After two decades of life in America, I’ve finally returned to India for what feels like a maiden voyage – my first official vacation in the land that I once called home. Twenty years is a long time, and the anticipation of seeing the transformative beauty of India had me both excited and nervous. My last memories of this vibrant country were as a newlywed, basking in the romance of Chandigarh and Manali for our honeymoon. Following that, my partner and I set our sights on new horizons and made the United States our new abode. The thought of returning to India for leisure hadn’t crossed our minds until now.

As I set foot in Goa, I was struck by an overwhelming sense of surprise and delight. The India I left two decades ago seemed to have evolved in leaps and bounds. The pristine cleanliness, the meticulous preservation of archaeological sites, and the overall quality of infrastructure were nothing short of impressive. It felt as though a new India had emerged, one that embraced the best practices of the world while retaining its unique charm.

The digital transformation was palpable, with online bookings and services matching international standards. The seamless experience of flights, buses, and taxis, all equipped with proficient English-speaking personnel, was a testament to India’s progress. Even the guides, with their wealth of knowledge and excellent communication skills, added to the charm of this new discovery.

One of the highlights of my trip was the tour of Goa’s churches. I couldn’t help but draw parallels with the church tours I had experienced in Rome, Italy. The grandeur and spiritual ambiance were on par with the best in the world. This was a far cry from my childhood visits to the forts of Rajasthan, which, back then, were often neglected, with barely legible signage from the Archaeological Survey of India and an air of neglect that made them feel like forgotten relics of the past.

However, my recent visit to the Reis Magos Fort in Goa painted a completely different picture. The fort stood proudly, a beacon of history preserved for future generations to admire. The once broken and ignored signs had been replaced with informative plaques that narrated the fort’s storied past. The care and attention given to these historical treasures filled me with an immense sense of pride.

This trip to Goa has been a revelation, a journey that has allowed me to witness the remarkable transformation of my homeland. The pride in my heart is not just for the visible changes but for the spirit of India that has embraced progress while honoring its rich heritage. As I continue to explore and rediscover the country of my birth, I carry with me the joy of witnessing an India that has indeed changed for good.

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