Travel takes me out of the normal world: Hidesign's Dilip Kapur

Being in creative spaces like designing, art and crafts require an individual to be superlatively inspired most of the time. The best of creative art is delivered when one has extensive information and understanding; be it of people, places, cultures or traditions etc.  What could be better than travel and exposure to different parts of the globe to enhance your knowledge base!

In today's edition of FOX Traveller Diaries, Adgully tours around the world with Dilip Kapur, Founder & President of Hidesign. Kapur was born in New Delhi and moved to Pondicherry at the age of six. He grew up in Sri Aurobindo Ashram and later went to school at Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts. After graduating from Princeton University, New Jersey in International Affairs, Kapur completed his Ph.D in the same subject at University of Denver, School of International Studies. He took up a job in a leather company while pursuing his Ph.D and on his return to India (Auroville) launched Hidesign in year1978.

A globe trotter, Dilip Kapur shares his thoughts on travel as a source of inspiration in everyday life. This is what he has to say, “Travel is at the heart of both my business and personal life. You learn from the diversity of the world, and keep growing through the exchange of ideas.”
Some excerpts from the interview:

Dilip Kapur (DK): Beach no.7, Havelock, Andaman’s.

FTD: Tell us three good things about travelling.

DK: It takes me out of my normal world and gives me an opportunity to experience new culture, food and adventure.

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

DK: My I-pad.

FTD: When and where was your best holiday?

DK: Amazon (Brazil), Havelock Andaman’s, Tuscany Italy.

FTD: As a traveller, what tip would you share with others?

DK: Go somewhere different from your world.

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

DK: My design team.

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

DK: Yes, often.  South African roast worms and  chocolate ants in Brazil to name a few!

FTD: What and where have your best bazaar bargains been so far?

DK: Bangkok and Guangzhou, China.

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

DK: The deep desert in Sudan for its sheer beauty and for the loneliness and adventure it offers

FTD: Tell us how you have managed to make travelling fun?

DK: With good company & lots of good wine.

DK: Refusing to eat the delicacy, cheese of Sardinia because it was full of maggots since I was not aware that the maggots made the dish special.

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

DK: Getting hauled up by a mad police in Iowa who mistook me for a “hippie”, while hitchhiking

FTD: What is the best souvenir you ever bought during the course of your travels?

DK: An Afghan antique necklace for a girlfriend and a Japanese painting for myself which reminds me that we are all alone in this world.

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