Lohandi to Ladakh – a Travelogue

2 June 2025
Aranya Bhawan Auditorium, Bhubaneswar

The evening air at Aranya Bhawan Auditorium, Chandrasekharpur, was filled with anticipation as literature lovers gathered to witness the launch of Lohandi to Ladakh – A Travelogue by Om Prakash Singh, a retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer who served as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Internal Vigilance), Odisha.

Organised by Ketaki Books, this was more than just a book launch—it was a celebration of the transformative power of travel and the profound connection between nature and self-discovery.

The evening began with a warm welcome by Sunita Jee, DFO, Forest HQ, setting the tone for a gathering that beautifully wove together themes of adventure, conservation, and introspection. The creative journey behind the book was brought to life by Jyotiranjan Swain, visual designer and publishing collaborator, whose artistic vision helped shape the travelogue’s final form.

Author Om Prakash Singh captivated the audience with compelling insights from his extraordinary journey across India’s rugged terrains. His words painted vivid pictures of solitude, adventure, and moments of profound clarity that emerged from the landscapes between Lohandi and Ladakh.

“This book is more than a travel account,” Singh explained. “It’s a meditation on movement and stillness—an invitation to pause, look deeper, and reimagine our relationship with the world around us.”

A distinguished figure in Odisha’s forest services, Singh’s professional background lent the narrative a unique blend of ecological awareness and spiritual reflection. His experiences as a forest officer deeply inform the travelogue’s themes, bridging personal exploration with environmental consciousness.

Chief Guest Suresh Pant, IFS, PCCF & HoFF, Odisha, delivered a keynote address emphasising how travel can deepen our connection to environmental conservation. Chief Speaker Debidutta Biswal, IFS (Retd.), reflected on the meditative quality inherent in meaningful journeys, while Guests of Honour Uma Nanduri, IFS, PCCF (KL), Odisha, and Prem Kumar Jha, IFS, PCCF (WL), Odisha, shared insights on the enduring relationship between literature, nature exploration, and conservation efforts.

A highlight of the evening was an engaging interactive session, where readers explored the creative process behind the travelogue. Singh spoke candidly about his writing journey, revealing the emotional undercurrents and motivations that shaped his narrative. These intimate glimpses offered the audience a rare understanding of how personal transformation can be translated into compelling storytelling.

 In his closing remarks, a visibly moved Om Prakash Singh shared:

“I am overwhelmed by this incredible support. I hope this book inspires others to find adventure and beauty, whether near or far from home.”

His words resonated deeply with the audience, capturing the essence of what makes travel writing truly transformative.

Lohandi to Ladakh transcends traditional travel writing. It stands as a quiet meditation on the relationship between movement and stillness, inviting readers to explore not just geographical landscapes but the terrain of the human spirit. The book challenges us to see travel as a path to deeper self-understanding and environmental awareness.

A view of the panel and audience during the official launch event at Aranya Bhawan Auditorium.

An engaging session unfolds with readers and officials during the book launch discussion.