tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655068271121329992024-02-07T12:19:49.490-08:00writenowpradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-5432292779551039002014-09-24T23:26:00.000-07:002015-02-16T20:49:18.042-08:00Those days and Nights –My jungle days- Part-3<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> (For Part 1</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pls. click http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2014/08/those-days-my-jungle-days.html) </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> (pls click http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2014/09/those-days-and-nights-my-jungle-days.html for Part 2)</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">We all saw a wave type disturbance from the eastern most part. Anticipating some dangers ahead, my heart started beating heavily.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">However, my colleagues showed no reaction but continued their stern watch not only on the grass stretch but also on the branches of trees. </span></b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">It appeared they as if were waiting for someone to arrive. My apprehensions were true.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">A big monkey family came up soon and it was a scene. It seemed that the survey team and members of the monkey family were great pals. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> The citrus fruits and guavas thrown at them were accepted and there were few exchanges of well wishes from both sides. I was unaware that I also joined in those “well wish” messages. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Jumping and dancing, <b>an Impala family arrived from the eastern most part of the grassland.</b> They were also old buddies of the monkey family and there were once again lots of energetic well wishes from both the sides. The impalas also looked at us and one of us threw a big ripe guava to them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">A pair of Impalas responded by a duet dance and caught it in the sky. We joined in clapping along with the Monkey family. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Following this, there were many subsequent fruits throwing from us and receiving by the Monkey family and the Impalas. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> After a while, the two families left the stretch together, the monkeys by sky jumping from branches to branches of trees and the Impalas jumped and ran simultaneously along a twine racing line.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> Before moving through the grassy stretch, I looked at Murmu. Murmu wanted to avoid the topic and said </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">“Nair babu shall tell you why and what for we stopped here. We need to complete the survey of down the valley quickly.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">At the end of our job, we were about to pack up the Theodolite sets and start walking down the valley to meet Nairbabu for the lunch, <b>but Murmu spotted something and signaled us not to go down the slope.</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I used my binocular and looking at Murmu’s direction, at first saw only a tremendous shaking in a big portion of grass and shrub cover. In a nearby place, along the slope the exposed hard rocks inhibited the growth of shrubs. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">We saw there at first a Mongoose and then a never before seen, a big hooded King Cobra.</span></b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">The Cobra was bigger than the Mongoose in all respects but fell short before the wits of the Mongoose. The Mongoose as if being highly afraid ran for his life and lay standstill on a big rock. <b>Actually, it lured the cobra to grab the fatal bait for him. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">The King Cobra spotted it quickly and ran there to catch the prey lying standstill on the rock</span></b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">As the Snake’s big head came down to bite, the Mongoose slipped away from the rock surface at a lightning speed and before the snake could do anything, the Mongoose bit the snake’s head near the eyes badly. The big snake tried to run away but failed. Within a fraction of a second, the Mongoose beheaded the Snake.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">My lips and down below the throat were still dry although I emptied one full water bottle. Nair Babu looked at me and pulled me to a shade beside the watershed. It was a small abrupt flat land on the hill slope with plenty of shades of tall trees. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">As I was searching for another water bottle, Nair babu signaled someone. A tall dark person brought me a drink in an earthenware glass. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Nair babu said, “Either you empty another water bottle or sip slowly this freshly picked juice and quench your thirst. Choice is yours.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Sipping a portion of sweet juice, I really felt better and could recognize the tall person. Looking at another corner, I found another three persons. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Well, this was the gang of four on treetops collecting juice which I was sipping right then. Within minutes of gulping the juice down my esophagus, I felt fresh and the strong nagging headache had weakened. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> Nair babu broke the silence now “Are you O.K now?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I nodded positive and raised my thumb. Nairbabu continued, “These four persons collected juices from the trees and brought lunches for the entire team, hot and fresh, ready to be served.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I said in a low voice, “They also cooked for us.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Nair babu said, “No. they were busy climbing up and down on those tall trees and besides collecting juice for us, they also kept a vigil on any abnormal movement in the forest. The fishing group caught few fishes, cooked a simple lunch for us, rice, dal, fish curry, and resumed fishing. The juice group picked the lunch packets for us.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I heard Nairbabu, apart from being a good drilling engineer, was an excellent organizer. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> I asked, “You were saying something about keeping a vigil what’s that?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">The fishing party arrived just then with a good catch of fishes. Nair babu signaled them to serve lunch and soon they became busy in laying washed banana leaves just by the side of the watershed and under a big shade to serve lunch.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Replying to me, he said, “The people on the tree top while collecting juice can note abnormal movements of other animals whenever a ferocious animal is on the prowl. On such incidents, they beat their small drums in coded rhythms.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Few of us enjoyed </span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Vrinda; mso-bidi-language: BN;">like me </span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">a hot fresh lunch Rice, dal, fresh vegetable fry, and fish curry on Plantain leaves and sitting beside a flowing watershed of a mountain with music of ripples.</span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Vrinda; mso-bidi-language: BN;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">“We are already much behind the schedule. So instead of post-lunch field work let’s pack up and return to camp.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Looking at Murmu I felt annoyed. This happened just for him and his team’s fun in the tall grassy stretch. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Hiding my feeling, I said, “Nair babu in the grassy stretch….”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Before I could finish he said, “You were held up by the traffic signal, I waited till you could hear the loud and continuous hoop, hoop sounds from Monkey family on the tree top. In the grassy stretches like this, you should better wait for clearance from our friends of the tree-tops. They are friends to all, starting from the human beings to impalas.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I said, “I just don’t get you there.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Nair babu said, “I told you just now about the Juice collectors, who simultaneously collect juices and watch the movements of animals. Monkeys do this job in a much better way as they sky jump from branches to branches of tall trees. Leopards who mostly hide in the bushes and in neck length grassy stretch are spotted by the Monkeys who alert others.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">The entire survey team was reasonably reluctant to cross the grassy stretch and better wait for the clearance from the monkeys’ mouth. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Not only their human friends, they extended their helping “shouts” to all other animals like the Impala family grazing on the grassy stretch.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">The tired sunrays were gradually withdrawing from the eastern hills. This part of the slope was steep and difficult to climb down. However, from here, the valleys further down were very clearly visible.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Nairbabu spotted few moving objects and then rest of us could guess them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">They were the four persons who went down the valley to collect “Kham Aloo” and Mushrooms for us. Our group shouted at them and they responded by some code words. There was a big applause from us. They not only dug out huge Khum Aloos but also picked good amount of mushrooms. However, that’s not all. They were also bringing two baskets of chickens. Nair babu said, “That is enough for even tomorrow’s lunch.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> <b>This morning, I thought these persons as unnecessary extras for survey work. However, they are the persons who kept us going by providing refreshing juices, lunches and enough food for continuing next days work</b>. <b>I was still wrong. I did not count the monkey and the Impala families who keep us safe. </b></span>pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-17496164207528384332014-09-23T00:37:00.001-07:002014-09-24T23:30:05.845-07:00Those days and Nights –My jungle days Part-2<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">For Part-1</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><b>pls.click http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2014/08/those-days-my-jungle-days.html</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I
stayed in the Hilltop drilling camp for more than two and half years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">A
new chapter in my life, filled with thrill, fun, and hard work, started along
with my new friends of the forest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Those
friends were <b>Nairbabu and his associates, Acharayaji of “Jungle Nibas”
ashram, impalas and spotted deers, Jackals,
Hyenas, a Monkey family and last
but not the least those souls who long left their physical appearances</b>( I
hate the word Ghosts). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">P.
P. Nair, a calm and cool person, popularly known as Nair Babu, was drilling
engineer and in-charge of hilltop drilling camp. In this part, I referred him often.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">In
a later part, I shall tell you about the role Acharayaji, my non-human friends,
and my invisible “soul” friends played in my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">During
this stay, I faced many <b>spine chiller incidents, a few of them are</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Saved, from a<b>
python</b> hanging from a tree, by the
timely alert from a group of monkey friends <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Meeting with a soul in an abandoned forest rest house who
unveiled a tragic happening. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">A miraculous
escape from a man-eater Leopard, just for the presence of mind of my
associate.</span></b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> <b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I
shall share all these incidents with you one by one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">In
my first day, at early morning I joined Nair babu and his big team of about twenty
persons. I was quite unaware that a full
day is waiting for me <b>with never before felt thrills of viewing the live wild inmates but also
a live savage fight between two animals.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I
doubted at the crowd of associates but Nair babu said <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">“At
the end of the day, you shall be convinced of the team strength and stop
worrying now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">However,
I was worried. With my fresher level knowledge, I knew that I needed only a
surveyor with three associates. Nairbabu for his work might require a crew of
four persons. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I
could not guess why instead of eight associates, there were twenty in the team,
which might spoil the work actually. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">In
this prospecting area of 23 sq km, there are two series of Hills, the western
and the eastern hills, densely populated by tall trees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Bestowed
with two big waterfalls, fog and smoke covered evergreen western hill has a
picturesque presence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">The
drilling camp was in the valley between these two hills. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">From
this valley, Nairbabu showed me the local physiography in general and
said, “Over to your survey team and Surveyor Murmu.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">He
along with his four associates left for East hills in quick steps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">At
the beginning of the survey, I saw, through the telescope of Theodolite, four
people were climbing trees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Pointing
my finger to that direction, I asked “Murmu, did you ask these people to climb
trees?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Murmu
replied “No sir.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Using
my binocular, I saw them peeling off the surface layers of the top part of the trunk
and fixing hanging earthen pitchers just at the bottom of the peeled part to
collect juice from these trees. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">While
climbing the eastern hills at one flat ground, we stopped for a rest and
checking our position from already marked survey stations near camp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">From
there, down the valley, the meandering river appeared like a silver chain. Through
my binocular, I could spot few people digging around a big ant’s hill. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I
asked “Murmu, what for these people of our camp are digging? They are supposed
to be with us, right here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Murmu
said, “They are digging for ant’s eggs and some herb roots.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I
said, “For what?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">“Ant’s
eggs when mixed with those herb roots and flour paste make excellent bait for fishing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I
said, “Do you mean that they are going for fishing from that hill river and
won’t be with us for the rest of the day.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Murmu
said “Most likely Sir.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I
said, “Four people are busy for juice collection and now the rest eight people
are out for fishing in river.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Monglu
sordar, an associate of Murmu said, “Sir, only four shall go for fishing and
another four to further down the valley for mushroom picking and Kham Aloo
digging.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Later
on, I learnt about Kham Aloos, which are giant shaped potato type vegetables. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I
heard all these but on a second thought preferred to hide my reactions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I never
climbed so high a hill before. Gasping for breath, I stopped at few places and
instead of drinking water, sucked the juicy sweet and sour citruses, freshly
picked from the valley by my associates. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">We
were on our way to the highest peak of the Eastern hills. The flat area around
the peak was just half of a football ground provided an excellent bird’s eye
view of the entire prospecting area. </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Apart
from this, it appeared that as if at a short distance a giant is smashing the
air columns with roars. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">However,
Murmu and the survey team showed me the actual roaring giant. It was a giant
indeed, a gigantic waterfall at the Northeast corner of mist covered Western hills. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">As
it was quite after the mid day, most reluctantly we left the eastern hill top
and started climbing down for the survey of the Northeastern part of the slope
and back to camp. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Murmu
reminded me that we should speed up to reach the spot for Lunch break. Nair
babu would be anxiously waiting for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">While
going down, a flat stretch came covered with tall neck length dense grasses but
intercepted frequently by tall trees. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Murmu
and his team stopped just before this stretch. With their tense face, they were
whispering among themselves and constantly scanning the branches of trees and
the tall grasses. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Although
they tried to hide, it appeared to me that they were reluctant to cross the
tall grass stretch and decided, “Wait and see” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Were they suspecting
the presence of some thing dangerous hiding in the neck length jungle of tall
grasses? Using my binocular, I began scanning the neck length jungle.( part 3- the survival fight between a King cobra and Mongoose tomorrow 24.04.2014)</span></b>pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-34728705276367133642014-08-13T05:27:00.000-07:002014-08-26T09:40:29.601-07:00Those days –my Jungle days<div style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;"> <span style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in;">With the King of Jungle, my
first meet was on the way from base camp to a drilling camp on a hilltop. This
meet metamorphosed the mind of a timid person so much that he decided to seek a
transfer from the desk job to field
camps inside the deep forest and never
looked back. I am beginning “ Those days-my Jungle days” with this real life story. <b>In order to remain out of
controversy, I am changing the names of the places, persons and also the
situations a little. Similarity to any persons, Places, incidents etc are
purely coincidental only.</b></span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwI2USje6hLqoqu79zYafhBccw8zpgo2-AyswcfoFTti0ryxiVL1DQdnCNENa9SbnwxVazyCPbfniz_YaMKDz80HQshXUapcXJpV8UyNu2HExFGCN_-71y_V5pRSwK2RzteWStwTW7kc/s1600/IMG_6174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwI2USje6hLqoqu79zYafhBccw8zpgo2-AyswcfoFTti0ryxiVL1DQdnCNENa9SbnwxVazyCPbfniz_YaMKDz80HQshXUapcXJpV8UyNu2HExFGCN_-71y_V5pRSwK2RzteWStwTW7kc/s1600/IMG_6174.JPG" height="243" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">Thrice I was very near to
Tiger, the King of Jungle. Twice, the
King was visible and only once invisible to me and I narrowly escaped a fatal danger.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">Our first meet was on the
way to drilling camp from the Base camp. That was an orientation programme for myself
before beginning my first assignment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">The year crossed just Mid of
November. Due to many unforeseen series of delays, instead of broad day light of
noon, we could depart from the Base camp almost at the Sunset. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">Senior geologist asked me to
meet Nair babu, the drilling camp- in-
charge of Hilltop who came down from drilling camp at hilltop to Base camp for weekly meetings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;"> The meetings, briefings, and issue of
materials from stores each pushed the scheduled departure one by one from noon
to afternoon. But at the end, Nair babu's driver, and two other juniors added further delays. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">Seeing the delay he was
fuming and the reasons for his fuming were unfurled within an hour one by one.
(I shall talk about Nair Babu, my guru for all round development of mine, later
on).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">Keeping us waiting for more
than half an hour, Nair babu’s juniors came back in irregular steps. To avoid Nairbabu's glaring eyes and flows of volcano from the vents of his throat, they preferred to hide in the
back seats. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">He said nothing and but
started the Jeep. That was an old model willy’s jeep of Mahindra (Willy’s), open on all sides except the tarpaulin top. Just after
crossing the Main gate of base <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">camp,</st1:placetype>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Nair babu,</st1:placename></st1:place> an ace driver deliberately overlooked the speed breaker to shake the intoxicated back
seat passengers with a rough jerk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">Just after the bridge on the
hilly river, the twenty-one Km long hilly road piercing the foothill forests on both side with several hairpin bends dew my attention. That was the only motor-able and excellent access to the hill top drilling camp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;"> Joseph, the regular driver of this jeep then seating
just behind him told something to Nair babu but he shook his head and replied
something. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;"><b>Fortunately, both spoke in
their mother tongue Malayalam, otherwise I would have made my trousers wet.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">I could only understand few
English words spoken by both in between their Malayalam, like evening and cat. I
learnt later on, that although they preferred to call a spade a spade but “cat” was
a code word for Tiger. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">However, only minutes later,
the apprehension of his driver proved true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">At the end of first hairpin
bend of the hilly road, there was a long flat stretch and darkness began to
appear. Nair babu switched on the
headlights and was about to shift the gear from second to third. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;"><b>Except me, all the other
occupants spotted something simultaneously and the jeep screeched to halt. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">A man with frowned forehead
just at my back suddenly used his hand to press hard on my lips and whispered,
“Buddy, if you do not want any trouble for yourself and us, then just watch the
shaking bushes just by your side but without any screams.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;"> My immediate reaction was something else. This
guy, Mathias, from the very first meet, disliked me possibly because a newcomer
suddenly became officially his senior. The side he was pointing was valley
side. Was this drunken man planning to throw me down the valley? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;"> I immediately looked at Nair babu but he too was also pointing to the valley side. However, following his signals, I first saw a
big striped protruding head and glistening pair of eyes marked by red circular
outlines. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;"><b>Within seconds, the King of
the Jungle came out from the bush and stepped in the hilly road.
The width of the road was not sufficient for this fearsome animal but he
decided to lie there.</b><br />
I was a timid man but it seemed that my
fear evaporated within seconds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">In the following years of my
stay in the <st1:place w:st="on">Forest</st1:place>, I learnt through my
experiences the truth of a popular jungle saying, <b>“When the object of fear appears
before your eyes, the sense of fear disappears”. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">Nair Babu looked at me and
signaled Mathias to remove his smelly hand from my mouth. Nair babu and other occupants of the jeep did
not loose their nerves. He kept both his
feet engaged on the clutch and brake pedals keeping the vehicle ready to leap
at any moment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">Nair Babu in a hushed voice
asked Joseph, the regular driver of the jeep, “Did the base camp garage crew
changed the fan Belt and replaced the dynamo?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">Joseph replied, “Yes sir”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">“I told you to get it done with all your serious attention but surely you were busy elsewhere. The dynamo is not charging
the battery.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;"> Another person said “Sir, the head beams are
becoming yellowish, in another few min…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">Nair babu looked at me and
snarled at the man even in whispering, “Mind your business now; check the
weapons under the seat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">“ Ji (Yes sir)”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">“Get four-five of them ready
and before diesel soaking check the tightness of jute packs on each of them. It
should not be like the last time.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;"> “Ji”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">I felt secured then. Whether
illegal or legal, they were getting the self-defense ready. <b>The smell of diesel
from the backseat compelled me to have a look at those “weapons” which were
getting ready after a diesel bath</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">All I could see in the
darkness were few one and half-meter bamboo sticks with thick thread like
things at the end. Actually these were “Massals”( torches) and then I had no
idea about their use. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">At that time, I thought
these sticks might be good for driving away street dogs and naughty boys could
use them for coaxing or patting a lazy tiger dozing inside the cage of the zoo. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;"><b>However, a wild
tiger, which was lying just fifty meters ahead of tasty soft human flesh and
blocking the road, this kind of patting might be an invitation to roar and jump
at us. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">Right then, the King from
his lying position looked at the Jeep and possibly disliked yellowish timid headlights of the Jeep. He yawned at us exposing the rows of deadly glistening
canine teeth on his jaw but soon turned his head away from us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">The engine did not dare to
continue further, coughed and stopped. However, the weak battery stood by us
keeping the dim headlights on for few minutes. Except the sound of falling
waters from nearby small hilly waterfalls, there was absolute silence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">Nair babu shoved me and signaled
to pick up one of the sticks <b>“This is
torch and here is lighter. Keep both of them handy and remain alert. The
moment we sense anything wrong I shall pat on your shoulder.”</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">“What happens then?” I whispered that too with a very feeble timid voice possibly avoiding the tiger to overhear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">With a deep furrow in his
forehead, he stared at me but said dryly “We all jump out from the jeep and
like all of us within seconds you must strike the lighter to light your torch.
But do not do anything on your own, that type of thing shall invite danger
only.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">The Headlights became feeble
and switched off. Even in feeble moonlights, then partly covered by floating
cloud, I could see the outline of the tiger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;"> Nair babu said, “Nobody moves. Wait”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;"> I tried to remember the faces of my nearest
and dearest ones. In the following second we all heard a roar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;"><b>However, this roar was from
another tiger possibly from the deep foothill forest down the valley. Shouting
and screaming was prohibited but I could not control the shivers along with a
chill flow from my foot to head through the spine. It reminded me of the recent
attack of Malaria. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;"> I needed water badly to moisten my dry tongue
but soon the saliva and boldness in me appeared. This was the successful result
of self-scolding by seeing the fearless reactions of other companions in the
Jeep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">They also heard the same
roar but rather seemed to be relieved. There was a big “Aha” from everybody. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">Nair Babu told me,” Possibly
in few moments there is a chance of road clearance”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">I could not suppress anymore
and quipped “By clearing us?”. I meant it seriously but Nair babu took as if a
joke of the week, and whispered, “That’s the spirit. Keep on smiling, your
worst troubles get greased and pass on smoothly.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;"> As soon as he finished, the king of the forest
got up, raised his neck to the sky and either from the sky or from his throat,<i>
I heard </i>a thunder and nothing else. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;"> A jerk helped me to regain my sense and this
jerk was due to restart of jeep by pushing by my fearless companions. Nair babu had no chance to know
that I was possibly senseless for a minute or so. At that time, he concentrated
straight to the movement of the Tiger. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;"> We were on our way up to the Drilling camp of
Hilltop. Nair babu was driving the jeep even with dim headlights and smartly negotiating
the curves smoothly. The people seating at the backseats were still discussing
about the counter roar from down the valley. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">Joseph said , “Biswas Sir, this is the mating season of the Tigers and that roar from down the valley was the last call from his fiance. When we heard the roar from another tiger down the valley, we knew that this tiger cannot ignore and soon the road would be cleared.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">Joseph was sure that this
roar was soft and it must be from the tigress. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">Nair babu laughed and said,
“So our tiger could not ignore this call.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">“our tiger!” Well! I learnt
that brave people like Nair babu might have a friendly tiger to be received by
diesel soaked torches if so required. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">Later on Nair babu told me if you could
see a tiger there remained a bright chance that the tiger was not a
Man-eater and might spare you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">Just before reaching the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">camp,</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Nair</st1:placename></st1:place>
babu looked at my face and said , “Our camp is well protected with trenches and
tall barbed wire fencing. You may pitch your tent anywhere inside the camp.
Valley side is cool and well ventilated.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">Joseph said” Biswas sir, in
valley side, wolfs, Hyenas and jackals shout loudly after midnight and disturb
your sleep.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;">I said dryly, “I am not
bothered.” Who else is bothered after the wolf’s call where you might hear the
roar of tigers? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: BN;"> (The Pic. of the tiger is a real one and was taken by me)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-48979001606921642162014-06-14T00:12:00.000-07:002014-06-14T05:03:51.252-07:00WHAT IS THERE IN A KURMA<div style="background: white; line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The crowd in the large waiting hall was trying to divert their
agony for the unusual late arrivals on both up and down directions. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Most people
attached earplugs to their sets were either talking or listening
music, a group was playing “tinpatti” and a family occupying the center table
was hogging critically. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #252525; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The eldest of them with </span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> a B-sharp female voice defeating the blare of announcements
in the waiting hall told her accompanying mates
“This cannot certainly be Korma but only a well cooked mutton curry,
Kiron what do you say?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kiron
“ Ji Mummy ji, they tried to make a white base from white seeds, coconut milk
and <i>saunf( fennel seeds). OH! It is so
hot, too much chilies. The look and taste both are bad.” <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This
family occupying the center table could
not finish their critic session as the arrival of their train with platform No. was
announced. Simultaneously, the loudspeaker blared the further delay of an hour
for our train. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Our
train” means in the waiting hall I made new friends; Dr. Sharma, Prof of
history and Nikhil kapoor executive chef in a restaurant of a Five star
hotel waiting for the same train in the
same compartment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> We were enjoying the session of the critics in
the center table. As the group left, Nikhil who also ordered lunch from a
friend’s restaurant went to wash room to freshen up and I was wondering about
the criticisms on Korma. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
said in a low voice “Professor Saab, what is so great about Korma? Why people
liking it are so orthodox about the culinary of Korma?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In
his baritone voice, he said, “Well I do not know why people are so orthodox, the name Korma originated from the Turkish
Kavurma, meaning cooked meat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
said “Then why they were so critical about it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Prof.
replied “No comments but as far as I know, Korma a hot favorite of Mogul
emperors underwent a fusion of Persian and Indian cooking. The interesting
thing is that most likely the Rajput cooks who accompanied Empress Jodhabai were
the architects of fusion. They modified the original Persian cooking by
introducing braising. In Urdu, Korma means braising. Alternatively it is also
said that Rajasthani cooks named it after a Rajasthani tribe Kurma.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We
heard a husky female voice “Professor Saab, very interesting. Pardon me for
overhearing your discussions but I could not resist.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This
lady occupying a bench near the windows and covering her face with a big
handkerchief was asleep but it appeared not so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Meanwhile
Nikhil came back from the washroom with a fresh appearance and at the same time
people from his friend’s kitchen brought our lunch and placed the hotpots on the center table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It
seems that the lady and Nikhil knew each other. He said, “Well mam! What a surprise
and good luck to see you here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> He introduced her to us. She is Shyama, hosts
Cuisine serials in no. of TV channels and also author of few culinary books. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nikhil
said,“It shall be our pleasure to share our lunch with you. Please do not say
you just had lunch or do not wish to have food right now. This food is from
Jolly’s kitchen, promoted by you and you know better than us he always gives
plenty.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Smilingly
she said “Difficult to say no to you. I had a heavy breakfast. I shall give you
company more on the discussions and less on food.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Previous train has swept away the waiting crowd;
the big upper class waiting hall has few passengers now. We four occupied the
center table, Nikhil already signaled a person from Jolly’s kitchen to serve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Except
me, this is quite a panel of discussion on Korma. My first attempt to cook is
very pitiable.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Shyama
said, “Let’s hear that, a good cue to resume.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
said in a hesitated voice, “As a beginner, I thought it would be simple to cook
Khichdi, but at the end of the hour long sweat-bath, the net result was even
far away from hopeless. I tried but could eat a little and dumped the entire handi outside before a
waiting dog, but...”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
was about to gulp a little water, Prof Sharma said “ “What happened?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“The
dog was about to release his long tongue, but suspended the action, barked at
the heap of Khitdi and went back to curling.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There
was a joint laughter but consoling me at the end Nikhil said “Sir, It could be
due to turmeric.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
said “Turmeric? Oh Yes! That was the only spice I was supposed to add.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Shyama
said “Perhaps, you added a little more, a reason you yourself tried but could
take a little.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nikhil
said “Dogs seldom like the smell of turmeric.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Prof
Sharma “The smell in the food counts a lot. Aroma excites the saliva.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Shyama
said “Exactly. In Korma, braising matures the marinated meat to blend with
white saucy base made from the paste of Almond, Cashew, white seeds, Khuskhus,
curd, cardamom and finally release an unique aroma and taste.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
was gulping those words but stumbled badly at “braising”. Nikhil rescued me and
said “to braise, cook the marinated meat at first with a high heat to the
extent of light frying. Now turn the heat gradually to low flame, add the
liquid paste of grinded Khus khus, cardamom, white seed, Kaju, Khowa with warm
water and seal the pot with wet dough. The rest of the cooking is done
using the moist heat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Shyama
said “Oh hoi! Stop here. You are disclosing the entire trade secret.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nikhil
said, “Nothing remains secret in these days of you tube and TV cuisine coaching
classes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Prof
Sharma Said “Korma was warmly welcomed in all parts of India and in each state
this recipe has its own variations as per popular taste.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nikhil
said “Sir even in North India besides veg. and Non-veg. Korma, there are three
major types, the Sahi, Mughlai and Kashmiri. However from North to south the
braising is common. Only the ingredients of White sauce vary. In Kashmiri korma the raw white sauce is made from
thick milk, Almond, cashew, Pista, Akhrot and Saffron. South Indians make their
white sauce from fresh coconut, coconut milk, white seeds, Chilies and Fennel
seeds. But everywhere the flavor is unbeatable.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
announcer interrupted us with the arrival of our train. Getting to his feet Prof.
Sharma said “Yes the aroma that remains the same.Because this is one India and
my India is great.”</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-61279541713057562642014-05-01T09:30:00.000-07:002014-05-01T09:30:48.309-07:00 Democrats and the Tea cups<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> <b>Democrats and the Tea cups</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Departure of Duronto from </span><st1:place style="font-size: 18pt;" w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Howrah</st1:city></st1:place><span style="font-size: large;"> was postponed by two hours but I was
not bored. Som Basu, an old friend of mine, co-passenger of Duronto in the same
compartment nearly pulled me to a tea-shop within walking distance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Initially I was reluctant to go but later on found this
as a unique experience not to be missed. This shop is unlike any other tea shop, more of
a Tea parlor than a so-called tea-shop. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Basu visits here frequently and suggested to take seat
in the two sitter small table just behind the big nine sitter big table. He said
that we can nicely spend our time here by listening to others and by enjoying
the wide variety of tea and snacks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">He assured “Sip your tea and eavesdrop on the
debates from the adjoining tables. I bet, these <b> Chai-pe-Charchas</b> are much more interesting and decent than most
of the TV news-traders shows.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">As soon as our order of a big pot of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Darjeeling</st1:city></st1:place> tea arrived, another waiter
ushered a small group of three persons to the central nine-seater table and
whispered something. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">The eldest of the three nodded approvingly and ordered
cutting tea and Pakoda.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">My friend knew them briefly from his previous sessions
of eavesdropping. He continued, “They are a small group, from various walks of
life, profession, and age. But almost every evening they sit here for tea and
chit chat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">A waiter was pointing at the nine-sitter table to
three young men and spotting them the elderly man said, “Here comes the ‘<b>Ab ke bar’, ‘Mody’ ,‘Sarkar’ </b>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">My friend whispered “The extreme left one is Akbar,
but they call him ‘<b>ab ke bar’ </b>; a
lawyer, the middle one, ‘<b>Mody’</b> owns
a grocery shop; flanked by a freelance journalist, ‘<b>Sarkar’</b>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">“We were stranded by the election campaign procession
for the tomorrow’s Maidan rally.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Sarkar said, “Once I asked about thousand such people
at random. A <b>little over twenty percent
were party-loyals. The rest either came to see Kolkata with free train ride or
were forced to join.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Mody said, “These strength-showing big meetings deceive
the common people to think that this party has huge supporters.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">The elderly said, “Many times we behave like the herd
of sheep. We see where others are going and follow that. We do not ask even a
single follower why to vote for the candidate or party he is voting for.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Finishing his tea, Akbar (Aab ki Bar) said, “Tell me,
why these election campaign meetings are necessary? If a Party’s community
development work has benefited people then people know about it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> Sarkar said “Does
it mean that <b>despite the beneficiary
actions made by the Party or the candidate, so many people were either ignorant
or could not taste the benefits?”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">A person by the side of the elderly man said<b>, “Have all of you noticed the minimum
requirements for a person to stand as M.P or MLA? </b>The person should be of
minimum 25 years of age without any criminal background or under trial cases.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Mody said, “<b>Election Commission never even asks the
candidates to show any proven past or current record of any social works.</b>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">The elderly man said, “Funnily enough, the eligibility
rules do not debar a candidate who is not even in the Voter list of the area.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Media man Sarkar said, “I have attended many such
election meetings and rallies like the tomorrow’s one in Maidan. <b>Two-third
of their speech remains engaged with criticism of the opposition party or the
candidate from that party, the rest is full of promises in future tense but
nothing about what already they did</b>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Elderly man said, “If election commission can debar a
candidate with criminal record, then why not for a candidate without any
experience in public service. <b>How can we entrust such a person to represent us
who is just a famous singer or actor</b> or a dedicated to the Political party but
has no track record of service to public.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Mody said, “There are MPs or MLAs who do not even attend
the sessions of Parliament or Assembly. They are seldom seen in their
constituency after wining in the election.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Sarkar Said, “Clearly, these persons have gone to
Parliament not to serve the people but to satisfy their greed for money and
power. EC should ban these candidates from re-contesting. Once this is done
then only a person dedicated to the service of people would go to Parliament
and the entire dirty scenario shall change.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Elderly man signaled the waiter for one more round of
tea and we overheard from another table<b> “The wheel is now rolling. The heat of
corruption is too much on common public and they wont tolerate this anymore.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">A baritone
voice said, “The cleaning action by broom has just started. May be at present,
persons leading such movements are green in politics and tact.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">His friend sipping tea at
the opposite table said, “ This Jharu movement is a bright child with teething
troubles. Moment the teeth come out properly then all these corrupt people are
bound to bear the deep biting scars. <i>Janta maaf nahi karegi inko.</i>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">With hurried
steps we were about to reach Platform Nine of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Howrah</st1:city></st1:place> station. Small groups surrounding tea
stalls were having sips of tea and suggesting each other the best time for
poling. They were trying to optimize the two constraints “long queue” and “heat.”
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Unlike yesteryear s, more and more people are determined to cast their vote and nobody
can glare their eyes with false promises. Democracy is now close to “by the
people, for the people and of the people.”
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-36772255018089606112014-04-15T00:11:00.000-07:002014-04-15T00:16:42.873-07:00Jatra- the unforgotten pride of Bengal <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;"> Jatra- the unforgotten pride of Bengal <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">The tall fair man stepping
down the stairs from his studio is Dilip Babu, the doyen of Jatra industry of <st1:place w:st="on">Bengal</st1:place>. Through a mutual friend, he agreed to meet me at
his residence. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">The housekeeper ushered me to
a sofa set at the corner and looked at the big grandfather clock, said, “He
would come down in another few minutes for having tea with you.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">I could hear clearly even from
this sitting hall, his baritone voice reciting from famous scene of Jatra “Karna-Kunti
sambad.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;"> Age failed to erode the resonating bass of the voice that still
could mesmerize thousands of audience surrounding the podium open on all four
sides.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">Jatra is the popular folk theater form of Bengali
theater spread throughout the Bengali speaking areas of <st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region> and similar to Tamasha of <st1:place w:st="on">Maharashtra</st1:place>. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">These drama groups travel from
one performing place to another.</span></b><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">The musicians, playing the background music to heighten the overall
dramatic effect of the performances, sit on two sides of the stage and perform
jointly playing Dholok, pakhwaj, harmonium, tabla, flute, Violin etc. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">In most of the Jatras there is a common character Vivek (conscience), who
in between the play, comments on the action of actors and their consequences. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">We became friends</span></b><b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">before the tea</span></b><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;"> <span lang="EN">arrived and who said Dilip babu was full
of ego? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">Dilip babu said, “I
understand, you have some queries on Jatra for your upcoming novel. But let me
tell you, my answers shall be on the basis of whatever I overheard and learned
through my thirty years involvement in Jatra”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">“That shall be great for me.
Bookish knowledge is always less than practical knowledge. I want to know what
made the Jatra so different from the popular form of Theater.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">“You see, Jatra has its roots
in the deep core of rural <st1:place w:st="on">Bengal</st1:place>. The
villagers while ploughing, fishing, boat rowing etc. keep on singing in
individual typical tune. It could be to inspire and or entertain the teammates.
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">These popular lyrical
performances formed the very basis of Jatra. Unlike the Theater, although this
is not dance-drama but dance and songs appear frequently and relevantly but
never as a filler in between the play. In fact, most of the important parts of
the drama the dialogues are lyrical and go up and down as per the required
scale of the tune. Good Jatra artists
are mostly born mediocre singers but
still take lessons in classical singings besides learning basics of Jatra
acting.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">I said “Dilip da, Jatra is now
on the wane of popularity. Why So?” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">I knew by asking this daring
question, I might be thrown out. His eyes glared for a moment but instead of
saying "OUT" asked me<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">“How do you say so?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">“The crowds of Nayeks on Rathjatra day are gradually reducing. In
rural areas, the Jatra arrangers even by push selling, expect to get at the
best only two thirds responses that too for
the most hit Palas (dramas) of the year” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">There was a Phone call. He
looked at the call number and said, “Excuse me for few minutes. Have one more
cup of tea.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">I avoided saying another
rather rude point. That time was almost the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">peak</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Jatra</st1:placename></st1:place>
season. Even five years back, it would have been difficult for the top Jatra
artist like him to chat with me even at the onsite green room of Jatra. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">In 2001, there were more than
200 companies (now reduced to 58 only) in Chitpore of Kolkata employing about
20,000 people. The “Adhikaries (owner/director) in their “Gaddis” (office) were
always busy talking with Nayeks (booking agents) and sorting out an
optimized date suitable for both. The
opening day of bookings was Rathjatra (Chariot festival of Lord Jagannath in
June) and by evening of that day, almost cent percent of the best time slots
were booked by the Nayeks arriving from all corners of Bengali speaking areas
of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region></st1:place>.
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">This year although the active
Jatra companies are only fifty-eight, even on the Rathjatra day the booking response
was nowhere near the figure of even five years back. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">Dilip babu returned with a
tall glass of brown color liquid. The smell of the liquid was sufficient to
guess that he was neither drinking black tea nor cold drink but Rum.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">As he offered me one and as
soon as I shook my head, he immediately poured from that glass to refill his
glass. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">He apparently looked
disturbed. I overheard just then he was angry with someone on the last phone call
for cancellation of a show.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">“Yes, what the Nayeks told you
for the present status of Jatra?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">I said, “I hear not only from
them but also from the villages where I moved for the subsurface ground water
exploration. People in general are saying that Jatra is limping before TV
serials and just released pirated movies from the internet available at the
comfort of home.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">His baritone voice barked,
“That is half the truth. Few years back, in the name of modernization most of
the new owners of Jatra brought the TV and/or Film actors with Xerox copies of the
scripts of serials and films along with light and sound effects. There were few
initial successes, but ultimately audience rejected them. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">These people neglected the
basic format of Jatra. The audience surrounds all four sides open podium at the
centre. Acting requires voice throwing synchronized with the body movement
such that audience facing the actors from front, sideways and back gets equal
opportunity to be connected with the actors. The scripts copied from cinema or TV
serial based on another format of acting could not match. The actors from these
industries failed to act in the style of Jatra.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">I said, “That’s what I heard.
People told me that they came to see Jatra, not a TV serial or film. They can
see that at the comfort of the home and why unnecessary pay money for ticket.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">He gulped his remaining rum
and said, “Years before, there were sponsors like Tea garden owners, Miners,
village chiefs for the Jatra shows and the entry was free. But now people have
to pay a lot. So surely they want to see
Jatra but not a poor remake of Tv serial or cinema.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">I bravely asked, “What do you
think can make Jatra revive.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">He thought for a while and
said, “Just get me one Script writer and lyricist like Brojen Dey or Vairav Gangly.
This industry has still now veterans like us and young dedicated talents who
can still make Jatra back to its Golden days.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">I said “Gate crash crowd of
audience…”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">Before I could complete he
said, “ Not only that, After our performance,
the dialogues and the songs would move from lips to lips of common people. That
is the success and our pleasure. A Jatra artist does not hanker for money like
those migratory birds of TV and Cinema who ruined this industry.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 16pt;">Leaving his house, at a
crowded traffic junction, some one’s car radio was playing the Famous “Sonai
Dighi” of Brojen Dey. Even if the signals, turned amber, like me, many of the
people at the wheels listening to the Jatra forgot to switch on the engine.
Brojen babu can still make the Jatra to come back to it’s golden days. Jatra is
yet the unforgotten drama pride of Bengal <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-72269046961690533662014-04-01T06:59:00.001-07:002014-04-01T07:06:43.096-07:00NAMESAKE<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> NAMESAKE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I used to think that we waste our time, energy and debate so much to give a name to a newborn
until I met a scholarly and philosopher person Sharma Ji, who compelled me to
think otherwise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He told me “Why we drop our letters only in the postbox? Does
the addressee stay there? Because we believe that this is the beginning of the
process of reaching the letter to the addressee. ”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I said “I do not get you. What that has got to do with the
name of a person.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With his usual calmness Sharma ji said, "The body is the
casing of a soul. Every soul when born is assigned a trajectory path by the Almighty.
The name is just like the convention one follows in naming a file; also it is
the codified form of that assigned trajectory which the Almighty conveys deep
in the subconscious minds of the persons who start thinking to assign a name.
<b>In a way, Naming is the beginning of the mission for which a soul assumes a
physical shape.”</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I still had doubts and asked him “I can show you here more
than Five Yudhistirs who are known liars and if some day a light breeze may
blow away my driver Hercules, I won’t be surprised.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With smiles in his face he said “our bank is diametrically
opposite to the main market. Many times
from our camp, instead of taking left turn towards market, we turn right
towards bank. Because if we do not get money from the bank we cannot do our
assigned task of Marketing. If you remember Ramayana, Ratanakar and Valmiki are
the names of same person. So if the name appears to be a misnomer, wait and
see.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We had a day long discussion and debate and he told me that a
name might be valid for the literal
meaning or it could be a combination of a (latent or active) supernatural
vibration and the former. Also as the life advances, a person may get some
other name or names. He said” If you do not get a direct bus to Raipur, You
take some other means or bus to Jagdalpur and from there you board other bus to
reach Raipur.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was so much convinced that on return to my camp, opened the brown pages of boyhood day’s diary
about the names of our brothers and sisters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My grandma gave the name to all of us along with a ceremony. All
these names are in some way are also the names of things for daily Puja of Devi Durga.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Long before, we were
known as a royal family. Devi Durga is our presiding deity at the ancestral
Village home. My brothers and sisters are named by Grandma as
Sonkho( Conch), Alpana( Rongoli)
and my name is Pradip; this is the main big Deepak consisting of many Deepaks
attached to big brass stand. During Maha-arati when it is lighted all other
lights except the Diyas near the goddess were put off. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am quite baffled here. Although brought up in a very
religious environment, I am never an orthodox Hindu. I believe very seriously that
worshiping can be done by closing or opening your hands or by touching your
heart or by any other way. I never think that my way of worshipping God is the
best and others are to be put off. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In my profession, to
be a successful geologist you have to listen and give equal importance of
other’s views besides your own view. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I asked Sharmaji about my doubts and he smiled,"Just
think of it for some more time, you will get the answer.” I could not get it
from him, as one day he suddenly left us
forever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> My team rediscovered
some Iron ore deposits, and some small mine developed copper mineralization and
finally a regional discovery of a big deposit of Nickel in Indonesia. I was
awarded Ph.D for my research work for a method improvement and mathematical modeling
of ore reserve estimation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I do not know if all these could put some dim light like a
small Diya. If so, then I am happy for my name and If Sharmaji was around, I
could have told him so. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>I was happy with my name till a friend of my late father told me something, which I did not know before. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My father was a rational man and he disliked any religious
bias. When I was born, he was in the Police training college as he got his long waited promotion. He knew that my naming would be made by his mother (Grandma)
with a religious bias. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He was an ardent fan of Film star Pradip Kumar and became
very happy when I was named as Pradip.(Kumar, as per our family system is common
to all boys but not Kumari to girls.) However our parents never
told any of us about this angle of my name. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">s</span><span style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24.533334732055664px;">trangely, I was very much active in debates, speech competition and drama from school to college life and some part of my service life in Baildilla(in Chhatisgarh, near Dantewada) and Mossabani.</span><span style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24.533334732055664px;"> I was</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> more inclined in writing script
and to another hobby; writing l</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">yrics of songs.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Except few directors, I do not see films at all and I never
saw any film of Pradip Kumar although I heard he was a great actor. Sadly, in
my family nobody neither discouraged nor encouraged my stage
performances. One of my bosom friend, a
very successful actress, Film director and editor of a Magazine, requested me
to write scripts for her TV serials but I could not make it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I remember only faintly, once my father told me
if I ever wanted to translate my dream into reality he would stand by it. I
could not follow that he wanted me to be a Film actor. However he believed in
personal freedom and I did what I wanted to do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> I only disliked this part of my
name just for this sake. This part of Namesake shall ever remain with me as a
sad shake.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(This is an entry to<a href="http://www.indiblogger.in/indispire/"> 7 th edition of Indispire of indiblogger.in</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-52770141445861513432014-02-02T23:52:00.001-08:002014-02-03T00:47:52.116-08:00Burpees, the great calorie Burner.<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 18.0pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 18.0pt;"> </span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 18.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 18pt;">Burppe is a four-step high intensity full
body exercise programme in which </span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 18pt;">almost all the muscles of the body work out at
once by burning a lot of calorie in a very short time.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 18.0pt;">The four steps are</span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> a combination of a <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">SQUAT<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>PUSH-UP</b></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">A SECOND SQUAT
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">A LEAP IN THE AIR</span></b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">These are repeated as per the requirement and physical
limitation of the individual. Extreme athletes, elite Military forces,
football, and ruby players regularly include them in their workout routines for
the quick and effective benefits. All of them include it in their regular
exercise for excellent physical fitness and reflex power of the muscles.<span style="color: #333333;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="description" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Why Burpees?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 18pt;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 18pt;">They burn mega calories<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Burpees
burn up 50% more fat than moderate exercise because it is an intense full body
exercise.<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 18pt;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 18pt;">They make the body stronger than other exercise<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">This is full body strength training and
the ultimate example of functional fitness making you to work up your arms,
chest, quads, and hamstrings.<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 18pt;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 18pt;">They’re great for conditioning and
endurance<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">
4. Burpees can be added to almost any workout<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">
5. They’re portable and require no equipment<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Basic Burpee:<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">To perform basic Burpees, the
simple steps are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">Begin in a squat position,
with hands on the floor in front of you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">Kick your feet back to a
push-up position.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">Immediately return your feet
to the squat position.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">Leap up as high as possible
from the squat position.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-OCKCw-KRO8O9A6jNZ9iVAlPtDe2-wFqr9XJaXM5aIPwH0ovv8Hl2VygmVS9-loDbx6pIPUCmVkzBxfRJkYfEDY1ou_wYEyA1G58q9lgrUKNGR5tzihP15dPD8FjPD7PPza7ebT9W38/s1600/Burpees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-OCKCw-KRO8O9A6jNZ9iVAlPtDe2-wFqr9XJaXM5aIPwH0ovv8Hl2VygmVS9-loDbx6pIPUCmVkzBxfRJkYfEDY1ou_wYEyA1G58q9lgrUKNGR5tzihP15dPD8FjPD7PPza7ebT9W38/s1600/Burpees.jpg" height="112" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-size: 18.0pt;">( source: downloaded from internet)</span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-size: 18pt;">These steps are repeated in quick
succession to get the maximum benefits. When performing Burpees, the success key
is to perform them in quick succession in order to get the conditioning
benefits this exercise is famous for.</span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-size: 18.0pt;">Besides the basic Burpees, there are few
other tested variations for best results.<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div style="background: #F8F3EA; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 16.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 18.0pt;">Burpee with push-up.</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 18.0pt;"> </span></b></span><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 18.0pt;">This is normal burpee , but after kicking out the
feet to a push-up position, a
full<span class="apple-converted-space"> push up</span>. Is done rapidly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: #F8F3EA; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 16.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 18.0pt;">Burpee with dive-bomber push-up.</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 18.0pt;"> </span></b></span><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 18.0pt;">Instead of just doing a full
push-up, a dive bomber push-up is made. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: normal;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 18.0pt;">Burpee with Pull-up</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 18.0pt; font-weight: normal;">.</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 18.0pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 18.0pt; font-weight: normal;">Stand underneath a pull-up bar or tree branch
that is high enough so that one has to leap to reach it. Perform a Burpee normally,
but at the time of leap up grab the bar and perform a<span class="apple-converted-space"> pull-up.</span></span><span style="font-size: 18pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span></h3>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 18.0pt;">Burpees are for everyone, because
Burpees help every person to scorch fat, rev up metabolism and get the body conditioned
which no other exercise can do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 18.0pt;">Burpees burn 563 calories to 745 calories per hour between the weight ranges of
155 to 205 ponds. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;">While Burpees burn up the excess fat, trim
the body and give the desired fitness and endurance, one must consult a dietitian for a proper diet and follow it strictly for persistent trouble free long-term
results.<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<br />
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">In my profession of mineral exploration
from junior to senior-most geologists require to move in the realms of tough
terrains and a good amount of physical fitness. We found Burpee very much
useful.<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-79424345400204066142014-01-11T09:00:00.001-08:002014-01-12T01:28:38.735-08:00 DUEL OF DUAL SOULS<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> Duel of dual souls<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Last fortnight, an yet to be diagnosed, sudden attack breathlessness
restricted me to keep away from the usual Friday evening activities as prelude of the funs of the following two long
rest days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Friends call me as captain cool and like many other bitter at
the beginning incidents of life, I rather welcomed it. I am seldom disheartened at anything like even if I knew Rina is now gyrating with someone else in the Disco of Friday club.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Right then, I
was busy testing my self-made latest Trans receiver set and enjoying the
drizzle that made a concert on the corrugated transparent part of the rooftop
of my apartment,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I earn my bread as design engineer in instrumentation
but playing with radio transmission and receiving, from self-made small but powerful
trans-receivers, is my passion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I hear funny sounds, which are possibly echoes of the
simulated radio signals from my own transmitter, but sometimes I doubt. Do I
possibly hear the radio signals from someone else also? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Just before my illness, I finished the design and
construction of thyristor driven IC panel but could not test the
synchronization of the panel with tuner amplifier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The receiver was working
smoothly. Keeping the radio on, I pressed the transmitter switch and started
checking both transmission and receiving powers of the signals with the
addition of the thyristor IC panel</span><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. The VHF </span></b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">was O.k. and I turned on the UVHF part and gradually
increased the frequency.</span><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Just at the
mid-value of the frequency range, excitements and surprises happened one after
another.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Usually I
hear only funny incoherent sounds but this time, a sweet melodious symphony of
violin and Piano filled up the room,
followed by strange things one after another. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">The curtains started vibrating, flowers in the vases
started blossoming, an empty glass tumbler slowly moved from corner to center
of the side table and then the light became dim yellow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I heard a faint incoherent voice and increased the
bass and tone for clear hearing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> In the
beginning, I was amused guessing it a work of some crack person to scare me.
Within a spilt second, the sequel of happenings proved me wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">To detect the transmission source, I should have
connected the set to the computer. However, by mistake, I actually connected it
to the LED projector. However, It was a mistake worth making.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I saw faint elliptical cluster of shadows on the wall
facing opposite to me. The shadows gradually formed three concentric circles
with rectangular patches infilling the gaps between the circles. The sweet
melodious voice resumed and kept me glued and attentive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I heard clearly, “Spare a little time, it shall
benefit you only.” A pause for few minutes followed this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Oh! That’s it! A marketing campaign, possibly
religious or real estate selling promotion was inside a cloak of stunt but
possibly wastage of enviable talent for such purpose. However, the magnetic
voice compelled me to hear further. However, I did few things to see and hear
this campaign sort of thing repeatedly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Keeping the projector undisturbed, I connected the
transmission to computer and kept the Video recorder on for complete recording.
The processor would take no time to detect the transmission source.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">The feminine voice resumed, “You have a dual soul
inside you. One is almost dying and another is waking up from dormant to active
stage.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I looked up at the computer screen; it was busy
analyzing the source, which compelled me
to hear this “Mata ji” for some time more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Controlling my laughter, I made my voice as serious as
possible and said, “Why at all I had two souls, active and dormant?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“The fetus in the mother’s womb starts vibrating with
the rhythms of life when soul saturated with cosmic energy enters. In your
case, instead of single, two souls of opposite sex battled with each other to
occupy the fetus. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">The male soul kept the female dormant and developed organs
and hormones for his pleasures from the body. Now the male soul in your body is
dying. This is the reason of your recent Non-diagnosed illness.</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> The female
soul shall now take over and very rapidly develop organs and hormones for her
requirement.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I asked, “What shall happen to me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">The voice said, “Your face shall change and overall
you shall look like a female.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I almost shouted, “Oh! No! Why shall I suffer for the
duel of the souls?” I did a mistake in
crying like that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> Either the
wicked person is enjoying the fun or if she happens to be a cheater, this is
the time to strike the nail, the time to speak for remedies and make money.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> However,
surprising me, the transmission of the wicked terminated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I did not notice, my computer defeated my main purpose
of hearing all these non-sense. After several attempts, it finally failed to
locate the source of transmission. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I tried vainly to distract my mind by listening music
and watching TV. I started my computer to look into a recent software for office work but after sometime, I
started digging a graphics package, which can draw the various changes of the
same face as you desire. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Rounding the sharp corners of my face, it appeared to
have a feminine look and appeared quite a good-looking face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">As I got up in morning and went to the washroom for a
shave and bath, I was about to shout but controlled myself. I might not need a
shave anymore. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">This morning, I was wondering where from so much hairs
came to my bedroom. As I undressed, I
got the answer. Well! Even after nightlong work by my soul, it is still a work
under construction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Leaving my head portion, someone as if removed neatly
all most all the hairs from my body and made my skin soft and smooth. However, breasts need a
little lift to be full and my genital is almost extinct.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b> <span style="font-size: large;"> On Sunday, my doctor called me, they found out a secondary cause of my recent illness i.e.sudden activation of Progesterone and Estrogen, two female hormones in my body and heavy damages of male hormone Testosterone. My male genitals might work partially but if I so wish a small incision could make an effective female genital. I solicited an appointment of pre-surgery.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> on Monday morning, at the
traffic island, a bike along with a female pillion rider stopped by my side. As the signal turned green, the
biker sped through like an arrow from a bow. However, before crossing my car,
he whistled at me approvingly and I liked it. The Pillion rider was unmistakably Rina, she looked back at me angrily. Men will be after all men only and Girls! I am beginning to know.</span></div>
pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-74496850222276382722013-11-26T06:32:00.000-08:002013-11-26T22:52:03.078-08:00Hide and Seek<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; margin-left: 0.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-US">Rohan, a school going child has many non human friends
and he can converse with them. One of such friend, the school-bus took him and
all other school mates to a forest to enjoy the carnival and sports event of
the inmates of the forest. However, the guardians and the teachers of the
children trace them in the midst of the carnival and took them back. The disappeared school bus was granted a
shelter in the forest by the King of <st1:place w:st="on">Forest</st1:place>
Shri Modhusudan who is also a friend of Rohan- his Modhu dada.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Strange things would happen today and what
a fool I am. I could not follow the advanced information of it as told by Modhu
Dada or from the chirping of the Morning birds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">It hit my mind as our school bus instead of
crossing the bridge on the river took U turn and moved towards the bumpy
meandering road of the reserve forest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Except me, all other schoolmates in the bus
panicked and screamed “Has the Driver become crazy?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">“The steering, brake nothing is working.
The bus has become crazy.”</span></b><span lang="EN-US">
The driver and cleaner ran out from the cabin and shouted at us to jump out
from the slow moving bus. They did not wait for us and slid from the bus one by
one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Our school bus continued its slow but
steady movement in the forest road. By then all my school mates stopped panicking
and got the smell of funny things ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> We
saw the fat bus driver skidded and fell on the ground. His tummy appeared like
a live hairy hillock heaving up and down. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The baboons from the trees on either side
of the forest road giggled and roars of laughter from us encouraged them to
continue further. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Our bus also joined us in the laughter and
then broke the long silence to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Normally we greet each other everyday as I
ride on the bus but today we both forgot. He frequently used to tell me that he
got bored in plying from going and coming from the school daily and want to get
rid of it. We also feel none the less but dared to do anything. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Believe me, all objects around us talk in
their language and they understand and talk our language. With few days’
effort, all of you can understand their languages easily.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Our school bus said “Rohan, are you afraid
or enjoying my actions”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">“We all are enjoying buddy but what are
your plans?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">“Soon I am going to stop just near the bank
of the river. Your fun world is just
there and waiting for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The bus stopped on a flat ground just near
the bank of the river. Some of my school mates were scared to spot few bears
hiding in the bush. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">We saw a big black bear came out from the
bush with two leaf cones in his hand,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">“Hey friends, Welcome to our forest. Come
out! The bees sent these two leafy cones full with fresh honey to all of you.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">My friends saw me to embrace the senior bear
and they all came out from the school bus and snatched the Leaf-cones from my
hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">I was surprised to hear the fluent but with
a different accent Hindi that the entire Beer family can speak. However, we all
could follow their Hindi nicely. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The family of bears ushered us to a big
banyan tree and we all sat comfortably under the cool shed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> The
senior bear told “We are glad to have you on our festival day. Soon our king
shall arrive to inaugurate the day long sports and carnival. Although he is
visible to those who love and believe him but for today all can see him”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">One of my friend said in a trembling voice “Shall
all the animals of forest take part in the sports? Are there any ferocious and
dangerous animal?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The senior bear frowned and said “Not
animal, better call friend instead. This is King Modhusudan’s area and nobody
can be dangerous or ferocious. Due to his blessings, all our friends understand
and speak each other’s language including yours also. For your kind
information, our big cat friend’s family lives on milk donated by Bison
friends.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">One of us said in a hushed voice, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">“Big cat means Tiger.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Everyone forbade “Shhhh! Shhhh!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> My
heart thumped and hair’s raised on hearing the name of King Modhusudan. My
Modhu Dada is also not visible to all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Once I missed my way from the tutor’s
residence to my house. It was getting dark and soon I started weeping. Someone,
a little elder to me and with a flute in his hand wiped my tears and showed the
path to house. He told me “I am your friend. Call me whenever you want me to
help you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">I looked at him, his honey colored
complexion, a friendly ever smiling sweet face with thick jet black curly hairs
on his head was very soothing to look at.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> I said “Your voice is so sweet and may I call
you Modhu Dada?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">“Yes please.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Since then, he meets me whenever and wherever
I call him or need his help and nobody can object to his presence because none can
see him or hear our talks, not even the whispers between us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Our
friends of the forest started arriving. The Members of Monkey and bear family
were the volunteers of the carnival and they arranged everything for the guests
as well as the participants of the sports. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Various
types of birds started landing from the sky followed by squirrels and monkeys
through their tree route and the herds of Bison, impala and Jackal from various
parts of the forest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">A snob Tiger family arrived with fresh
creamy milk smeared on their face but it appeared that other friends of the
forest might take more time to accept them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The Elephants were the last to come and we
heard from the whispers of our new friends of the forest that this time the
Elephants got the chance to become the official carrier of King Modhusudan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">A family of Parrots opted to look for us
and in fluent Hindi they were telling us the various events of sports. The participants may take part in any game
but it must be out of their comfort zone. Impalas can not take part in long
jump or race, they and elephants may compete with each other in swimming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Our class monitor laughed and pointing towards
the chubbiest boy in our class said, “Include his name in the Swimming.”. There
was a roar of laughter but the head parrot cautioned us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">“The yellow birds spotted the Tusker
carrying Our King. Today the King is visible to all, he wishes so.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Within minutes, Yellow colored birds came
down at bush height and a sweet melody from flute filled the entire big field.
All said in their hushed tone “He is coming, the King is coming”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">A Tusker appeared at a long distance
flanked by baby elephants on either side. The flute player was on the Tusker
back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The Tusker stopped in front of us, the King
of Forest got down and all my schoolmates saw him clearly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">In his royal dress; a light yellow royal
gown with gold embossing and a gold headgear with Peacock feather on the top,
he was looking little different but the smile on his honey colored face with flute in his hand, he was none but
the same Modhu dada.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The volunteers were about to usher him
towards the small hillock type podium but looking at us he shook his head and
said<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">“I shall better be with my new friends”.
The monkeys immediately tied few cane sticks with the hanging roots of the
banyan tree and made a cradle for him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The bear and Monkey heads approached him to
inaugurate the sports and Carnival. Modhu Dada said<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">“We shall begin with the dance item. Tell
everybody to prepare for the community dance.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Modhu Dada looked at us and said “I shall
play few dance tunes but how many of you can accompany me with supporting
music”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Nitish Said “We shall manage. but right here….”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Modhu Dada said “Tell me what you need”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">“We need dholok, big drums, bongo, guitars
and accordion”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">“And here they are, just pick them up,
possibly they are tuned also. Anyway have a look.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">He played a tune and we quickly tuned up
our musical instruments. It was quite a team,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">As soon as we started, the peacocks hopped
in and started a Chhou with a loud applause from the entire audience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The squirrels could not sit anymore on the
tree tops but joined the peacocks with jumping up and down matching with the
tune. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The chain reaction started first in the
group of impalas followed by the bison and the tiger family leaving their
respective places and joining the dance arena. Finally, the Herd of Elephants
standing at the outermost of the ellipsoid gathering, joined and the tremors were
none the less than earthquakes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Now the entire community started dancing
raising their limbs up and down and continuously chanting “Hey Modhusudan!
Modhusudan!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Modhu Dada from the beginning remained at
the center playing his flute with tunes after tunes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The pleasure we got erased our all nagging,
boring and ruthless monotonous daily routines and the immense joy filled our mind
and we did not know when we also like others started dancing and chanting
raising our hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">We heard heavy shouting from a crowd
approaching us. We recognized these anxious voices calling us are from our
Parents, Teachers and also our Principal madam. So much of human voice scared our friends of
forest. Modhu dada raised his hand and with a smile forbade them to worry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Pointing to us he told them “Let these kids
go back to their worried teachers and parents. We shall continue here but shall
be invisible to all of them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Our school bus stared weeping and said” Hey
Modhusudan! Save me from them. My owner shall tow me to garage and there the mechanics
shall torture me for today’s behavior.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Our parents and teachers located and hurriedly
reached to us. Most of Our Guardians, our Principal Madam, some of our teachers
along with the school bus staff came. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Seeing us unhurt, they were relieved. Our
Principal Madam said “From a long distance, we were hearing the calls of many
wild animals. Thank god all of you were safe.” Raising her voice she rebuked
the Bus staff, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">“You people better replace that bus. I
don’t want that bus again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">“Yes Mam. But that bus disappeared, we are
trying to locate it. Perhaps, it has gone down the gorge.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">“That’s your headache, we are leaving right
now.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">We checked our smiles as we knew where the
Bus is. Our guardians ushered us to a brand new bus. <b>We were both sad and
happy.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US">We
were sad because we won’t be able to see our Bus friend and happy because <b>Modhu Dada has allotted a new location for him. From now onward, down the gorge, our
Monkey friends shall have a good place to play hide and seek game. This bus has
many places to hide, no one else knows better than us</b>. </span>pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-11123252717936694582013-09-03T23:01:00.000-07:002013-12-02T05:54:53.422-08:00A Trek to Dev Bhoomi for the Devas –part-8<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; font-size: 18.0pt;"> MIRACLE STILL HAPPEN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the roof top of Devlok
hotel we saw the snow capped mountains and the outside view of Badrinath ji
temple. We stood in the Kilometer long queue for the Darshan. Meanwhile, we
heard folktales from Prof Nanda and her students about Lord Badrinathji. It is believed that Badrinath
ji fulfills the sincere prayers. I prayed to him only for a heartfelt Darshan as
long as I want. However, the devotees were allowed for a spilt second Darshan. During the turn of our Darshan a miracle happened.</span></span></i><i><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
LINKS TO OTHER PARTS FROM 1 TO 8 ARE GIVEN AT THE END.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJY9dKzuepyB8Rjd_HocAkdxZVZhl7HOCbnzu_8bfS9xvDA8EdZlfm6c1p64vP5F1L4zXXils9R65JAU040wHypLBU0Trg1gXL4DE4aFJ6SOjRjjiC3shhzh2Bf7jBUCau_b0CUZ0YTM/s1600/20120903193602+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJY9dKzuepyB8Rjd_HocAkdxZVZhl7HOCbnzu_8bfS9xvDA8EdZlfm6c1p64vP5F1L4zXXils9R65JAU040wHypLBU0Trg1gXL4DE4aFJ6SOjRjjiC3shhzh2Bf7jBUCau_b0CUZ0YTM/s640/20120903193602+%25281%2529.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Hotels, Markets,
shops and food shanties, grown more than mushrooms, obstructed the view on the opposite
bank of the Alakananda and the temple. Previously from the Hotel of GMVN, one could
view the golden yellow gate of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Badrinath</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Temple</st1:placetype></st1:place>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcjKJ9CfKaaQecvK4dyVMA1U08XFa2EcOVUFGMK0iFM19Dv2qM2DHaBus5OD8FwdujgrS_nJEVfQuKRx9e3j7EfTMOkflvs-yVvNqyO9eLtE8mbV-Ln4uzB30eRHzVsj7CxasWAGvC0U/s1600/20120903194258+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcjKJ9CfKaaQecvK4dyVMA1U08XFa2EcOVUFGMK0iFM19Dv2qM2DHaBus5OD8FwdujgrS_nJEVfQuKRx9e3j7EfTMOkflvs-yVvNqyO9eLtE8mbV-Ln4uzB30eRHzVsj7CxasWAGvC0U/s640/20120903194258+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">At the GMVN reception, we were delighted to
get a temple visit ticket at a scheduled time of 6.30 PM. We were unaware that this is just a farce and
meaningless thing and wasted few hours in the hotel for freshening up and
looking around the whole place from the rooftop, instead of saving the time by
standing in the queue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQO92QYodxTq-JmImw3JH4MfProfgPh02axOds57Gm2KuHVIciod7Ib_m6tTC-wmBK7kVEgPMz6JIvJNUAx7ee4xeWfiY61EBkoXa0SxE-KfTZWk3vgMecNYKysN8sInHmzZp234KBB4U/s1600/20120903215817+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQO92QYodxTq-JmImw3JH4MfProfgPh02axOds57Gm2KuHVIciod7Ib_m6tTC-wmBK7kVEgPMz6JIvJNUAx7ee4xeWfiY61EBkoXa0SxE-KfTZWk3vgMecNYKysN8sInHmzZp234KBB4U/s640/20120903215817+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">From the roof top, viewing from our telescope
with 100x zoom, both of us saw <b>snow
capped Nar and Narayan Parbat, Badrinath
and Nilkantha peaks beside the exterior view of bright
yellow painted around 15 m tall Badrinath Temple with a small gold cupola on
the top.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxM-vlv50AaqNeBAgQx5jPRodAvZGjWmygZxmUQFzmR95clnDZdoDWgBC7iuTBbpVhKhZ0sxXx82bAQMNEPtYP8z7sS5bltqFJYF2W8s7ZUWyFM89Bd5SufUZeK448SVR_fQ5jYtPKRD4/s1600/20120903193954+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxM-vlv50AaqNeBAgQx5jPRodAvZGjWmygZxmUQFzmR95clnDZdoDWgBC7iuTBbpVhKhZ0sxXx82bAQMNEPtYP8z7sS5bltqFJYF2W8s7ZUWyFM89Bd5SufUZeK448SVR_fQ5jYtPKRD4/s640/20120903193954+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Focusing on the
broad stairways leading to the tall arched gateway of the main entrance and the bright yellow painted facade with
arched windows she said “ The over all appearance and the bright painting of
the exterior of the temple may have influences from Buddhist vihara architecture. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-size: 18pt;">But tell me one thing; are the cupola and the golden colored roof made of
gold?”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">I said, “I
heard the cupola is made of gold but the roof is made of gold gilt.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">We crossed the
incoming bridge on the Alakananda and bought flower and the packet for the Puja
from a shop. The shop owner pointed his finger to a long queue about a
Kilometer long from the main entrance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Mrs. Nanda
called us. She along with her students was standing in the queue at a little
distance away from the tail end and said in a hushed voice, “You may stand
behind us. I already talked with others that we were all four. It is allowed
here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Reluctantly, we
agreed. The queue sometimes stand still and sometimes moving slower than snail’s speed
might take at least two to three hours to reach near the stars of the
main entrance. We need some known face for at least talking and spend the
waiting time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">On the opposite
side of the queue, there are benches and other sitting arrangements for giving
some comfort to the pain of knees and ankles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Moving Vendors
selling from tea to Gems were making a brisk business among the waiting
visitors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> With people from all parts of </span><st1:country-region style="font-size: 18pt;" w:st="on">India</st1:country-region><span style="font-size: large;">, speaking from Assamese to Tamil, it was a
mini </span><st1:country-region style="font-size: 18pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-size: large;">.
People were also in a big to small
groups. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Mother in laws
of various states, sent to pilgrimage tour by sons and daughter-in-laws, were
sharing the various tricks and rounds of power play overs. Invariably the
husbands from both the sides were either poor umpires or spectators in the
gallery and declared as cowards and useless. Husbands of them were either busy
in paying up the moving vendors for endless articles purchased by their wives
or discussing the unknown medicines or treatments for ailments like blood sugar
or pressure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Altogether, it
was a solid entertainment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Japanese
Research students of Prof Nanda standing along with us were brilliant scholars.
They are collecting the Folktales from various countries and trying to
correlate them in the light of various respective socioeconomic conditions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">The youngest of
them, dressed as a “Sanyasin” is a <st1:place w:st="on">Krishna</st1:place>
devote, active member of ISKON, has just completed an advanced course of
Bhaktiyouga at the Mayapur ashram of ISKON.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLL176KciqbzPoH9VvqTbxnl9dRJZVHGdmSgfDmvhlGmgWNWOxG4iBusq3eIHEe2k86XEgbxcIIIgIZ84OqeSVNMzNpeJutoQKc8v95tKlzWfNwFQCqaYkvdxqmpZVQn68qxjn1AynKwE/s1600/20120903193915+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLL176KciqbzPoH9VvqTbxnl9dRJZVHGdmSgfDmvhlGmgWNWOxG4iBusq3eIHEe2k86XEgbxcIIIgIZ84OqeSVNMzNpeJutoQKc8v95tKlzWfNwFQCqaYkvdxqmpZVQn68qxjn1AynKwE/s400/20120903193915+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">They narrated
few folk tales of Garhwal in Northern Himalayas and few from <st1:country-region w:st="on">Sikkim</st1:country-region> in <st1:place w:st="on">Eastern Himalayas</st1:place>
and their correlations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Legs started
paining now, we requested mother-in –laws standing in the queue before, and
after us to permit us for a tea break and they gladly agreed, as it would make
bigger review group discussions on their family problems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> We, all five of us, sat on a bench and got
earthen cups of hot tea from a moving vendor. Hot Tea relieving the pains of
muscles never tasted so good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">A big group with
wet clothes crossed us to become the last persons in the Queue presently half a
kilometer away from us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">All of them had
a holy bath in the Hot Kund (spring) believing that it sanitized them from all
the evils and sins made by them before coming here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Looking at them,
Prof Nanda said, “This Hot spring is very holy. The folk tale here is that Adi
Sankaracharya found a “Saligrm Shila” in the riverbed of Alakananda.</span></b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Later on as a reply to his prayer, he
discovered this hot spring and a cave. He placed this holy Saligram Shila in
this cave and only few persons knew this. In the Sixteenth century, King of Garhwal
saw a dream and as per the wish of Vishnu thereby he built the present <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">temple</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Badrinath</st1:placename></st1:place> ji.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">The eldest of her
Japanese student told, “This was built as per the prevailing temple
architecture of <st1:place w:st="on">South India</st1:place>. <b>The temple
consists of a “Gopuram” i.e. front tall gate followed by large pillared hall
i.e. “Mandapam” which leads to “garbha griha” or the main shrine. There are
intricate carvings of other gods on the Mandapam.”</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 18pt;">Prof.
Nanda added, “Here the one meter tall black idol of Vishnu is in meditative
pose. On the right of him, there are idols of Nar and Narayana and on the left
of him are the idols of Kubera and Narada. In the temple complex, you may also
see the idols of Laxmi, and Ghantakaran, <strike>Hanuman</strike>, Ganesha, uddhava, and garuda <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">The younger
Japanese student with a sweet and calm voice told us in fluent Hindi “There is
another folk tale here.</span></b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Vishnu became
very much anxious for the sins made by “Nar” i.e. human being. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Vishnu arrived
here from the heaven, was in the dual form of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Nar</st1:city></st1:place> and Narayana, and meditated hard in a
Mountain, which is now known as Narayan Parvat. The sins and evil powers were all terminated
by his divine power. But Luxmi, wife of Vishnu, seeing the long absence found
her Nath (husband) here and became a Badri (berry) tree to provide shed over
Vishnu during meditation. So this place was named as Badrinath. Even after
cleaning the Earth from the Sins (Kalusha), Badrinath ji was not satisfied.
There were still trails of the Sin. So he requested Mahadeva to release “Kalusha-nashini”
Ma Ganga to erase the trails of Sins. But the Earth was not capable to hold it.
Lord Vishnu divided it into tributaries like Mandakini, Alakananda, Kandakini,
Dhauli and Sarswati.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Meanwhile we
rejoined our queue and continuing our discussions. People, standing in queue
before and after us were listening to our discussions, stopped spitting on
their own near, and dear ones. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Prof. Nanda
said, “Some learned gentleman told me that if you submit to Lord Vishnu
totally, he shall pardon all your sins and your heart shall be filled with eternal
joy. There is another great thing about him. You ask anything from him with
full faith in him; he will fulfill your sincere desire provided it is not meant
to harm anyone.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Our queue
started moving and this time with a good pace. People now started concentrating
on their prayers and many were reciting continuously “Hare Krishna, Hare
Krishna”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Susmita saw
my lips moving but in silence. She whispered “What are you going to ask from
Prabhu Vishnu?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">I whispered
back “I want a l heart filled darshan of him and nothing else.”</span></b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Susmita heaved a
deep sigh “The queue is moving fast and the volunteers inside won’t let you
more than a second’s glimpse of darshan.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">I said, “I am
confident that he will definitely fulfill my prayer.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">We were about to
enter into the steps to the main entrance but suddenly all people standing
before us including Prof Nanda and her two students were allowed to enter. The
rest of the queue might move as and when the clearing signal would come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">After almost
quarter of an hour, the sentry at the gate allowed only five persons including
two of us and told us to enter the main temple as fast as we can. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">As we entered
there, a volunteer told us in hushed voice “Maintain pin drop silence and
remain here until I signal you to move.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">We both keeping
our eye opened have a heartfelt darshan with our prayers possibly more than
five minutes and left after being signaled to leave. But by that time we were
unable to see and stand as eyes of both of us were filled with continual flow
of tears and we were shivering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">We believed
that he would grant our prayers and it happened so miraculously. The place was
so much crowded only few minutes before and no one was allowed a “Darshan” for
more than few seconds. But lord Vishnu allowed us to have a darshan as long as
we could, as long it would take to fill our mind.</span></b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">The pleasure of
being near to him really washed out all our accumulated sins, sorrows, insults,
neglects, and deprivations and this ecstatic joy shivered us even after leaving
the temple complex. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Prof Nanda was
waiting outside for us, ushered to a food stall, and ordered hot milk. We
narrated the entire incident, they were silent for few minutes, and finally </span><b style="font-size: 18pt;">Prof
Nanda spoke to us “Try to calm down. I still say miracles do happen but it
could be coincidental with some regular events of the temple in which you were
allowed.”</b><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Her Sanyasin Japanese said “Right now I remember
one important event of Mahabharata. The inevitable war was about to start. Arjuna and Duryodhan both went to Sri Krishna to solicit his help. Left to
choice, Duryodhan opted for the Narayani sena of Sri Krishna but Arjuna liked
unarmed Sri Krishna to accompany him and move his chariot.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">I shook my head
“are you trying to….”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">“No I only
wanted to say you wanted only him and he answered your prayer. Even now if you
close your eyes, you will see him in front of you. That is enough for anyone to
be inspired for any work to begin”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Next morning we
departed from Prof Nanda and his team at Mana village. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rGhyuDrBDjy1mQdn7gDEFMeE2HncObNdEQACgVYiQXXi8Ihz1ztg70vMB4ASHrkq08-f5COfKp_CvICuVws07uwYpgfyOHp1_aNXUyHt_ZR7mqmdLsolyIpI5ufTZSLc6Go9A_bNNrs/s1600/20120903220225+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rGhyuDrBDjy1mQdn7gDEFMeE2HncObNdEQACgVYiQXXi8Ihz1ztg70vMB4ASHrkq08-f5COfKp_CvICuVws07uwYpgfyOHp1_aNXUyHt_ZR7mqmdLsolyIpI5ufTZSLc6Go9A_bNNrs/s400/20120903220225+%25283%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">This is the last Indian
village, nearest to Indo-china border. In one of the cave here, Baisdev wrote
the great epic Mahabharata. Even now, lot of “Saadhus” live in the caves here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Prof Nanda and
her team would stay for few days in Mana village, interview the Saadhus of the
caves and village folks, and look for few old manuscripts written on Palm
leaves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">This
was our quest for “Him” but dormant inside us until this visit. In this trip to
Dev Bhoomi we felt “ He “ is not enclosed only in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Temples</st1:place></st1:city> but spread in the nature all around
us. Before starting the “Puja” we first clean the place but why not the Nature
polluted by us?</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
THE LINKS TO ALL THE PARTS FROM 1 TO 8</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 1</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-1.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-1.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 2</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-2.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-2.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 3</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/trek-to-devbhoomi-for-devas-part-3-we.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/trek-to-devbhoomi-for-devas-part-3-we.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 4</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-4.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-4.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 5</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-5.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-5.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 6</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-6.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-6.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 7</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-7.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-7.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 8</div>
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-8.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-8.html</a></span></span>pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-72234660293705028912013-09-03T20:03:00.000-07:002013-09-03T23:56:55.251-07:00 A Trek to Dev Bhoomi for the Devas –part-7<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> <b> On the way to Badrinath and unknown folktales</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; font-size: 18pt; padding: 0in;">While crossing Karna Prayag,
I told Susmita the folktale about this Prayag. Prof. Nanda Kaushal accompanied
by her two Japanese two students doing research work in Folktales joined our discussions and we learnt a lot in
this discussion.</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXcOj0YjDMWtBvB5Cv3zaVFLahFKJoRkEBiUQREElP9T06BWVEU4v2J-ufhG-GPDT-r8jyzrJmnfAepx1ljLB4Bfonk5hYQPVLKfdVIPBcGzbFvg_Aj77eSQURBvFW685JZ6oLWCz9zs/s1600/20120903001542+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXcOj0YjDMWtBvB5Cv3zaVFLahFKJoRkEBiUQREElP9T06BWVEU4v2J-ufhG-GPDT-r8jyzrJmnfAepx1ljLB4Bfonk5hYQPVLKfdVIPBcGzbFvg_Aj77eSQURBvFW685JZ6oLWCz9zs/s640/20120903001542+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">( LINKS TO OTHER PARTS FROM 1 TO 8 ARE GIVEN AT THE END)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">On the way to
Badrinath, our vehicle stopped for lunch break after Karnaprayag and we opened
our eyes. We learnt to sleep comfortably even in bumpy roads. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Other co-
passengers on the vehicle were leaving for Lunch in the adjoining dhaba. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Susmita shook
her and took out two packets of Biscuit, one 100 gm pack of Roasted <u>Kaju</u> and
few dry fruits. It was only my advice not to take any heavy food while going up
or down in a hilly road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">As we finished
our dry lunch, I said “Aha! We crossed Karna Prayag, the confluence of Alakananda
and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Pindar</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Rivers</st1:placetype></st1:place>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">She said, “I
heard about Pindar Glacier, below the <st1:place w:st="on">Nanda Devi</st1:place>
range.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">“Right you are.
This river originates from that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">She said
“Then why the name is Karna Prayag?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">I scratched my
head “Now I remember. Karna of Mahabharata meditated here for long and finally
was successful to meet his actual father Surya dev. Surya dev rewarded him with Kavacha (amour)
and Kundal (Ear ring) which made Karna formidable. However, just before the war of Mahabharata, Karna
donated them to a Brahmin as he promised to that Brahmin.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">She heaved a
deep sigh “In Mahabharata, I have a soft corner for him. I also heard Swami
Vivekananda also meditated here for eighteen days.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Unfortunately,
last time, during the feasibility survey for Hydro power I did not find any
place preserved here in his sacred memory.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">A middle-aged
lady with a scholarly and university Professor Type look joined our discussions
“There is a temple built by ADI Sankaracharya known as Karnashila where besides
Karna there are idols of Parvati, Mahadeva and Ganesha.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> I could not stop myself saying “<b>The birth
of Karna and Pandavas were from a similar process of act of kindness from the
Devas. This part of <st1:place w:st="on">Himalaya</st1:place> is Dev Bhoomi. I heard that in historic past, the some
of the people here used to have a common wife as Draupadi of Mahabharata. There
was also a system of sacrificing life by the elders of the family by jumping
from the Hills similar to the “Mahaprasthan” of Mahabharata. From all these may I make a wild guess that
Pandavas might be related to People of <st1:place w:st="on">Himalayas</st1:place>.”
<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> The lady said “I teach comparative literature
and I do know not anybody did some research on it. But what you thought is
interesting.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">We saw a small
rivulet with deep blue waters flowing at very high speed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> I said, “That may be river Nandakini. We are
about to see Nandprayag, the confluence of Nandakini with Alakananda.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">The Lady said,
“I heard a popular folktale about this Prayag”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Susmita said “Oh
go on please.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Lady <b>resumed
“Nanda Raj and Yashoda meditated for long and finally Bhagwan Vishnu was
pleased and agreed to born in their house as <st1:place w:st="on">Krishna</st1:place>.
However, he already promised the same to Devaki and Bosudev. So he amended that
he would born first to Devaki's but Nanda raja and Yashoda would become his
foster parents from the same night.”</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">At the outskirt of
Joshimoth, our vehicle stopped and stood at the tail end of the more than
Kilometer long queue of the stranded vehicles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Meanwhile after
initial exchanges of introduction we requested the lady to have tea with us in
the adjoining tea shop. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">She is Nanda
kaushal and Professor in Hindi literature and now on a fieldwork with two of
her Japanese research students on a project of Folklores of Himalayas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Susmita became
her fast friend and I said, “You two would get along nicely because Susmita’s
nickname is Aloka and yours Nanda and both in combination make a great river
Alakananda.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">The vehicle
started moving and I said, “Soon the last of the Prayags Vishnu Prayag, the
confluence of Dhauli Ganga and Alakananda can be seen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Nanda shook her
head “Further upstream there is one more Prayag. Just near Mana village,
Sarswati river meets with Alakananda and after this Alakananda flows near <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Badrinath</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Temple</st1:placetype></st1:place>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuXcAwoFXC4vAZapKwr8DyqdCN9KSo2keUGdS6t2ZTmPNZpwL0cfXAny_uUVjShS1sF_3juxZPD3tuaDBDyn_Ttskmoe6uZ7ZrF12tk6-tKPUWitMrBMXlz1NkyUsWpVVcCmeORoqxwsg/s1600/20120903055650+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuXcAwoFXC4vAZapKwr8DyqdCN9KSo2keUGdS6t2ZTmPNZpwL0cfXAny_uUVjShS1sF_3juxZPD3tuaDBDyn_Ttskmoe6uZ7ZrF12tk6-tKPUWitMrBMXlz1NkyUsWpVVcCmeORoqxwsg/s640/20120903055650+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">We
were just a few kilometers away from Badrinath town and crossing a bridge.
Actually, there was a Glacier here. <b>The snow line receded back to few Kms
away and now we could trace it from here in the slopes of the adjoining
mountain.</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
LINKS TO PART 1 TO 8 ARE GIVEN BELOW.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 1</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-1.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-1.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 2</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-2.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-2.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 3</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/trek-to-devbhoomi-for-devas-part-3-we.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/trek-to-devbhoomi-for-devas-part-3-we.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 4</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-4.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-4.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 5</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-5.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-5.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 6</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-6.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-6.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 7</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-7.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-7.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 8</div>
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-8.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-8.html</a></span></span>pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-10013077217870518272013-09-03T08:05:00.000-07:002013-09-04T00:00:42.334-07:00A Trek to Dev Bhoomi for the Devas –part-6<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> </span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 18pt;"> Night halt of Siyalsaur and a memorable Night.</span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<i><span style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; font-size: 18pt; padding: 0in;">There was everything to celebrate the most important occasion for
two of us, solar candle lit dinner on the bank of hills surrounded meandering Mandakini,
self-composed music and dance by a young couple. This was our night-halt at Siyalsaur
on the way to Badrinath ji.</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">(LINKS TO OTHER PARTS FROM 1 TO 8 ARE GIVEN AT THE END.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Guptkashi
appeared to be a big place on the way to our <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Night halt at
Siyalsaur. The sound of traffic and
glares of light from the shops and houses broke our sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Bade papa gave
us a tip and accordingly we soaked our feet </span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">for
hours together (until our vehicle reported) at the hot
spring waters of Gourikund. This worked better than analgesic tablets. Before
getting inside our vehicle, there were no more pain in the legs or joints and
we slept comfortably in the vehicle, even on the bad hilly road with jerks from
the potholes and bumps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXny2fPaTyK9x0nGkz129Fjn7IF-nyRqjWPbIiMEwSYgcbqSa9iaW3QM-dDe01QVlefnWaTrXDGM6Knm-vh1R4DwfO-2El5fuUACq28Ne5J_WUxj3pXHjgjkTTI6iURJ2SJUnjN9-T85c/s1600/20120902192438+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXny2fPaTyK9x0nGkz129Fjn7IF-nyRqjWPbIiMEwSYgcbqSa9iaW3QM-dDe01QVlefnWaTrXDGM6Knm-vh1R4DwfO-2El5fuUACq28Ne5J_WUxj3pXHjgjkTTI6iURJ2SJUnjN9-T85c/s400/20120902192438+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 18.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 18.0pt;"><b>Our scheduled night halt was at Tourist
Village of GMVN Siyalsaur. From this place, Tunganath via Chopta is only 50 Km.
The picturesque Deoria Taal is just 35 Km (2.5 Km trekking from Sari village.) </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDC8gQ2YOpY8cnsBYB242m5edc0d92iDKujV0Lk6sMRnrBG6FVgeCe1_T2OwPcYK6M_dOjJ3j67F_wNhg356O6br8jXZ0YCKtotQViY9IrL39tHQVI5CKhuFJqFR-xvSxoBLleLNXyBYk/s1600/20120902191901+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDC8gQ2YOpY8cnsBYB242m5edc0d92iDKujV0Lk6sMRnrBG6FVgeCe1_T2OwPcYK6M_dOjJ3j67F_wNhg356O6br8jXZ0YCKtotQViY9IrL39tHQVI5CKhuFJqFR-xvSxoBLleLNXyBYk/s640/20120902191901+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 18.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 18.0pt;"><b>There about 35 cottages on the bank of Mandakini at the “Tourist village,”
provide all the comfort that a tired mind and body deserves</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6GoL4orVEoucDNiDOwtnlxZnRJFGfw_YvkCAluGnVQS56Oen1xLqrd-vWwFjoIra4PKVRMqrsdpOLDDr3nsta5lBnTISFjOsiqRirUuWAl4miarG6o6h55IWnKkpaDaDvs1w9wkOcLo/s1600/20120902192648+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6GoL4orVEoucDNiDOwtnlxZnRJFGfw_YvkCAluGnVQS56Oen1xLqrd-vWwFjoIra4PKVRMqrsdpOLDDr3nsta5lBnTISFjOsiqRirUuWAl4miarG6o6h55IWnKkpaDaDvs1w9wkOcLo/s640/20120902192648+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">From the
outskirt of the Siyalsaur town, the vehicle traversed more than half a
kilometer on a spiral hilly road, and stopped at the “Tourist village” of GMVN.
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">As soon as the
headlights of our vehicle switched off, a blanket of darkness as if sprang upon
us neglecting the weak attempts of the dimly lit lanterns from the Reception
lobby.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">However, within
moments, someone with a magic wand lit a series of lanterns unveiling the rows
of cottages. We only learnt later on that these were badly charged solar Lamps.
The continuous flow sound of the river current indicated the presence of
Mandakini just below the cottages. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvzGONCvdK6TCIlr8TlKNxpUpFVz3VPIi5PvqBJB_57Ra31-JXgwmnj6blIEGS7oyyGh5IG4l-Ba9pab9iRRR_rtim65NwLgj7EBv-6PH9RlYLb9ZyL5LXA-JUD2Z0UUV0DIUA0SA8-U/s1600/20120902191742+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvzGONCvdK6TCIlr8TlKNxpUpFVz3VPIi5PvqBJB_57Ra31-JXgwmnj6blIEGS7oyyGh5IG4l-Ba9pab9iRRR_rtim65NwLgj7EBv-6PH9RlYLb9ZyL5LXA-JUD2Z0UUV0DIUA0SA8-U/s640/20120902191742+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">The cozy cottages
were meticulously cane furnished with weak solar lights not the smelly kerosene
lanterns. I quickly finished my bath and came outside to have a look at the
dark outside. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">However, by
that time there was dim moon light and the hill surrounded meandered Mandakini
made a soothing atmosphere. I had a brainwave.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">I whispered
something to the waiter boy who came to collect the orders for the dinner. With
an obliging node, he vanished in the darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Just beside
the barbed fence, at a lonely corner, he nicely laid a small table, two red
chairs, and two medium sized Bonfire of charcoal for us. He also managed two fully
charged solar torches looking like lighted candles at the both ends of food
tray of Hotpots. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Susmita just
loved it and looked at me. With cleavages on her forehead, she said, “Well if
you want me to begin then thank you for remembering the day and giving me a
surprise.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Emotions now
engulfed her, tears like pearl rolled down from her blinkering eyes. I
scratched my head in vain and surrendered “I do not get you. I just arranged a
dinner for two of us. Our anniversary is….” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">She looked at
me and heaved a deep sigh “You know, the thing which I like the most in you is
that you never lied to me. Well! This is the day..”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">I said “when
a sophisticated girl said Yes to a very simple boy”</span></b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">“Better correct
it, a naughty but nice..”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">I said “Thanks
for the compliment. I am hungry”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Menu was simple:
Hot tawa roti, dal, bengan bharta, Mixed Veg. and a small plate of Rosmalai for
the desert. She was busy in distributing the food items on two bright plates
except the desert a small plate of Rosmalai. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">I took out my
mobile and put on a song: my lyrics, music composed and song by Susmita. It was a waltz biased tune on a
college fest but hummed and danced by many on that evening and brought us
together</span></b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 18pt;">“Hold her hand</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 18pt;">
On your Palm,</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 18pt;">
Tell your heart</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 18pt;">
To be calm.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 18pt;">
Have, have, all the fun,</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 18pt;">
Only with her charm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 18pt;">
Hold her hand
</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 18pt;">
On your palm <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 18pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> …………….”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">She sat beside
me. We gazed at each other and started traversing back, down the sweet memory
lane of both of us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">The background
of dim moonlit Hills on the bank of the meandering Mandakini with rhythmic flow
sound of the high river current kept us mesmerized. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">The music
continued and we saw a couple who came up the stairs from the bank of Mandakini,
stopped near the lawn to hear our music.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Holding
each other’s hand and with a matching step, they danced for a while and after waving
to us, they quickly ran to their room. That night we discovered that time could
make us oldies in appearances only.</span></b><br />
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FOR LINKS TO PART 1 TO PART 8 ARE GIVEN BELOW.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 1</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-1.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-1.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 2</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-2.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-2.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 3</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/trek-to-devbhoomi-for-devas-part-3-we.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/trek-to-devbhoomi-for-devas-part-3-we.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 4</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-4.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-4.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 5</div>
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<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-5.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-5.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 6</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-6.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-6.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 7</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-7.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-7.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 8</div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-8.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-8.html</a></span>pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-70904900975342352352013-09-02T23:13:00.000-07:002013-09-04T00:03:35.306-07:00 A Trek to Dev Bhoomi For the Devas –part-5<div style="background: white; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt;">
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<i><span style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; font-size: 18pt; padding: 0in;"><br />We were shocked to learn that it was possible to avoid the long
queue for the Darshan and Puja provided we were ready to part with some money
illegally. We declined and waited for our turn to enter the temple for Puja and
darshan. Why this holy place is at such a difficult place? We overheard the most possible rational and
convincing reply from a team leader which is very similar to our recent
learning at the Pamarth ghat of Rishikesh.</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> LINKS TO PART 1 TO 8 ARE GIVEN AT THE END. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> At Kedarnath</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbvYinjghJEtkf_KcvyyA_HQeWwPGLbPqWdXDb54KTCIpo6_O8Kq-MARHTJ4atO7qT9pLdL_oqdjrG3cT1UusFjHzM8gaHzoamjBc0BS66bLkwNimjWLaMT-ObqqvLNmRmX5midiF2ac/s1600/20120901185029+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbvYinjghJEtkf_KcvyyA_HQeWwPGLbPqWdXDb54KTCIpo6_O8Kq-MARHTJ4atO7qT9pLdL_oqdjrG3cT1UusFjHzM8gaHzoamjBc0BS66bLkwNimjWLaMT-ObqqvLNmRmX5midiF2ac/s640/20120901185029+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">We stood in the
long queue, about half a Km away from the main entrance of the temple. The queue
with intermittent stoppages was advancing less than snails speed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0elZ2120G09tvdwLleHFn9-goqgBJ7COEfgPCU9l04UDvblLXfRj4kVS2Y20XFMW5nIs0bjUoyzhDa73oyAde33FdM2E8mTHS0snxKCCN_Os5yVN0hRtgZg9d9SmCHcPPnIYY66PFers/s1600/20120901185454+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0elZ2120G09tvdwLleHFn9-goqgBJ7COEfgPCU9l04UDvblLXfRj4kVS2Y20XFMW5nIs0bjUoyzhDa73oyAde33FdM2E8mTHS0snxKCCN_Os5yVN0hRtgZg9d9SmCHcPPnIYY66PFers/s320/20120901185454+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">It was 7.30 PM, and
to be very optimistic, we would be near the main entrance not before 10.30 PM.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Two well-built
persons whispered something in the ears of a group of elderly persons in the queue
and whisked them away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">A thin person
came to us and whispered in fluent Bengali “Uncle, May I help you to have a
quick darshan?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">He signaled me
to come out of the queue. <b>He did not look like a tout but proved soon</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">As I came out,
he said, “I am known to the Pujari. Why should you stand in queue with Aunty
for hours together after this daylong walking when I am here? Uncle, <b>just
pay only four thousands for both of you to that Shop owner.</b> He shall give
you a ticket and show it to my friends at the gate and your darshan and Puja
shall be arranged.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Hiding my anger,
I managed to say, “Is that a special darshan ticket?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">He replied, “Do
not bother about that.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> There are no special darshan tickets from the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Temple</st1:place></st1:city> authority side. The
temple authorities should have arranged that. At least the money would have
been spent for the temple but not in the pockets of few persons through their
touts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">To lure me
further, the tout fellow said, “You spent so much, just spend a little more few
thousands only and see the Maha Arati, otherwise you may not be able to enter,
before midnight. After half an hour, the
temperature would go down to very cold. Choice is yours; I only wanted to help
you out as you are from <st1:place w:st="on">Bengal</st1:place>” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">I pushed him
away and joined back the queue. By that time, another person was negotiating
possibly in south Indian language to a big group of south Indians in the queue.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> I do not know whether these persons are
connected by any means to any Pujari of the temple but this is certainly a
racket running trouble free and successfully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">The touts could
convince many others and many temple visitors, standing behind us in the queue,
superseded us. This activity kept the
otherwise standstill queue moving and it was a tricky game similar to booth jam
technique during elections. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg071XyFhpnKU8O4ufjGf6ok4MtPsSVwjYJeQFOkgTaEVGzdMTuJsL9is9R8vKyY9vI9aM65DJ0uUQotRC_sF4yMIlHvgxN5ki6jyUyYlvpNiiVImcm82qArdpdgWvSy-lL_YA2f29iFy4/s1600/20120901185454+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg071XyFhpnKU8O4ufjGf6ok4MtPsSVwjYJeQFOkgTaEVGzdMTuJsL9is9R8vKyY9vI9aM65DJ0uUQotRC_sF4yMIlHvgxN5ki6jyUyYlvpNiiVImcm82qArdpdgWvSy-lL_YA2f29iFy4/s640/20120901185454+(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">We were unable
to see the Arati but went inside the temple and amazed to see the ancient work
of sculpture, temple architecture and a Puja much to our expectation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1psBVPckEPT81d-bmvX9NBjOjpcTqPZUax5h_3je4Ig1qdIO35QVVDLgK-_ghh7EgRoFmTOynBpXOiRledtUfH0p2tZZsLiXAeSfuzwd7HwEK4ZMvvxVpr-fWyV3UDhSEFNH3yC8Cy0/s1600/20120901183356+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1psBVPckEPT81d-bmvX9NBjOjpcTqPZUax5h_3je4Ig1qdIO35QVVDLgK-_ghh7EgRoFmTOynBpXOiRledtUfH0p2tZZsLiXAeSfuzwd7HwEK4ZMvvxVpr-fWyV3UDhSEFNH3yC8Cy0/s640/20120901183356+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">At early Morning, the snow capped mountains look different. The road was
calm. Possibly the horses, Palkis, dolis
and persons on foot for up and down journeys were yet to start. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">But few
people like us could not keep themselves indoor but preferred to enjoy the festival of Holi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHYApk5rjGlL7Cpjkitaaa6KOKJm4cVxfDDFyCltbAlPER4L5xEcGKzoecJ0XtZZ6luw0v4VXi765xAkdBbw12XFou_Wbz4ZZlv3OqvQQt8rFKNudLvcN_d1fgoBe9H_sBUr1jziSN1A/s1600/Sunset+Kedar+PKB.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHYApk5rjGlL7Cpjkitaaa6KOKJm4cVxfDDFyCltbAlPER4L5xEcGKzoecJ0XtZZ6luw0v4VXi765xAkdBbw12XFou_Wbz4ZZlv3OqvQQt8rFKNudLvcN_d1fgoBe9H_sBUr1jziSN1A/s1600/Sunset+Kedar+PKB.png" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">This is the Holi
of the Nature and we saw the white snow tops of the </span><st1:place style="font-size: 18pt;" w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Kedar</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="font-size: large;">
were smeared with Aabir by the morning Sun rays.</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">It took us only
two and half hours to walk down to Ramwara and with a comfortable margin time
we decided to have breakfast with hot fresh Pakoras, Roti and coffee. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">A group of young
men and women sat ahead of us centering an elderly man (called by them as Bade
Papa) possibly the family head who was replying to the queries of the member. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">An young lady of
the group said <b>“What if could Bhimji could have seen Mahadeva at Rishikesh and
then this temple would have been there. We would not need to do so much walking
up and down the Hilly tract.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">People in her
group giggled and before they start teasing her, Bade Papa rescued her in his
baritone voice “Can any of you answer her query?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> White trouser, Kurta, and shawl clad Bade Papa
with a tall figure, French-cut beard, and a baritone voice resembled like
Amitabh Bachhan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">The baritone
voice continued, <b>“ Kedarnath ji Temple at the Foot of Kedar mountain enlightens the Yatris to know about both the Rudra and Meditating “Roopa” of
Mahadeva with illustrations from the surrounding nature.”</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">The group was
listening to him carefully and an young man said in a low voice” I am afraid,
if you may clarify further”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bade Papa turned
to him “You must have noticed that some part of the trek was hot, some place
was pleasant with shades of tall tree and cool breeze. Some stretch was steep
with broken hill slope and some was very cold with cold waters from freshly
melted snow. These are the various “Roopa”s of Mahadev Shiva as found in nature.
</span><b style="font-size: 18pt;">Yesterday at the onset of the evening all of us saw him.”</b><span style="font-size: large;"> People in his
group were now surprised, but before they could speak out, his baritone voice
was heard again, </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">“Did you not see him when the sun rays of the setting sun
were falling on the white Kedar dome? The entire white Kedar dome appeared to
me as Mahadeva and the pale yellow
color at the top of the dome was his tangled hair.”</span></b> <span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">We kept on
walking along with that group and after some times, Bade Papa invited us to
join his group with warm welcome from others of the group. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Discussions and
walking down to Gourikund continued simultaneously. <b>If you love nature, you
may feel God. So, do an act against pollution. That is the actual “Puja” of
God. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">We learned
similar things from the small but thoughtful talk at the Arati of <st1:place w:st="on">Ganga</st1:place> at Parmarth ghat of Rishikesh.</span></b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span><br />
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LINKS TO ALL OTHER PARTS 1 TO 8 ARE GIVEN BELOW.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 1</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-1.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-1.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 2</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-2.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-2.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 3</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/trek-to-devbhoomi-for-devas-part-3-we.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/trek-to-devbhoomi-for-devas-part-3-we.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 4</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-4.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-4.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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For Part 5</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-5.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-5.html</a></div>
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For Part 6</div>
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<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-6.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-6.html</a></div>
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For Part 7</div>
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<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-7.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-7.html</a></div>
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For Part 8</div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-8.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-8.html</a></span>pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-14903765594936199322013-08-30T23:34:00.000-07:002013-09-04T00:06:40.332-07:00A Trek to Dev Bhoomi for the Devas –part-4<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span></h3>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Diminished or vanished snows on mountaintops and valley,
thin forests on hill slope and dried up fountains indicated a relative rise
of temperature as compared to my last visit, about ten years back. However, a partly melted and slided huge ice capping at
the road attracted the Yatris. At about 3 Km from Kedarnath, the Arati
of the falling setting Sun rays on the Snow capped mountains kept us spellbound. I told her the Folktale about Kedarnathji. We were very eager to Visit Kedarnath us but unaware of the shock and disbelief
waiting for us. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>(links to other parts 1to 8 are given at the bottom of the page</b></span>)</div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">
YATRA FROM GOURIKUND TO KEDARNATH<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">With two backpacks on our shoulders and sticks on our hands, we
started climbing up the narrow road with hair- pin bends from Gourikund to Kedarnath.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4NVg3ostmKjkio-etzTeeT0imQRfrtXWOz0BbbKeE99L5QEmrsb91snGQdWZknhZaDm4Oxxq6a0-Wd9jYxVcPWkxA31tXYzhW4Eg4rVFIGjMS3zVM-QsYS0q9HsWBKUMxSZXjud9Ne4/s1600/20120831060654+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4NVg3ostmKjkio-etzTeeT0imQRfrtXWOz0BbbKeE99L5QEmrsb91snGQdWZknhZaDm4Oxxq6a0-Wd9jYxVcPWkxA31tXYzhW4Eg4rVFIGjMS3zVM-QsYS0q9HsWBKUMxSZXjud9Ne4/s320/20120831060654+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">The traffic jam from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Rampur</st1:city></st1:place>
to Gourikund delayed our planned start off from Gourikund by four hours. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Although failed to manage incoming vehicle parking, <b>the state
govt. made nice arrangements of prepaid Horses, Palkis, and Dollis ending all
the bargains.</b> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KN9Fsu6IrXwf_Urecniz19APwDwW5Px2ZncAhs3HViYPXFV6fQAUbH9-9zbdqOWIJdIDtNP28YVuG2jb34e5TtZcgBkcHBITJ4O6e1k9e_lWhK4wcXz8B1qMkgbUYqKhMcs3afUb-Ik/s1600/20120901001029+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KN9Fsu6IrXwf_Urecniz19APwDwW5Px2ZncAhs3HViYPXFV6fQAUbH9-9zbdqOWIJdIDtNP28YVuG2jb34e5TtZcgBkcHBITJ4O6e1k9e_lWhK4wcXz8B1qMkgbUYqKhMcs3afUb-Ik/s640/20120901001029+(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_WTnAXvMSs4t7dDkUIOvmJ0eFFbw8TmQCe9O0eMQSNnDbCO76Y2D_ycFeBWF6Emo-TBYo0O0E8AwpX3dfOfwgv_QyyzN30rSQg5FLVzXX18J-DQ36mDhpK34TuynKeiDFdKw12fYN0U/s1600/20120901001029+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_WTnAXvMSs4t7dDkUIOvmJ0eFFbw8TmQCe9O0eMQSNnDbCO76Y2D_ycFeBWF6Emo-TBYo0O0E8AwpX3dfOfwgv_QyyzN30rSQg5FLVzXX18J-DQ36mDhpK34TuynKeiDFdKw12fYN0U/s640/20120901001029+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Depending on the weather clearance, there are <b>regular
helicopter services throughout the day, which takes about 14 minutes to reach</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5_SHNP-ScWvMnjC5uo1EEm7vG0OGDtvtewKQlalDNqacLIiNcuN82hWZ9Y-0mHtDlRGNY9zXwgrFVySJNSd5Y5X8lMsjKT81box_LPHJDUd24l9AaAhOt6lbXH3dLskDuqgOagQIzKg/s1600/20120901054755+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5_SHNP-ScWvMnjC5uo1EEm7vG0OGDtvtewKQlalDNqacLIiNcuN82hWZ9Y-0mHtDlRGNY9zXwgrFVySJNSd5Y5X8lMsjKT81box_LPHJDUd24l9AaAhOt6lbXH3dLskDuqgOagQIzKg/s640/20120901054755+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><b>Like our population, every other thing on this road such as the no
of Pilgrims, Horses, Palkis, tea shops etc increased exponentially since my
last visit on the same road</b> about ten year’s ago. However, the width of the
road remained the same because of slope cutting restriction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Keeping in mind, the altitudes, and the total climbing distance on
a hilly road of average gentle gradient, <b>we planned our halts at every 1.5 Km
with fruit juices, dry fruit, and Biscuits and occasional coffees. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQ3hedKUOgXvgiuG9X7f0eEkWDNNkaP1ZunN2GtwJ6SyA3m4vdeMLQ8U-LZM42fxLE19E9gBOvowtBT5BC4SeP32gYxdybY4DLhXAf9QwK1KIdtvpAh-BiudHz1SNbXSgW3ZxL85dirU/s1600/20120831215704+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQ3hedKUOgXvgiuG9X7f0eEkWDNNkaP1ZunN2GtwJ6SyA3m4vdeMLQ8U-LZM42fxLE19E9gBOvowtBT5BC4SeP32gYxdybY4DLhXAf9QwK1KIdtvpAh-BiudHz1SNbXSgW3ZxL85dirU/s400/20120831215704+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">We plan in a similar way while exploring for minerals on a hilly
terrain and I worked in both the Eastern and <st1:place w:st="on">Northern
Himalayas</st1:place>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Susmita accompanied me on those trips and we both were used to
climbing up for longer distance in tougher Himalayan terrains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">However, this time the plan based on the entries of my own diary
failed badly as the entire set up of climate changed abruptly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXH8zwk4mHiUZVUswq_YH3cGuz1XmCCfL8gKz0yJN0CzCR_uZw6ZmRlGC_37Iro3hW8YC9QQe78eZuSwzuTuadCcf0sXhjnvuE6FIX6zrvIJiunY_jmoHJyIabtMGCb9u8aikPZUCDtsY/s1600/20120901022614+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXH8zwk4mHiUZVUswq_YH3cGuz1XmCCfL8gKz0yJN0CzCR_uZw6ZmRlGC_37Iro3hW8YC9QQe78eZuSwzuTuadCcf0sXhjnvuE6FIX6zrvIJiunY_jmoHJyIabtMGCb9u8aikPZUCDtsY/s640/20120901022614+(2).jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">To make up the loss of time we skipped two halts but compelled to
take rest beside a semi dried up hill spring. Our light woolen garments and the raincoat were wet not by the usual
occasional rains of early May, but by our own sweats. We kept them in the
backpack in a plastic bag and wore Jeans and T- shirts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> We trickled into Zigzag ways amid the crowds to
walk faster but the incoming and outgoing Horses coming continuously along with the
smell of their urine and heaps of stools made the traverse real uphill and tricky task.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">We reached Ramwara, just at the middle of the trek, before our
expected time, wiping out the loss of time. This place with no. of restaurants,
Dhabas and few Hotels appear as a small town.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Unlike other Pilgrims, we avoided any lunch but consumed only a
pack of date, roasted cashew nuts, and coffee to keep us fit for the remaining
trek of six Km, steeper than the rest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Just lifting my head from the map I did not find Susmita and a
cold wave ran in my spine. The valley side here is very unstable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">She called me before I could yell. She was there, about 50 m up,
just near a culvert on a tiny hilly tributary. A big hard icecap from the
mountain probably rolled down the slope few days ago and became standstill just
before that culvert. The ice melted partly and now appeared as several ice
caves. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6lDQjg_mShA5l7mEWQZ51v9__2RluJY80fSCCafUEwr5EbNZjZeSVkI6avvfASI_Ns4ndld4Z61adKz3jmNR1yynfyJTplkg0Y0FhX6UHZRoKnofPi7sglk6nn4MjBIfwbGxes8l26E/s1600/20120901054501+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6lDQjg_mShA5l7mEWQZ51v9__2RluJY80fSCCafUEwr5EbNZjZeSVkI6avvfASI_Ns4ndld4Z61adKz3jmNR1yynfyJTplkg0Y0FhX6UHZRoKnofPi7sglk6nn4MjBIfwbGxes8l26E/s640/20120901054501+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">When I reached there, she was already inside the cave and busy taking
snaps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">I had to remind her that till then, we were doing excellent progress and only if
we keep it up we might reach before the evening Arati at Kedarnath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">The last words as if brought her back to reality and she said “Arati
at Kedarnath! We must see that. Let’s
move then.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Completing the
last steep part of Garud choti, we both looked at the watch and felt
comfortable. Kedarnath is just a Km
away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPrVSFubu5MCZjHsbT7jSr023RtsuB4s0Od6Mxd51SDllpUrAKK1cbLXe2bhQrg-PFMwF3hTJtQPDXamDDFwZWENjlUfbsxl-xBUXUe559Bsrxc95OIgzHic9euZ5DI-QfcD2K5LR0D4/s1600/20120901190445+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPrVSFubu5MCZjHsbT7jSr023RtsuB4s0Od6Mxd51SDllpUrAKK1cbLXe2bhQrg-PFMwF3hTJtQPDXamDDFwZWENjlUfbsxl-xBUXUe559Bsrxc95OIgzHic9euZ5DI-QfcD2K5LR0D4/s640/20120901190445+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><b>We were in a
valley surrounded by snow-clad mountains on all sides. </b>Within another hour,
darkness would set in. The flow of
Pilgrims reduced to trickle making the valley silent enough to hear and enjoy the
resonated duet sound of, cold wave blowing from the Ice capped mountains, and
the flow sound of Alakananda. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Covering us with
woolen garments and Jackets, we sat comfortably on a culvert for the last two
cups of coffee. Susmita picked up a bunch of wild flowers and I tucked it on
her long black hairs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b0080; font-size: 18pt;"><br /><!--[endif]--></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Right then the dim sun rays appeared for a moment. The snow-capped peaks changed color from white
to Pale orange red but we maintained the silence, clasped hands of each other,
and saw the Arati of the nature. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">As we started moving
towards the bridge on Alakananda she broke the silence with a mild voice <b>“Dear Pundit
ji, Tell me something about <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Kedarnath</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Temple</st1:placetype></st1:place>”</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">I said, “I know
very little, mostly from the Kathak thakurs narrating Shivpurana through their
lyrical performance and something from the Net.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><b>It is so said
that Bhimji of Mahabharata was meditating hard for a darshan of Shivji who
appeared in the disguise of a <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Buffalo</st1:city></st1:place>
and disappeared at Kedarnath. Bhim ji could only touch his divine curved
shoulders. That Divine part is one of the “Jyotirlinga” The original <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">temple</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Pandavas</st1:placename></st1:place> were reconstructed by Guru
Sankaracharaya. The temple is located at the foot of Kedar parvat and Kedar
Dome from which the chorabari Glacier came down. A part of the melted water got
trapped in a depression forming the Gandhi Sarovar at about 6 KM up from the
Kedarnath temple.( This lake flooded by cloudburst triggered the Flash flood of
14.6)”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">We checked in at
GMVN’s Devlok lodge, took a refreshing warm bath, and left for Arati darshan at
the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Kedarnath</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Temple</st1:placetype></st1:place>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Possibly, there
is an invisible halo of divine attraction, the moment you see the top crest of
the Kedarnath temple and many persons including us felt it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">We were
unaware that at the same place shock and disbelief were waiting for us. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">links to other episodes from 1 to 8 are given below.</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 1</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-1.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-1.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 2</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-2.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-2.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 3</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/trek-to-devbhoomi-for-devas-part-3-we.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/trek-to-devbhoomi-for-devas-part-3-we.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 4</div>
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<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-4.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-4.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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For Part 5</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-5.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-5.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 6</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-6.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-6.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 7</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-7.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-7.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 8</div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-8.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-8.html</a></span>pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-16900908784082116022013-08-30T22:30:00.000-07:002013-09-04T00:09:11.378-07:00A Trek to Dev Bhoomi for the Devas –part-3<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: normal;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">We saw innumerable wide slide
zones and deforestation activity before and after the proposed </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">Hydro power</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"> station at </span><st1:city style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Srinagar</st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">.
Rudraprayag is </span></span></i><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">a
divine blend of rhythmic </span></i></b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">dance</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b> of water flow stepping on the boulders of
the riverbed and the roar of falling water. The folktale about Rudraprayag is
narrated. At midnight, we also enjoyed a concert of nature at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Rampur</st1:city></st1:place> which engulfed us with dormant emotions.</b></span></i><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>( links to other episodes from 1 to 8 are given at the bottom of the page)</b></span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> From Devprayag to Night halt of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rampur</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">We
stopped for half an hour for a breakfast break immediately after Devprayag.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> Alakananda is wide here with meandering turns.
We settled for Toasts without butter, coffee and sat <b>just beside the river to
enjoy the audio-visual show of the nature.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">After
few hours, we were crossing </span><st1:city style="font-size: 18pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Srinagar</st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size: large;">,
about 100 km from Rishikesh, on the left bank of Alakananda. This is an
important educational and commercial center and the last city on the plains and
the First Hydro-power station towards the upstream. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">There
are few other Hydro power projects upstream upto Vishnuprayag. Deforestation and
blasting activity took place during their constructions with simultaneous
loosening and increase of slide zones. We saw a big hiatus of any vegetation
and growth of adjoining wide slide zones. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> Minutes later, our vehicle started going up
the <st1:place w:st="on">Himalayas</st1:place> and Alakananda, down the valley,
gradually diminished to a grey silver thin meandering strip. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">However,
my Aloka, sitting beside me with a god-gifted asset of sleeping was enjoying a
comfortable nap</span></b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. I braved (because
she told me so) to tap her shoulder as the Hills and mountains throb her heart
more than my presence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">After
a few minutes, she shifted her gaze from the window of the
bus speeding across the foothill of Siwalik.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">She
said “Even at the foot hill area it is not a dense forest with tall trees. I am
yet to see any moving bird.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">“Leave
aside the birds. There are not even crickets and their continuous songs. You
can only hear..”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">She
quipped “the sound of vehicles and fill your nostrils with burnt diesel. Better
tell me about the Next Prayag.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwYMjyv4jnI8x_5Z2FRn2RWy57IzozZS3POcRAHhPBQ5Td7b79euPID-gXA2L_T2o37niCgKPkzof7zDTkVAtIM5n0VG-RuG2OBcpqkYlQrmWy-IV0mlWZrNZV53hHNKyRWzcM2Q6xEI/s1600/20120831013343+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwYMjyv4jnI8x_5Z2FRn2RWy57IzozZS3POcRAHhPBQ5Td7b79euPID-gXA2L_T2o37niCgKPkzof7zDTkVAtIM5n0VG-RuG2OBcpqkYlQrmWy-IV0mlWZrNZV53hHNKyRWzcM2Q6xEI/s640/20120831013343+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><b> “That is Rudraprayag, the confluence of Alakananda and
Mandakini. In the mythology, Narada Muni meditated here to learn music from Shiva.
Shiva was pleased and taught him so in the form of Rudra. Just at the
confluence, stairs go up to the temple of lord Rudranath on the top of a hill
from the confluence of Rudraprayag. Pilgrims also visit the adjoining Chamunda
devi”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Just then, our vehicle entered the GMVN hotel of Rudraprayag for
the lunch break. We occupied a table at the window side and ordered for a very
humble lunch of Daal-Roti as if the breath-taking feast of eyes and ears nearly
filled our stomachs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">The ecstasy of conjugation of the two rivers is not a roar but a
divine blend of rhythmic dance stepping on the boulders of the riverbed, in the
background of accompanying music</span></b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> of the ripples.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><b style="font-size: 18pt;">Just at the beginning of
a melancholic dusk</b><span style="font-size: large;">, made by the fumes of the scores of stranded vehicles;
we reached </span><st1:place style="font-size: 18pt;" w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Rampur</st1:city></st1:place><span style="font-size: large;">
at about 8 Km away from Gourikund. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc53uaEsNujs8OSb2PGwPaaL18xy_WDIz-1bH0NfG9reiMBwdcBaOUogZwquo4US_pg1X5Hn9_j26lvsH9VZ1PsQyHT2RxFPbcuP_6atfK-t8moPxdoxR8eFvtNhnwZ19Bm8_VB8gcFGs/s1600/20120831060316+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc53uaEsNujs8OSb2PGwPaaL18xy_WDIz-1bH0NfG9reiMBwdcBaOUogZwquo4US_pg1X5Hn9_j26lvsH9VZ1PsQyHT2RxFPbcuP_6atfK-t8moPxdoxR8eFvtNhnwZ19Bm8_VB8gcFGs/s320/20120831060316+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Nature at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Rampur</st1:city></st1:place>
whispers, sings, or perhaps both. Close
at midnight, we both felt the later at the forlorn rooftop of the GMVN guesthouse
of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rampur</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">After a quick early dinner, we thought of seeing the News of TV at
our room and then go for a stroll. By that time, there would be no stranded
vehicle and no more fumes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Three hours later, a cold wind entered our room through loose
window. The wind, whispered to wake us up, signaled to come
out from our room, and reach the lonely rooftop.</span></b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> We
were there for hours together and listening a rare classical concert in the
amphitheater of nature. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhO91VkM3A1sD454Gm1pNxgVpxBEDXjbnP-vLEvpisyPB90nEqJw4qB9URIzZcEVP9idQZffaXEcyXn3PM-evVfPpC2Z7A6ncABFQelCou0n8u4Y6NpxbIfTQ0icUbkQOiyozUDo6An8/s1600/20120831060654+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhO91VkM3A1sD454Gm1pNxgVpxBEDXjbnP-vLEvpisyPB90nEqJw4qB9URIzZcEVP9idQZffaXEcyXn3PM-evVfPpC2Z7A6ncABFQelCou0n8u4Y6NpxbIfTQ0icUbkQOiyozUDo6An8/s640/20120831060654+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> <b>Continuous ripples of
the Mandakini, 100 meters deep down the valley, accompanied by a battery of
Tanpura and sworod from the cluster of crickets with rhythmic classical dances of fireflies were
the distinguished performing musicians and dancer besides prompt occasional
announcements of next numbers by some anchors,
a lone Owl and few Jackals. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">We never heard before such a great concert by the artists of
nature. It filled our heart with thrill, and ignited the warmth in the veins of
both of us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> We felt the warmth of
togetherness and our lips responded by caressing each other’s.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Links to other episodes are given below</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 1</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-1.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-1.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 2</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-2.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-2.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 3</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/trek-to-devbhoomi-for-devas-part-3-we.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/trek-to-devbhoomi-for-devas-part-3-we.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 4</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-4.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-4.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 5</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-5.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-5.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 6</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-6.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-6.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 7</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-7.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-7.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 8</div>
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-8.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-8.html</a></span></span></div>
pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-70791510206608506982013-08-29T06:54:00.000-07:002013-09-04T00:14:01.512-07:00A Trek to Dev Bhoomi for the Devas –part-2<div style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; tab-stops: 333.0pt 4.75in; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">(FOR PART -1 PLEASE CLICK </span></i></b><a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-1.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-1.html</a>.<b><span style="font-size: large;"> links to other episodes 1 to 8 are given at the end.<i> )</i></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Where to we find
or feel a glimpse of HIM? I asked this question to several persons but found no
concrete answer. I worked in the eastern and <st1:place w:st="on">Northern
Himalayas</st1:place> for feasibility of hydroelectric projects, landslide
projects and my favorite subject ‘Mineral Exploration’. My wife Susmita
accompanied me in most of the times. We both felt “HE” might be in the beautiful
and sometimes spine chilling dangerous Nature of Himalaya. This quest pulled us
to visit DEV BHOOMI From Rishikesh to Kedarnath and Badrinath. Did we find “HIM”?
Two miracles happened to us, one at the beginning, saving our life and another
when he responded to our prayers to have his Darshan to the satisfaction of our soul. We felt possibly at least a very small
glimpse of “HIM” spread from the temples to the Nature outside. Recent human
activity dangerously polluted this nature for selfish gain. We also rediscovered our emotions and love for
each other . I tried to share all these things with kind readers. In Part 2 the beauty of Nature along with a folktale I heard about Devprayag is also narrated. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> FROM RISHIKESH TO DEVPRAYAG</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">In
the evening, after the Ganga Arati at Parmarth Ghat, my wife Susmita was busy packing the two
backpacks with woolen garments, medicines etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Like
other yatris to Kedarnath, the rest of our luggage shall remain in the lockers
at Gourikund. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">She
joined me soon at the sofa and looked at the Google earth Maps, I was studying
and noting down some details of the route. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Until
then I wrote:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">3<sup>rd</sup> May: From 356 m.r.l at Rishikesh to the night halt at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Rampur</st1:city></st1:place> altitude 1972m.r through Single lane
NH 58<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Travel Route</span></st1:address></st1:street><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">: <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Srinagar</st1:city></st1:place>
- Rudraprayag - Augustmuni - Chandrapuri - Kund - Guptkashi - Phata – Rampur
Night halt, Cold place) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> 4<sup>th</sup>
May, reach Gourikund( <b>GKND altitude 1982m.r.l</b>) and trek 14 Km on foot ( Hilly dirt road,
slope gentle) reach <b>Kedarnath(alt.3583m.r.l
</b>Night halt. very cold night)and walk back next morning<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">5<sup>th</sup> May, from Gourikund to Siyalsaur( Night
halt alt… ) through Guptkashi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">6<sup>th</sup> May, Departure Guptkashi and arrive Badrinath
(night stay, alt.3100m.r.l. may feel cold on the way.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">7<sup>th</sup> May departure Badrinath and back at Rishikesh on 8.5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Starting from Rishikesh end, the Five Prayags on the
way are at <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-line-height-alt: 14.4pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 18pt;">70 km (43.5 mi) Dev Prayag(DP)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-line-height-alt: 14.4pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 18pt;">140 km (87.0 mi) Rudra Prayag i.e. From DP 70KM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-line-height-alt: 14.4pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 18pt;">169 km (105.0 mi) to Karna
Prayag<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 18pt;">190 km (118.1 mi) to Nanda
Prayag;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-line-height-alt: 14.4pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 18pt;">256 km (159.1 mi) Vishnu Prayag<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Looking
at the Monitor, she said “Snow peaked mountains are only near Kedar and
Badrinath. In the photographs of your previous trip in this month of May of this
place, I saw snow peaks at distance from Gourikund. Where the snows have gone?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> I quipped, “Possibly they took shelter in the
high altitudes only”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">She
smiled and replied, “global warming! In addition, remember what Pujya Swamiji
said in the Parmarth Ghat. Every day we are polluting our environment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">The
GMVN bus would start sharp at 6.30 A.M but something kept me awake even in the
darkness of the comfortable hotel room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Gathering
the search from the Google, three things kept on nagging me. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Absence of dense vegetation at the foothill and along
the slopes of this part of <st1:place w:st="on">Himalayas</st1:place>, making
them vulnerable to become slide zones. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Irregular rainfall of few days sandwiched between
bright sunny days in May.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">All these above mentioned components along with some other volatile conditions of
atmosphere could make a fertile ground of accumulation of deep humid layer on
the top of snow peaked mountains lying under a cold and dry airflow. If this is
true, can there be a cloud burst in near future?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">If
this really happens, Met dept would raise an alarm for a cloudburst, I consoled
myself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Little
I knew that a few days after our visit, the State govt. would overlook such an
alarm for a cloudburst from the Met. Dept, which did happen and a flashflood
took place.</span></b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> Thousands of people either lost their life
or declared as lost by the state Govt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">GMVN
transport left in time and soon we were on hilly NH 58. People started liking rafting and on the way we saw no. of rafter boats and camps.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMzavOuM0bpm9bIYg_-rvj-STpXbHt-twoUBZhRvVg_V3Mo6mPKfZpsI2JahEVBu7JY17sPRXd9XQmJXbMK_XHyFwBAadKmcQv1NcY9upWt5HwooogKBX76oAzpPsNW98XW_4rK3KMb0/s1600/20120830061652+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMzavOuM0bpm9bIYg_-rvj-STpXbHt-twoUBZhRvVg_V3Mo6mPKfZpsI2JahEVBu7JY17sPRXd9XQmJXbMK_XHyFwBAadKmcQv1NcY9upWt5HwooogKBX76oAzpPsNW98XW_4rK3KMb0/s320/20120830061652+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rafting on progress on Ganga.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhOPwM7gzyqIqAikO_cU_1U3wYSj5LZWN0mU0wtTlT8rdFe-DpAPci8GOMRVXEUn59gIhyHKTEwKNI8qh_3WzNBnGFYFNckKdWGEEy7_NYUnRaLKcS9LoJNnA8DozpusGe7MH3XbCCTM/s1600/20120830201937+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhOPwM7gzyqIqAikO_cU_1U3wYSj5LZWN0mU0wtTlT8rdFe-DpAPci8GOMRVXEUn59gIhyHKTEwKNI8qh_3WzNBnGFYFNckKdWGEEy7_NYUnRaLKcS9LoJNnA8DozpusGe7MH3XbCCTM/s400/20120830201937+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> A Rafters Camp on Ganga.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Within two hours, we
crossed the Dev Prayag. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUtq1wZNcHbObn00SuqG3HpSfUEyM9aQ2danY-bUWS8E0b7MsXq-XADxFh3aEGy8PyGNCMCqU5DcB-VME7NyV21nejCivpTHIiTabIpjQaYaxwmkaN8DbzfEYtCRaBfTfDfQ1JREKDiQ/s1600/20120830222233(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUtq1wZNcHbObn00SuqG3HpSfUEyM9aQ2danY-bUWS8E0b7MsXq-XADxFh3aEGy8PyGNCMCqU5DcB-VME7NyV21nejCivpTHIiTabIpjQaYaxwmkaN8DbzfEYtCRaBfTfDfQ1JREKDiQ/s640/20120830222233(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Dev
Prayag is the confluence of Alakananda on the right bank and Bhagirathi on the
left bank as per direction of flow i.e. towards Rishikesh.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Beyond
this confluence, towards Rishikesh, we call this river as <st1:place w:st="on">Ganga</st1:place>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Our
vehicle stopped for a traffic jam but it was not boring because it stooped just
near the confluence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">We were spell
bound and Susmita broke the silence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">“<b>Look at the
striking opposite nature of both.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">“Bhagirathi, the
stronger, roaring, and foaming with blue waters meets with much calmer and pale
yellowish green Alakananda.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">She quipped
“Like years before a naughty boy met a calm girl in a seminar and proposed
her..”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">I smiled and
replied “... And they happily lived there after like these two rivers but why.
Because like that calm river she has beautiful pale greenish eyes and her nick
name is also Aloka?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">She blushed and
told, “Tell me something about this Prayag”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">“It is so said that
Sri Ram Chandra named this confluence as DEV after listening to the prayers of a
Brahmin, Dev Sharma, to meet him at this place.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Our bus started
rolling from standstill to snail’s pace and crossed the bridge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I
showed her a red colored tall temple and said, “This is the famous Raghunath
temple. People worship here 15 ft tall black granite made Ram Chandra ji.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">links to all, other episodes 1 to 8 are given below</span></b>For Part 1<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-1.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-1.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 2</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-2.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-2.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 3</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/trek-to-devbhoomi-for-devas-part-3-we.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/trek-to-devbhoomi-for-devas-part-3-we.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 4</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-4.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-4.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 5</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-5.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-5.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 6</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-6.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-6.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 7</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-7.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-7.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 8</div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-8.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-8.html</a></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-53418807546057176552013-08-28T08:59:00.000-07:002013-09-04T00:16:29.522-07:00 A Trek to Dev Bhoomi for the Devas –part-1<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> (links to all other epoisodes are given at the bottom of the page) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> Arati at Parmarth Ghat <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">A
last moment change of decision on booking dates from 14 June to 2 June for the
conducted tour of Kedarnath and Badrinath</span></b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> saved us from being entries in
the list of “Missing …” and our near and dears
to search indefinitely for us
hanging our photographs from their neck. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Rishikesh
was our starting point for the conducted tour arranged by GMVN( Garwal Mondal
Vikash Nigam) and we reached there three days in advance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I visited
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hardwar</st1:place></st1:city> and
Rishikesh in the same peak season month just before ten years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The
rush of yatri tourists have now increased by many folds along with simultaneous
growth of concrete jungles. <b>However, the environment and the rules of
construction on hilly terrains and near the riverbanks of a river originating in the high altitude mountains are overlooked
at many places.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Ganga
Arati in the evening is offered at many places in <st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region>
on the banks of <st1:place w:st="on">Ganga</st1:place> but the same at Parmarth
ghat in Rishikesh is different from other places. “Go there, see, and feel it
for yourself.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Few
of my friend told so, few pages of many travelogues wrote so and after moving
aimlessly for more than an hour in the market areas of Luxman jhula we (me, and
my wife) decided so. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">( <i>In
my earlier visit, I did not see the Parmarth ghat as the entire team was in a
hurry.)</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HrtywIn9POAFaZZwu4A54ojqGB28pwaiHLE3KUX8I_99PzYrYy0Fm2cIkdpDjWoFWCrSMc0nSNzMw9PsVKFbO8gDund3re8Fa7p7mNCgOdsY-XQRj5nTEo9iShUquDzoS_B6YCKOnIU/s1600/20120829063839(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HrtywIn9POAFaZZwu4A54ojqGB28pwaiHLE3KUX8I_99PzYrYy0Fm2cIkdpDjWoFWCrSMc0nSNzMw9PsVKFbO8gDund3re8Fa7p7mNCgOdsY-XQRj5nTEo9iShUquDzoS_B6YCKOnIU/s320/20120829063839(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> <b>We saw the beautiful idols of Arjun and Sri
Krishna riding on a Chariot, at the top of the entrance gate of Parmarth Ghat. </b><st1:place w:st="on">Krishna</st1:place> was imparting the lessons of “Parmarth” i.e.
absolute meaning of life to Arjun and inspiring him not to withdraw from the inevitable
war against his own elders, relatives, and friends. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We
appreciated the attempt of the Architect who tried to convey a great message to
all the visitors crossing this entry gate to the Parmarth Ghat of <st1:place w:st="on">Ganga</st1:place>. However,
this was just the beginning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Beautifully
maintained and clean wide stairs lead to the flowing cool waters of the river. The
landings on both sides of the stairs lead to approach to another semicircular,
10-12 feet wide platform, standing on pillars plunged under the waters of
flowing <st1:place w:st="on">Ganga</st1:place>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLT9P1IKkPNHP6ZGIKBN-me6WGuMDEfJFRf8b0QLWp7RU-G_vRfEXT0xCQEyExDyH2mheJI13_DOSoTBmqLGHVCfLzN-az9kKfY4eoWYnDVdmUdkReeMlNOCiVhH-j0u4gw-qjJycJGyA/s1600/20120829063314(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLT9P1IKkPNHP6ZGIKBN-me6WGuMDEfJFRf8b0QLWp7RU-G_vRfEXT0xCQEyExDyH2mheJI13_DOSoTBmqLGHVCfLzN-az9kKfY4eoWYnDVdmUdkReeMlNOCiVhH-j0u4gw-qjJycJGyA/s640/20120829063314(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This
platform is just facing opposite to the Parmarth ghat and on the center of this;
the tall idol of meditating Mahadeva is one of the marvels of sculpture. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The
semicircular pattern of ghat facing opposite of the Parmarth ghat provides a
better view of the Arati through all possible angles in the background of the
sound of the ripples of the flowing waters of <st1:place w:st="on">Ganga</st1:place>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Already
thousands of Pilgrims stood on this ghat and on the platform at that time but
the entire environment made the crowd to maintain silence or talk in low or
hushed voice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Only
an hour was left for the Arati and the Sun to disappear from the sky. On the
wide platform, just at the end of the bottom part of the stairs of Parmarth
Ghat a “Haman” was going on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The
offerings of Camphor and Ghee on the Fire were going on along with chanting of
“Slokas” from SOMVEDA in the precise tune.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The
disciples of Parmarth Niketan Ashram were arranging the tall brass “Deepaks” in
a row on the steps for the forthcoming
Arati. They started the Bhajans in perfect tune and soon the entire gathering
joined them by swaying their heads, clasping their hands and humming the tune
and the words of the Bhajan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Some
people like us sat at the back row near the idol of meditating Mahadeva and
possibly all were trying to feel the divine vibration as a combined effect of
Vedic Mantras of the “Haman”, Bhajans and the sound of the ripples of <st1:place w:st="on">Ganga</st1:place>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The rays of sun, which were till then appearing as
halos around the facial region of Mahadeva, were slowly disappearing even from
the top of his tangled hair. The Idol of Ganga Ji placed at the crest of
his tangled hair could be seen faintly. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Sri Chidananda Saraswati</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> (called <b>Pujya Swamiji</b>
or <b>Pujya Muniji</b> by disciples), President and spiritual head of the Parmarth
Niketan arrived and the entire gathering spontaneously stood up as a mark of
deserving respect. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkFModJu7J8p-7wTC9qLhIkKZ405Pi4dabYSSE4cdygQpZb_t3wZcN5dyB197-zknTRmN3xREvApyDeXg2g6jzAeBW-Y271-6RzvBE4mK29WMlA74whZioy7txq1_q_2CzV9xdru3TKo/s1600/20120829065857(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkFModJu7J8p-7wTC9qLhIkKZ405Pi4dabYSSE4cdygQpZb_t3wZcN5dyB197-zknTRmN3xREvApyDeXg2g6jzAeBW-Y271-6RzvBE4mK29WMlA74whZioy7txq1_q_2CzV9xdru3TKo/s640/20120829065857(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">He
joined the Bhajan group and soon his mesmerizing tune made the entire audience
to listen and join with him <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">At
the end of the Bhajan, he spoke for few minutes but it certainly could make a
mark on the minds of spell bound listeners. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Holy
Water flowing on <st1:place w:st="on">Ganga</st1:place> ji originates from the
Gangotri glacier in high altitudes. Water is one of the vital form of the
nature and the birthplace of life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>So,
Ganga Mai is not a goddess alone, she is our mother. So how can we pollute our
respected mother by throwing garbage, dead animals, thin plastic bags and sewerage waters of
cities? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The
objective of this Arati is not only a mere worship. This is also to make our
sole to wake up to this fact. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">There
may be big gathering in your house during any Puja</span></div>
<a name='more'></a>. <b>In the “Prasadam”, distribute a sapling along
with Laddu or Pera or for a change distribute only the saplings. <o:p></o:p></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>Nobody
would dare to throw the Prasadam but shall put the sapling in a proper place
and water it to grow. This is how you
will initiate a nature loving and anti-tree felling soul and a green movement
to fight against pollution.”</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnBL5mGThEoL4aeSNPEjLKClmhlmaa6bAsKFfgNq9CNsNPUCFXw3GRwLXT1hyphenhyphennA194Gl1iYlf4nXL5NQM0tckXjmxikgcu90zAXicrqXyK-5IKqCqwhDh2DYKC8qLYQ0xFJ-qD33qrEg/s1600/20120829072815+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnBL5mGThEoL4aeSNPEjLKClmhlmaa6bAsKFfgNq9CNsNPUCFXw3GRwLXT1hyphenhyphennA194Gl1iYlf4nXL5NQM0tckXjmxikgcu90zAXicrqXyK-5IKqCqwhDh2DYKC8qLYQ0xFJ-qD33qrEg/s400/20120829072815+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> Pujya Swamiji finished his speech and initiated
the Ganga Arati with a well lit tall Brass Deepak. His disciples, special
guests across <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>
and world including specialists on environmental sciences joined with him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Simultaneously volunteers and distributed many other Deepaks among the
spectators on both side and soon along with tune of Bhajans,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDn5m6K4ProXX7Lij_rpG-_j5P_gKTqF58jGDovj3hpWEvQ2l7hyR7fWhsH1nnr-BSgWjSCTDuMORz8CDAVaLwZ5_MUmQB8Y2Y1E5oHgg8TbnAruDWro2YyXPxmEtav-7gwKIRK4roT74/s1600/20120829073329(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDn5m6K4ProXX7Lij_rpG-_j5P_gKTqF58jGDovj3hpWEvQ2l7hyR7fWhsH1nnr-BSgWjSCTDuMORz8CDAVaLwZ5_MUmQB8Y2Y1E5oHgg8TbnAruDWro2YyXPxmEtav-7gwKIRK4roT74/s640/20120829073329(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
people took part in
the Arati. Just then, many pilgrims floated tiny boats of Banana leaves along
with brightly lit candles. These boats were floating and oscillating and it
looked like as if a swarm of twinkling stars have come down from the evening
sky to worship “Ganga Mai” <o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">After
an hour or so the Arati was completed crowd became thin. Few people like us
were still sitting there below the feet of Mahadeva looking at the dark sky and the illuminations near the
Ramjhola. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We two were asking Ganga Mai flowing with </span><span style="font-size: 21px;">continuous</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> tune of the
ripples “Hey Mai are you coming only from the Jata(tangled hair) of Mahadeva”. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>Did both of us heard correctly ? We heard from the tunes of ripples</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b> “Not
only from the Jata of Shivji but also from the open hearts of many like you who
now believe that I am not a river but your Mai.”</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">At
this session of Ganga Arati we learnt and felt a lot of new things. On the top
of everything, both of us could feel the divine vibration and our heart was
filled with joy and pleasure. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Really Ganga Arati at Parmarth ghat of Rishikesh
is different from other places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Next
morning on the way to Kedar, we were able to feel and hear many things from the hills, Fountains, clouds
and snow peaked <st1:place w:st="on">Himalayas</st1:place> and the Nature of
Dev Bhoomi as a whole. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">(Next part On the way to Kedar by tomorrow 29.08.13)</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">links to all other episodes from 1 to 8 are given below</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 1</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-1.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-1.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 2</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-2.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-2.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 3</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/trek-to-devbhoomi-for-devas-part-3-we.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/trek-to-devbhoomi-for-devas-part-3-we.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 4</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-4.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-4.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 5</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-5.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-5.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 6</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-6.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-6.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 7</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-7.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-7.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Part 8</div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-8.html">http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-trek-to-dev-bhoomi-for-devas-part-8.html</a></span></div>
pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-80467466080828176902013-03-10T08:06:00.000-07:002013-03-11T10:07:39.264-07:00STRANGER OF MIDNIGHT- PART 3(LAST PART) <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in;">The Story so far: The narrator of this story takes a shortcut dirt road on
his back home journey by a mistake. Just near the narrow culvert of this road,
he had to stop his vehicle as a VW car was partly blocking the approach. As he
tried to locate the driver, some hidden Goons beat him up and made unconscious.
Regaining his sense, he was driving back and
he found a black spaniel dog
inside his car. On reaching home, he saw the TV News and came to know the
kidnapping of one of his bad client, Monty Singh, near the culvert on the dirt
road. There are certain circumstantial evidences from which it appears that
as if he is involved in this kidnapping. Brushing aside this
apprehension, he was inside his bath room keeping on the News Channel. He heard the voice of Monty and baking of the
excited Pluto.</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
music channel, owned by a cousin brother of Monty, suspending its own programme
is making appeals to viewers to inform
the Police or the channel if they happen to see Monti ji in their locality with
a promise to keep the identity undisclosed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">In
between the announcements, they were also showing a video clipping of his
latest speech just a month before ended municipality election. Pluto was barking as
and when this clipping was shown but why? This is something strange. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">This
means so far there is no ransom call and Monty’s friends are yet to locate the den, where by now Monty is kept
as hostage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I
clicked to local News channel; there was no latest development like ransom
call. Now I really felt a train of cold wave was flowing through my spine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> Things are going to be tough for me. Possibly
my interrogation may start any time for now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I
called up my lawyer’s office but his office replied that he is out of town and
might return only late night or tomorrow morning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I
had no wish to go back to bathtub but I preferred to occupy the divan and
leaning on the long Pillow. Keeping the News Channel on, I once again started
rolling back the incidents. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>For
the first time in my life I realized how a person who had nothing to do in an
incident but appeared just opposite. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Goons
made me unconscious, just near the culvert. They thought that, I saw or guessed
something wrong was going on under the culvert. Later on, Police found the
remaining Kolhapuri Chappal, top lid of briefcase and some footprints under the
culvert. This confirmed my theory that
something was going on below the culvert, possibly just at the time of my
arrival. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
Bolero of same color of mine was nowhere there and surely, Monty was taken in
that Bolero before my arrival. The remaining miscreants were busy in breaking
open the briefcase under the culvert when I stopped my vehicle near the
culvert. When they made me unconscious, they
had a different brainwave. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">My
Bolero was of same color. They sprayed ether to make the dog unconscious and
kept in my Bolero. They were sure that
as soon as I would regain my sense, I
would drive away fast without looking
into anything. By the time, this dog might become comfortable with me, I
would reach highway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Everybody
would see a Sky-blue Bolero with a black spaniel at the front seat. Police
would be after the wrong Bolero and the miscreants would be able to buy
sometime to keep Monty in a distant hide out. <b>
However, few things remain unexplained. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Monty
never carries briefcase, but backpack type things. I saw the broken handle of a
briefcase and Police later on found a top lid of a briefcase under the culvert.
Possibly other party carried this briefcase and they certainly would not break
open their own briefcase.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Like
today, Monty always wears snickers and Jeans, never Kurta Pajama and Chappal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">He
never moves alone. As soon as he moves out of his residence, his musclemen wait
for him at crossings to accompany him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>If
I assume a different theory, these anomalies are explained. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Apart
from construction, Monty has a bigger business in drug trafficking. Today upon
receiving a call from a supplier, he went at this culvert place accompanied by his
goons. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">This
supplier, along with his pet dog (whom I named as Pluto),carrying the drugs in a briefcase, came in a Sky blue color Bolero at the Culvert site much
before Monty arrived. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">There
was a scuffle between him and Monty’s Gang. Either the person could not supply
the promised amount against the advance of huge sum paid by Monty or he was a
repeated defaulter of supplies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Goons
of Monty tried to snatch the brief case but only the handle of the briefcase
came out. Either this fellow tried to escape through the culvert or the goons
caught him before and pulled him under the culvert to complete their job
without any disturbance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">They
sprayed ether on him and barking Pluto. Some members of Monty’s gang carried
him in his Bolero and fled off quickly. All these happened moments before I
arrived. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">They
did a mistake in parking the Monty’s car, which made me to get down from my
Bolero. To silence me also, they made me unconscious Correcting their early
mistake of parking, they put me and Pluto in my Bolero and parked it on the opposite side of the culvert so that no
passer by be inquisitive about me or
Pluto and I buzz off as soon I get up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>This
way confusion might be created seeing a
Bolero of sky blue color with a dog in
the front seat. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>So
Monty was not kidnapped, rather he and his gang did the thing and smartly put
the blame on others shoulder to confuse the Police. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">This
is the reason why until now nobody made a single ransom call. Further, his friends are telecasting to
others to locate him to create a further confusion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Whichever
theory be correct, for me the result is the same. Soon I am bound to heart a
siren wailing Police jeep screeching to halt just at the entrance of our
residential complex. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Remembering
the consequences, I broke into sobs. I switched off all the lights and the TV
except the dim light and started thinking my plans ahead to come out of this
worst kind of Jam in my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I
did not know when I fall into sleep but a series of siren like sound pulled me
up. Oh! They have come, I felt as if my heart would come out in my hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Oh
No! It is the loud wail of Pluto. I got up to my feet and looked in the
corner. Pluto was not there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>I
shouted “ Pluto ! Pluto!” There was no response. I got up and was about to put
on the light switches and then I heard distinctly.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b> A baritone voice was saying “ Don’t cry Raja,
Don’t cry, just come to me, Don’t cry Raja, Don’t cry ” Incidentally Raja is
also my nickname, only very few people know it. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>This
voice was coming from the Balcony. I put on all the lights of my flat including
the Balcony. There was nobody in the Balcony except Pluto. I called “ Pluto”
There was no response. Now I called “ Raja”</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> Pluto pulled up for a spilt second but ignored
me. I said “ Come here Raja, come”. He refused and sat there only. It was just
midnight. I finished searching every nook and corner of my flat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I
crawled several times to the balcony and looked through the grill. The entire
complex was floodlit and I could see none except security persons making
repeated quick rounds. Finally, I gave up and went back to divan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">At
5.45 A.M, the dawn has just begun. Pluto
is missing from my flat. Vainly searching for him, I came back to Balcony. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">There
are enough gaps in the grill for a small animal like him to pass through.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> The North- South—western horizons are pale
dark and as if covered with a soft silky bed sheet of light fog. The eastern
sky has just started becoming fade pinkish red with cool morning breeze from
that side. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
wide drain of that dirt road and under that culvert passes here also and just
half a kilometer away from here. It is
much wider here with thick cover of forest. The cool breeze is coming from this
side. Sometime cool bridge flows
throughout the Night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
eastern sky, along with the cool morning breeze, is pale red now. A group of
black vultures is circling in this part on the top of the forest cover and
appearing as sharp contrast in the background of the sky, caught my sight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>The
dogs have a much powerful smelling power and if the bridge flowed in the night,
he might have smelt something. Some very sad thing happened to him in the last
midnight to wail loudly. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> I now know in which direction Pluto alias Raja
has gone. The complex main gate is in this side only. A police Jeep screeched
to halt at the main gate of our complex.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">A wail like loud sob
came in my throat but failed to exit. I just heard the same baritone voice. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>Someone, invisible but very near to me, was calling me by my nick name “ Don’t
cry Raja, Don’t cry, things will be all right,
Just don’t cry.”</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">FOr Part 1</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/03/strangers-of-midnight-dont-cry-raja.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://pradipwritenow.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.in/2013/03/strangers-<wbr></wbr>of-midnight-dont-cry-raja.html</a></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">For Part 2 Pls click the link below</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/03/strangers-of-midnight-dont-cry-raja_8.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://pradipwritenow.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.in/2013/03/strangers-<wbr></wbr>of-midnight-dont-cry-raja_8.<wbr></wbr>html</a></span></b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">For Part 3 Pls click the link below</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/03/stranger-of-midnight-part-3last-part.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://pradipwritenow.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.in/2013/03/stranger-<wbr></wbr>of-midnight-part-3last-part.<wbr></wbr>html</a></span></span></div>
pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-10962054804414463142013-03-08T08:08:00.000-08:002013-03-11T10:05:20.526-07:00STRANGERS OF MIDNIGHT-"DON'T CRY RAJA" PART 2<br />
<div style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-between: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 0in; mso-padding-between: 1.0pt; padding: 0in; tab-stops: 3.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>The story so far: The
narrator, by mistake in swerving, was returning home from office through a dirt
road, instead of his usual route. Just near the narrow culvert of the dirt
road he saw a VOLKSWAGON (VW) car parked wrongly and blocking partially the approach
to culvert. He came out of his Bolero and before he could locate the driver of
that VW, some goons hit him from the back making him senseless. After regaining
his senses, he drove fast and stopped near signal crossing. He heard the wail
of a dog inside his car. For Part 1 Please click </b></span><a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><b>http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/03/strangers-of-midnight-dont-cry-raja.html</b></span><b style="font-size: 14pt;"> </b></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
wailing sound was coming from the floor of the back seat. Turning and lowering
my head, I saw a small silk black Spaniel curling comfortably at the floor
adjoining to the backseat. As our eyes met, I braved myself to make a soft
whistle and signaled the dog to come up. The dog obediently followed my signal
and sat near to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I
now saw the silk black Male Spaniel minutely. Dogs of this class cannot be
stray dogs and are pets only. The cover on his body with proper bags for nature
call further confirmed it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Has
anyone gone for an evening stroll in this lonely road and left his or her dear
pet dog?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Perhaps
this is the dog of
that abandoned car owner. However, no pet shall ever abandon the master
and enter into my car. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I
looked at the small dog and it looked back straight to me. It appeared to me
that something scared him and he is looking for a shelter from me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">For
the night, he would stay in my apartment and tomorrow, before entering the
office, I would keep him in a kennel and better put an advertisement in the local
daily so that his owner might contact me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I
whistled at him and called him as Pluto. Pluto took out his tongue and licked
his face twice and agreed reluctantly to his new name, with a low bark “grrr,
grrr”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> The
pain was coming back, reminding me that the effect of the analgesic is temporary.
As the signal became amber to green, I quickly shifted gear to reach my
apartment soon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">As
I entered my flat, Pluto made a quick round of my apartment and settled on a
mat at the corner between the sofa and the divan of the big living room. Instead of freshening up, I opened the fridge,
made a drink, took out a packet of Snacks, and put the marinated chicken for
roasting in the Microwave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> I offered Pluto, few biscuits in a plate and a
tumbler of water. He drank the entire water within a minute but pushed the
plate away. I knew pet dogs take some time to accept food from a new
environment. The aroma of roasted chicken was filing this living room. He might
like a portion of the chicken. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Resting
comfortably on the sofa, I put on the TV and my idea was to have a drink and
see something in TV to brush off the bad memory of the happenings of past one
hour from my mind before soaking in the warm water of the Tub of the bathroom.
Little I was unaware that something else would happen in the following moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">As
I pressed on the remote button, the News channel came first. Right then, I was not interested in any News
but looking for a reality show or music-cum dance channel. However, the News
channel kept me glued.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">There
was a flash News. Some miscreants possibly
kidnapped the well-known builder Monty Singh. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Monty
is a bitter name to me with even a much bitter memory. He came up from the underworld with good
connections in social high ups and power corridors. His kidnapping is big news
in this city. A video clipping followed, showing his abandoned car. My heart
thumped a bit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">It
is that VW car in the same location of the dirt road where I stopped my car just
an hour before. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
Newsreader was showing a clip of the interview with his family members. They
said that he went out in his car after receiving a call in his mobile. He wore
his usual blue Jeans and off white heavy snickers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Media
people are smarter than police are. They found out two guys, who crossed this dirt
road to highway few hours before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">One
of them saw a black spaniel, who barked at him loudly protruding his tiny head
from the front seat of a Sky blue Bolero. There was no driver or passenger in
that Bolero. Someone, just near the culvert, parked this Bolero in the lay by
of the dirt road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
other guy saw a man, who stood near the bonnet of the Bolero towards the
passenger’s side. He has to slow down his car before crossing this Bolero and
seen this man clearly. This jet-black curly haired man was tall and slender. He
was wearing a formal black trouser and white full sleeve shirt and at the time
of crossing, this guy was busy in picking up his striped golf cap from the
bonnet of the Bolero. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">It
appeared to him that this tall man, most likely, is the owner cum driver of
this bolero. The tall fellow had an anxious face and possibly, he was waiting
for someone. However, none of them noted the Number plate of the Bolero.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Police
is trying hard to trace Monty, this tall man and the sky blue Bolero Station
wagon with dog but without any success until now. At the bottom of the culvert
space, they found a single Kolhapuri Chappal, Few </span><span style="font-size: 19px;">foot-marks</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> and the top lid of
a cheap briefcase. Incidentally, I saw a single pair of Kolhapuri Chappal and a
handle of a briefcase just on the parapet of the culvert. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> They are suspecting a kidnap case and looking
for all his friends and known persons particularly those with whom he has
business transactions. However, until now nobody telephoned and asked for
ransom. This clip was enough to send tremors in my heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Monti
was one of our bad clients. We agreed to prepare an integrated package of
design of a shopping Mall to be built by him. Monty paid only half the amount.
Although we submitted all the drawings before time, he turned out to a
defaulter for the remaining amount. We sent in few reminders and finally gave
up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Things
may go hot for me for the following reasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Monti is a
defaulter of fifty lakhs to us. There are cases when people resort to this
practice of kidnapping to recover their debt. There are other points to make me
an easy suspect.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">My physical
description starting from the height, color and jet black curly hair on my head,
matches well with the description of this tall person. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I own a light
blue colored Bolero and often wear a stripped golf cap.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Only this afternoon,
possibly just at the time of kidnapping, I changed my usual route and took this
dirt road route. There is also an icing on the cake. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Just before
the highway, I stopped at the signal. Many people are now possibly ringing up
the TV persons that they saw a sky blue Bolero coming from the dirt road with a
protruding face of a black spaniel from the front seat and the vehicle driver
was a curly haired possibly tall and dark person. Someone might have noted my
Number plate, which the first two people did not. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Most
likely, I am on the top of the suspicion list and the moment Police starts
grilling me, the consequences are bad
for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">City
group has not yet finalized the deal in black and white and they may make some
excuse to withdraw from the contract. I have few ongoing projects of other
companies. Going by legal reasons, they may not withdraw but may make things
tough for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> All these things may make me back to square
no.1 of my struggle days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I
was about to call my lawyer friend but dropped the idea after thinking few things.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Just
now, this News channel told that there was a call in Monty’s mobile following
which he went out in his VW. Police is
busy in tracing this call or the ransom call already done by the miscreants but
not disclosed to media. Whatever may be the case, the Police shall be busy for
the rest of the night in either one of them or both. I am not coming into
picture in either of them. Let me not apprehend things and panic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Monty’s
underworld friends are much professional than Police .They must be on the prowl
right now. With their strong network and
connections, they are quite capable to narrow down the place where the
miscreants kept Monti as a hostage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
chicken roast is ready in the microwave. The aroma and the beep sounds were both
telling that. I placed some portions of it in two dishes, one for me, and the
rest for my guest Pluto. Pluto licked it and had a bite. As I leaned to Pluto
to serve him the dish, a nauseating smell of Ether entered my nostrils. Surely,
this dog was made senseless by spraying Ether, during the incident. I made
another drink and carried the dish and the glass to washroom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I
shall have my dinner as well as soaking in the lukewarm bathtub. Before leaving
from the living room, I changed the channel to a local music video channel and
kept the bathroom door open. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Before
I undressed, I had a bite from the soft roasted chicken breast and a big gulp
of whisky and kept my drink and the plate on the wide side wall of the bathtub so
that I can take majestically both of them while soaking in the tub.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
channel stopped music and possibly some anchor started saying something. I
reached for my glass and heard the loud barks of Pluto. Pluto came running to
me in the bathroom and went back to living room and balcony. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Monty’s
Voice was filling the room. I quickly got up from the tub, put on the bathrobe
and ran to the living room. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">FOR Part ! Pls Click</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/03/strangers-of-midnight-dont-cry-raja.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://pradipwritenow.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.in/2013/03/strangers-<wbr></wbr>of-midnight-dont-cry-raja.html</a></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">For Part 2 Pls click the link below</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/03/strangers-of-midnight-dont-cry-raja_8.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://pradipwritenow.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.in/2013/03/strangers-<wbr></wbr>of-midnight-dont-cry-raja_8.<wbr></wbr>html</a></span></b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">For Part 3 Pls click the link below</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start;">
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/03/stranger-of-midnight-part-3last-part.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://pradipwritenow.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.in/2013/03/stranger-<wbr></wbr>of-midnight-part-3last-part.<wbr></wbr>html</a></span></span></div>
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pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-91002508262947748942013-03-07T06:50:00.001-08:002013-03-11T10:04:14.418-07:00STRANGERS OF MIDNIGHT-"DON'T CRY RAJA" PART 1<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">It
was just a small mistake and I further allowed the mistake to continue further.
Just for this, I entered into the worst kind of jam of my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> Only few hours before, I was in the topmost
happy mood of my life as I won the five-crore design contract of the City Group.
I went out earlier than other days to
have a good soaking in bathtub before joining my friends at the "Royals" for a
dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> As I came out of the basement car parking of
my office complex, I swerved a little more and instead of turning to my left, I
turned right towards the back entrance gate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">It
then occurred to me, instead of moving in back gears, towards the front gate,
let me better exit through this gate and
take the dart road connecting the Highway. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">This
road, my first consultancy project, is not only shorter than the tar road in
front of my office but traffic density in this is very low as this is yet to be
open for public. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
dirt road is waiting for tarring and carpeting after settling the culvert issue over a wide
drain crossing the road. The present
culvert is narrow, unfit for heavy traffic and one has to stop his vehicle to
negotiate with vehicles coming from opposite direction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
culvert was almost about 200 meters and I was keeping a strong vigil on the
road to see any vehicle coming from the opposite side. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I
had to jam the break pedal to make a screeching halt. A latest model VW car just
near the culvert was parked half in the
carriageway and half in the shoulder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I
pressed the car horn twice, but there was no response. Reluctantly, I switched
off the engine, came out, and stood near the end of the bonnet of my Bolero.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> This VW has made the approach to culvert a bit
tricky. I have to swerve a little in the right and then to left. A little
mistake in swerving, my Bolero may kiss either the parapet walls of the culvert
or the VW, resulting scratches on both
the cars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Leaning
on the bonnet, I tried to shift my vision here and there to locate the driver
of VW. I failed to see any one around. Cursing the driver, I was about to move.
However, something drew my attention. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">There
was a single costly Kolhapuri Chappal on the parapet of the culvert and
something else. The sky started becoming dark. Could it be the broken handle of
a briefcase?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><b>At that instant, someone clapped on my back
followed by a sudden stinging blow that rocked my whole body. In quick reflex, I turned my head to see who
had hit me, and to my surprise, my knees began to buckle. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><b>Like a slow motion picture, I could see my body hit
the hard dart road. There was a dull pain in my back and it began to spread. It
became hard to breathe. All of a sudden, a cloud of darkness engulfed me.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I found myself curling in the front seat of my
Bolero. After several attempts, I was able to extend my hand to take out a
spray bottle of painkiller. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Closing my I eyes; I sprayed it around my cheek and
tried to move my hand towards the painful area of my back. I was a footballer
and a good midfielder. I tried to inspire myself and said in a feeble voice “come
on boy, get up. This is just nothing. In
past, defenders of the opposite side
did nastier fowls than this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The analgesic medicines did the wonders. There were
no more pains. I can drive now and get lost from this place quickly. I found my purse, mobile, gold wristwatch and
the diamond engagement ring are intact. The goons did not touch any one of
them. However, my striped golf cap was missing. Possibly, they kept it as a
souvenir. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> I was about
to start the engine and found another kind action by the goons. They drove my
car past the culvert and kept it in the muddy sideways so that no part of the
carriage way was blocked. Perhaps they wanted least attention by any other
vehicle driver who might stop his vehicle and peep inside my car. Surprisingly,
the VW is still blinking in the same location. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I drove fast and stopped before the signal at the
main crossing and the nagging flashback of the entire incident came back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Looking at my costly belongings, I was sure that some
goons, who hit me just for no fault of mine, were certainly not the ordinary
snatchers or thugs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Has anyone hired goons to scare me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Could it be one of the competitors for the City
group’s 5-crore design bidding, who did
not like my wining the contract?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> I myself opposed
this theory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I seldom use this route to highway. Today, by
mistake I turned towards the back gate and without correcting my mistake, took
this short cut dirt road. How could the hired goons know that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I am now sure, that they possibly mistook me for
some one else or they did not like my probing for the abandoned VW. They
possibly did not want me to be the eyewitness for something that was going on
either inside the VW or near to it. Surely, the abandoned VW has something in
this mystery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>I felt a cold wind
around my neck and looked back. The glass window at the back seat was open. As I
switched on to close the window, I heard a faint wail of a dog. That was well
inside my car. Where from this Dog came?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>( Part 2, by tomorrow 8/3/2013) </b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">For Part 2 Pls click the link below</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/03/strangers-of-midnight-dont-cry-raja_8.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://pradipwritenow.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.in/2013/03/strangers-<wbr></wbr>of-midnight-dont-cry-raja_8.<wbr></wbr>html</a></span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">For Part 3 Pls click the link below</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><a href="http://pradipwritenow.blogspot.in/2013/03/stranger-of-midnight-part-3last-part.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://pradipwritenow.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.in/2013/03/stranger-<wbr></wbr>of-midnight-part-3last-part.<wbr></wbr>html</a></span></div>
<br />
<br />pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-70770299720891538532013-02-14T07:38:00.000-08:002013-02-14T07:38:06.069-08:00V-Day VICTORY OR VALENTINE<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Valley
and Tony came out of their campus of Love Institute for their last practical assignment of “<b>Proposing</b>”.
Today is 13<sup>th</sup> Feb and they
have got only a day left. They did well in all the theoretical papers like “<b>Love
SMS writing” “Kaamsutra”, “ Optimized
winking” , “ Quick metamorphosis of Friend into GF” “ Management of multiple
GFs” “ Snatching others GFs"</b> but failed
miserably in higher level Practical tests. In the last two live practical
sessions, they did very badly. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">In the traffic signal session instead of winking
at the assigned object, they winked the traffic Policewoman. In the Park
session, Valley forgot to shift the initial position of park bench to the Bush
and was caught by garden security man. Tony shifted nicely but he added more
reagents of Lips and finally bore marks of sandals on his face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">They
were warned by the Institute authorities to improve their grades otherwise
their names won’t even be recommended for the modest placement like “settled
marriage”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Right
now, at early morning, Valley and Tony are on their way to their middle level
round of “First date” practical test lab in Joggers suite at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Municipality</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place>. They have passed the elementary level
of telephonic round arranged by the Placement department of the institute. They
have done well in the “apti” as lovers. Both
got confirmed SMS responses, managed the
“Maali” of the park to supply the best fresh
roses minus thorns and …<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Valley
said “And what Tony?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“
few sticker bandages, painkiller sprays”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“
Don’t think negative. Do you have cigarettes?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“
Shh…. We are supposed to be non-smokers, goody boys who get up early morning and
make ten rounds in the park, very fit and health conscious types.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Remember
Rina Mam’s tips, when you are nervous better think on something but not to far
away from the subject”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Tell
me something, why middle of the month of Feb is chosen as V- day?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Stupid
question. It is the saint’s birthday.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“That
is common answer. You must be above ordinary.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“
Well! That is the date and month, which all our associates thought as best for
them to lessen our credit cards balances and serve us smoothly for offer
selling.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“
Explain”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“ Month
wise, February is the tail end of
Marriages selling. The sources of “Valentine offers” are the not so liked,
unsold and returned dresses, cosmetic and Jewellary items. Since these items
look like marriage items, the ‘likers’ of buyers like them as symbols of
“coming soon- Green signal”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“But,
what about the most busy Florist Guys? How come they also come in the “Offer
circle”. There cannot be any kind of thing like that as you have said just now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“You
know something. The florists often keep
on flowers a fresh live look by spraying something. You remove the top
transparent cover and they fall on your feet. The offer ones at a thrown away
price belongs to that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“You
are just too much of negative thinker. Now be on your toes, we are nearing the
main gate of the park. Just look at the entry ticket counter. Our
Instructor Murlidhar Sir is having a
chat with them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“You
mean those pair of 8 s.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“You
stupid, otherwise why should he have a chat with them? He already has a good
looking thin GF”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Valley!
You better go for the test.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“You
are skipping the test. You may be asked to leave the institute empty hand, No
diploma for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“I
am not going to do that also. Look at the slim gal just twenty meters away.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“You
better take out the sticker bandages from my pocket. Have you seen the lased
Spaniel following her and that is out of the syllabus”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“You
get bonus marks for attempting that and come within Top ten.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“O.K
best of luck but I know I shall see you in the visitor’s time at the institute
hospi. This one is pet, you may not need the Anti rabies injections.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“
Thank You, But tell me why do you want to go for it just because you thought
you can save on buying Mattress on your bed?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“
You idiot, In your B-school did you not accept a low paid placement in a not so desired job? Why? Because, after
a year’s exposure, you have always a chance to switch over to a top company. I
shall do exactly that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“
Good luck to you also.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Victory
or Valentine or both, with bright sun rays under the clear sky of Mid Feb, their day starts right now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-23198575798926030262012-12-19T23:07:00.001-08:002012-12-19T23:17:12.062-08:00 “ Laid under the marigolds”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“ <b>Laid under the marigolds</b>” <em><span style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; border-left: windowtext 1pt; border-right: windowtext 1pt; border-top: windowtext 1pt; font-size: 16pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">My entry for the Get Published contest<o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; border-left: windowtext 1pt; border-right: windowtext 1pt; border-top: windowtext 1pt; font-size: 16pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">This is the evergreen tale of two friends of mine, Amit and Rita (named as), who saw their own metamorphosis from the childhood playmates to the wonderland of a man and woman relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; border-left: windowtext 1pt; border-right: windowtext 1pt; border-top: windowtext 1pt; font-size: 16pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">At the adolescence age, their liking for each other started shaping into emotional relations reflected by their actions and strange behaviors unknown to their innocent mind. Their teachers and parents did not like it and both were separated to unknown destinations.<o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; border-left: windowtext 1pt; border-right: windowtext 1pt; border-top: windowtext 1pt; font-size: 16pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">However, this action ignited the spark of love and continued from their adolescence age. Miracles brought them together again and with their matured mind, they felt the joy and power of love. They decided to stay close to each other neglecting the approval of the elders. Unfortunately, the destiny did something else but even that could not forbid them to stay close to each other. Marigold was her favorite flower. Although it blooms only in winter but for him, the smell of marigold is throughout the year because she is laid beneath them. <o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><b><span style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; border-left: windowtext 1pt; border-right: windowtext 1pt; border-top: windowtext 1pt; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">What makes this story Real<o:p></o:p></span></b></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><b><span style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; border-left: windowtext 1pt; border-right: windowtext 1pt; border-top: windowtext 1pt; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">Love is a spontaneous happening with infinite miraculous and formidable power of attraction. Reason, logic, or any other basis cannot explain this happening. The bond of love between Amit and Rita took place unconditionally. The miraculous power of love united them once again after many years. Nothing, although attempted heavily, could separate them and that is the example of Pure love. The happenings witnessed by first their school and college mates made them to understand the meaning of love and to feel it correctly. This story if told to others may inspire them.<o:p></o:p></span></b></em></div>
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<em><b><span style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; border-left: windowtext 1pt; border-right: windowtext 1pt; border-top: windowtext 1pt; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></em><em><b><span style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; border-left: windowtext 1pt; border-right: windowtext 1pt; border-top: windowtext 1pt; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></em></div>
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<em><b><span style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; border-left: windowtext 1pt; border-right: windowtext 1pt; border-top: windowtext 1pt; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">Extract<o:p></o:p></span></b></em></div>
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<em><b><span style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; border-left: windowtext 1pt; border-right: windowtext 1pt; border-top: windowtext 1pt; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">The hills surround the Plateau but only make the chilly wind from the North more intense. This wind dries up the green grass, makes the trees bald, asks the valley river to become a thin silver strip and makes the exodus of people to the plains below. But every year a single man does the reverse. He comes from the plains, pitches his tent on the sloping valley and looks for hours together down below the thin valley river. He finally shifts his gaze to the only contrast of green and yellow small ellipse, a cluster of marigold plants. Marigolds are seasonal floe\wers of the winter but they are not seen in the entire valley of more than thirty square kilometers. Why the Marigolds grow only here ? No one else but only he knows the answer. This is the place where he found her body from the river and cremated. He was not aware of the Marigold seeds or flowers that she was carrying with her. She liked only the yellow Marigolds, which began this love and still now continuing with their evergreen Love. <o:p></o:p></span></b></em></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">This is my entry for the <a href="http://www.indiblogger.in/getpublished/"><span style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; border-left: windowtext 1pt; border-right: windowtext 1pt; border-top: windowtext 1pt; color: #ab3e3e; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">HarperCollins–IndiBlogger <em>Get Published</em> contest</span></a>, which is run with inputs from <a href="http://www.yashodharalal.com/"><span style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; border-left: windowtext 1pt; border-right: windowtext 1pt; border-top: windowtext 1pt; color: #ab3e3e; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">Yashodhara Lal</span></a> and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.harpercollins.co.in/"><span style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; border-left: windowtext 1pt; border-right: windowtext 1pt; border-top: windowtext 1pt; color: #ab3e3e; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">HarperCollins India</span></a><em><b><span style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; border-left: windowtext 1pt; border-right: windowtext 1pt; border-top: windowtext 1pt; font-style: normal; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></em></span></div>
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pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-65647601643193233592012-11-25T06:59:00.000-08:002012-11-25T07:00:32.396-08:00 Where the coins have gone?<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .25in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Where the coins have gone?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .25in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 16.0pt;">People face an acute shortage of
coins of smaller denominations, making even the simplest tasks of buying
groceries and vegetables, Paying for bus or auto fares, or commuting a
complicated transaction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .25in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 16.0pt;">It seems that suddenly no has the coins
to give but only to take. Coins of one and five rupee appear to vanish from the
market. If your vegetable or grocery bill end with two or Five (say 12 or 15),
the shopkeeper asks you to either give the coins, take less or more or accept
cheap candies. It seems that they are helpless. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .25in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 16.0pt;">I asked my friends and overheard people
discussing over the same problem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .25in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 16.0pt;">One of the common answers I found out is
that One and Five-rupee coins are now the cheapest source of raw material for
manufacturers of Blade, fancy metal items and false jewelry. A metallurgist
friend of me told me that each single one-rupee coin if melted could make a
pack of six razor blades.</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .25in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">At present Re 1, copper nickel will have metal value
of Rs 2.50, while Re 1 nickel coin could be worth Rs 10. <span style="color: #333333;"> Many said that </span><span style="color: #222222;">Coins worth crores are locked in donation boxes of large
temples. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .25in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;">H</span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 16.0pt;">owever, I was unsatisfied and tried to get some solid clues. If
metal content and donations from ever increasing religious population in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region></st1:place> is
the matter then why the paper bank notes of 1,2 and five rupee are also rare?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 16.0pt;">One
of my friends told me that RBI is the main source of issue of </span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Coins and notes of smaller amounts followed by
selected bank branches and currency chests. Earlier, traders like big
retailers, hoteliers and bus syndicates use to get coins directly from RBI
counters. I came to know the following information. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It is a recent policy
matter of RBI to withdraw from all sorts of retail operations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The number of
coins issued at RBI office in Kolkata has come down from 400 bags (of 2000
coins each) to around 150 bags<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">In the monetary
policy statement in April, RBI had said that it intended to channelize the
distribution of bank notes and coins only through currency chests and bank
branches. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">RBI has also
stopped printing of Bank notes of denominations of Rs 1, 2, and 5.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 12.6pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;">RBI has decided to change the raw
material used for manufacturing of coins from Copper-Nickel to FSS (Ferritic
Stainless Steel). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 12.6pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;"> FSS is also a coveted metal for some
industries, which would like to melt it to make fancy items and earn larger
profits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 12.6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;">Call for
looking for new methods.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 12.6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;"> RBI
must carry out research for minting coins or printing small value currency
notes. This may be done in the following suggested ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;">There
are Few PSU Banks, who are currently authorized to distribute coins. For
example in N-24 paraganas district of Kolkata only two Branches of SBI deals
with distribution of coins. There should be more bank branches with automatic
coin vending machines.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;">Law
keeping authorities can easily wipe out the illegal selling stalls of coin
selling and hoarding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;">Mint
plastic tokens with security marks perhaps with a small metal foil type cover<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;">Issue
small currency notes with plastic lamination. The reason to discontinue the
printing was that these notes soiled easily. Plastic lamination may minimize
this problem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt;">Currency
notes of odd denominations like Rs 6, 7, 9, 11, 15, 19 and so forth. Suppose
your shopping bill is Rs 56. You take out a Rs 50 note from your purse and for
the remaining 6 Rupees you search your pocket for coins or give the shopkeeper
Rs 50+ 10. You may end up with accepting 4 useless candies. The
problem is often with odd figures. This may solve the problem to a large
extent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
pradipwritenowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06321320863952722189noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765506827112132999.post-90786415232951751652012-11-21T08:22:00.001-08:002012-11-21T08:24:46.872-08:00DURGAPUJA OF A ROYAL FAMILY.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -9.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> DURGAPUJA OF
A ROYAL FAMILY.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> On my return journey from a
remote place in NE I met a royal Family in a railway station waiting hall and
heard this story from the Grandma of the Family. She told about the background
and history how this family started their Durgapuja. The history of their Durgapuja dated back to the regime of Nawbab Alibardi about 250 years back. The two brothers were Generals of the royal force and in a battle against the Maratha Force their horses carried them to a safe place. Later on in their dream they were instructed to recover the gold idol of Devi Durga. They reconstruct the broken temple and started Durgapuja. On the day of Vijya Dussami they won the battle against the Maratha. Even in this time on every Vijya Dussami the royal family organize a mock fight. Read the full story for more details.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">It
was an unusual long waiting in the waiting all for a Puja Special Train. I was
returning from a remote location of NE
part of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region></st1:place> to Kolkata just before few
days before the Durga Puja festival.e Marat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">A
big group with children arrived and much to my dismay, the peace of the waiting
hall was disturbed. The group was led by an old lady. She could be well in her
early seventies with faint wrinkles on her rose-pearly complexion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Her
butter colored pure Silk Saree with appropriate embroidered blue border and
matching pure pearl jewelry and a soft but commanding voice was giving a hint
of her blue blood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">As
I could guess from their talking, they are most likely the few remnant Tea
garden owners who still visit their ancestral Village home in <st1:place w:st="on">Bengal</st1:place>
during Durga Puja. They are mostly from big Landlord families of old times. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
majestic Old Lady guessed my disturbance
and asked one of the accompanying helping hands to unpack a carpet and velvet
pillows. Seeing this, the naughtiest of her grandchildren told her <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">“Thakma
(Grandmother), tell us about the mock fight that we see every year on the day
of Vijaya Dussami.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Thakma
understood what this naughty child was asking for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">“Sweets
shall be only after lunch.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">His
other brother and sisters who just returned from outside with their mothers
protested <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">“
No Thakma, . Sweets or not, we want to hear that story from you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Their
grandma settled comfortably on the carpet and her grandchildren and the two daughter-in
laws joined. Her voice, although soft but distinct could be heard even from my
position. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">“That
time was more than two fifty years from now. The Nawbab of Bengal, Alibardi was
facing a tough time from two sides. Seeing the ailing old Nawbab, the syndicate
of heirs started infighting among themselves. Simultaneously, the Marathas
although taking a heavy amount from the Nawab as “Chauth” were invading his kingdom
continuously. Marathas fighting on horse back and supported by efficient
artillery had more striking powers than his infantry and not so good
artillery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">On
hearing secret news of possible Maratha invasion, Nawbab sent two of his most
brave and loyal generals Vikram and Subir. The generals were brave and unlike
other generals they maintained cavalry
.They had a good knowledge of Fire
Power. Their ancestors went to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Tibet</st1:country-region>
and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">China</st1:place></st1:country-region>
and learnt the technique of making shells of Canon and metallurgy for making
Canons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Vikram
and Subir were about to win a fierce battle against the
Marathas. Unfortunately, a shell from their side missed the target and it hit
the surface near the Cavalry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
horses became nervous and a big chaos happened. The cavalry, covering the two
brother Generals got detached from them. However, while fighting one to one,
the generals were wounded and unconscious. Their horses carried them away from the
battlefield to safe place. The loyal soldiers traced them deep inside a forest
by the side of a big Pond and an abandoned temple. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">An
old lady met the soldiers and gave them herbs and a pitcher of Sherbat. As per her instruction, they made a paste of
these herbs, rubbed it on the wounds of their beloved Generals, and slowly fed
them the pitcher of Sherbat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Overnight
the wounds healed up and both the brothers regained their sense. They got up
and recollected a dream. Surprisingly
both of them saw simultaneously the same dream. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">They
saw a goddess in their dream who told them that she was the presiding deity of
the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Temple</st1:place></st1:city>. To
save her from the hands of Marthas, the Head Priest of the temple threw her in
the Pond. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">In
the morning, they would see a moving plank floating on the top in the pond.
They should swim in the pond and follow the plank. Wherever the Plank becomes
standstill, first the elder brother would dive down. After he comes back to
surface, the younger brother would dive down. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
elder brother Vikram recovered only two gold hands of the deity and a Mighty
sword. The younger brother Subir recovered the gold Idol of Durga. The solders
saw the idol and said in the last evening, the old lady who gave them the herbs
and Pitcher of Sherbat had strong similarity with the Idol. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">They
placed back the idol in the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Temple</st1:place></st1:city>.
Vikram and Subir decided to send one of their men to bring the head family
priest for further advice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">In
the following night, they saw another dream. Devi Durga asked them to recover a
manuscript written on Palm leaves from a hidden tunnel, inside the temple. They
should worship her as per the instructions and Mantras of the Manuscript. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> The head priest along with many others
consisting of family members of the two brothers, artisans arrived shortly.
They also brought important information. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Nawbab
Alibardi breathed his last and infighting among the possible heirs of the
throne started. The capital of Murshidabad was no longer safe from them in the
changed scenario. None of the heirs to the throne liked them and might possibly
snatch away their powers and positions in the court. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
brothers decided not to return to capital and preferred to remain in this place
to study the follow-ups. One thing was clear to them. Whoever might become the
Nawbab of Bengal fall in the clutches of Mirzafar and alliance. They would
avoid fight with the Mararthas and make never-ending compromises.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
Priest studied the manuscript of Palm leaves and advised the brothers to start
worshiping the Idol of Durga Devi on the forthcoming scheduled Durgapuja of the
Year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Only
few month’s time was left. But, the skilled artisans of the Generals quickly
reconstructed the temple and the surrounding village. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">This
village was far from the capital town of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vishnupur</st1:place></st1:city>.
But the King of Vishnupur Hambir Malla came to know about the brothers. The
brothers were well known both for their bravery and for knowledge of Firepower.
The king heard their names before and called them to his court. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Maharaja
Hambir Malla was worried about the possible Maratha invasion in his state. His
soldiers were mostly infantry and without any knowledge of firepower. The Maratha forces were mostly cavalry with firepower.
With quick penetration power, they were superior to his army.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">He
appointed the brothers to be the chief of his army and to train his soldiers. The
brothers advised the King to construct tall Minars on war footing around the
kingdom. These Minars installed with canons would not only track the Maratha
force from a distance but at time of need could shell the cavalry of the
Maratha force. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">By
that time, the Artisans of Generals developed lightweight canons. These canons
even could be easily loaded on bullock carts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Durga
Puja started but the people on the Minar spotted the Mararthas led by Bhaskar Pandit were advancing towards the capital. On the day of
Mahastami of Durga Puja, the Marathas were near the <st1:place w:st="on">Forest</st1:place>
adjacent to the new village settlement of the Generals. The Generals worked out
a strategy to save the capital of Vishnupur Maharaja. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Bhaskar
Pundit’s force saw few Bullock carts
were coming towards them in the narrow path of <st1:place w:st="on">Forest</st1:place>.
Taking them as villagers, they shouted at them to go back and move sideways to
clear the path of the soldier movement. The bullock carts turned back and moved
in sideways only to surround the invading force in a semicircle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
back of each bullock cart was fitted with small canon packed with hay on both
side. As these small canons started firing, it took the Marathas by surprise
and they were flown like hay. They started dispersing here and there only to
fall prey of the powerful infantry of the General’s force. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">But
the contingent led by Bhaskar Pandit of Marathas cleverly bypassed this attack
and moved towards the capital. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">That
was the morning of Mahanavami day of Durga Puja. Just at the sunrise, a big
platoon of Infantry and artillery of small canons led by the General Subir on
the field of Gangani, the gorge of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Shilabati</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype></st1:place>, were ready to
counter the move of Bhaskar Pandit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">A
fierce battle took place. Bhaskar Pandit divided his troupe in small groups to
capture the small canons. General Subir deliberately allowed them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
Marthas captured the canons only to find out the defective shells that did not
fire. While they wee busy doing it, Bhaskar Pandit was left with few platoons. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
groups of canon snatchers were returning to join Bhaskar Pandit. But they were
unaware of the Bigger canons fitted in the Minars and on the Gorge top. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">As
the shelling started from these places, The Maratha force being confused from all
ends were dispersed leaving Bhaskar Pandit to fight alone with few troupes.
Bhaskar Pandit was a great fighter and few could stand before him. However, he
and few of his followers could not put much resistance but they fought bravely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> At the Sunset, heavily injured Bhaskar Pundit’s
loyals forced him to quit for this time and moved away with heavy casualty on
his side. General Subir and his soldiers returned the capital after wining the
battle on the day of Vijaya Dasami.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
king wanted to reward the brothers heavily. He told the brothers to take that
much area of the land in his kingdom, which a horse could cover from dawn to
dusk. The brothers politely declined and requested the king to give them only five
villages surrounding their new village. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">This
village is our Nayagar. General Vikram and Subir were our ancestors. We also
took a major part in the freedom fighting against the British.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
arrival of <st1:place w:st="on">Holiday</st1:place> special was announced. AS
the Grandma and her grandchildren stood up, the youngest listener asked<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">“But
Grandma you did not tell us about the mock fight in our village on the Vijya
dussami day”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Grandma
smiled and said, “Do I have to tell you? The Durgapuja you see now in our
ancestral house in the village started from that year of battle wining by our
great ancestors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Vijaya
dussami is the day on which our ancestors won the battle with the Marathas. The
mock fight, which you see on that day, is between the villagers of four
villages and the village Martha Para in the western side. The Martha para
villagers are the descendants of the Maratha prisoners of that battle. They did
not want to return to their place. Our ancestors gave them that village.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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