Raipur. On the third and concluding day of the Raipur Literature Festival, the first session at the Lal Jagdalpuri Pavilion featured a thought-provoking panel discussion on the topic "Travel Blogs: Inspiring Travel." Renowned travel journalist, blogger, and solo traveler Ms. Kainat Kazi and author of "London Diary from Desi Chashme Se" Ms. Shikha Varshney shared their experiences. The session was moderated by Mr. Rahul Chaudhary.

In her statement, Ms. Kainat Kazi said that Hindi literature played a significant role in shaping her travel journey. Inspired by literature, she began traveling, and her travel experiences across various parts of India inspired her to blog and document her experiences. She said that she primarily travels with a spirit of learning and discovery, while blogging, diary writing, and popularity are natural byproducts of this journey.

Emphasizing on conscious travel, he urged travelers not to limit their journey to mere sightseeing, but to fully immerse themselves in it. He said that travel blogging is a powerful medium to capture firsthand experiences of tourist destinations, cultures, and events.
Responding to a question about her travels, Ms. Shikha Varshney said that curiosity has been the primary inspiration for her travels and writing. She shared that while studying in a government school, she was introduced to Hindi literature, which provided her with the vocabulary and sensitivity necessary to express her experiences. She explained that although she lived in India for only 14-15 years, her travels to various parts of the country with her father introduced her to the diverse colors of Indian culture.

He said, "After traveling around the world, I realized that we often underestimate the tourism potential of our own country. India's historical splendor and rich cultural heritage are reflected in our traditions, customs, monuments, and archaeological sites. As Indians, we should not only be proud of this heritage but also make serious efforts to experience it ourselves." 
Moderating the session, Mr. Rahul Chaudhary shared his travel experiences and highlighted the importance of keen observation in travel writing. He said that Chhattisgarh, especially the Bastar region, should be on every traveler's must-visit list due to its unique natural beauty, rich folk culture, and green landscape.

Addressing the younger generation, the panelists noted that the declining reading habits are limiting young people's vocabulary. They emphasized the need for a deeper engagement with literature, and urged writers to make their language and writing styles more natural, simple, and youth-friendly.