Love travelling to the mountains: Religare's Subhrangshu Neogi

Working in a leadership role in the marketing and communication function is a tough job. One is expected to constantly be on his feet and attend to several tasks at the same time, in other words be multi-tasking.  Regular breaks from work to unwind and re-energize oneself has become a must in these times of tough competition be it amongst your peers in the organization or between companies in the same industry.  There is nothing like taking a vacation with your kids and family once in a while. It not only helps you regain your vigour but also spend quality time with family when no one is watching and sans any professional work pressure.

One such avid traveler is Subhrangshu Neogi,  Director - Brand & Corporate Communication, Religare group, a diversified financial services group.  Neogi has always managed to take time out for a few days out of his busy schedule and travel different destinations around the world. He enjoys discovering the unknown albeit in a planned manner, explore new places and thoroughly enjoys travelling. His favourite is the upper Himalayas – loves the flora and fauna, the people and its culture, not to forget their simple way of life.

In an exclusive interaction with Subhrangshu Neogi, Adgully tried to know more about his favourite holiday spots and travelling tips for the travel buffs like him. Edited excerpts:

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

Subhrangshu Neogi (SN): Hills especially upper Himalayas, because I basically love travelling to the mountains. The scenic beauty with its simple people, rich but largely unexplored heritage and spicy food makes me want to go back again and again.

SN: Travelling is fun, not just the destination but the journey itself. It is a big stress buster, makes you want to be yourself, wear what you want to and eat what you want to…and no timelines for anything.

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

SN: Blackberry and my iPad for staying connected for sure are important. And not to forget SOS medication etc.

FTD: When and where did your best holiday happen?

SN: Last year when I travelled to Africa, Kenya with my family/kids it seemed like wildlife TV had come alive.

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

SN: Try and plan well and in advance to get good deals, value ads and no surprises. Travelling unplanned may sound adventurous and free spirited but mind you it can come with its own dollops of stress.

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

SN: I like to keep my personal and professional agendas separate.

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

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

SN: On my first trip to Bangkok many years back, bought an imitation of a top end watch (don’t want to mention the brand) that looked as good as the real thing for just Rs 500.

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

SN: Lakshadweep (Bangaram Island) not because of anything else but because that is where I had gone for my honeymoon with my wife and for obvious reasons it continues to be a special destination.

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

SN: With my kids. Become like one and become their friend and do crazy things which you otherwise wouldn’t think of doing in a city where you are conscious that people may recognize you or may know you.

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

SN: Sinton my first official trip to HK almost 15 years back, had shark fin soup assuming it was clear soup.

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

SN: Can’t think of any.

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

SN: Gifts for my parents (wasn’t married then) when travelling abroad for the first time. 

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