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Indian Express
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Why do people disappear from society? These travel stories hold the answer
Shreyansha Ghosh For Namrata, founder of Keemiya Creatives, 2014 was the year that changed everything. She quit her job and embarked on a solo journey across continents, severing all ties with her old life. 'For the next three years, I wandered – physically, mentally, and emotionally. I found solace in solitude, and a sense of freedom in being unreachable,' she told 'Every city, every village had a story. The chaos of foreign capitals, the silence of remote mountains, the wisdom of ruins, they all shaped me.' Eventually, she relocated to a Tier-3 city, where she knew no one. 'Starting from scratch was both exhilarating and humbling. I had no job, no network. But in rebuilding, I discovered the true meaning of independence,' she said. The weight of the world is a silent killer. It creeps in like dust collecting in corners you forgot to clean. Your mind hums with doubt about every decision you've made. Slowly, you start resenting the life you've built. You carry on with that weight until you snap. You retreat from the world, hoping to come back transformed. For many, travel becomes the escape of choice. People disappear because, sometimes, it's the only way to stay sane. They seek complete detachment from jobs, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists. To outsiders, this disappearance may appear to be escapism. However, it's often a necessary act of survival. Remember Liz Gilbert, played by Julia Roberts, in the movie Eat Pray Love? After a breakdown, she walks away from her marriage, a rebound relationship, and her job, setting off on a year-long quest through Italy, India, and Indonesia. Driven by desperation, she searches for happiness and finds peace instead. In a hyper-connected world where expectations are relentless, Gilbert's story resonates. Today, many people are choosing to disappear from society for psychological survival. 'According to the Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan), human beings are driven by autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When these needs go unmet, when life becomes overly controlled, disconnected, or draining, people seek out radical change. Disappearing can feel like reclaiming autonomy. It's not just about running away; it's about returning to the self,' Shruti Padhye, a senior psychologist at Mpower, told This behaviour is depicted in Nomadland (2020), the Oscar-winning film about Fern, a woman who embraces a nomadic life after personal loss and financial ruin. 'Many aren't just fleeing society,' said Padhye, 'They're looking for authenticity, for space to grieve, and for simpler ways to live.' She also said that these disappearances are often driven by emotional exhaustion, identity crises or burnout. Travel, in such cases, offers a reset, a chance to reconnect with one's true self. Chirag, a student of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), shared his story of a monsoon road trip through Meghalaya. 'We drove from Guwahati to Shillong, Cherrapunji, Laitlum Canyon, Mawlynnong, Dawki; the clouds and rain never left our side,' he said. One night, past 1 AM, they found themselves deep in a forest. Heavy rain. Zero visibility. The brakes slipped. 'No signal, no help. But we didn't panic. We trusted each other and inched forward until we found a tiny rest stop. We cooled the car, fixed the brakes, and drove on, almost laughing at the madness of it all.' When asked if this break from society was worth it, he said, 'Moments like that crack you open. They strip life down to its raw edges — survival, trust, awe. Stepping away from the world, even briefly, reminded me how alive I could feel. Out there, lost in the rain, I found something real. Was it worth it? Every drenched, broken, breathtaking second.' 'It's a natural response,' said Padhye. According to her, 'It's the mind's way of hitting pause; a reset mechanism that reflects a need for emotional recalibration. Disappearing into nature or travel can lead to higher psychological fulfilment.' 'Travel can not only offer a change of scenery, but also push a person to step out of their comfort zone to adapt and reinvent,' said Vaishali Arora, a clinical psychologist at LISSUN mental health platform. But is it healthy? 'If the decision is conscious and reflective, it can represent post-traumatic growth. But if it's impulsive or sudden, it may point to underlying mental health challenges—chronic stress, anxiety, or trauma,' said Padhye. Shreyansha Ghosh was an intern at
Jordan Times
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Jordan Times
Eurovision limbers up with over-60s disco
This photograph shows a boat navigated on the Rhine River with towers (right) in the background hosting the headquarters of Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche, in Basel on Saturday (AFP photo) BASEL, Switzerland — Eurovision host city Basel laid on a mass over-60s disco on Saturday to whip up the party mood ahead of the event's grand final in two weeks' time. Nearly 1,400 senior citizens attended the bash, an attempt to reach out to the older demographic and get them involved in the Eurovision Song Contest festivities. The Swiss border city of Basel is hosting this year's edition of the glitzy extravaganza, one of the world's biggest annual live television shows. It is staging a range of events on the sidelines to make the most of the occasion. "It's a highlight of the Eurovision for me," said Liz Gilbert, 64, who came dressed in a 1970s outfit. "Normally it's just on television, so it's great," she told AFP."I'm very happy that my hometown can host it." Women outnumbered the men across the two dance floors, with plenty of over-70s swinging their hips to the music in the mid-afternoon. One floor played Swiss tunes in the national languages of German, French and Italian, with the other dance floor playing rock and pop classics from the 1960s to the 1980s. "We are here celebrating the disco like they used to back in the day and we are gathering people from all around Switzerland to have a good time," said Celine Koenig, spokeswoman for the Pro Senectute organisation for the elderly, which helped organise the event. The tickets cost nine Swiss francs ($11). Having a ball Dominique Guerdat, 67, and Carmen Deillon, 61, came with their gym group from nearby Delemont. "We're having a blast, we're dancing, we're laughing, we're seeing people, and we're drinking. Cheers!" said Guerdat. "The music is great, it's from our era." Her friend Deillon had hoped more people would have dressed up in 1970s outfits. "I was expecting everyone to be like that, but in the end, there aren't many. But it's great, and they have some great hits," she said. There were plenty of smiles as party-goers bopped away to classic hits from the Rolling Stones, the Monkees, Chubby Checker, Boney M., Wham! and ABBA. "Opportunities to socialise decrease with age," said Eurovision 2025 host broadcaster SRG. "This party is designed to give people aged 60 and over the opportunity to meet up and celebrate together. "Joy is spread through music and dance," it said. Singing "The Code", Swiss vocalist Nemo's 2024 Eurovision victory in Malmo, Sweden earned Switzerland the right to host this year's 69th edition. The kitsch celebration is being staged at the St. Jakobshalle indoor arena. The semi-finals are on May 13 and 15, with the final on May 17. Switzerland hosted the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest in 1956, and again in 1989. Page 2
Kuwait Times
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
Eurovision limbers up with over-60s disco
Eurovision host city Basel laid on a mass over-60s disco on Saturday to whip up the party mood ahead of the event's grand final in two weeks' time. Nearly 1,400 senior citizens attended the bash, an attempt to reach out to the older demographic and get them involved in the Eurovision Song Contest festivities. The Swiss border city of Basel is hosting this year's edition of the glitzy extravaganza, one of the world's biggest annual live television shows. It is staging a range of events on the sidelines to make the most of the occasion. "It's a highlight of the Eurovision for me," said Liz Gilbert, 64, who came dressed in a 1970s outfit. "Normally it's just on television, so it's great," she told AFP. "I'm very happy that my hometown can host it." Women outnumbered the men across the two dance floors, with plenty of over-70s swinging their hips to the music in the mid-afternoon. One floor played Swiss tunes in the national languages of German, French and Italian, with the other dance floor playing rock and pop classics from the 1960s to the 1980s. "We are here celebrating the disco like they used to back in the day and we are gathering people from all around Switzerland to have a good time," said Celine Koenig, spokeswoman for the Pro Senectute organization for the elderly, which helped organize the event. The tickets cost nine Swiss francs ($11). People dance on a giant dance floor set-up for people 60-years-old and above, ahead of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel. People dance on a giant dance floor set-up for people 60-years-old and above. Seniors arrive to take part in a giant dance floor for 60-year-old and overs. People dance on a giant dance floor set-up for people 60-years-old and above, ahead of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel.--AFP photos Seniors arrive to take part in a giant dance floor for 60-year-old and overs. People pose for a picture prior to taking part in a giant dance floor for 60-year-olds and overs. Staff set up up the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 mascot called "Lumo" along with a giant dance floor set-up for people 60-years-old and above. Having a ball Dominique Guerdat, 67, and Carmen Deillon, 61, came with their gym group from nearby Delemont. "We're having a blast, we're dancing, we're laughing, we're seeing people, and we're drinking. Cheers!" said Guerdat. "The music is great, it's from our era." Her friend Deillon had hoped more people would have dressed up in 1970s outfits. "I was expecting everyone to be like that, but in the end, there aren't many. But it's great, and they have some great hits," she said. There were plenty of smiles as party-goers bopped away to classic hits from the Rolling Stones, the Monkees, Chubby Checker, Boney M., Wham! and ABBA. "Opportunities to socialize decrease with age," said Eurovision 2025 host broadcaster SRG. "This party is designed to give people aged 60 and over the opportunity to meet up and celebrate together. "Joy is spread through music and dance," it said. Singing "The Code", Swiss vocalist Nemo's 2024 Eurovision victory in Malmo, Sweden earned Switzerland the right to host this year's 69th edition. The kitsch celebration is being staged at the St. Jakobshalle indoor arena. The semi-finals are on May 13 and 15, with the final on May 17. Switzerland hosted the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest in 1956, and again in 1989. - AFP
France 24
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- France 24
Eurovision warms up with over-60s disco
Nearly 1,400 senior citizens attended the bash, an attempt to reach out to the older demographic and get them involved in the Eurovision Song Contest festivities. The Swiss border city of Basel is hosting this year's edition of the glitzy extravaganza, one of the world's biggest annual live television shows. It is throwing a range of events around the sidelines to make the most of the occasion. "It's a highlight of the Eurovision for me," said Liz Gilbert, 64, who came dressed in a 1970s outfit. "Normally it's just on television, so it's great," she told AFP. "We're having a blast, we're dancing, we're laughing, we're seeing people... the music is great, it's from our years," she added. Women outnumbered the men across the two dance floors, with plenty of over-70s swinging their hips to the music in the mid-afternoon. One floor played Swiss music in the national languages of German, French and Italian, with the other dance floor playing rock and pop classics from the 1960s to the 1980s. "We are here celebrating the disco like they used to back in the day and we are gathering people from all around Switzerland to have a good time," said Celine Koenig, spokeswoman for the Pro Senectute organisation for the elderly, which helped organise the event. Singing "The Code", Swiss vocalist Nemo's 2024 Eurovision victory in Malmo, Sweden earned Switzerland the right to host this year's 69th edition. The kitsch celebration is being staged at the St. Jakobshalle indoor arena. The semi-finals are on May 13 and 15, with the final on May 17.
