You are in our thought

You would be 85 today.......


You led a simple life --- many times for others, I know.


The love and affection you showed on us were still in front of us, refreshing our thought and memory.


We leant a lot from you and it helps us in leading a meaningful life.


We are thinking of you every time and you are still living with us.


I can not do anything to you now but can remember you always and follow your way of life.

Bless all of us to have a Healthy, Wealthy, Happy and Wonderful life.

Ever Loving

Vasu

Earth Quake

As usual I went to bed at 2230 hrs y'day (8th Sep 2011) night and was watching TV till 2300 Hrs. Raji was also in bed and Sujani was reading in the hall. I might have slept at 2315 hrs. and Raji was awake.

It was 2328 Hrs.

Sujani heard a blast sound and heavy shake & vibration and started running towards bed room shouting that something had happened.

Raji also heard the noise & shake and got up realising it was an Earth Quake

I felt like someone drag my leg and throw away & got up. It took couple of seconds for me to realise about the Earth Quake

Raji asked Sujani to go out..... Sujani asking Raji to wake-up me.... I got up and asked them to go out.....

Panic started and we don't know what to do even though mind says to go out.

I started wearing my shirt, taking out purse, looking for mobile and specs
Raji went to take lock & key to lock the house to go down ..

Somehow within next 45 to 60 seconds we all 3 went out of the building to the open space. Like us many other family also came out of the houses with kids in hand.

Started receiving call from Sridhar, made call to Ravi, Srikanth, Usha etc to know the situation. Sridhar informed that Sandhya fall down from bed due to impact and they also came out. Srikanth told that Srinath fell down from bed. Ravi told there was huge noise in Balcony. Sujani gave information to Sruthi about it.

Even though many came out of house, still we saw many family did not come out of house (even from 2nd and 3rd floor ) standing in balcony and looking around.

TV started flashing the news.

We waited for about 30 minutes outside and went back inside home slowly slowly by 0000 hrs. Watched TV for another 30 min and went to bed.

Even though many advices what to do as part of Disaster Management I heard, later I felt that I wasted more precious time by carrying out unnecessary work like

Need to wear a shirt

Need to take purse

Need to lock the house

We should have evacuated the house at the shortest possible time. Further while leaving the building, we never took caution to be more careful while crossing the last step. There was all possibility that part of terrace projection can fell down at that entrance if there was a break due to impact.

I can't understand why people are not willing to take minimum precaution of coming out of house. Experts says always there is a chance of repeat quake within next 15 or 20 min. as earth will re-stabilise its position. Impact of First quake can not be avoided but we can very well minimise human life loss due to second successive hit.

There was no after shock but I had my own after shock impact. (Again I suddenly wake-up after about an hour and asked everyone to move out saying there is another quake. But actually Raji was taking out blanket away from my leg and I felt it as if it was a quake in sleep !!!)

Somehow everything was settled but we could not sleep peacefully after this yesterday.

God is great and nothing happened to anyone.

Got some wisdom over this incident but hope we should not get any chance to use it in future.

Vasu

Darjeeling & Sikkim Trip

A long term plan to visit North East part of India has come true this year. Planning started in March for journey in June. Arranged package tour through a travel agent Nature Beyond stationed at Siliguri. Number of plans, covering different parts and different period exchanged and finally settled with 8 days tour covering 4 major locations Viz. Darjeeling and Kalimpong in WB & Gangtok and Peeling in Sikkim.

Booked ticket in April itself for journey to start on 12th June from Delhi to NJP but because of delay of one day. could not able to book ticket in Rajadhani. Anyhow booked a confirmed ticket in North East Express, thinking to book a ticket in Rajadhani on Tatkal quota. All the time we were talking about reaching station (Anand Vihar – which is in the UP border – about 38 KM from home) at 0530 hours to catch the train and totally forgot to book the revised ticket in Rajadhani !!! We were now forced to travel by NE Express.

Got up at 0330 hours, had bath and we were ready to leave the house by 0430 hrs but the taxi we booked not turned up. Called Sridhar to get ready and we started to go to station on our car itself. On reaching station, we saw train was late by 6 hours and will leave at about 1300 hrs. Went to our cousin Jayanth’s house which was about 3 KM away and had meals and rest. By the time we reached her house and saw the train time, it was further delayed by 2 more hours as incoming train had not yet reached Delhi. Only at about 0830 hrs something flashed in mind to check for ticket in Rajadhani, tatkal ticket was available but there was no time left to reach New Delhi station, again forced us to stay back. At last train was late by 11 hours and left Delhi at about 1800 hrs.

We (many others also) were always complaining about facilities and cleanliness in trains like TN Exp or GT Exp but one has to travel in a train towards NE and then everyone will say TN Express is a heaven. Train is not cleaned, cockroaches flying here and there, AC not functioning properly (Thanks to our compartment, atleast AC worked—others kept opened the doors and most of the time travelled outside the compartment only), water shortage, No Tea / food, anyone can get in and travel in AC compartment etc.

 

Train was supposed to reach New Jalpaiguri at about 0000 hrs of 14th June (we should have reached NJP at 0820 hrs of 13th June) but was further delayed and reached NJP at about 0500 hours. In the mean time, the travel agent coordinated on phone and somehow re-scheduled our program to accommodate loss of one day. Got down and waited in the waiting hall (good one at NJP, Aircondition working, clean) and taxi came to pick us at 0700 hrs for proceeding to Darjeeling.

Day 1 (14th June 2011)

 

NJP to Darjeeling is about 90 KMs and it will take about 4 hrs to reach by road. There are many private taxi service available out side station to go to Darjeeling (Rs. 2000), Gangtok (Rs. 2200), Peeling (Rs. 2000) etc. You can also hire sharing service, if not require independent taxi.

The road was good, barring certain stretch, and we reached Darjeeling (7100 feet above MSL) by 1200 hours as there was some traffic jam in between.

We checked in the hotel “Seven Seventeen”. After fresh-up and having lunch started for local sight seeing. Car was arranged for that and we first visited Padmaja Naidu Zoo and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday). It is a small zoo and one can spend about 1 hour. In the HMI, one can spend about 45 min. Entry fee is Rs. 40. Small road side shops are available on the way to zoo. Next we were taken to Tenzing Rock. It is a big rock on the road side and used for training rock claiming. Some of the tourist tried but we satisfied our self just by seeing it. Next to it, there was another rock called Gombu Rock which is also used for training. Then we went to Tea Garden which is about 15 min drive from there. One can spend about 30 to 45 min going inside the tea garden and taking photos. It was a big estate and all of us enjoyed a lot spending time in the evening, viewing mountain one side, land slide on other side, tea garden on one side, big forest on other side etc. Sruthi and Sujani took about 100 photos here in different poses. You can buy tea from the small shops here. It is not very high quality tea but you will get good tea. There are about 10 such shops are available and I asked for tea from one of the shop. The shop owner asked me where our car is parked and once I showed it, she asked me to go to the shop near the car to get tea. There is an understanding between all the shop owners that they should sell tea only to the customer who parks car near to their shop. We could not cover other points like Tibetan Refugee Centre (Closed on Sunday) and Lebong Race Course because of lack of time. Then we came back to hotel and after refreshing again, went for a walk around the Mall Road. This road is also as the Mall road of any other hill station having lot of shops on both side of the road. At the end of the road, there is a small fountain with colour lighting. South Indian Hotel is also available. We enjoyed the chill evening weather along with many tourists. Came back to room at about 2100 hours and that’s end the day 1.

Day 2 (15th June 2011)

 

We were asked to be ready by 0330 hrs to move to Tiger Hill from where you can see the sun raise over Kanchenjungha peak. Got up at 0300 hrs and we are ready at the hotel gate. Unfortunately the cab driver not turned up and I tried our travel agent for the same. Nothing worked out and all tourists stayed with us in the hotel already gone to Tiger Hill. At last at 0400 hrs I decided to go by arranging separate Taxi and fortunately we got one Sumo. It took 30 min to reach Tiger Hill but it started raining slightly and there was a thick cloud in the sky. Our Taxi could not reach the top as the area is full of taxi; we were forced to walk for 15 min. over the hill. It was a nice experience, walking between bamboo trees in slight rain in early hours of the day. At the top of the hill, everyone was waiting to see the Sun. Coffee selling business was in full swing as many lady sellers carrying coffee in flask and we got hot & good coffee there (Just Rs. 5/-). Everyone waited till 0530 but we could not see the sun as clouds not moved. After seeing just the direction of Kanchenjungha peak, we moved down to see next point, Batasia Loop (war memorial). Over this hill, the narrow gauge rail makes a double loop on its way between Ghoom and Darjeeling railway station. The memorial consists of a raised marble platform with statue of a Gorkha soldier. You can spend about 30 min here enjoying the morning chilly weather. Parking was a problem in these area and we could see cars are parked over railway lines also. Next we went to Ghoom Monastery (Buddha Temple). It was one of a biggest Monastery in Darjeeling and when we went there the monks were doing Morning Prayer. After had a darshan returned back to hotel. While returning back we could see the Darjeeling tiny steam engine operated train. We could not travel in this train as we were told booking for this train is done atleast 48 hours before! I liked the attitude of the taxi driver. He was very cooperative showing the places and did not ask for any additional money when we get down. After bath and breakfast, we left Darjeeling at about 1130 hours for Pelling.

Darjeeling (WB) to Pelling (Sikkim) is about 80 KMs distance. While going to Pelling, we went through Rangeet River Valley. The road condition in Sikkim is excellent and we could reach Pelling (7200 feet above MSL) at about 1400 Hours and checked in the hotel Aryan Regency. We got a good Mountain View room and started relaxing. Pelling is a very small town having about 20 to 30 hotels only. I could not see any other houses around. It is very cool, calm and quite and anyone will enjoy the atmosphere. In the evening we had a walk around the street, listening the birds and unknown creature’s voices. The dark road with slight light coming from distant hotel was amazing. After dinner, had a nice sleep.

Day 3 (16th June 2011)

Got up with a sun raise view. To our surprise, what we could not see in Darjeeling, we could see the snow covered Kanchenjungha peak shining in the early morning sun light right from our bed itself. It last only for some time and soon the peak was covered with clouds. Good luck for us.

After breakfast, started for city tour, in Sumo, at about 0930 hrs. During the day, we travelled up and down on the mountain, almost most of the time our car was alone. No rush anywhere covering many small villages across.

Rambi Falls: A small water fall, about 30 min drive from our hotel. We spent about 20 min to go near water and to take photos.

Rock Garden: It is about 10 min further drive from Rambi falls, developed on the back of Power Generation House. Not like Chandigarh Rock Garden but a small one. Time pass location on the side of river and we spent about 45 min.

Kanchenjunga Falls: 30 Min drive from Rock Garden. Excellent location to enjoy. Water is falling with high velocity and we can not go near the water or take bath. But we enjoyed the drizzle of water across every where. Way to go near the falls is rocky and about 6 to 7 local young people were standing there just to help tourists. They guided us to go near the falls by holding our hand and handing over to next person. Small shops are available on the way to falls and we enjoyed taking hot Momos, Channa and Tea. Rates were normal and good to eat. We spent about 45 min here.

Khecheopalri Lake: It is a holy lake and looks like the foot print of Goddess Tara (Buddhist). Believe that people visited this lake have been blessed with Health and Happiness. It is wish fulfilling lake. It is a calm and quite place in the middle of high grown trees. No boating. Small shops are available to get Tea, Biscuits and Snacks. We spent about 30 min here

Pemayangtse Monastery: A simple and small monastery. Spent about 10 to 15 min.

Rubduntse Ruin: We have to walk a long distance, climbing over the hill. Way was good with natural view and seems like walking inside a forest. You have to climb for about 30 min to reach the top. Even though the foot path was good, some stretch of path is with steep height. On the way, you won’t get any water or anything to eat. On the top of the hill, water is available. Old ruined fort is there at the top and we spent about 30 min there. Total time required to cover this is about 1.5 hours.

Heli Pad: View Point. In emergency and personal requirement, helicopter used to come here. Government is thinking of starting regular operation.

Thus the day end with local tour and spent the late evening by chit chatting and eating “Garam Pakodas”

Day 4 (17th June 2011)

 

Started at about 0800 hrs from Pelling for Gangtok. Distance is about 120 KM and it took about 5 hours for us to reach Gangtok (5550 feet above MSL). The road leading to Gangtok was nice and we could see the view of flooded river one side and high mountains on the other side. Gangtok is like any other metro city with full of traffic jam and congestion. Anyhow reached hotel “Denzong Shangrila”. Even though inside the room it was good, don’t like the surrounding of the hotel. Not enjoyed the stay but I can tell it is just OK. After lunch, we started for site seeing at 1400 hours. We were already late by 2 hours and could not cover some of the tourist places.

Cottage Industry (Closed on Sunday): Not much interesting. Practically you can see how hand made products was made and you can buy. Spent only about 20 min.

Orchid House Flower Show: Spent about 20 min. Different types of flowers are displayed and can take more photos.

Rumtek Monastery: A small monastery and can spend 15 min

Could not visit Botanical Garden (which is on the other side of the town), Santi View Point, Dodurl Chorten(??)

MG Road: We asked the car driver to drop us in MG Road itself at about 1800 hrs. The road is main market road and all vehicle traffic is barred. Only walker can go on this street and in the middle of the road (like Divider), a lot of benches were installed and people are sitting and enjoying. Two times we walked through the road and did some purchases. We also spent some time by sitting in the bench in the middle of the road! Good experience. We did not get up even when there was a heavy rain and having an umbrella, we sat and watched people moving here and there. Snacks were good and with normal cost in Gangtok. After finishing our dinner in MG Road, we reached hotel by taking a Taxi (about 8 KMs, Rs. 70).

Day 5 (18th June 2011)

 

Started at 0800 hours after taking breakfast in hotel for visiting Tsongo Lake (13000 feet above MSL) and Baba Mandir, about 50 KMs distance and expected to take about 3 hours. We did not opt to go to Nathula Pass (China border) which is further about 20 KMs. Tourists will be allowed to go only with permission from India Army by paying Rs. 4000 and permission will be given only 24 hours in advance. If permission is denied due to any reason, amount paid will not be refunded. Also Army is permitting tourists to visit Nathula Pass only on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. When we enquired, it was told that Army is not allowing tourists and hence we opted out. Even for going to Tsongo, we have to get permission from local Police and Administration by giving identity proofs. Our tour agent arranged for the same but it took a lot of time to get clearance as there was a tight screening due to an accident, a day before. Anyhow we started claiming the mountain by 1000 hrs. Heavy rain started and it was very difficult for the driver to drive. Even though Border Road Organisation made wonderful road, still it was difficult to drive. In many places water was flowing and in some place there was land slide. Even in the rain, people were working to build the road. People are working hard for their bread and we should say thanks to God to keep us in good position. Somehow we reached Tsongo Lake by 1400 hours. Sruthi and Sujani made a yak ride along the lake (in the rain). As driver told it will be more difficult to go further to see Baba Mandir, we decide not to go and spent some time in Tsongo only. We started back at about 1500 hrs and reached back Gangtok at 1730 hrs. Asked driver to leave us at Ropeway. There was a long ropeway running may be covering about 3 KM and we had a ride in it. Past Ropeway ride, again we went to MG Road for spending evening time. Returned back to room by 2030 hrs.

Day 6 (19th June 2011)

 

Started from Gangtok at about 1130 hrs and reached Kalimpong (4175 feet above MSL), 90 Kms, by 1430 hrs. It is also a calm town having natural beauty. Visited some of the local view points including Deolo View Point, big garden and park. The hotel Holumba Haven Eco Resort was really best place to stay, separate suite in the mid of garden. It was an excellent stay place during our trip. Reached hotel by 1800 hrs and had a nice stay.

Day 7 (20th June 2011)

 

Train to Delhi from NJP was at 1045 hrs (Arrival to NJP is at 1030 Hrs) and driver informed us that we have to start early in the morning by 0500 hrs even though actual travel time is only 3 hrs because of heavy rain and possible road blocks. We left the hotel by 0515 hrs and it was raining heavily. We manage to cover almost 70% of distance at 0730 hrs but after that there was land slide and road was closed for traffic. People told approx. it will take another 3 to 4 hours to clear the road. We asked driver about any other way to reach NJP and he told we can go back and take route via Darjeeling but it will add another 100 KM extra travel. As there was no other alternate we decide to take that route itself. Driver was quite competent to drive the car at maximum possible speed even though there was heavy fog and rain enroute. Tista River was flooding on one side and water from mountain was flushing through the road to the river. When we are approaching Darjeeling there was heavy traffic jam as all tourist started to take that route to reach NJP. I was on phone call with Jayashree in Delhi to know the status of train and she informed that train is running in time and web site says train already left the previous major station. Tension mounted and we only can pray to God for safe drive and to catch train. Without stopping anywhere driver at last managed to reach NJP station at 1030 hrs. We pulled all luggages and try to run to the platform. By that time there was an announcement that the train is late by 3 hrs. What a pity! When we entered the station and asked about the status, it was informed that train had not yet reached the earlier major station. Still the web site was showing that the train left the station in correct time (0830 Hrs)!!! We stayed in the waiting hall itself and train reached late by 0530 hrs and left NJP, late by 0600 hrs.

Train journey was somewhat more comfortable compare to onward journey. The train increased the delay while in travel and it reached Delhi at about 0600 hrs, late by 12 hours. Reached home safely by 0830 hours, after completing an enjoyable trip of 9 days.

We enjoyed a lot by visiting Good places with Nature beauty around. The weather was good barring last 2 days rain. Temperature was around 22 degree only. We just carried a bag of warm cloths through out but not used.

Everywhere we observed people are having good road sense & driving sense. It is a rare thing to see in Delhi / NCR

Seen good development even in remote villages having only about 10 houses. We could see Lays, Bhujjia, Amul Cool, Pepsi and DTH everywhere. Mobile coverage was excellent without any drop anywhere.

We could see in every house, repeat Every house, there are some plants growing in front with beautiful flowers. They are even growing in small bottles.

Now waiting for our next trip to visit ……..

Srini

Cultural Death Day

Feb 14 becoming a day to be celebrated as day of cultural death.

People does not understand about this day and taking undue advantage and it is very painful to see & hear the talk around.

It is going to the extent that those person who all are married and having grown children are CELEBRATING this day --- NOT with their spouse but with others -- as if they are born for this and imported, wearing nonsense dress and with other activities / party.

Too much to digest as even companies are supporting the so called entertainment.

Will this country & Cultured family members of this country change and uphold our tradition ?

 

Srini