IN THIRUVANANTHAPURAM The Happy Travellers

`WHEREVER WE GO, INDIA IS ENCHANTING.
AN INVISIBLE THREAD RUNS FROM ONE CORNER TO THE OTHER KRISHNA MOHAN & MEERA KRISHNA BUSINESS PEOPLE, KERALA
THEY LIVE IN A STATE (Kerala) that almost all Indians dream of visiting. But for Thiruvananthapuram residents Krishna Mohan (30) and Meera Krishna (25), nothing beats the joys of travelling the length and breadth of the country they live in. “Wherever we go, we find our country most beautiful and enchanting ­ an invisible thread runs through from one corner to the other and that is the beauty of this great country,“ they say. But it isn't all play and no work for this couple, who love to call themselves backpackers. Hailing from a business family, Krishna Mohan's first love was jurisprudence. After taking his law degree from Ambedkar Law College, Chennai, he even practised five years at the Madras High Court. But the call of duty forced the eldest of five siblings to don an entrepreneur's role two years ago ­ he now runs a sprawling car showroom.
Married to Meera four years ago, the couple has a three-year-old daughter, Shivani.
A BBA from American University in Dubai, Meera also has a business background. She currently helps her father in his realty business and is also one of the directors of a construction firm in Thiruvananthapuram.
No matter how busy their days are, the Krishnas always make time to travel, and to read Paul Theroux, a favourite contemporary travel writer. Besides crisscrossing the country, they have also visited more than a dozen countries.
“To savour different foods, cultures, absorb different styles of architecture and languages, it is something great. It allows you to experiment with something new, meet people and helps you learn more about yourself,“ explains Krishna.
But India still holds a special charm for them. “Our country offers the most varied cuisines of any place on the planet, but many are not exposed to its wide varieties and sadly stick to the same dishes,“ complains Meera, who is a culinary expert.
She talks about some of her favourites ­ the Indian Chinese food at Zen in Rajiv Chowk, Delhi, or the yummy seafood on offer at Mahesh Lunch Home in Juhu, Mumbai.
And the foodie couple relish their culinary experiences ­ whether it is a starred hotel in Europe or a dhaba in Karol Bagh, they both try to experiment with cuisines, besides enjoying their favourite dishes of seafood and kebabs. Unlike many people their age, who often show scant respect for the voting process, the Krishnas are ardent fans of democracy.
“They don't know the value of freedom and free expression, that is why some young people turn their back on it,“ they explain.
Krishna has exercised his franchise in all elections. He adds that politics is not a bad word and that it is unfair to place all the blame for all the country's ills at the doors of politicians. “We have to empower our democracy. It is the duty of every citizen of the country to ensure it,“ he says.
Both Krishna and Meera feel the induction of young blood into politics will not solve the nagging problems of the country, instead they favour a proper blend of experience and youth.
“More than age, experience and vision matter,“ says Krishna, a fan of former president APJ Abdul Kalam. Whenever he notices an article or report on Kalam, he reads it with the enthusiasm of a 10-year-old, he admits with a chuckle. “I'm really amazed at the way in which he influences youngsters and inspires them,“ explains Krishna.
Though the couple does not subscribe to a timeline for the country to become a superpower, they are sure it is inching towards the goal.
“Our population and natural resources are our strength and our economic fundamentals are strong. No doubt the 21st century belongs to us. But of course everyone has to chip in for this,“ say the Krishnas.