Chandra Kant Jaisansaria

Hardeep Singh

I WOULD SAY, MY VIETNAM! Echoes of Vietnam: A Military Veteran's Quest By Colonel Hardeep Singh Ghuman, Indian Army As someone who has dedicated my life to the service of my country, I have always been drawn to places that embody resilience and beauty. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, has long been a destination I have yearned to explore. However, financial constraints have consistently stood in the way of my dream and desire to visit Vietnam. This opportunity to visit Vietnam is not just a chance to satisfy my wanderlust, but also a deeply personal journey into a land that has witnessed the scars of war and yet risen to become a symbol of peace and prosperity. As someone who has spent 21 years in the Military, I also have a deep interest in Vietnam's war history. The Vietnam War, with its profound impact on both Vietnam and the world, is something I have studied extensively. To visit the very places where history was made would be a poignant experience for me. For example, the Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi, once bombed by US forces and later rebuilt by the Vietnamese, is a symbol of strength and perseverance. My fascination with Vietnam's war history also extends into my work as a writer. I am a published author, and much of my writing explores the lives of soldiers and the complex emotions they endure. One of my stories, "From the Shadows," is set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. Published on Amazon KDP in 2017 (https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Hardeep-Singh-Ghuman-ebook/dp/B073YDTZ62), it is a gripping tale of two war veterans, Vadim Yulian (erstwhile USSR) and After Martial (USA), whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways. If you could grant just one favour of choosing a Military Veteran from India to visit Vietnam, I sincerely hope it will be me. In conclusion, this opportunity to visit Vietnam is more than just a holiday for me; it is a chance to connect with a land that has long intrigued me, to explore its natural beauty, immerse myself in its culture, savour its cuisine, and reflect on its history. I sincerely hope that my passion for this incredible destination shines through in this story and that I am fortunate enough to be selected for this unforgettable experience. Kính gửi Quý Ông/Bà, xin vui lòng nhận sự biết ơn chân thành của tôi vì đã dành thời gian đọc câu chuyện của tôi.

Vinayak Arun Kadwade

Hello, My name is Vinayak And I love traveling and exploring new culture. I have always wanted to visit Vietnam because of the people and the beautiful culture. I have always heard of how sweet and humble Vietnamese people are and how respect eachother. The next best thing I have always heard is about the food and about how many varieties of food Vietnam has to offer, I would consider myself very luck to have to try this. I'm very curious to learn the traditions and culture of the place as well. Also I would like to see how the farming and agriculture part is handled as I've heard that Vietnamese farmers are very hard working and produce the best quality agriculture. Looking forward to visit the country and show some love and learn so many things. I appreciate this opportunity very much. Thanks, Vinayak Kadwade

Ruchika Arora

A Journey of Love, Loss, and Rediscovery ! In January 2016, grief consumed me as I arrived in Goa, mourning the tragic loss of my first love to an accident. One evening by the ocean, a stranger approached, asking if he could take my picture. Numb from pain, I agreed. Weeks later, back in Delhi, he sent me the photo with a simple “Hello.” What started as a brief encounter blossomed into a friendship, offering a reprieve from my sorrow. Though his kindness warmed me, opening my heart again was daunting. He patiently supported me through my healing, and over time, our bond deepened. Our relationship wasn’t without its challenges—cultural differences (I was Punjabi; he was Bihari) and life’s uncertainties often raised questions. Yet, his unwavering love and his promise—“I will marry you, no matter what”—gave me strength. The next six years tested us. We faced family losses, personal struggles, and, during the pandemic in 2020, frequent arguments that nearly broke us. I considered moving to Germany for higher studies, seeking a fresh start, but just before I applied, he made a heartfelt plea: “Marry me.” His sincerity solidified my choice, and in December 2021, after complex family discussions, we secured their blessing. By November 2022, we were married—a love story that had survived heartbreak and cultural divides. Marriage brought both joy and trials. In January 2023, his father passed away, deepening our understanding of grief and resilience. Amid these struggles, I found myself questioning my career as a German teacher. I confided in him my dream of becoming a makeup artist. To my surprise, he supported me wholeheartedly, encouraging me to pursue my passion. His belief in me helped me face criticism and self-doubt as I rebuilt my career from scratch. Slowly, I gained confidence, clients, and a renewed sense of purpose. Life then gave us the ultimate surprise—I was pregnant! His joy and support during this journey, from late-night cravings to doctor’s appointments, reminded me of the strength of our partnership. Despite pregnancy’s challenges, his presence keeps me grounded as we prepare for this next chapter. Looking back, our journey has been one of healing, growth, and rediscovery. From strangers on a Goan beach to partners navigating life’s trials, we’ve built a love rooted in trust, sacrifice, and shared dreams. As we anticipate the arrival of our baby and plan new adventures as a family, I’m grateful for the life we’ve created together. Our story isn’t perfect, but it’s ours—a testament to the enduring power of love.