ALOK RANJAN PRADHAN

GOLDEN JUBILEE AT SAINIK SCHOOL

2011-12-29T16:33:00.030+05:30

PEOPLE WHO MATTER !

2011-11-23T15:05:00.001+05:30

Not everyone matters to you, in this life. There are some who matter to you , as Life goes by , to test each and everyone through actions and reactions. But its great, if one can have everyone, whom he thinks matter to him in Life. Must be a politician, or one who aspires to be one ! But to lead a normal life, its always better to know the persons who matter to you and the ones who do not ! People who matter to you are assets for you and those who do not matter are a liability for you. People who do not matter are normally oppertunists, who want to use you, exploit you, thinking they deserve and demand your support. Its like taking you for a ride, at your cost !
Life for me so far, has been very much mixed with the tastes of both .
I sometimes wondered, why people have money to feed their dogs but don't feed a beggar or a hungry person ! Your dog will bark to harm at your enemy or anyone who tries to harm you. A person on the other hand wants only the benefits that he can extract from you. So, its better to feed a dog than to feed an oppertunist !.......
.....

Simple Pleasures of Life !

2011-10-11T14:32:00.013+05:30

Life is simple for the person who leads a normal and contended life.
Money can buy everything , except happiness! Money, can make a life,very comfortable. But it is this money, or the materalistic means that is the root cause of all evils and unhappiness !

My Brother's Visit

2011-07-01T15:35:00.041+05:30

In CP near Park Hotel

Ready for Rafting at Manali

To and fro by Kingfisher

Travelling to Agra from NewDelhi by Bus

In the Toy train from Shimla to Kalka

KATU'S VISIT :
          Katu, (KIRTI RANJAN PRADHAN) my youngest brother visited Delhi and its adjoining areas on a Raja Festival break from 12th to 18th of June 2011. He,alongwth six of his friends arrived by Kingfisher Flight from Bhubaneswar on Sunday, the 12th June at 11 am. As expected, I was waiting to receive my youngest brother to make their journey comfortable and easy.
Although he visited Delhi before quite many times for business purposes, this was his pleasure trip. He alongwith his friends wanted to see places, where they could find ice to chill around ! The one thing that always struck me was to send them to Manali, from where they could go to Rohtang Pass where there is ice / snow the whole year around ! I had booked 7 seats in advance with a tourist bus for their travel to Manali from a travel agent in Scindia House at Connaught Place.
      As the bus for Manali was supposed to leave from Majnu Ka Tila, near the petrol pump opposite the Gurudwara there, we had plenty of time. All the boys were very hungry as there was no free food in the Kingfisher flight supplied during their travel from Bhubaneswar to Delhi! Kingfisher normally provides free foood during the flight.
However , we all had some light snaks from the IAAI canteen and started our journey by the AC buses of DTC that starts from IGIA. We headed straight to Odisha Bhavan for lunch. Had a hearty non-vegetarian lunch of meat and Odia dishes ! Everyone was happy with the meal's quality and quantity. It was nice !
After resting for a while in the Odisha Nivas Lobby , we all moved to Janpath Market, to do any light shopping for the travel. After a while , we proceeded to Majnu Ka Tila for the tourist bus to reserve our seats for the travel to Manali .
The place around Majnu Ka Tila was very unclean and filthy. Never saw that before, even in my 26 years of stay in Delhi. Heard of it ,but never ventured to the place before ! The local contact person seemed to be a broker, who arranged unreserved seats in buses travelling to Manali! I was bit disturbed as the people travelling were very new to the psyche of these people and persons travelling with them, in the bus ! However since all of them were well built and all male , I was assured of their safe travel. I asked them to be extra cautious especially with their money, wallets and mobile phones. Each of them, carried around 3 mobiles (the latest gadgets) ! The bus started at around 6:15 pm for the travel to Manali. The 2/2
bus was full to its capacity. I bid them good bye for their happy journey to Manali. After seeing them off to Manali, I moved to my office, for my night shift duty. As expected I was very worried about their travel in the NON-AC bus as the AC buses were not available at that point of time, and the journey was of almost of 14 hours !
I tried to call my brother Katu , many times in between 8am -10 am ,the next day, but did not get thru because of poor signals in the mobile network ! At around 11 am Katu called me up . He was very upset with the travel in the bus that was very uncomfortable as they were seated in the back row with very less of space in between the seats. I could empathise with his experience as it was more than a 13 hours of journey! However as he said they got into a hotel to stay for the day at Rs. 1600 per day that they paid for 4 beds, I was relieved as I felt, it would give them some proper rest to relax. However at 4:30 pm he again phoned to say if there was anything else, to see except for Rohtang Pass as it was blocked, due to heavy traffic and road repair-works . He preferred to go to Dharamsala instead of visiting places in Manali. I suggested him to visit Shimla instead as its a better city as the capital of Himal Pradesh with Toy train to Kalka for his return journey to New Delhi thru Chandigarh ! Asked him to see places around Kullu like Manikaran temple or some historical places alongwith the Hotspring there! They were so tired, that they slept the whole day. In the evening they went around the town to visit some nearby temples and market. I asked him to hire a Tourist car to visit Manikaran and some other place alongwith his friends and book a luxury bus to Shimla from Manali that would be comfortable. They hired a tourist cab for the next day and went to Manikaran in Kullu alongwith their belongings . They visited some temples on the way to Manikaran and took bathe in the hotspring at Manikaran. Then, they took a deluxe bus from Kullu for Shimla . As the bus was supposed to reach Shimla early in the morning, it was a very comfortable idea for them to see Shimla, during the day and return to Delhi by toy -train from Shimla to Kalka and then to Delhi by train from Kalka. However in the middle of the night it rained very heavily on their way to Shimla.The temperature fell to a very low level and it beacame very chilly outside.With the mountains and forests drenched heavily due to rain, it became a pathetic sight for visitors to venture out for tour.They planned against going anywhere and preferred to rest and freshen- up. It is very unfortunate, that the local businessmen and people around the market exploit the tourists very often, for money. I had told my brother before to be cautious about handling these people on money matters. A small asbestos house charged 700 Rupees for six hours (From 6am to 12pm) for them to wash and freshen themselves. Anyway, they lost all interest to travel around Shimla and planned to start their journey to Delhi as I had asked them to reach as early as possible to go for Agra, Mathura and Brindaban on the next morning that is Thursday by 6 am. As one can not visit TajMahal on Friday on which it is closed , they headed for Delhi as soon as they could! They took the toy train at around 9:15 am from Shimla to Kalka. Its a very beautiful journey in the toy train as one travels through tunnels, jungles, mountains and streams. The train moves very slowly and the scenery is very majestic and serene ! I was in constant touch with my brother Katu through mobile phone. They were atleast happy to travel by the toy train that had a grand view of Shimla and Solan on its way to Kalka. They reached Kalka by 4:30 pm and took another train "Himalayan Queen" as soon as possible for Delhi Sarai Rohilla , as it was to start its journey by 4:50 pm. The train reaches Delhi by 10:40 pm.
                     As they were supposed to leave for Agra, early the next morning, I had arranged a hotel for their stay near New Delhi railway station at Paharganj. The Hotel was a familiar one and provided friendly comfort. As the train was nearing to reach Delhi, I went to the railway station to receive them and get them to the hotel I had booked for them. I got in touch with my brother and came to know that it was right on time that is it was expected to reach by 10: 40 pm. A few minutes later, I received a call from Tubula , a friend and relative of Katu who happens to stay in Mancheswar , asking if everything was ready for their comfortable stay in Paharganj Hotel ! I informed him about the arrangement and asked him if they needed anything more to which he replied " If a bottle of Old Monk , Gold Reserve can be arranged, it will be great" ! I said yes and went to fetch one, in the near by area as I had around 15 minutes before the wine shops closed at 10pm. There I could not get the brand he asked and asked him again if any other brand can be OK. He asked for "Royal Stag" which was available and so, I bought one ! The train reached in time and so we left for the hotel after buying some food for dinner from a nearby Dhaba
I left for my home after leaving them at the hotel and having a patiala peg of "Royal Stag" with soda.I asked the Hotel Manager to wake them all, by 5 am as they were supposed to leave for Agra on the next morning. I reached my home at 1 am by metro . At around 5 am I called the Hotel Manager to wake the group up to get them ready for their going to Agra. The manager said he had already sent the hotel boy to wake the group up. I got in touch with my brother at 8am , the time at which they were on the way to Agra. I was happy that they were happy with the arrangement for the Agra travel. I kept in touch with the group and their movements through the mobile phone. As they were expected to reach the Hotel by around 3:30 am, I kept some bottles of Chilled Beer (Hawards 5000) in the Fridge for their refreshment and ordered dinner to be served at 3 am.(Rice and Dalma alongwith Salads). At around 3 :15am while a bit awake after coming from the loo, I was a bit thoughtful about their trip . At 3:45 am, I got a call from Tubula who was worried and a bit disturbed as one of thir group members had left his purse in the tourist bus which contained his ATM card , DL and 150 rupees in cash.They were very worried about the ATM card as it had a good amount of money in the account. As I was about to sleep again after coming from the loo, I got up to check the travel agent head's name and mobile number. He got in touch with the Travel agent who asked him to visit the bus shed where the bus was kept and contact the conductor and the cleaner of the bus. Fortunately, he got back the purse in the mornining from the bus. As a token of gratitude, he paid 100 rupees to the conductor.
As they were totally exhausted after their visit to Agra, I asked them all to rest enough till 12 :15 pm. I met them at 12:30 pm in their hotel to take them for some shopping around SN Market, Janpath and Karol Bagh.They shopped till 8pm after which we planned to visit Andhra Bhavan for Dinner and then to India Gate to stroll around. We came back to Hotel by 12 am . Then I left for my home, promising to return by next morning around 9am for the last day of shopping and Delhi sight seeing as they were supposed to leave for Bhubaneswar in Kingfisher flight at 7 PM.
The next morninig when I reached their hotel, they were ready. We had South Indian breakfast of Upma, Idli, Vada and South Indian meal for Tubula in Paharganj. We carried the luggage in the two tourist AC cars that we hired for tourism and shopping purpose alongwith dropping them at the IGI Airport. We first visited Akshardham temple and then headed for Jagannath temple for Lunch as my brother does not take garlic or onion made foods on Saturday. All others were also interested in visitng the Jagannath temple at HauzKhas. We reached the temple at 1:15 pm , had lunch and moved to Lajpat Nagar Market for shopping. They all shopped till it was 3:30 pm! I was very worried as I felt we might miss, some of the places planned for their visit. We headed towards the Lotus temple in Kalkaji then. After spending 10 minutes there , we moved to Qutub Minar. As there was not much time left, we saw it from outside and left for the IGI Airport.By the time, we reached the airport it was already 6 PM. I asked them to enter and collect boarding passes as soon as possible, to avoid missing the flight . I felt relieved after seeing them off at the airport , while getting back an unused "Royal Stag" bottle, that was almost full which we bought the night before. I went straight to Ramanath Nayak's house in Malviya Nagar to celebrate for my brother's pleasant visit. We had our drinks and dinner there , when I received a phone call from my brother saying he reached Bhubaneswar at 9pm safely and in time. It was raining very heavily then in Bhubanswar . However from there , they headed for a marriage party at Adaspur in Cuttack before reaching home at 1:30 am.
A pleasant and a memorable trip , for me too. Hope all of them, enjoyed their trip.

At Jagannath Temple in Hauz Khas , New Delhi

Tanga ride around Taj Mahal, Agra

At Jagannath Temple in Hauz Khas, New Delhi.

<><><&g t;<><><>

OLD BOYS (SSB ) MEET 2011 IN DELHI CANTT.

2011-05-14T23:34:00.009+05:30

friends meet

2011-05-05T16:56:00.004+05:30

It was a pleasure to meet childhood classmates from Sainik School , Bhubaneswar who joined in 1976 for admission to Class VI. As usual, the discussion over life and times spent so far, started with drinks and dinner and with some pleasant talks and promises to meet, as often as possible ! It was great and fun too !

Meditation

2011-04-24T07:54:00.019+05:30

MEDITATION :

       I attended a teaching of Meditation by Karmapa in NewDelhi on 22nd and 23rd of April 2011. It was very simple and educating ! It was well attended and appreciated by Indians and foreigners who practice mediation in their day to day life, as a way of life .
             Meditation refers to any of a family of practices in which the practitioner trains his or her mind or self-induces a mode of consciousness in order to realize some benefit. Meditation is generally an internal, personal practice and done without any external involvement, except perhaps prayer beads to count prayers, though many practitioners of meditation may rely on external objects such as candle flames as points on which to focus their attention as an aid to the process. Meditation often involves invoking or cultivating a feeling or internal state, such as compassion, or attending to a specific focal point. The term can refer to the state itself, as well as to practices or techniques employed to cultivate the state. There are dozens or more specific styles of meditation practice. People may mean different things when they use the word, 'meditation'. Meditation has been practiced since antiquity as a component of numerous religious traditions, especially, in Western countries, in monastic settings. In the Eastern spiritual traditions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, meditation is more commonly a practice engaged in by many if not most believers. Since the 1960s, meditation has been the focus of increasing scientific research of uneven rigor and quality. In over 1,000 published research studies, various methods of meditation have been linked to changes in metabolism, blood pressure, brain activation, and other bodily processes.. Meditation has been used in clinical settings as a method of stress and pain reduction.

                             The benefits of meditation are generally in the form of sharper mental faculties, inner peace, reduced stress levels , heightened levels of intuition , self confidence and self empowerment.This meditation generates tolerance, stillness of mind and a general feeling of well being. It brings about an intimate feeling of oneness with everyone and with the entire universe. It brings about an understanding of the self and the Brahman. This meditation brings light which in turn gives wisdom, love, understanding and inner peace.

...to be contd..

Cricket Fever !

2011-04-07T14:52:00.066+05:30

    Winning the game of Cricket and Block Buster Movies in India are the two great things or phenomenons that can integrate this country, to a very high level ! The World Cup won by India in the finals and the sheer-madness shown by the Indian public especially during the Semi-Finals is an witness to it.
The match of India against Pakistan was very tense in the beginning, as it was a do or die type of feelings for both these country's players for facing their country's public after the match ! Indian public more so in Delhi, as I observed were not so much keen to win the finals but winning against Pak was a must at any cost ! The atmosphere around all the market, office or academic institutions  was all about the match and why it was a must for India to win !
On the day of the Cricket Match between India and Pakistan, I was at the American Centre Library in Connaught Place going through some books and surfing the Internet, as usual. As the time approached for the matches to begin, in Mohali in Chandigarh, the library showed a deserted look ! Most of the members were at home, staying back to witness the match on their TVs. The busy roads of Connaught Place were empty too, by 2pm which is very unusual on a working day ! The auditorium , the Lobby and the reading room of the Library was all showing the matches live through TVs and magnifying projectors! As expected, I moved to the auditorium to watch the match live on the big screen ! A few minutes later, a friend of mine who teaches economics in the Delhi University , asked me to join for a cocktail party which was organised for the launch of a book by Harper Collins at the British Council which is two blocks away and in front of the American Centre.
It was very interesting to watch the Indians bat especially Sehwag and Sachin ! After India finished the batting, I moved to the British Council for the book-launch programme along with my friend Vijay. The cocktails started by 7pm and so everyone was in a good mood over their drinks and the match that was shown live through an over head projector. I preferred the cocktail of Screwdriver ( A mixture of Vodka with Orange Juice).The snacks were great especially of cheese and the likes! It was a great feeling cheering for the country drunk, and still drinking amongst friends till the match ended with India winning the match! The places around looked so much in a mood to celebrate ! People hugged, girls kissed their partners in jubilation around the places . It was a great feeling in Delhi as it went into a celebration mood at night. Fire-crackers were active for the celebration ! All roads then led to India Gate , the celebration point of Delhi at night. People danced , shouted at their mouthful bests, drums played to the patriotic songs. It was helluva of a riot to celebrate ! This is what I like, of Delhites! They celebrate to their utmost limit ! Quite patriotic and inspiring !
I reached home drunk with India's victory at around 12:30 am by Delhi Metro!
         The final match on Saturday 2nd April was also very interesting ! Dhoni's temperament and performance led India to lift the World Cup . Yuvraj also played very well. The winning shot of a sixer by Dhoni was the most appropriate shot ! As expected the celebrations around India Gate after the win was apparent. Around 50,000 people were around India Gate and Connaught Place shouting slogans for the win on their vehicles inside and out. Some played their musical instruments! Police were very much around and seemed to be in a good mood to let all enjoy the mood. I was around all these places eating some ice creams and observing people that was a sight to rejoice!
Great to be Indian and winning ! More so, if one celebrates the win in a Grand way, that's worth the win !

*****

Shiv Ratri.

2011-03-05T07:44:00.004+05:30

                          Swami Muktananda

Shiva Ratri is a festival, that I eagerly wait to celebrate through fasts and Chanting " OM NAMAH Shivaya " through the night-over. It is on this day , that I try to find a place where I could meditate and chant the names of Mahadev "Lord Shiva." Sometimes I try to visit Rishikesh , one of the abodes of Lord Shiva. There are beautiful ashrams there, like Swami Rama's Ashram that is run by Swami Veda Bharati (www. bindu.org). In Delhi , I love to meditate and chant at Sri Muktananda Ashrams where the chanting is one of the bests of Ashrams practises in India . This Ashram was referred to me, by my friend Geetu who is very aware of its presence, in the world over. The Ashram at Ganeshpuri in Maharastra is awesome ! I also read some books by American authors who praise the practices and miracles that are achieved by its practitioners. I have seen and experienced it, myself ! The chanting is so unique and engaging , that one feels and goes into trance very easily ! The rhythm of the breathing and thoughts and chants get in sync so fast ! Its very unique !
This time, it was celebrated in the Green Fields School at Safdarjung Enclave in South Delhi. There was chanting and Puja throughout the night. The puja and chanting continued till 6 am , the next morning.   Before the pujas and chanting were over , there was alittle of showering of rain outside. A sign, that the lord had arrived, pleased and blessed his devotees ! Felt very refreshed and blessed after the night long chanting and Puja !
       Earlier in the day, visited some Shiva temples around Lodhi Road and prayed. Also, attended a Sufi Qawali at IHC with a Russian friend of mine Maria, whom I met after a gap of almost three years (She came to visit Pilot Baba in the Himalayas for a translation work on his hife) . Quite interesting to attend the programme that was very lively and rhythmic with the crowd's choice!.

Social Networking !

2011-03-01T15:48:00.014+05:30

Social Networking !

         I watched the movie "Social Network " at the American Centre on Monday the 28th of Feb 2011 in the evening alongwith my friend Rajesh . Quite a nice one.
      Its like part of my life in networking where one meets new people on the move. One shares his ideas and thoughts over drinks or discussions in the programmes.As usual, the programme started with softdrinks and popcorn that is provided to the guests who are invited to attend the screening.
         The movie is based on the book " Accidental Billionaires " that has the story of the founder of "FACEBOOK" who is the youngest billionaire of the world now ! Quite well edited and presented !

                                                      US Ambassador to India Mr.Timothy J. Roemer


                                                                         Me at the Event !

    The Social Network picked up three awards at the Oscars -2011

Satsang and "Peepli Live"..

2011-02-25T07:25:00.023+05:30

         It was an eventful week as always (from 14th to 21st Feb 2011) ... But the new thing about it was that , my eldest maternal uncle came from Bhubaneswar to attend a Satsang in Chhattarpur in New Delhi along with his 3 sons (A son as a deputy Collector in Bhubaneswar , another an Engineer at Talcher in Orissa , the third an IT professional working for TCS in Bangalore) and two daughters alongwith their children on 16th Feb2011. It was nice to see my cousins after almost 25 years by now . It was normal for me to receive them from the Delhi airport . I visited them at the Satsang in Chhattarpur, where they came to attend the Discourses with their association members from all over India (Swami Nigamananda Saraswati Saswat Sangha ). Almost 5,000 (Five thousand) people gathered at the meet at Markendaya Mandap in the Chhattarpur AdyaKatayayani temple Complex. It was nice to see so many people at one place chanting and praying for their Guru in harmony. They all looked at peace with themselves and the world around them.
My maternal uncle and his family  left for Bhubaneswar on 21st Feb 2011 by the evening flight . They also toured Delhi, Agra, Mathura and Brindaban after their Satsang Programme that ended on 19th night . It was nice to be with them and seeing the changes in them.

On Wednesday last, that is on 23rd Feb 2011, I attended a book launch programme (India Calling )at the American Centre, New Delhi . The programme was followed by wine and Cheese. I had three glasses of white wine. There, I met one of my friend , a Bio- tech Scientist by the name , Anand Verma , who did his Ph.D from JNU and later a post doc at USA for a good five years . I had good memories of him in Teflas at JNU. We both then headed for a buffet non-veg Dinner at IGNCA as Guests where Mahabharat festival of plays, was on (Feb 10- March 10, 2011)...

I had also visited India International Centre on Tuesday ie on 22nd Feb 2011, for an art exhibition opening on Leh along with my two beautiful lady friends . The same evening I attended the movie " Peepli Live " at India Habitat Centre along with its Directors who were available for answering Questions from the audience...I liked the movie and its portrayal of Indian society at large.. It's a very good movie that exposes the media and the politicians that spoil India with their attitude and silly actions. Very real portrayal of aam India and its people who are always taken for a ride by these cunning creatures in many forms and avatars!********

Delhi In Spring ..

2011-02-12T07:59:00.005+05:30

The season of Spring in Delhi is beautiful. The world around looks so beautiful with colours of spring. People are seen enjoying every bit of it. The festivities after Basant Panchami are really worth to enjoy and watch for. The Celebrations of Music, Arts , Drama and Films during this time, is at its peak in Delhi !
Last week I attended the programme " Music in the Park" in Nehru Park where Zakir Hussein played Tabla and Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma played Santoor. The crowd there ,were worth to watch for. Decent crowd with Westerners enjoying every bit of it ! The same evening, I managed to watch a few Documentaries at the Documentary film Fest at IIC along with some friends.The evening ended after attending another programme in Sirifort auditorium where Pranic Healing was demonstrated. It was mesmerizing ! Free CDs were also distributed after the pro gramme. I made to these programmes in time, due to a friend of mine whom I met after a longtime after 1997 who happened to be my neighbour in Munirka. As he had a Car and had similar interests, it was a perfect meet and treat.
Very pleased to be in Delhi, in hale and hearty condition during this period of time. I made a good number of friends, for life to cherish !

Remembering Bou (My Mother)...

2010-12-12T07:49:00.024+05:30

"BOU - MY MOTHER "

It is very painful to lose someone, who is very dear to you. I never realised this before, in my life. I had seen people getting into depression, silence, frequent mood-swings, crying endlessly when they see someone known to them, to describe the loss of their near and dear one. But it was never that convincing to me and I felt, it was over-hyped! I lost my mother last month on 14th of October 2010 . It is something, that I can not accept so easily. Losing my mother at a time, I am not prepared to, is really very disheartening. It is very painful to describe the details. I could not bear to see her in a critical condition at a hospital in Bhubaneswar. I wanted God to give her some more time to live. I had many dreams of her, that I wanted to fulfill. More time together, for a life to Cherish! I wanted to fulfill her wishes, to see all her children and grand children happy... We have everything that she wished to have for us !

I remember her as a mother, who sacrificed all her happiness, to keep and see others happy...
....

BOU'S GRAND CHILDREN " BITU, GUNGUN, RITU AND NANU "

BITU, GUNGUN, RITU AND NANU- 2010

Bitu, Nanu and Gungun with friends- 2011

Bitu and gungun with friends-2011

Bitu, Gungun and Ritu with friends-2011

Bitu

Bitu with Miku (BHANJA)-2011

Bitu

Nanu-2011

MY SISTER JAYANTY (CENTRE) WITH GITA AND DHARA-2011

NANU AND BITU-2011

GUDULEE (CENTRE)-2005

MY BHANJEE GUDULI

MY SISTER MAMI-2005

BOU-2005.

Deepak with Bitu and Nanu-2010

Bitu with Ritu-2010

Katu-2011

Gungun tying Rakshi on Bitu

Nanu, Bitu , Ritu and Gungun on Rakshi Purnima -2011

Nanu , Mita with her daughters Ritu and Gungun

Nanu, Bitu, Ritu and Gungun

Nanu , Bitu with my Bhanjee Gudulee

The Majestic Hills

2010-12-03T21:33:00.058+05:30

Dharamshala
I visited Dharamshala last week for a change from 29th November 2010 to 3rd December 2010.I wanted to visit this place last month in October as a leisure time activity but had to abandon it, due to the sad demise of my mother. However the feeling of the loss of my mother , restlessness and some sense of wandering without any aim or ambition for the moment, led me towards Dharamshala. I wanted some kind of divine intervention to convince or console me for the untimely loss. Dharamshala as I know, is a place for spiritual quest, solace ,supported by the nature with its majestic hills alongwith the beauty of nature through streams, orchards, scenery ......
The thought of pleasure alongwith my friends around Pathankot, Dharamshala, Shimla, Kullu and Manali as planned before for October's first week had already vanished after the loss of my mother. Still, I wanted the abode of the lords to show some miracles that could guide me or convince me, of my way ahead. With less workload and the loss suffered , I wanted to get rid of my depressions by going out, to some far-off place where I could concentrate through meditation or prayers. As Dharamshala was in my mind and I had some western friends who were living there due to a similar reason or the other, whom I wanted visit sometime, I headed for Dharamshala...
As I had the details of my plan outlay before, it was easy to move ahead. I left for Pathankot on 29th by Dhauladhar Express from Delhi Station that leaves at 10:20PM and reaches Pathankot by 7:30 in the next morning. I reached Pathankot by 8 AM. I decided to move ahead alone, to Dharamshala, as against meeting my senior (A Brigadier in the Indian Army stationed in Pathankot) who invited me to meet him before I left for Dharamsala. As I wanted to keep the visit a low key affair due to the tragic incident of my mother's death,I proceeded alone..
The toy-train with 6 bogies with a capacity of around 250 seats left for Chamunda at 10 am which I wanted to visit first, to pray at the Chamunda Devi temple, during the trip from Pathankot's narrow gauge lane. The train goes till Joginder nagar which is only 55 Kilometres from Kullu but gives a beautiful scenic-view of the Snowcapped Montains, valleys, Rivers and Fruit Orchards of Himachal Pradesh, as it moves along very slowly on the mountain tracks! The journey was very pleasant with local people, who shared the journey along the route as they moved from one place to another. The locals are very gentle and well mannered as compared to the most of typically rude,arrogant and unpleasant north Indians ! There were also students who moved from one place to another in groups to their colleges. The journey to Chamunda Station took 6 hours from Pathankot which is only a two and a half hours journey by bus but one can not enjoy the scenery as much by bus. I reached Chamunda at 4pm. As advised by a fellow passenger to spend the night in the temple, to have the blessings of Chamunda Devi , I decided against getting down near the Atithi Hotel as per my plans which I had booked. I took a bus from the main road that goes to Dharamshala from Chamunda station and got down infront of the temple of Chamunda Devi...
I took a room on the ground floor for free, that is run by the temple authorities who provided me with 4 blankets to beat the cold conditions there. I was surprised if I wanted those four blankets for the night, as I had carried one blanket alongwith a bedsheet with me ! The caretaker convinced me, that if I wanted to stay alive for the next day, I should carry and keep them with me to save me from the bitter cold at night.
I visited and prayed the Goddess Chamunda in the temple that was very divine and traditionally, ritualistic...
In the evening I moved around the place , a very small area with a very few hotels alongwith the one, where I wanted to stay. I decided to shift to the hotel on the next day. I had my dinner in a Langar Hall run by the temple for free, where one can donate, if one likes afterwards..
I got back to my room by 8:30 PM as I wanted to sleep early to leave for Dharamshala's Mc Leodganj early in the next-morning that is a one and half hour journey from Chamuda for a distance of only around 16 KMS..
I planned to sleep on the floor with two blankets doubly folded as mattress and three above the body as cover. I wore my woolen-track suit,two sweaters alongwith the monkey cap.
The next day I got up at around 4am to walk around the temple and have tea. The temple opens at four in the morning and so is the tea shop. But it was pitch dark with chilling and biting cold. After having tea I came back to the room, when I came to know that the sun rises there, at around 7am. So, there was no where I could go in the dark and cold sorroundings. By 8am ,I was ready to leave for McLeodganj in Dharamshala along with my luggage. I reached Mc Leodganj by 10:30 am and headed for Dalai Lama's place where my western friends were attending a three days programme of Dalai Lama's talks, tailor-made for Russian and Indonesian delegates who came in hundreds. So, there were around a thousand people when I reached the hall . I could not trace my friends as I was late and mobiles were not allowed inside. I waited till the lunch time to check them during the break-time. It ( talk) was open to every body. In lunch I had Momos ( bonn sized) and chutney alongwith Rice and curry that were provided for free to everyone present. But I could not trace my friends there. So, I moved out and planned to come back by 5 pm as I could not understand the tibetan langugae in which the Dalai Lama was spaking which was simultaneouly interpreted into Russian, English and chinese to the participants who carried FM radios with ear-phones. I came out to see the places around . It was like any other Hill Station, except for the fact that, there were more foreigners around! There were plenty of Wine shops, Restaurants and hotels . At places, there were stalls on the roads who were coducting AIDS-test for free and distributing free condoms, to passers by, as it was the PREVENT-AIDS-day, the 1st of December.
Somehow, I wanted to leave ther place and head for the Golden temple at Amritsar which was my next destination point. So, instead of checking into the hotel I headed for Amritsar from Pathankot thru Chamunda and Kangra Valley. I rested for a while in Amritsar Railway Station.
In Amritsar , I visited the famous Golden temple and had the Langar food for lunch after having the darshan and Kadah Prasad.The place was too crowded although very well managed. But I feel, the gurdwara at Bangla Sahib in New Delhi is much better in cleaniness and management. Golden Temple is huge in size and richness as it receives huge donations but the place and the city is over crowded with too much of air pollution, due to dust and smoke and over-population...
I came back to Delhi through Ambala and reached home at around 6 pm on 3rd of December 2010, exhausted, physically. It was a good experience although ill-timed.

<><><>####******

BHUBANESWAR." My Hometown".

2010-08-07T07:04:00.013+05:30

Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa is a beautiful temple-city now.I grew up in Bhubaneswar. I have fond memories of Bhubaneswar as I spent my School days and College days there. Childhood friends from my Sainik School Days are the most dear ones, so far. So, its not an accident if we meet. The meetings are followed by discussing chilhood moments spent together in the boarding school which are very nostalgic and at times very funny. Social Drinking is normally followed by meetings which is then follwed by food giving us enough time to discuss our life as it passes by us.There are a lot of changes, that we see in each other's life as life goes by. Its beautiful to be young and sorrounded by childhood friends who share their emotions with you as age, catches up. We,the boys now men, who joined Sainik School in 1976 met in Bhubaneswar on 17th July 2010. In an hours notice, we planned to meet in Hotel Crown at Nayapalli for a cocktail and Dinner.
It was very memorable, seeing many friends after a long time.

MEMORIES TO CHERISH

2010-04-20T13:25:00.208+05:30

OLD BOYS MEET:

Childhood memories are beautiful !The school-days spent during childhood is filled with fun and laughter.There is wholesome laughter and experiments with all, including nature and its surroundings!The life is carefree as one is not bothered about anything like a job, career or money. This is more so, when one is in a boarding school where one has a 24hours interaction with each other.
We had a gathering as Old Boys Association of Sainik School, Bhubaneswar in New Delhi recently. All the Ex Students Of my school, that is Sainik School, Bhubaneswar who were in and around Delhi were invited to the OBA meet in an Officers Mess in Delhi Cantt. The programme was scheduled at 7:30 pm onwards! As expected the old boys started arriving from 7:30 pm onwards! I was there by 7:45 pm. As I entered, I came across some familiar faces, whom I had met in the last year's meet . There was warmth , a sense of belonging-ness and and the pride to be an SSBian. The eyes, while meeting with the other SSBian expressed it. Oh! How we longed to be together, again ! The interactions started with drinks. Teachers Scotch for me! As the snacks did the rounds , we came across some familiar faces, some just immediate seniors, some very seniors, some like our father figures with their decorations in the armed forces ! It was a matter of pride, to be amongst the achievers, achievers in their own field. There was a sense of one-ness amongst all. The programme was lively with music and songs. It led to dance at times. The children who were accompanied by their parents were seen around playing There was a life, to the party! We all discussed about our life, career, family and kids and any future plans which we dreamt!
I was very happy to meet some of my friends and seniors whom I met after a long time! I met Rajendra Patra, who was one year senior to me. He was brilliant! A genius in his batch. Very ideal, disciplined, a role model to his juniors, who wanted to excel in academics. We shared the same hostels in school. Both in Narmada as Junior and Mahanadi as Senior Hostels. He is still the same. Very reserved, disciplined and idealistic to me. Although, I met him before in Delhi, it was after a gap of almost 15 years now that I was meeting him! There was warmth in his talks. He is now married with two kids, a son and a daughter. Now, as a father, he looked very happy. I remember spending my weekends, in his own house for almost a year in Delhi, which he bought after he was back from Dubai in 1994. He was single and so I enjoyed his company on Saturdays and Sundays, in his house discussing everything under the earth and life. He vividly remembered my days with him, in School! Once, he took out, a passport photograph of mine that he had taken from me in school as a token of memory. It was not a good passport photograph! It was the photograph that was taken by the photographer in school, who comes to take our photos to be attached in our class-X examination application form . My face was more oily and too black and odd-looking! These photographs are done in a hurry and that too taken in the Cycle stand with the wall of the notice board as the background which was just under the Tagore Assembly Hall in the School Building! My eyes moistened, seeing this photograph with RPatra. Then he said, "Look Alok, now I feel very haapy. Happy to say, that once two toppers of each class in their two previous hostels are together! Together, on this balcony of my home, sipping tea with the weather so beautiful, outside! It was raining. A shower of rain was outside as we faced the road on his balcony! I don't know what happened to me, I had some water drops suddenly flowing from my eyes! Some four-five drops! May be, they were tears ! Tears, out of joy, belonging-ness, one-ness or affection, I don't know. I am still confused to say, how it could happen! He is the RPatra that I met after a gap of 15 years! The years, have made me, as well as him a tougher man to face the life as it comes!
I met Salil, my classmate in School here. We were admitted to the School in Class VI on the same day , that was on the 5th of July 1976. He is as happy, as he was in School. Very sensitive. Very polished, in his mannerism and approach! I remember he used to hum the song " Suno !, Kaho !, Kuchch Hua Kya ?" after we headed to have tea after the afternoon-games though the parade ground. This was when,we saw films on Saturdays in the School. The songs and dialogues were normally enacted by all, during leisure-hours by all the students, who fancied Films and Cine-Stars! Almost everyone did and fantasized to be a Dharmendra romancing Hema!
I met PRPati, two years senior to me in School here too.I remember him as a handsome, healthy and a fair guy, who was once scolded by one Mr.Mallick, the Physics Lab-Asst. He was doing some practicals on the corridor on "Resonance". Our class was quite close to the Physics-labs.The scolding was hilarious! It made our class roar with laughter! Mr.S.Mallick had then just shouted to PRPati " PRPati ! Don't show your Doo..ddha (Breasts) to me. Apparently, it was due to Pati 's chest-button being open which had irritated Mr.Mallick. Opening of chest button in school days, meant a sense of superiority to us. Keeping one's shirt out , Wearing Chappals to every activity, Wearing dirty dresses, uncut hair were some of the traits of superiority, that only seniors or brave kids dared!
Then I met PKSatpathy, two years senior to me in school.He was very popular in school-days as he was the House Captain of Yamuna House. Very smart and active,in thosedays! He is smarter even today! I remember him during my days in JNU, while we were students. He was a very happy,romantic and yet a very emotional guy in JNU.I remember once, when we were having tea once, around Ganga Dhaba, in JNU and there was some discussion about family and mothers.There was this Satpathy, who said his mother was so happy once, to receive a money-order from him that brought tears to his eyes! His emotion was equally shared by each of us who knew the essence of the mother.His mother boasted about her son caring her so much amongst her neighbours that,he almost choked to complete his feelings! We shared the same emotions sometimes or other in our life. So, everyone of us there, were misty-eyed hearing him! That's him!
I met Jagdish Pati, too who was one-year Junior to me in the School. I know him as a gentle and caring one.I met him in the Indian Military Academy in Dehradoon in 1987 , after I left the school in 1983.I went to IMA to witness the Passing Out Parade and to decorate the ranks to DKAcharya my batchmate and hostelmate in School who was passing out from IMA. So, it was a matter of great honour, for me to visit IMA then in 1987 as the guest of Acharya. I reached there, two days early. It was in December.I had dinner in their IMA mess, where I met Sabuj who was so drunk that instead of welcoming me, he was very offensive verbally in English and Hindi, that is very typical of NDA/ IMA guys, very Chieselled vulgarism in English! All that I could make out from what he said repeatedly then, was that he had eaten one snake that too,raw which he caught live in a jungle and boasting it as a survival trick that should be practised by people in defence personnel at war! Survival instinct! What survival instinct ? I asked Acharya who said it's a survival instinct, trained to people who are lost in the jungle during a war and have no food to survive themselves! They tell you what you can eat, when you are struck up in a jungle during a war. And a snake, is one of the non-veg items that one can eat to survive.But, now since he is drunk that thought of snake eating had screwed his mind! I did not mind, as I knew him as an affectionate kid in school, who was also my Hostel mate in Mahanadi. The next morning before we could wake-up in the Barracks, we were surprised to hear knocks on our door. While DKAcharya,opened the door, we found Sabuj had arrived on his bicycle,to beg apology from me, saying someone in his barrack said he misbehaved with a schooltype!I was very touched by his gesture! The same day, I went to Mussoorie to see the place, which Acharya said was beautiful and very near by. As the passing parade was on the next day,I went to visit Mussoorie. After seeing all the places around Mussoorie, I went towards the IAS Academy (Lal Bahadur Academy of Administration)where I enquired about N.K.Sundar Ray who was a probationer there from Debabrat Kantha who was also a probationer from Orissa with Andhra Cadre. Sundarray was very happy to receive me as we knew each other well in JNU and in BBSR as our homes were very near to each other. He asked me to spend the night in the Academy. It was a great feeling of honour to me, as I also wanted to be one IAS someday! We went around the Academy campus , had a great dinner in their mess which was sumptuous ! He got me introduced to some of his friends. But I liked one Vinny Mahajan , the girl who was from IIM Calcutta and the 17th ranker in the IAS list then. She was supposed to drop me near IMA, the next morning for the Passing Out Parade Ceremony as they were supoosed to pass by IMA, on their route for Bharat Darshan.I was very happy to meet such a friendly girl from Delhi then! She was very bright and well mannered. However , on the next day when I reached IMA, the Entry gates were sealed for visitors due to security reasons and the arrival of the Chief Guest for the Parade. I was very worried and felt very sad.. There was no mobiles nor telephone contacts in the Barracks to inform Acharya about the mess!I kept waiting outside while the ceremony was on! Then after waiting for two hours or so, I was allowed to enter the IMA campus alongwith others, who were waiting outside. I felt very sad as I was helpless outside. There was no way , I could convince Acharya about the mishap!My purpose of going to IMA was not met. However,with a heavy heart I went near the auditorium where the newly commissioned officers were coming out, after the ceremony. I tried to look for Dillip Acharya at the entrance and beyond! A few minutes later I found Dillip Acharya coming out of the hall with his commissioned officers rank on his soldiers. Alongwith him came JCPati who was commissioned on the same day, with his brother and his parents. Seeing me,Acharya rushed towards me and hugged me. Tears rolled down from his eyes, as he thought I might have had met some accident in the landslides that was a common occurances in the Mussorie valley then. I felt relieved that atleast he was honoured by Pati's elder brother in the ceremony, who was present there.We moved around IMA in the evening and left for New Delhi by IMA bus.On the way we halted at Saharanpur where me met NKSundar ray who was on his way for Bharat Darshan. Sundar Ray was very happy to meet Sabuj Panda who looked like a mini Idi Amin then! Dillip Acharya was also very happy to meet Sundarray. We had beer and dinner in a near-by bar and then left for New Delhi.

<><><>******<><><>

BRIBES IN INDIA.

2010-04-06T15:46:00.011+05:30

Bribes in India is almost an institution.At least 80% of people in India believe that to get anything done smoothly in India, you need to bribe the person, who deals in your work especially when it comes to matters like getting your money for your work, or asking for a loan from your organisation,or any favour that is very essential in your day-to-day life.
It's very un-ethical but but people do bribe to avoid harassment or delay in getting their work done. No one wants to waste time, making rounds to ask for his requirements which is very time-consuming and money-consuming that is through travel or transport missing family or work. Sometimes,it is very disturbing and irritating!But people do. I at times, feel pity for the person asking for bribe, from anyone for any perticular act.I consider it as an act, equal to begging. People need other's money when they don't have enoough to survive or make a living.But to enjoy one's life at others' cost is mean and immoral!
In my office in New Delhi where I work, an accountant is so much addicted to bribes that he does not spare even Fourth Class employees. The fourth class employees who are paid some 250 rupees allowance for their uniforms annually, pay 50 rupees to him to get the money without hassles. This money which he gets, is usually spent by this Accountant and his gang on alcohol which they consume in the office itself after office hours. Very well organised loot, by these people.Its difficult to face them when they are together. With 20 years in the same post, they think its their birth right to demand bribes!I am sure the authorities are aware but helpless!May be they need them for their work at times and so keep a safe distance to question them!
A country like India, where the heads are puppets or dummies , what else can you expect from these ordinary mortals!
But one thing is certain ,for sure. These people do not last long , to see the colour of pleasure of the money , they make by immoral means. They die a very un-natural death. Their dependents are widowed, or killed or handicapped. If the amount is high that too from the public's money where the public are poor, then they die a miserable death. It's the God, that takes care of these evils by eliminating them or their happiness from the world.

CULTIVATING COMPASSION

2010-02-25T15:26:00.023+05:30

TEACHINGS BY KARMAPA :
I was very fortunate to attend a two-days teaching programme by His Holiness the Karmapa in Delhi on 19th and 20th of February 2010, which was held in the India Habitat Centre in NewDelhi.The teachings were basically about cultivating Compassion on a day to day life. The programme was very interesting and was a very good learning experience. Karmapa this time, was very matured in his teachings and in handling question-answer sessions.I had attended one, last year around this time.His examples were very practical this time with more humour that added to everyones' interest.
The invitees included around 250 people of which around 100 were foreigners: mainly westerners. Many of them were monks or nuns or Lamas. So it was a very peaceful and learned gathering.I happened to meet some of my old friends who are used to the practises of meditation and spiritual interests.So it was a very well gathering of people with similar intersts and practises. The two-day session ended with good memories of the lectures and some photographs with Karmapa.

HAPPINESS

2009-12-12T23:09:00.011+05:30

HAPPINESS:

Doing what you like, is freedom. Liking what you do, is happiness. Rishikesh is a place to visit, if you want to breakaway from the maddening hectic city life of NewDelhi for a change. I prefer to visit Rishikesh whenever I feel I need a break…The place with a cool climate with gracious mountains and the holy Ganges welcome you to purify your soul for the moment…If you are a member of Youth Hotel Association of India, it is the best place to stay, just along the river Ganges where its garden touches the Ganges on its shores. In the evenings, you can see Eupoeans with their Bikinis on the river banks practising Meditation which to me is crazy but still a case, to give a serious thought about religoius/ spiritual travels in India.But there are some who are very spiritual and learned in the Indian Spiritual practises. They have a thorough knowledge of our religious scriptures and gods. I happen to meet many Europeans mainly Pofessors, Doctors, Students who are mostly seen around SwamiRamas’s Ashram (www.bindu.org) or on the river Ganga banks, wandering. Their perception about Hinduism is very enlightening. I have met young American girls with matted hair who are seen walking near jungles barefoot, without fear or favour. Their answer to my questions is always very positive although most of the times:" very confusing" . It’s simple. “I am searching my self and searching for an eternal bliss.”
The places around Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula and Triveni Ghat are very happening and busy in the evenings. The Aarti at Triveni Ghat to the mother “Ganges ” in the evening is just beautiful with the sunset in the background. The water there , is just purely crystal clear.
Non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly not permitted in Rishikesh. One must Visit Rishikesh for a refreshing change ; to understand one- self with nature, god and spiritualism.

GO GOA !

2009-12-12T23:07:00.000+05:30

GO GOA :
Goa as seen in Bollywood films is a paradise for the Romantics or the ones who dream more of Romance. I too was one who also dreamt of visiting the beaches, Nightclubs and dancebars to see if it is in reality or it is in one’s imagination. I wanted to see it for myself. May be, I thought I will have plenty of attractive women in the Beaches who are willing to explore Love and Romance near the beaches! I always had plenty of Romance with strangers especially on the beaches in my dreams.
So, there I was! On September 10th 2005, I thought to visit Goa through Bombay as I wanted to witness the Ganpati Feastival in Mumbai and Goa. So,I took the day flight from NewDelhi at 1300hrs to reach Mumbai at 1500hrs. After visiting Mumbai on a Cab that gave me a quick look at the Ganpati Festival pandals there, I went to check, if I could get a train Ticket to Goa as I wanted to see the picturesqe beauty of Konkan Railway that connects Mumbai to Goa. Luckily, there was a Ganpati Special Train for the festival season then.I took the train at 1a.m. and reached in Madgaon next day at around noon. The sight was really beautiful. After that I checked in to a Youth Hostel at Miramar, in Panjim which has its boundry walls and on one side it nearly touches the rough sea.The sea-current is very strong there.The scenery on the way was very beautiful. The backwaters, the greeneries, the sorroundings were just very romantic.It was raining a little, when I reached Goa.The weather was otherwise quite pleasant.The Miramar road was very beautiful with flowering trees on both of its sides.There were some good hotels nearby, including the Marriot. During my four days of stay there , I visited almost all the beaches. Went to all markets. The wine and alcohol there is very cheap and of high quality. So, I enjoyed a good amount of it alongwith Fish which Goans cook very deliciously. It is spicy, with less of chillies in it. So, it’s very tasty. The meals at Madgaon Railway Station by a Caterer is very sumptuous and delicious at a very reasonable price(It was Rs. 30/- , with Rice, Fish fry,Fish curry, Puris and 4 other subjis). If you are a foodie, you must try your meals here.The place around Dona Paula, is also quite beautiful. You can see a number of Cargo Ships from the Cliff of a monument there. It’s quite picturesque’. Calangute is another place with a sea beach with good shopping avenues. You find leading designers there with their Boutiques.The beach is quite beautiful with foreigners around. If you are there by around noon , you can have a bath in the sea. It feels good , with some bikini beauties around.They are very open. If you are decent enough , you can strike a conversation with any of the bikini clad beauties. May be, you can end up with an affair to remenber…, if you are pleasing. I did not go that far, although I made some female friends.They were very nice. I had some bottles of beer with them on the beach ( There are some huts there, who provide beer and wine. You can change your dress there, if you want to have a bath ). My evenings were spent around Goa, visiting Ganesh pandals there. The festive spirit is quite high there as with the Mumbaikars in Mumbai.Cultural festivities accompanied wherever there were pooja pandals.A good number of children played and enjoyed rides and food there alongwith their families.The people were very receptive.
Goa, is very beautiful with greeneries, waterfronts. It’s less crowded, has decent localities with people very accomodating and helpful.Overall , it’s a very nice place to visit. But to think of it as a haven for Romance with raunchy girls is not true.One must avoid roadside bars which provide cheap liquor and it could be risky.
Overall, an enjoyable trip.

HILL-QUEEN SHIMLA

2009-12-12T23:02:00.005+05:30

HILL-QUEEN SHIMLA :
For a change , I visited Shimla from 21st to 27 SEPT 2007 . It was my fourth visit to Shimla in those last 5 years. There is not much change out there. It’s the beginning of winter there then. Mornings and evenings were cooler. But one change that I made then was the travel by train from Shimla to Kalka while returning to Delhi . It was a very picturesque travel with mountains, tunnels, trees and natural sorroundings on the way. I started from Shimla in the Deluxe Express at 5:40pm to reach Kalka at 10:25pm.The train provided tea and snacks at the start of the journey. Later, at around 8pm it provided dinner (Chicken for me). The ticket was reasonably priced (Rs.280). The train with five bogies had around 70 passengers in all. Each compartment had 18 seats with deluxe push back chairs.It had decent passengers mostly honeymooners or young couples / lovers without kids.The travel this time was quite memorable.
If you are a member of Youth Hostel Association of India , you can stay in Satkar Hotel at Lakkad Bazaar near the Mall. It is opposite the Medical College there. Nearby Dhabas provide quite delicious food at reasonable rates. Although the local travel agents charge more for local travels , you can always bargain to see places of your interests. The places to see there are mainly Kufri, Green Valley, Sankat-Mochan Temple and Taptapani. The night view by train or bus from Shimla to Kalka is very colourful, especially around Solan with its lights that looks like a Diwali festival there.

KASHMIR - A PARADISE ON EARTH

2009-12-12T22:50:00.000+05:30

KASHMIR - A PARADISE ON EARTH:
Kashmir is a paradise on this Earth. The nature is so beautiful ! .. , you wish the same should be all over around this world. The greenery, the mountains, the pine trees, the snow..,the Dal Lake in Srinagar. the Houseboats, the streams around Aru in Pahalgaon is so breathtaking…..!
I visited Kashmir in the month of March, some years ago while I was studying in Delhi University to meet one of my friends who was posted in Banihal as a Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army.
I reached Jammu by train early in the morning.There was an Army Bus waiting to carry Army Personnel from the Station in Jammu . As informed, an army jawan was there to welcome me aboard the bus.The bus started after an hour or so with a few passengers to Srinagar.The journey was pleasant with the nature through the bus window looking very beautiful with scenic pictures.There were snow on the roadside that were starting to melt due to sun’s rays with the day’s arrival in the form of stream. Beautiful young girls moved on and across the road with their herds of sheep. They looked really pretty with beautiful long noses and fair complexion.There were apple trees at higher reaches. The view over the mountain tops, as the bus moved, was very pleasant.
The bus reached in the evening.I went to meet the Commanding Officer (CO) alongwith my friend as a formal gesture of respect for the Colonel.The CO suggested me to visit a picturesque place called Aru in Pahalgam where some of the regiments’ troop were on some exercise.He advised me to go with them , the next morning.I was very happy to accept the offer and thanked him for his benevolent gesture.I visited Aru. It was very picturesque, the scenery was very pleasant to the eyes. The mountains around were covered with snow. A narrow flow of stream cutting through rocks nearby, was very beautiful with pure crystal-clearwater ( freezing cold).It was simply ” Beautiful “! The next day I visited Srinagar, Dal Lake, Shalimar Garden , Anantnag temple and some places of historical importance. The places were very calm and friendly (It was 1988). There were no crowded places in these areas as found in other places in India. It was bliss.

BOOK LAUNCHES

2009-12-10T15:16:00.000+05:30

BOOK LAUNCHES IN NEWDELHI:
Book launches are a great time to interact with the author of the book in person. It gives the perception of the author's first-hand information and clears the doubt of any intentions. It is also a great time to share your views alongwith other's-take on the author and his writtings alongwith his skills in articulating.
I attended a Book Launch titled "Tibet " by Pervez Dewan (A bureaucrat by profession who headed ITDC ) on 8th Dec 2009 at 6 pm at Hotel Lalit (Previously Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza). His description of the book was very informative, like Lhasa which he says, is very modern in its outlook and urbane-ness. It was definitely very interesting to hear him speak about Tibet . That's what we know of Lhasa, as a great tourist destination. The book was released by Kumari Selja, the Union minister for Tourism .
Yesterday ( 9th Dec 2009), there was a book release function of Dhyaan Foundation at Hotel Le Meridian. The book described some 51 miracles by the Yogi through his disciples. It was narrated and discussed where the persons who experienced the miracles, were also present. One needs to hear their experince to believe. I am a believer. I believe in miracles and God. So, to me, it was like " Yes it is possible and can happen". There was a live interaction with Yogi Ashwini who is the master or the spiritual Guru of the foundation. His answers were very direct and convincing! It was a real treat for me, as a spiritual seeker. I wish to join the foundation as early as possible and seek spiritual solace and contentment !
The programme ended at around 10 pm with a lavish spread of Dinner.

Music in the Park !

2009-12-07T16:07:00.000+05:30

Music in the park sounds very interesting. It's really, very interesting. Last Saturday ( 5th Dec 2009) , there was a Musical Concert of Pandit Ravi Shankar alongwith Anoushka Shankar in Nehru Park , Chanakyapuri,New Delhi.
These are some rare occasions, that one must not miss in life . I wanted to hear their music... live, from ages. But due to non-availability of passes or tickets for these rare musical events,in Delhi , I could not. It is through the advertisements on the signboards, that I came to know of the programme which was for free !
So, I reached at the venue early, at around 5 pm for the programme which was supposed to start at 5:30 pm. There was a very urbane and decent crowd for the event. Many young foreigners mostly Europeans were seen amongst the crowd. This is what makes their music demand go global and appealing !
The event started with a documentary film of Pandit Ravi Shankar for around 20 minutes that showed about his life and his family .The musical programme followed .
It was magic. The audience enjoyed every bit of the music through their silence and appreciation. The weather ( nice, cool winter) added to the charm. The place looked so colourful, with a variety of winter clothes worn by the audience.
The music left everyone present there, spellbound. It was really a masterpiece event for everyone present there.
I hope to see some more of these events in future !
So, Music in the Park, that too in Delhi's Nehru Park is something that one must not miss in Life, especialy in winter.