This is who we are. This is who I am. This is who Big Five is.
One of my proudest moments as president of this great company was celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2023 and watching Mahen, my father and the founder of Big Five Tours, become emotional as he reflected on the journey he and my mother, Usha, shared from the very beginning. Little did we know it would be Mahen’s last celebration with us, as he passed away on March 16, 2024. As we look ahead to 2025, our purpose is simple…honoring the legacy of the man who inspired us all.
My father always believed in ambitious agendas, just as I do, which is why our aspirations reach for the stars yet again in 2025. The main focus of everything we do at Big Five has always been, and will always be, helping the voiceless, something my father believed to his core. With every aspiration comes another opportunity to practice “seva”, as it is written in Sanskrit, selfless service.
The word seva is part of a two-word definition that described my father, the other word was uplifting. Those two words, funny enough, are how I personally embody Big Five. It starts with an alphabet, my father’s alphabet to be more specific. Throughout the years, my father would send out letters of the alphabet and what they stood for, in his mind. When he passed away, we found a few, but not the complete collection, until now.
When I read the entire alphabet, completed by someone my father looked up to, I realized that every letter is a representation of Big Five. It speaks to who we are to you, who we are to ourselves, and who we are to Mahen as he looks proudly down on us. I share his complete alphabet here with all of you. It begins with a Sanskrit phrase: Om Mani Padme Hum, which means “praise to the jewel and the lotus.” The “jewel” represents the potential for enlightenment within oneself, while the “lotus” symbolizes the ability to blossom even in muddy waters.
A. Acceptance: Embrace life’s changes with an open heart.
B. Balance: Find harmony in every aspect of your life.
C. Courage: Conquer your fears and pursue your dreams.
D. Determination: Stay focused on your goals and aspirations.
E. Empathy: Connect with others through understanding and compassion.
F. Forgiveness: Let go of the past and free your spirit.
G. Gratitude: Appreciate the beauty in every moment.
H. Hope: Believe in the possibilities that lie ahead.
I. Inspiration: Seek motivation in the world around you.
J. Joy: Discover happiness in the little things.
K. Know: Spread love and positivity wherever you go.
L. Life: Never stop growing and acquiring new knowledge.
M. Mindfulness: Be present and savor each moment.
N. Nurture: Take care of your well-being, inside and out.
O. Optimism: Choose a positive outlook on life.
P. Patience: Trust the timing of your journey.
Q. Quest: Meaning to seek.
R. Resilience: Bounce back stronger from life’s challenges.
S. Surrender: Finding Strength in Letting Go
T. Transformation: Embrace personal growth and change.
U. Unity: Celebrate the bonds that connect us all.
V. Vision: Set clear intentions for your future.
W. Wisdom: Let your experiences guide your decisions
X. eXcellence: Strive for greatness in everything you do.
Y. Youthfulness: Keep a youthful spirit and sense of wonder.
Z. Zeal: Approach life with enthusiasm and passion.
“We are Big Five – Designed Differently. Explored Sustainably.”
Ashish Sanghrajka
President of Big Five Tours and Expedition
Discover more of Big Five Tours—click on About Us to explore our story.
