25.
25 is a weird weird age. This particular age almost acts as a disparity between you and the people you find most related so, the young 18-year-olds, except you’re totally not who they are anymore.
You’re too old for not being considered a young adult and too young to be considered an adult, but in the middle of that, you somehow find your place in the society. And, it’s totally okay if you don’t too. There’s so much that you want to do more in life, however, somehow you’re expected to make some life-long decisions when you’re not even capable of making a choice between what you want to have for dinner.
There’s more to this particular age than all of this, but in the midst of all this one needs to understand that you’re your youngest before you hit the mark which is why one should try a ton of stuff out.
We’ve accumulated some 25 out of the ton for you. So, start mark-checking all the things that every Indian should try to do before they hit 25.
1. Live in a city which is totally different than the one you grew up in.
2. Try to learn at least one new language, spoken in the country.
3. Try delicious thalis from all 29 states in the country.
4. Adopt a stray dog or cat.
5. Master the art of not giving even a single fuck when a relative asks, “beta Shaadi ka kya plan hai?”
6. Read more than one Indian author’s work. (good authors, please)
7. Attend at least one theatre performance in your city.
8. Watch Ramleela, at least once, after growing up, in your neighbourhood Dussehra Mela.
9. Try to attend as many festivals around the country that the states are famous for.
10. Go to a beach destination other than Goa.
11. Go to a hill destination other than Manali.
12. Take a road trip on a two-wheeler to Leh Ladakh.
13. Learn at least one traditional Indian classic instrument or dance form.
14. Master the recipe of at least one dish and make it your territory. One dish that people will opt for you to make, over any other restaurant.
15. Move over from Kingfisher and other beer brands, opt for locally brewed beer.
16. Take a trip to North-East India and discover their beauty and tradition.
17. Explore the breathtaking underwater world in Andaman.
18. Move ahead from all the “log kya kahenge phase”.
19. Attend at least one book festival in the country.
20. And, at least one film festival.
21. Camp under the stars and submerge in them.
22. Fall in true love, at least once.
23. Volunteer for something extraordinary and do something for the greater good.
24. Take a wildlife safari in one of the various national parks in the country.
25. Don’t be afraid to make a big career change.
Jyotsna Amla