From magnets to stories: First of its kind travelogue of Sri Lanka
An evening of heartfelt storytelling and cultural appreciation marked the launch of Around the World in Magnets – Sri Lanka, the first-of-its-kind travelogue by Dr Anthony Vipin Das and Vidushi Duggal, published by Sarasavi Publishers. High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Shri Santosh Jha was present at the launch, held on October 16, at Jetwing Colombo Seven.
Supported by Ceylon Roots and Jetwing Hotels, the project celebrates travel as an art form, weaving together 100 magnets, each representing a story, destination and emotion that together capture the heartbeat of Sri Lanka. The Indian authors’ quest to document the island had them journeying across it, with each destination embodied in a magnet.
Each magnet in the collection is paired with a three-part narrative comprising a personal travel anecdote, an insight into the destination, and a guide for further exploration. Some magnets were found in shops along the way, but for those that could not be discovered during this journey, the authors worked together with local artisans to craft special pieces. The result is a tapestry of stories that go beyond borders and transform everyday travel souvenirs into timeless keepsakes.
In his address, Dr Das took the audience through the deeply personal origins of the project, sharing how a custom-made wall of refrigerator magnets inspired him to take the idea beyond his home and how it led to meeting his co-author, Vidushi Duggal, who was once his patient. Their collaboration became a bridge between art, travel and expression, resulting in the Around the World in Magnets series.
Reflecting on his travels, Dr Das recounted experiences that moved him deeply, saying, “All these memories remind me of what Lakshmi Pratury once said: “ ‘it’s the small, trivial moments that truly matter.’ What we are trying to do for this exercise is to be able to document our moments and also share them with others so that they go and explore.”
Vidushi spoke warmly of the people she met and the places that left a mark, from studying ancient metalcraft in Kandy to visiting the Ola Leaf Museum, seeing the ancient manuscripts, and tracing the script by hand. “I’m a writer, so this, for me, was very emotional as well. To study this script that is ancient – to see how it came to be – was a pleasure.
“Certain things have stuck with me. What I have gained are relationships that are going to last a lifetime. I’ve made friends, and I have met some of the most interesting people.”
The evening concluded with the unveiling of the book by the High Commissioner who noted, “This book is a heartening example of the warmth and affection that flow naturally across our borders. It beautifully showcases Sri Lanka’s rich tourism potential and the spirit of friendship that continues to strengthen our ties.”
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