My love for travel and exploration began early in life. At just 10 years old, I left home for my education and commuted daily from my village to the nearest town by train and bus, always trying to get a window seat to watch the farmlands, village life, winding roads, and changing faces of fellow travelers. Those journeys sparked a deep curiosity in me and planted the desire to explore beyond my hometown. Over time, that curiosity became a true passion, and I strongly believe that travel is education. Historically, even pilgrimages were not only spiritual journeys but also a way to gain knowledge and experience the world. Travel teaches us about people, culture, traditions, and perspectives in ways that books cannot. Whether visiting historical landmarks, experiencing new landscapes, or sharing stories with locals, every trip enriches my understanding of the world. So far, I have visited 44 countries, and I plan to visit 56 more in the next seven years.

Tarendra Lakhankar, PhD, PE
Director, Education & Training Pillar, CUNY CREST Institute
Co-Lead, Education Pillar, UNU-Hub, R-SIRUS, CCNY
Center for Earth System Sciences and Remote Sensing Tech (CESSRST)

The City College of New York / CUNY
ST-185, Steinman Hall, 
160 Convent Ave, New York, NY 10031
Email: tlakhankar (at) ccny.cuny.edu  
Office212-650-5815