel,” says Vinod.
To celebrate the second innings of their lives, they began a 52 day road trip from Delhi to Kanyakumari via road. “We had an S-Cross car and we took it to a technician in Manesar who specialises in modular kitchens, and we got it fitted in our vehicle. The rest of the things were fitted by my son.” They have a son and daughter, and with both children married, the couple decided to finally pursue their dream of travelling.
Is it safe to travel?”Yes,” says Vinod. We travel during the day and at night park the vehicle either in a homestay or near a Dhaba or a toll plaza. We buy local; produce and cook food in our van. This gives us clean, home-cooked food.”For those who look at the video and think they are the happiest and most carefree couple, life has not been smooth for them as well. Last year Rashmi had to undergo major surgeries for intestinal cancer. She was hospitalized for two months and Vinod did not leave her side for a minute. ” I almost thought I had lost her. But her will and desire to live, as well as her passion for her dream of travelling, helped her sail through this crisis. When she moved to our home in Mukteshwar, her recovery was quicker.”
“Nature has healing power; I realized it when we moved here after surgery,” says Rashmi. The couple own a cottage in the hills in Muketshwar and have named it Dream Cottage. They have also built a homestay in the lap of nature where the guests can experience true village life while enjoying organic food in a natural environment. It is called the Punjabi Pind Cottage. “We realised that pursuing our dream of living a slower life, free from a grueling routine, has greatly increased our love and appreciation for life. It has definitely enhanced our happiness quotient. Our children, who work in Delhi, also enjoy spending time here and often come to stay for long periods whenever they get the opportunity to work from home,” says Rashmi.Through the videos, the couple shares tips and insights while travelling to different places. They also show how one can find happiness in the very simple things in life. Their journey highlights why pursuing one’s dreams is important and how having a goal or a sense of purpose can increase one’s sense of fulfillment and overall well-being.
