THE JOURNEY

The journey called life is a challenge for humanity at large. Tranquility, if available, arrives at its own pace and in most cases when life is dangling by its last threads. The sheer load of memories overwhelms the human when the stub is burning with an effort.

The beginning of the journey is a simple process. There are equivalent starts at various levels of human life's accomplishments- small or big as the reading might be. The start depends to an extent upon the pedestal which the previous generation has created. It is from here that the battle lines of life get drawn. The formative years are few and even the strongest advise comes at the softest pace. Agony is lesser and life is simpler. Tabs picked correctly at this stage leads to the fire of life turning amber softly with heat building up at each stage. If humans look back, they would realize that in otherwise exceptional circumstances, they cannot deviate much from the path they themselves charted till the first 18 years of their lives. A continuous zeal, focus and humongous energy is needed to shape away to greater heights or mortal depths from the time basic formative education culminates. There are definitely exceptions to the set pattern and those humans are rare as not everyone can continue to stride against emerging challenges.

What is it that stops the humans to keep looking inwards to match with the outward circumstances? Is it the self-actualization or the lack of fight within the self? To continue with the pattern of emerging circumstances or to swim strongly against the tide is a choice which has to be made- and not once or twice but as often as life swings to its extremes. Pain, joy, hurt, happiness, anger, failure, accomplishments etc. are like tides which keep touching the shores of humanity at their own pace.

There is no known proof that happiness can remain forever even if one has all the sources to obtain it or vice versa!! Chasing own dreams is a better bet than sulking by getting overawed by others lives! Who knows what efforts those humans are putting in to maintain their achieved altitude. The beauty of human life lies in the fact that change is the only constant. This change does give opportunities to redefine, recalibrate, readjust and keep the momentum going. There are no restarts to life, it moves in some direction or the other till humans breathe!!

The journey offers crystal ball gazing ability to humans. Few ever exercise it. If they look inside, they would realize that they remained blindsided as they were gazing at some other humans trying to decode their methods! For what and why? The pattern of behavior is different for each human. So gaze if you must, learn the best from the gaze and re-calibrate to gain at the next stage of life. The next stage of life is nothing else but where one is standing and decides to redefine the meaning of life.

A good book, a motivating movie, an intriguing yet awakening speech are some points where humans receive impulses to change the stage. These try to wean away the attention from gazing at others and concentrate on self. Those who achieve their focus achieve their next life stage. The others remain in contentious battles within themselves and continue to live with their own crafted shackles.

Survival is a science and an art as well. Humans cannot be apes and also cannot devour other humans to gain life long success. Efforts are needed to move ahead. So move and complete the journey- which is yours and yours alone first. Chase away or close towards your dreams, anxiety, pains, hurt, happiness, laughter et al. These are not permanent but the Journey definitely is. The Journey is a combination of short stages. So where are you, eh! Get up, get going, stop chasing others, CHASE YOURSELF and scale your destination.

*Travelogue Himachal Pradesh- 10 Jun 2021 Onwards- Part II- 12 & 13 Jun*

Clouds are nature's amazing creation. They come and go at will duly providing varied experiences to humans. Perched right at top of a hill,  our abode at The Kutir, Naldehra, Mashobra, Shimla overlooks majestic valley with hillocks and hills spanning till the vision travels. The clouds build up and dive into the valleys and then float upwards to The Kutir as if to kiss the cup of hot tea placed on the  railing.

The clouds built up ferociously late in the night and lighting striking over the horizon started travelling towards our tall French windowed room. Khalil Jibran had famously quoted- Let there be spaces in your togetherness and let the winds of heaven dance amongst you. The hills know this the best. They remain rooted to their grounds and the winds gleefully played in the valley's adjoining peaks. They went down and rose up striking the tall trees in their way. They played a ferocious game with the valley and the jungle but not even a single tree gave up! The match was squared even as the Sun decided to close the game and rose up to remove the haze. The morning was fresh and bright announcing the Birthday of Karan Dewan, a young man who was scheduled to take an early morning trek in the pristine hills. He woke up happy to a rising Sun even as Mrs Manju Ahluwalia enjoyed a spray of rain falling on her pretty face and did not shut the windows of her majestic Scandinavian bungalow perched inside the hills. She is the de-facto Commandant of the Mashobra hills having seen them for close to 07 decades now.

The winds, storm, rain and sunshine all culminated in a lovely evening with an amazing ex- National Defence Academy (NDA) group of venerable Seniors from 26th (Kilo) General Manjit Ahluwalia; 38th (Foxtrot) Flt Lieutenant Sanjiv Dewan & 39th (Foxtrot) Maj General Anand Kapur and their magnificent families. We were welcomed with open hearts and assimilation was quick. Quickly we realized that the hills have great humanity. A phenomenal connect and we were all overjoyed to share the laughter in these tough times. Plenty of tales and trails hooked us on to the Mashobra Hills and quiet Leopards who silently roam these green hills.

Another rain soaked morning welcomed us today. The little storm accorded me the privilege to keep lying in the bed at The Kutir and chase the clouds flying past the giant windows. It seemed as if they were waiting to smoke my tea cup but I was in no hurry and hoodwinked them from the coziness of my quilt. 

Around 12 pm, we set off for an exhilarating drive to Tattapani where hot water springs come out even as mighty River Satluj winds its way through the town. This town announces the boundary of District Mandi. I entered inside the hot water pool of a hotel Hot Springs situated on the banks of Sutlej. It was an exotic bath and I was the solitary guest inside the pool. Felt quite like a royalty even as my body soaked the heat from Sulphur water.

We drove back and stopped at a roadside restaurant for a light lunch. Driving back to The Kutir and my thoughts were with the green hills and sights that ticked my imagination. We were soaked in the clean air and our lungs filled up again. Happiness prevailed all over and we also witnessed the setting up of a deity in a Sutlej riverside temple.

The hills of Himachal have a magnetic attraction. They are clean and green. They are ever willing to welcome tourists who must come with a pledge to keep the hills safe. We  witnessed first hand locals following all safety protocols and absolute lockdown post 2 pm each day. Kudos to the administration and the locals alike. These steps and all Government promulgated protocols including vaccination would definitely help

Looking forward to a great working week ahead from Mashobra Hills and beyond.

TRAVELOGUE HIMACHAL- 10 JUN 2021 ONWARDS- PART-1

The pandemic numbers started weaning at New Delhi and the urge to climb to higher abode again kicked inside us. The run to the hills ensures closeness to the nature's oxygen tanks. The mere thought of filling up the lungs acted as an alarm to wake me up at 0330 hours of 10 Jun. I wanted to burn the rubber early and reach the destination well within day light. Winding up the house, securing plants and fish for the long holiday kept pushing the time. Finally at 0600 hours we were all loaded and set the pace for Shimla and beyond.

The road blockades around Delhi merits circumventing around and this meant an extra 100 kms into the journey. The first 3 hours of a long drive are crucial to gain the best distance. The drive was fast and *Green Mamba* clocked speed with ease. Renault Duster is a sturdy car at speeds more than 100 kmph and grips well on the tar. I tested it up to 140 kmph and there was no hard feeling as the engine ran silently. The car has not been serviced since Sep 2019 as it has clocked less miles but held good. 

We missed our first pit stop at Neelkanth, Karnal and the smooth traffic flow meant that we surged ahead to find a decent pit stop at one of many Mannat Havelis. A quick and light breakfast with tea leaves in Milk shaped us towards Chandigarh.

A venerable senior from the Foxtrot Squadron, NDA was cruising ahead of us and recommended a stop at *Nik Bakers* at *Dera Bassi*. This was worth the stop but we again found milk ruling the coffee !! We are too hooked to the *Masala Teas* and *Less Froth Cappuccinos*. Welcome to the milk rich Haryana and Punjab .

474 kilometers later, we checked into a flat which we have hired at Naldehra, Shimla for the sojourn and to go around the area's villages. The valley is simply superb and weather very pleasant. The evening fell across the vast expanse of hills and hills only to be ruled by scattered lights which seems to put stars on Earth. There are beautifully colored houses spread over the hills and winding roads pass through high trees visible from our perch up in the hills.

We set up the home in this new place and the *Green Mamba* began its rest calming it's heated engine.

Pristine is the exact word for where we have reached this time though the construction has sheared a part and hallowed the untouched status.

We are looking forward to gulping some rare fresh oxygen, local fruits and meeting with some great local people including settlers. This is the first time that we are also trying a *VLOG* and would share the link once the movie is ready 🥰🏽.

Have a great time folks, be safe, *Wear Masks* (we wore all through the drive), *Wash Hands* and *Maintain Social Distance*.

TAMIL MARRIAGE IN MANIPUR- PART 2

The epitaphs for humans are written once they have left the planet Earth. Many stitch careful imaginations into realities thus etching a place for them in the history. Every time that I come to Indo- Myanmar town named Moreh in Manipur, I think about all those early settlers and visitors who stepped here. What must have been going in their minds when they took the hilly roads in vehicles that moved at snail's speed. The last post of India and settling down to carve out a life here must have been a task in itself. Generations after generations have grown here, lived here and adapted to ever changing political-economic scenarios. Strife, moving demographics and ever evolving trade have been the only constants apart from the bumps of roads dusty at many places.

Hearing a person who has left the town decades ago and now returned to partake in festivities is an experience. Their eyes swell as they recall days of the yore and acknowledge that however tough, the life was good in this small town. Their reminiscences kindle imaginations of the land, its people and who all traversed its lanes. The tony guitarist strums his strings and belts out a number in the name of God. His voice rips through the playful sounds of young children, even as the dogs of adjacent homes dare each other. The miniature sparrows with blue beaks come flying by to take short breaks on the tall Christmas Tree in the backyard. The Sun is setting and the badminton players illuminate their arena to begin the game stretching into late night hours. The body clocks are settled well now that the continuous supply of electricity and mobile data has penetrated the region.

The visit to the town was also to see the recently opened cafe by my extended family. It is called Love Byte Cake & Cafe. Do not forget to note the spelling of *Byte*, an important one in today's data hungry World! The efforts of my energetic Sister-in-Law and her 3 young children are bearing fruits. She makes delicacies which were far from this mofussil town trying to emerge out of a Kasbah. Her cakes, pastries, pizzas, burgers, shakes and Burmese delicacies are well sought in the town and lit up the wedding festivities. The 4 layered tall cake was a hit as it just disappeared after the groom cut it with his bride. The arena is changing at some pace here. Innovative creations find connoisseurs in every part of the World.

Children have started going to school. I ask them why no masks and the reply is no one wears them! Someone has to wear first and each one looks at the other one!! The lip balms hold priority over masks is the conclusion!! 

I set off early morning of 14 Mar 2021 to fall back to Imphal via Asian Highway-1. The road is coming up well and I am hopeful that next visit would be a faster drive. Crossing the posts of various CAPF forces is a pleasure in itself with quick tea meetings with the Sentinels of the North-East. The young and dynamic Officers fill my chest with pride as I reminisce about my days in Uniform. Welcoming a Veteran gives utmost satisfaction to both the serving and the retired. The legacy is definitely in safe hands.

The time to the Airport check-in gets closer but not before a great friend now settled in Imphal comes to meet me at the Airport with his entire family. Ayam knows me over our multiple phone conversations but we have never met in person. He makes a big impression on my heart by coming with his family for those short 5 minutes. These are valuable human jewel moments. I do not click a photo even as my heart wants one because I want to honor him at his home and take the coveted snap. What a surreal experience and I am happy to see the happy family safely settled in Imphal even as the dastardly pandemic continues to sweep through the World. There are 3 wonderful families who left Delhi even as if they foresaw the pandemic and fell back to Manipur to be with their roots. What an amazing grace of God and I saw smiling faces.

As I hug my near and dear ones, a lump build up in my heart but I am again rejuvenated to scale ahead. Maybe there is more of my life to come back again and again to spend time with wonderful folks who still give you unconditional attention and care. 

The Airport Team at Imphal is quick and swiftly clears the volume of passengers as three flights are ready for take off. I see some familiar faces at the Airport and yet another conversation begins. A gentle conversation is the best elixir for humans.

We are cruising at 30,000 feet plus in an Airbus even as I write this travelogue piece. Somehow, this height is perfect fit as outside temperatures plummet to minus while inside it is a comfortable 25 degrees. 

My luggage carries delicacies from Manipur. Dry fish as gift from an Uncle and various kinds of raw material from my Brother-in-Law would definitely cheer my best half back at home. The lip smacking taste is definitely going to continue for some months till we replenish.

When my epitaph is written, amazing Moreh would definitely find its place. After all, Moreh does mean resting place!

TAMIL MARRIAGE IN MANIPUR- PART 1

09 Mar 2021 marked the day of stepping back inside the Delhi's T-3 Airport. A quick check-in and settling of excess luggage was done. Walking through the spaced out queue one could see that the Mask wearing still needs to be promulgated. Mask under the nose and loose masks can be the failure of the first line of defence. We must honor correct donning of masks and of appropriate quality. It seems that some masks are now made to be worn under the nose or that the ear loops just give up as they punish the ears each day with their grip. Friends is it are the loops and the ears? 

The renovated Amex Lounge was ready to be the perfect host. I settled down to fill the stomach and read the morning newsprint. Aircraft landing and take offs presented a delightful sight to the eyes. 

The visit to Manipur this time was to attend a wedding. Traditionally it is the groom's family which traverses the geographical divide to complete the rituals of life's new start. 26 years ago, I should have travelled to marry my best half at Manipur but we made the opposite request. This time around the groom again made the request and the bride's family came down to marry in Manipur. Well, I had an invite from the groom's side and carrying traditional wedding dresses for family members, I boarded the Air India flight to Manipur's capital Imphal. 

The take off was right on time even as the face shield vanished from almost every face soon as the aircraft climbed. The tail winds hit the aircraft well and arrival at Imphal was 30 minutes ahead of schedule!! The view of Himalayas was soothing to the eyes and the cloud cover on top of Imphal did flutter the landing. 

Driving on Asian Highway-1 is an unique experience. I have seen this road for last 27 years and this time it does seem like a highway. The road is smooth in most drive section and its scenery is amazing as always. We stopped at a dirt track going up the hill. This track became visible this time when the road was being made and is a World War-2 track used to travel to Imphal. Historic, as I stood on its edge, I imagined how many would have used that road to reach a place called Pallel which incidentally also has an abandoned WW2 Air Strip. Operating aircrafts during those years must have been a great human challenge. The pilots in every sphere of life and of course of air planes deserve applauses. 

Day-1 and I reached Moreh. A banana from Bongyang Village actually tasted well. These bananas are not put in chemicals and taste not so sweet. My luggage distributed to happy faces, I retired for the night skipping any further calories- liquid or solid!! 

Finding the sweet spot in a new pillow is always a game which keeps humans tossed up in new beds. This bed, though not new to me, but settles with my body after a few hours of accepting each other. I had slipped into a delirium when sounds of gun fire woke me up again. 30 odd rounds were fired over an hour and kept piercing the night inching towards an early sun rise of North-East. 

It was business as usual for the city folks as we entered the early morning wedding at the Tamil Temple. Happy faces of all hues, playful children and breathing a while without a Mask. As the wedding progressed, we ate a delightful breakfast of Uthappam, Idli, Pongal, Coconut Chutney, Sambhar and topped it up with Halwa. Meeting people after decades is enjoyable experience as time does its work as a beautician. All are keen to know about the family and place of stay. Same questions are asked everywhere and one has to be very precise to give same answers lest confusion rules. Someday, we would have a pocket Alexa which would give similar answers! 

It is 5pm of Day-2 and the Sun has moved on towards its westerly stroll. There is another event which is inching closer as first of the stars comes out. As the music belts out, juniors will raise the dust from Mother Earth and seniors will sit in a separate lawn reminiscent of their times when not so much dust was kicked up! Dust is the real story of Human Life. It is said that Marriages are made in heaven but the life is lived on the Mother Earth with choices of kicking the dust or careful steps to avoid kicking of dust! 

Till the pattern of life is decided by the newly weds, it is time for us to bless them and enjoy the happiness of human connects.