Purpose of Life — My First Himalayan Journey - A path to self-realization

For a long time, many questions kept arising in my mind—why are we on this earth, who are we, what is the purpose of life, and what is religion? If truth is one, why are there so many religions? Why is there so much jealousy and hatred among human beings? And why are there so many differing schools of thought even within Hinduism?




Despite struggles and scarcity in childhood, life has blessed me with far more than I could have imagined—things that may feel like dreams to many: a good job, a fulfilling corporate career, a loving family, opportunities to travel within India and abroad, good health, sports, music, and the chance to contribute in some way toward the upliftment of my village and community.


Yet, even after having all this, there was always a quiet restlessness within, because some questions remained unanswered.


A few months ago, as I reflected on completing 50 years of life, I felt this was the right time to pause and make space for self-reflection—to take a journey into the Himalayas in search of inner clarity.


I feel deeply fortunate that from April 1 to April 11, I had the opportunity to spend time in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. A few days were spent at the serene Advaita Ashrama in Mayavati, the dream retreat envisioned by Swami Vivekananda; a few days at the Ramakrishna Kutir Ashram in Almora; and some time in the peaceful Binsar valley.


These 11 days gave me the space to sit with my unresolved questions. It felt as though layers of ignorance were slowly beginning to fall away. It would be foolish to say that I have attained complete wisdom, but I can certainly say that I have begun to see a clearer sense of purpose in life.


For the years ahead, alongside my personal and family responsibilities, I now feel called to embrace my social responsibilities with greater selflessness—so that, in whatever way possible, I may serve humanity in a more meaningful way.


One truth that became deeply clear to me through the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda is this: humanity is the truest religion, and the divine exists in every living being.


Tat Tvam Asi — That Thou Art

Location: Uttarakhand, India

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