On a warm summer evening of 11 June 2025, beneath the canopies of the Lawn in Delhi, Walnut Publication hosted a memorable gathering to launch Lt. Col. Vineet Kumar’s new travelogue, Mayan Routes Indian Roots. More than just a book release, the event marked two decades of exemplary service in the Indian Army for its author and highlighted the ever-deepening ties between India and the nations of Central America.
Honouring a Milestone of Service and Scholarship
As friends, family, and members of the diplomatic community settled onto the lawn, the air buzzed with anticipation. Lt. Col. Kumar’s proudest moment—the completion of 20 years in uniform—coincided with his debut as an author of a geopolitical travel narrative. His military career instilled in him the discipline, curiosity, and adaptability that shine through every chapter of Mayan Routes Indian Roots.
“My journey across the ancient Mayan landscapes taught me as much about leadership and resilience as any posting in uniform,” Vineet Kumar remarked during his keynote address, underscoring how his two passions—service and storytelling—converge in this book.
Diplomatic Ties in the Heart of Delhi
The launch was graced by His Excellency Mr. Omar Castaneda Solares, Ambassador of Guatemala, and His Excellency Mr. Guillermo Rubio Funes, Ambassador of El Salvador. Their speeches celebrated shared heritage: from the Mayan ruins of Tikal to the philosophical wisdom of India’s own ancient civilizations.
- Ambassador Omar Castaneda Solares reflected on the growing literary and academic exchanges between Guatemala and India, noting that books like Mayan Routes Indian Roots serve as living bridges between our peoples.
- Ambassador Guillermo Rubio Funes spoke of the parallels he sees between El Salvador’s coastal communities and India’s own maritime traditions, lauding Lt. Col. Kumar for his insightful cultural observations.
Their presence not only lent diplomatic gravitas to the evening but also reaffirmed how literature can promote mutual understanding across continents.
A Voyage Through Time and Terrain
Mayan Routes Indian Roots takes readers on a two-year expedition through Central America’s most iconic sites—Mexico’s crystalline cenotes, Guatemala’s storied highlands, and beyond. Each chapter blends:
- Historical Scholarship
Comparative studies of ancient Indian kingdoms and the Mayan civilization, highlighting shared advancements in architecture, astronomy, and statecraft. - First-Hand Encounters
Vivid descriptions of local festivals, community rituals, and the warm hospitality of people from Honduras to Costa Rica. - Geopolitical Insights
Analyses of modern trade routes, regional alliances, and philosophical undercurrents—from nonalignment principles to “spice route” analogies. - Personal Reflections
Anecdotes of tough hikes, chance meetings with local elders, and moments of quiet introspection beneath starlit skies.
Readers will emerge not only with a deeper appreciation for Central America but also with fresh perspectives on India’s own ancient legacies.
Behind the Scenes at Walnut Publication
Headquartered in Noida with an editorial office in London, Walnut Publication has become synonymous with excellence in travel, history, and cultural studies. Our dual-hub model ensures that every manuscript benefits from local insights and global publishing standards. From rigorous peer review to award-winning cover design, we partner with authors like Vineet Kumar to bring world-class narratives to readers everywhere.
In every corner of the globe, stories connect us.
Through Mayan Routes Indian Roots, Lt. Col. Vineet Kumar invites you to journey beyond borders and discover the ancient ties that bind us all.
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