He drove from Goa to Sikkim with his family over a period of 15 days and just loved it. No, this gentleman is not some dare devil who goes tearing off on a whim. Damodar Kochar is the President of the Verna Industrial Association as well as a businessman. His day commences at 6.30 and not for him the sweat and pain of a strenuous exercise schedule at the local gym. The first two hours of his day are for him to go through the various processes he believes helps make his day a fruitful one. A man who believes firmly in the benefits of yoga, he does various kriyas in the morning. A good hour is devoted to yoga. It helps balance him and at 8.30 he starts his breakfast. By 9o clock he leaves for the office and its travails. He usually works till 1’oclock, returns home, has lunch and then it’s back to the office at 2 o clock.
Lunch for him is usually vegetarian fare. He likes his salads, fruits and it is usually healthy food that he focuses on. This also means his visits to restaurants in the state are to those that serve vegetarian fare. He likes visiting the restaurant at Fidalgo and the poolside restaurant at the Marriott for the buffet usually on the insistence of his children. Occasionally he likes to sample the fish that is prepared at a fish joint in Patto. His choice of music is however much more varied. He likes all kinds of music. It could be classical, English pop etc. He does not have any specific artist he prefers to listen to. He is one who rather likes to be open in his taste in music. However again with regards to books, he likes to read books on spirituality and those that provide information on aspects of health. With regards to that other great love that unites all Indians, movies he enjoys watching movies like 3 idiots, PK and the Marathi movie Nathasamrat.
Damodar has a passion for driving which means he just loves going on long drives in his powerful German Audi Q3. He has driven with family from Goa to the eastern corners of the country. Well into Sikkim and the border areas with China. It took him 15 days but it was time well spent exploring the country, its cuisine and its people. With regards to holidays abroad he has visited countries in Asia. Having spent time in Japan 24 years ago while training on the job, he retained fond memories as well as maintained relationships with associates. He visited that country along with his family and had a wonderful time. In addition he has visited Sri Lanka, Dubai and Bangkok in addition to a few other places. He believes Asian cultures place a great deal of importance on family and maintaining old relationships. Asked if he planned to visit Europe and America he said he was planning a visit to New Zealand in the near future for an automobile expedition. He intended to fly to that country and drive around.
With regards to planning ahead or thinking of what he wanted to do or be in five years he smiled and replied that he had nothing specific in mind and that he intended to take life as it came. Amen to that.
