#WowWomen~ Normal woman living the 'Not-so-normal' life-- Shubhra Mittal

Let’s start with a brief introduction.

Hello, I am Shubhra, a traveler, a hitchhiker and a writer. For the last 2 years, I have been living out of my little travel bag, exploring the unknown roads, hitchhiking, doing barter and volunteer work and practically living without any money. I started doing this to experience what real freedom feels and looks like, and I am convinced that there is nothing more precious than this.

So Shubhra, why did you become a full time traveler?

I had a ‘normal life’ where I used to work in corporates and start ups. I remember  feeling caged all the time and everyone around me felt the same. We all have one life and I decided to travel full time to break through my golden cage.

Wow, that was amazing. Kudos to your courage! Since you have been traveling alone for so long, do you never fear for your safety?

As women, we all grow up being fed the same narrative that the world is not safe for us and that we will be harmed if we venture out alone. This is absolutely not true. For the last 2 years, I have hitchhiked with thousands of vehicles- trucks, cars or buses. I cannot recollect even one incident where I felt harmed or where someone tried to take wrong advantage of me. From my own experience, I can say there is no truth to the saying that women have to be cautious and the world is not safe for them to be alone in. Us being conditioned that way does not make it true.

Would you share your most memorable trip with us?

This entire journey of the last 2 years has been memorable. I have learnt and grown a lot as a human. On that note, I am reminded of this one ride that I got from 2 army officers on one of the days. During the entire journey, we discussed the positives and negatives that India needs to work around or build up on. All of us carried a lot of knowledge that we had shared.  When the ride ended, they presented me with a bag of their nutrition bars saying that they wanted me to eat those bars because the work that I am doing for women empowerment in India is really important and to do that well, I have to be alive and healthy. My heart was so full when I heard them say those words. I grabbed the bag of bars and continued to eat them through various trips, reminiscing the most memorable ride that I shared.

That sounds beautiful. How did your family react to you leaving a good life and being a full time traveler?

To be honest, my family was not happy when I decided to become a full time traveler. But I understand them. I have done this to them before- I studied to become a dentist but I changed my field. They felt like I had lost all my marbles but with the passing of time, they got more comfortable with the idea of me traveling by myself. They are still concerned about me but they have made their peace with it.

What is that one wish that you hold for yourself and for everyone?

I have a lot of wishes but if I could do just one thing, I would want to tell this to every person reading this, that they are invincible, that they are born to achieve their goals, that they can do everything that they put their heart to and that they can get any life that they dream of. All they need is unflinching determination and courage. For myself, I wish endless travels, till my body allows.

Lastly, what advice would you give to young women who look up to you?

To all the women- do not be scared of your family or friends or the society if you want to change your profession or your line of interest. Do not fear judgmental opinions! Women should do what they love! Risk everything to be uncomfortable enough to grow everyday. Life is too short and the time runs out before you know. So go out, be bold, be the best version of yourself- this is your life and you only have one shot to get to your dreams.