There is a saying
that to know the world, to know the different cultures, one has to either
travel or read extensively. However, today the situation is entirely different.
Economic liberation and information technology have facilitated people to move
around the world like never before. Today, all over the world, visual culture
is dominating and it has influenced and altered the pattern of life completely.
Through televisions and computers, one gets lot of information as well as gorgeous
visuals to see. Introductions of different cultures through the Electronic Medias
have brought in many changes in the existing cultures. Music channels, food
channels, fashion channels, movie channels, and sports channel – all display how progress is taking place and at
what speed. Through T.V., many windows of the world are open to the viewers,
who sit in the corner of the house and get all the information. There are many travel
channels that highlight the places with exotic beauty and food specialties,
which have regional and cultural flavors and significances. Excellent
photography and related information presented in the channels acquaints one
with the every nook and corner of the globe. When one actually visits the
place, one might feel that the element of surprise and discovery are missing.
Up to 1980, books were the only sources of information of different
geographical locations and cultures. Through books, life style, prevailing
customs and traditions of different states were known and enjoyed. The detailed
description in the book mingled with reader’s imagination delighted readers and
took them to fairylands. Books in those days focused on geographical details
that were very much essential then as geographical conditions worked as requisites
to build the characters, which peppered the books with different colours. These
beautiful geographical descriptions created mental pictures and enticed the
readers. Culture of a particular region
detailed with social structure, human relationships and food habits give
insights. In spite of all these perceptions and important insights, books provide
only the perceptions of the writer. Readers’ perception and writers’ perception
are different. Each one’s observation
and perceptions are entirely different. The world looks very different when we
reach it through the books. One’s observation and perception are not sufficient
to have knowledge.
Earlier to
the introduction of travel channels and food channels, tours always seemed
interesting and every moment of it was filled with surprises. Different destinations had different surprises
in store. Travelers were eager to explore the locations on their own. Whatever they
discovered seemed a great achievement. Just imagine the adventures of the great
Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama.
Books and tours combined and experienced together give a
complete knowledge and holistic approach to life. Books offer a different set
of advantages and tours offer a different set of advantages. Too much of visual
culture is destroying the beauty of imagination, the beauty of books and tours
as well. One must have surprises and discoveries in store, and then only life
looks very interesting.
