Looking for newer culture, cuisines and adventure; Madame's Akhil Duggar Jain

A spirited fashion aficionado and an avid traveller, Akhil Duggar Jain, represents the 4th generation in one of the most respected family run business house based out of Ludhiana known for decades in the hosiery and retail industry.

A qualified fashion designer from the prestigious NIFT, New Delhi, Jain combines over 8 years of designing, marketing and business development experience. He is the brainchild behind the branding and positioning of Madame both nationally and internationally. As the company’s Creative Director- he is responsible for deploying company’s strategic vision and building the Madame brand name.

Being an avid traveler three things that totally seize his attention are: Culture, Cuisine and Adventure. A strong believer in pre-planned schedules, Jain has been always open to newer/ better options that you realize when you are actually at the destination. Being a foodie is the best thing that can happen with a traveler and he is always open to a variety of local options everywhere.

Fox Traveller Diaries caught up with Akhil Duggar Jain, Creative Director at Jain Amar Clothing Pvt. Ltd,

Fox Traveller Diaries (FTD): If there is one place you can keep going back to for a holiday, where would it be?

Akhil Jain (AJ): United States of America

FTD: Tell us three good things about travelling.

AJ: Culture – You get to understand why a particular race behaves a particular way – signs of success, failure, simplicity etc and you realize that everyone is doing the same thing, enjoying the same festivals etc; but in their own very way.

Cuisine – Tasting authentic food is one of the favorite time pass that you can savor each and every meal

Adventure – Certain sports and travel style are centric to a particular city and country and you ought to enjoy the local way

FTD: When you travel, what is a must carry for you?

AJ: The DSLR and me are just inseparable

FTD: When and where did your best holiday happen?

AJ: Australia – Honeymoon – 2007

FTD: As a traveller, what’s your tip for the others?

AJ: Always Travel Light
Have some local information pre-handy
Be versatile enough to try out the local delicacies

FTD: A colleague/co-worker from your industry with whom you would like to go on a holiday.

AJ: My creative team

FTD: Have you ever been surprised by the taste of food, outside India? Where?

AJ: Yes, China – Vegan Food - tofu

FTD: What and where has been your best bazaar bargain so far?

AJ: Streets of Cairo in Egypt

FTD: Which has been the most unique destination that you ever visited; When and why?

AJ: Germany, because of the discipline in their day to day lives. No cap on any limit (not even speed limit on roads)

FTD: Tell us how you have managed to make a journey fun.

AJ: I had always pre-planned schedules; but still have been open at all the times to newer/ better options that you realize when you are actually at the destination. Being a foodie is the best thing that can happen with a traveler and I am always open to a variety of local options everywhere.

FTD: A gourmet gaffe that you would like to share.

AJ: In one of the cruises in the United States, my wife ordered a drink similar to one,  which another guest was drinking – The moment she took a sip, she spat making a face as something sour had hit her throat – she mistook margarita to coconut based mocktail

FTD: What has been your worst travel moment? Why?

AJ: Cairo International Airport wherein when everyone, from the porter to the check-in counters attendants to immigration were eyeing “bakshish” for a quicker passage.

FTD: What is the best souvenir you ever bought for anyone?

AJ: A 4 feet miniature of “The Sripuram Golden Temple”

Disclaimer: The views expressed are purely in the personal capacity of Akhil Duggar Jain as a travel buff and has no bearing and/or correlation with his official role; Images, courtesy: Akhil Duggar Jain