
It's not escaping drudgery, it's all about change: Travel helps connect dots — but muchmore than that, it brings peace of mind
Agencies Whenever I hear Air's 1998 song 'All I Need', a memory resurfaces from half a lifetime ago when I was a manager with IBM. It was late evening, and we were trying to get a shipment released. With buses no longer running, a colleague offered to drive me to the train station. As the car came to life, the radio started playing this song.
'All I need is a little time,' Beth Hirsch sings, 'To get behind this sun and cast my weight.' The only illumination came from nearby office buildings where other managers were busy meeting deadlines. In that moment, I knew what the singer meant: I needed to move on. I needed change.
To me, travelling is all about change. I was reminded of this once more when I stepped into a tall, glass-fronted office building in Jakarta's business district to take the elevator up to the 39th floor, where I was supposed to meet EU representatives.
Having turned my back on a corporate career, I became an anthropologist. In this capacity, I was invited to participate in a mission to evaluate the EU's long-term relationship with Asean. I was back in the sort of environment I had left behind long ago. But the experience felt fresh. Travelling had indeed changed me. From the meeting room's enormous windows, Jakarta unfolded itself, disappearing into the horizon. Now one of the planet's largest urban agglomerations-like Delhi, Manila, and Mexico City-it's hard to establish the Indonesian capital's actual size.Some four centuries ago, Jakarta was a minor sultanate that paid tribute to its more powerful neighbour, Banten, which had grown rich because of the trade in black pepper. That is what had lured the Dutch to its harbour in 1596. Barely alive, the crew stumbled onshore and made their way into town, not only meeting locals from the islands of Java and Sumatra, but also Portuguese, who had long considered the port town home. Relations with the sultan did not work out, and soon it was decided that the Dutch required their own capital in Asia. On the instruction of governor general Jan Pieterszoon Coen (1587-1629), nearby Jakarta was razed to the ground, and on its ashes the construction of Batavia soon commenced.Kota Tua, the old heart of the city, corresponds to what the Dutch once referred to as their 'pride and joy'. Stately buildings flank its historical square, and references to the Dutch East Indies Company abound. In the garden of the Wayang Museum, the grave of Coen can still be visited. Otherwise known for the massacre on the Banda Islands committed under his command in 1621, Coen is mainly remembered as the founder of Batavia, around which one of the largest cities in the world would grow one day. In the Dutch town of Hoorn, the place of my birth, a statue of Coen continues to dominate its historical centre. Although, over the years, removal of the statue has been vociferously advocated by many. Others still cling to a sense of pride when it concerns the colonial period.Hoorn sits amid fertile land of endless green. This is where my grandfather's cows once grazed lushly. All his life, my father grew cauliflower here. It's the season for tulips now. Drawing visitors from all over the world, the landscape is awash in a riot of colours. I associate it with backbreaking work, though. That is what led me to pursue a career in management, with IBM welcoming me in its byzantine embrace. It took me a while to find the exit, but once I did, I never looked back.As my colleague dropped me off at the station, the lyrics of the song stayed with me, the singer's quiet desperation continuing: 'All I need is a peace of this mind / Then I can celebrate.' I have been travelling ever since. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. The BrahMos link that fired up this defence stock 45% in one month
How Azerbaijan's support for Pak could put USD780 million trade at risk
Under lens: A Turkish firm's India entry and its possible ties with makers of Pak drones
Is it end of road for Damani-backed Protean eGov?
RBI has cut repo rates twice in 3 months. But that isn't enough to boost the economy!
As India steps up commercial shipbuilding, it needs a supply chain boost
Stock picks of the week: 5 stocks with consistent score improvement and return potential of more than 27% in 1 year
Stable and sustainable for long-term investors: 10 stocks from the energy ecosystem with upside potential of more than 20%
Stocks to buy today: UNO Minda gets a rating upgrade; Nuvama sees over 20% upside in ITC

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


News18
4 hours ago
- News18
Who Is Campbell Wilson And Why Is His Message On Air India Plane Crash Important?
Last Updated: Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Campbell Wilson acknowledged the magnitude of the tragedy, saying, 'This is a difficult day for all of us here in India.' Following the catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, the spotlight turned to Campbell Wilson, the airline's Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. In a video address, Campbell Wilson acknowledged the magnitude of the tragedy, saying, 'This is a difficult day for all of us here in India." Stressing that Air India is 'focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families, and loved ones," he pledged full cooperation with emergency responders and investigating authorities. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, 7 Portuguese and 1 Canadian citizen, crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The plane slammed into a densely populated residential area near a medical college causing a devastating fire and extensive loss of life, both onboard and on the ground. Campbell Wilson said, 'First and most importantly, I would like to express our deep sorrow about this event… We are actively working with authorities on all emergency response efforts." Emphasising on the importance of communication and support during the crisis, he said, 'We know many people are concerned for the welfare of their loved ones. We have set up a special helpline", adding that teams are working round-the-clock to assist affected families and aid the ongoing investigation. Who Is Campbell Wilson? Campbell Wilson is the current CEO and Managing Director of Air India, brought in by the Tata Group in 2022 after they took over the airline. Originally from New Zealand, Campbell Wilson spent much of his career at Singapore Airlines, where he held several roles, including heading its budget airline Scoot.


Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Air India plane crash: Seat 11A where the survivor was sitting is near the emergency exit in Boeing 787 Dreamliner
A man on board the London-bound Air India flight that crashed near the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon survived the horrific incident, a doctor at the city civil hospital said. Vishwaskumar Ramesh was in `11A' seat of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner which was carrying 242 passengers and crew. He was travelling to London with his brother. Dr Shriq M who works in the trauma ward of the Ahmedabad civil hospital told PTI that Ramesh has been admitted to the hospital. ALSO READ: Air India plane crash: One survivor found in seat 11A, currently under treatment by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Rich Man Keeps Annoying Royal Guard, But He Didnt Expect This To Happen Learn It Wise Undo There were 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian on the Gatwick Airport-bound flight. The plane crashed into accommodation used by doctors less than a minute after take-off. Seat 11 A location in a Boeing aircraft In a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, seat 11A is typically located near the front of the Economy Class cabin, along the left-hand window when facing forward. It is a window seat usually part of the first or second row of Economy Class, depending on the airline's configuration. Live Events ALSO READ: Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Air India passenger plane with over 200 onboard crashes near Meghaninagar Seat 11A is right behind the door, which serves as emergency exits in crisis situations. Picture Credits: SeatGuru by Tripadvisor. 'Mayday' This is the first crash involving the Boeing Dreamliner, feted for its advanced features. According to Air India, of the 230 passengers, 169 were Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian. The other 12 people on board were two pilots and 10 crew members. ALSO READ: Ahmedabad plane crash: List of India's most devastating air tragedies The pilot issued a 'Mayday' distress call, denoting a full emergency, soon after takeoff at 1.39 pm, the Air Traffic Control at Ahmedabad said. The search was also on for the aircraft's black box -- the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder -- for clues to understand what happened in the last crucial moments of the doomed flight to London's Gatwick airport. The 11-year-old aircraft could be seen from miles away, losing altitude rapidly and combusting in a fiery blaze that sent plumes of thick black smoke spiralling up in the air. Noting that the aircraft with a full fuel load for a long trip climbed just about 600-800 feet before plummeting to the ground almost immediately, Aviation experts said going by the available visuals lack of thrust in both engines and a bird hit could be among the probable causes. TV footage showed the aircraft making a slow descent shortly after taking off, with its landing gear still extended.
&w=3840&q=100)

Business Standard
5 hours ago
- Business Standard
Tata Group announces ₹1 cr ex-gratia for kin of Air India crash victims
The Tata Group has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹1 crore to the families of each victim who lost their life in the Air India Flight 171 crash that occurred near Ahmedabad on Thursday. The flight, which was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off, carrying 242 people on board, including 10 crew members. While the exact number of casualties is yet to be officially confirmed, authorities have begun extensive investigations into the cause of the accident. In a post on X, the Tata Group said, "We are deeply anguished by the tragic event involving Air India Flight 171. No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and with those who have been injured. Tata Group will provide ₹1 crore to the families of each person who has lost their life in this tragedy. We will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that they receive all necessary care and support. Additionally, we will provide support in the building up of the B J Medical's hostel." Noel Tata expresses grief He said, 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident involving Air India Flight 171 on its journey from Ahmedabad to London. This heart-wrenching incident has brought immense grief to countless families, and our thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and stand in solidarity with them during this unimaginable time. We offer our prayers and support as they navigate this profound loss.' Notably, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India have launched an investigation into the crash, while the central government has assured full support in rescue and relief operations. Further details on the cause of the crash and the number of casualties are awaited as the investigation progresses. Difficult day for us: Air India CEO The Air India MD & CEO Campbell Wilson also expressed sorrow over the tragedy. ''I want to brief you on a serious incident that involved an Air India aircraft a short while ago, but first and most important, i would like express our deep sorrow about this event.'' Campbell Wilson, MD & CEO, Air India. ''This is a difficult day for all of us at Air India, and our efforts are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families and loved ones.'' he said. ''Flight AI 171 was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members onboard. Of the passengers 169 are Indian passengers, 53 are British nationals, there are 7 Portuguese nationals and one Canadian national.'' said Wilson. The passengers were transported by local authorities to nearby hospitals. the CEO stated, "We are actively working with the authorities on all emergency response efforts." ''I know that there are many questions and will not be able to answer them all. But I do want to share information that we have at this time. Air India flight AI 171 operated with a Boeing 787-8 aircraft travelling from Ahmedabad to London gatwick has been involved in an accident after take off.'' he said