Mysore/Mysuru: The anthology of personal essays ‘Travel Tales and Close Encounters,’ edited by Maithili Rao and Rinki Roy Bhattacharya, was released at Hotel Southern Star in city on Apr. 10.

The event was organised by the Mysuru Book Clubs Charitable Trust and the book was released by Padma Shri awardee and retired Superintending Archaeological Chemist from Mysuru, 96-year-old S. Subbaraman.

Describing the anthology as “a beautiful work that offers an emotional journey through small stories,” Subbaraman recalled his days with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), when frequent travel to archaeological sites across the country never felt like a burden but rather a delightful experience. Subbaraman, known for his distinguished contribution to archaeological conservation, said most of his journeys were by train and often became opportunities to understand local culture, people and traditions.

“Travel shapes one’s perspective on life and my own life is testimony to that,” he remarked. Reflecting on changing travel experiences, he noted that foreign visitors in the 1960s were treated with special respect, while travel today has become more individualistic and technology-driven.

The anthology, he observed, also reflects on how modern travel is increasingly mediated by screens, unlike earlier journeys enriched by shared experiences and human interaction.

Dr. Nalini Chandar, who was in conversation with the editor and contributors of the book said, the anthology brings together 29 stories by 24 authors, covering diverse travel experiences, from memories of old train journeys and foreign trips to encounters with strangers and even stories set during the Partition era.

She said, the collection transcends cultural and geographical boundaries while highlighting shared human values.

Among those present were Mysuru Book Clubs Charitable Trust Founder and President Shubha Sanjay Urs, Rashmi Gopal, Dr. Usha Srinath, Maithili Rao, Dipti Kotian, Meena Joshi and                                Namrata Rao.