1. Tell us about your background and journey.
Julley! I am Supratim Guha from India, born in a small town named Chakdaha, and brought up different parts of the Indian state of West Bengal. I grew up with different passions in my childhood.
Sometimes I thought I would be a pilot (nowadays a have a big fear to fly) or sometimes a professional cricketer. Hopefully, I continue my boring study. At the time of my graduation, I started exploring the country with my friends. After my graduation I realize, I love to explore nature and also, I was motivated to do research.
Thus, I plan to merge my hobbies and profession and started working in the field of glaciology. Currently, I am doing a PhD in the field of remote sensing glaciology from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Ropar).
2. What led you to start this journey and your page on Instagram and what is it about?
I have started using Instagram very recently to keeping mind to share of offbeat places in India. Although, I am more focus on The Himalaya. There are a lot of places to visit the Indian Himalayan region but most of the times we are not aware of those offbeat places.
So, I want to construct a bridge between local Himalayan people and enthusiastic travel lovers. Along with that, I am planning of providing a more informative post in the recent future on my Instagram (ride_with_supratim) and my newly launched YouTube channel
3. How would you distinguish the term blogger from an influencer?
A blogger is a person who writes or makes blogs to help people to get valuable information about a place, or a product, or anything else in the form of a story, pictures, or videos.
On the other hand, an influencer has a strong presence in the social media platform or can influence the decision-making capabilities of their followers. Every blogger is an influencer up to a certain limit but not every influencer is a blogger.
4. Is it financially sustainable to be a travel blogger today? How can someone make money out of it?
Yes, it is. But you have to keep patience in the initial stages like most of the profession. Make quality and informative content which is beneficial for new tourist/travel lovers. And always try to do something unique in your blog.
Come to the financial part, you can make money from affiliate marketing by various eCommerce platform, promotion or advertise. Selling travel picture is another way to make money.
5. How can someone become a successful glaciologist?
If you are very good at academics then it's not necessary that if you choose glaciology keeping in mind that it’s an unexplored area and you will be a famous researcher if you choose glaciology.
If you are very keenly motivated in the field of glaciology by reading some articles or watching videos then you can go and survive in the field of glaciology. Don’t forget you have to stay a few weeks in the very cold weather in the glacier if you using remote sensing techniques then also.
In my case, I like to travel and explore the mountain and I have very much curious about the mountain terrain that motivates me to stay and work in the rugged Himalayan terrain.
Motivation is not the main mantra in success in each of every field and its not contradictory in the field of glaciology.
6. What is your idea of success or your mantra in life?
“I never lose. I either win or learn”- Nelson Mandela
I always keep in mind the famous quote (above one) by Nelson Mandela.
Hard work is the main mantra in my life. You have to choose a profession as per your interest. After that, you should work hard to reach the summit. Nothing impossible. If you try from your heart then either you win or at least you learn something from that mission.
7. Which is your favourite book and why?
First of all, I don’t have a very good reading habit. Most of the times I used to read my textbook and research related material only.
Nowadays I am attracting by some travel story writers from various sources like traditional books, Facebook and various story writing website.
My favourite book is a Bengali book which a collection of stories written by various travel lovers. The name of the book is called “Safar” meaning Travel/Journey.
The main reason behind choosing the book is firstly its cover my subject of interest. Along with that, the way of writing is very chilly, if you read this book you will feel your grandmother is telling you a story to fulfil your demand.
- Supratim Guha: Travel Blogger and Glaciologist
Interview by - Rupali Rawat
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