A journey out of comfort zone: How Ajinkya Firodia's trip to Italy changed his life

For Ajinkya Firodia, the MD of MV Augusta India, travel is an extremely crucial part of life. Each trip has a lesson to offer, he believes.

Take a look at some of the lessons the business bigshot learnt from his travel adventures.

My first solo trip…

“I was about 14 when I travelled solo to the US to visit my sister. It was a long journey, and before I went, my grandfather called me and told me to wear a suit and gave me a wallet to carry my passport and money safely. I remember clearly waiting at the stopover at Frankfurt airport in Germany and misplacing my wallet, and then running around to find it — so I guess I learnt to be careful from that trip.”

A journey out of your comfort zone
“The diversity in our world is infinite. There is so much opportunity — for business, personal growth or outlook in life — and all this comes to you when you spend time travelling. When I attended EICMA, the world two-wheeler show in Italy, for the first time, I came back with ideas that changed my life.”


A place you’d like to revisit
“Maldives. It is such a beautiful place; so calm, serene and full of love.”

Friends en route…
“When I was 17, I travelled with my friend Darpan. We carried heavy suitcases and went to Greece, Spain, France and Germany. It was a great experience as it strengthened our friendship and gave us an insight about ourselves and the world.”

A journey you had to cut short…
“While travelling to Bhopal to meet my cousins, I was called back because my grandmother passed away. I was eight years old but I clearly remember that day.”

Travelling to me is…
“For work, I must have travelled to hundreds of places, looking for business, for auto components, joint venture partners. With loved ones, I have been to Koh Samui, Maldives, London and Paris. I spend almost a hundred days in a year travelling and every time I do, it’s an amazing experience as I enjoy the food, local culture, and different mindsets.”