It was an evening filled with stories, laughter, and vivid memories as Mr. Sanjoy Roy led an engaging conversation on 2nd December at the Sri Lanka High Commission with the authors of Around the World in Magnets – Sri Lanka, Dr. Anthony Vipin Das and Ms. Vidushi Duggal. The book—an evocative travelogue told through souvenir magnets—captures the soul of Sri Lanka in its small, colourful tokens.
What followed on stage was less an author talk and more a lively, intimate exchange about travel, culture, food, spirituality, and everything that makes Sri Lanka unforgettable.
“Why magnets?” — The Moderator Opens the Evening
Sanjoy Roy set the tone with his characteristic humour as he turned to Vidushi: “You’re a fashion professional… and now you write books about magnets?”
Vidushi laughed, responding: “Designer by education, yes. But for the last seven years I’ve been a writer. Fashion is my passion, but writing—especially travel writing—is what drives me.” She added, “People collect snow globes; I collect magnets. I have about 700 of them. Each one has a story.”
The moderator then teased Anthony: “And you—an eye surgeon with such a fancy name. How did that happen?”
Anthony quipped, “My parents gave it to me! Anthony is from Kerala, Vipin from Bangalore, and Das from Odisha.”
He added that his waiting room was often full of Malayalis and Bengalis, “much to their disappointment when I spoke neither language!”
How the Journey Began
The authors shared how their collaboration started in the most unexpected way.
Vidushi revealed, “I first met Anthony as his patient. We got talking, and when I visited his home and saw his magnet collection—well, the idea took shape.”
Anthony added: “It was during COVID that we began shaping this book—stories told through magnets as cultural artefacts. Each magnet is a creative depiction of a region’s soul.”
The project evolved over multiple visits to Sri Lanka, supported by friends, colleagues, and generous hosts. “It couldn’t have been a better journey for us,” Anthony said. “The people, the culture, the memories—they wrote this book with us.”
Unforgettable Places — From Pink Quartz Mountains to Ancient Capitals
Sanjoy introduced one of the most fascinating segments: “Has anyone here been to the Pink Quartz area? Tell us why it’s special.”
Anthony explained: “It’s called the ‘Jathika Namal Uyana’. It’s a UNESCO site and the largest pink quartz mountain in the world. We were blessed to meet the monk who dedicated his life to preserving it. He blessed our book.”
For places without magnets, the authors improvised, “We photographed sections of the mountains and turned them into magnets. If the place didn’t have one, we created it,” Vidushi said.
They also described their climb to the near-vertical staircases of the ancient capital, Yapahuwa.
“The stairs were steep so thieves couldn’t escape with the Buddha’s relics,” Anthony narrated. “Every site came alive with a historical story.”
The Food: “It’s a Magical Experience”
Sanjoy jokingly declared: “If you haven’t been to the Ministry of Crab, you haven’t lived!”
Vidushi recalled: “At Jetwing Gallery Hotel in Kandy, the chef prepared the most exquisite meal I’ve ever had. Ingredients I’d never heard of, flavours I couldn’t imagine. I don’t eat fish—but that day, I polished my plate clean!”
But her favourites? “The devilled dishes! Extremely spicy. Not for the weak-hearted.”
For Anthony, breakfast was a highlight: “The curries, string hoppers, egg hoppers… you can eat all day. Sri Lanka never lets you miss spices.”
Adventure: From Diving to Water Sports
Vidushi shared her first-ever dive: “It was off the coast of Unawatuna. They even place sculptures underwater for tourists. I’m not a strong swimmer, but the guides were amazing. My parents tried it too—and my mum is terrified of water!”
Wildlife, Weather, and the Wonder of Sri Lanka
Anthony described the island’s astonishing diversity: “Every few hours, the terrain changes—altitude, weather, landscape. It’s unbelievable.”
One memorable day, he recalled: “We did four weeks of travel in one day—Ritika, Sigiriya, and Jathika Namal Uyana. By evening, I couldn’t feel my legs!”
They were equally enchanted by the Kandyan martial art, Angampora: “Practised at the base of mythical mountains. Stunning,” Vidushi said.
Masks, Textiles, and Art
Vidushi highlighted the vibrant Sri Lankan masks: “They signify different aspects of life—health, wealth, well-being. We saw shops with entire walls covered in these masks. The colours, the symbolism—mesmerising.”
She also fell in love with the saris:
“The Sri Lankan drape is so elegant. I tried one—it transforms you.”
Anthony added his own childhood awe: “As a cricket fan, visiting places associated with Sanath Jayasuriya was special. He changed cricket.”
A Land of Coconut, Tea, and Endless Warmth
Sanjoy reminisced about the yellow-orange king coconut: “After drinking, they chip the shell for you—it’s delicious. Coconuts in Sri Lanka are sweeter than anywhere else.”
Anthony agreed, “We had so many along the way. It’s a symbol of their hospitality.”
Elephants and Extraordinary Encounters
Both authors spoke fondly of the elephant orphanages. Anthony shared a personal memory: “My daughter, just six, got to feed a baby elephant. A gentle, majestic being—it’s unforgettable.”
But he added a caution: “Elephant crossings are serious. You must respect their space. We once found ourselves stuck in traffic as herds passed. My heart was racing!”
The question: Is Sri Lanka Expensive? Vidushi answered simply: “Not at all. It’s affordable, but the value it gives is priceless. It feels like home—it’s right across the ocean.”
Sanjoy added with a smile: “It’s India’s dream wedding destination now. Go while it’s still authentic—support tourism, support the people.”
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