Stress and Joy of Food

 

 

Stress and Joy of Food

Food: A Bridge between The Soul and The Supreme

 

“Your body is the piece of the universe you've been given; as long as you have a pulse, it presents you with an ongoing shower of immediate sensate experiences.”

                                                                        Geneen Roth

 

Colostrum the Amrit – The Welcome drink on arrival, not in a hotel but in the lap of one’s mother: also called the liquid gold: God serves every human being as soon as he is ready to take his first feed in this world: normally within first one hour of his birth and by that time the mother’s breast produces a yellowish-orange fluid full of protein and immunity boosting antibodies as nature knows the requirements and capacities of the baby,  that protects and helps infant everyway, even to move bowels, get rid of the meconium—the tar-like poop that collects in the bowels before he is born. Milk comes in the breast a few days later. Many health workers are so particular that they do not allow even a wash of the breast before the baby sucks that Amrit; to ensure no entry of any foreign material.  Who teaches the baby to suck: in fact he is so small and innocent to learn anything; again Nature is the guide: This colostrum is perhaps given by nature to all the living beings when they are born; perhaps that is one of the reason that wild animals are robust and have very good stamina.

 

The first suck by the baby starts a wonderful relationship with his mother, it is snapping of ties before birth and picking up new ones after birth: he has to continue this sucking of milk as long his mother can and then shifting to food as humans know it.

 

Food is a link of man with the nature and Almighty; he grows from same basic elements of which the nature is made of, may be living or non-living. Five elements remain together as long as the sixth element that is the pulse is there: as soon as the pulse disappears the five elements also disintegrate and merge with bigger portions thereof; and the food helps to a large extent to maintain healthy body a link with the sixth element: the pulse: nobody know when it would get snapped and how it is regulated: even despite best of the foods individual do not survive as along as they love to.

 

However, regulate your food as nature regulates the colostrum. Despite so much study of and research on food, anatomy of human body it’s functioning and needs, a wonder diet is still to be discovered that takes care of all the needs of an individual. Even then there have been humans that maintained a link with the Almighty or other Supreme Power through meditation or otherwise kept their food simple, sometimes as simple as potatoes boiled even raw and quantity limited to few ounces only.

 

Food is need not a luxury, as soon one makes it a luxury full of rich food, drinks cold and hard, non-veg slices, it loses its significance as sustainer of life and becomes destroyer of life.    

 

Link between the baby and the mother starts when he is in fetus state; all his requirements are taken care under the supervision of Mother Nature through his own mother.

 

How those around come to know about needs of the new born. The First-Cry, people long for, pray for and sometimes for years together and in the modern day some record it audio and visual too, is the signal baby gives: some people spend years together to record the process in animal kingdom. There is no greater feeling than hearing that the first cry after the baby is born. That feeling of relief that they are okay and that the everything that you just went through was all worth it.

 

This first cry is sign of discomfort as well as hunger too: in addition, it is sign that he is normal speaks, listens, feels, expresses and complete in all senses. If he does not cry Doctors make him cry by a lovely slap as a measure of checking and examination.

 

Thus nature gives man, a sense of action to take care of discomfort and food. Food is the link of child with his mother, soul and the Lord and a source of survival too. Wild animal kingdom follows these norms strictly.

 

Food provides us energy and other ingredients necessary for daily requirements as well as for growth: it is necessary to keep the body and soul - His small essence, together: that way it is a bridge between the soul and the Lord and perhaps it is because of this Lord gives Amrit as first food to living entities. Mother gives another dose of Amrit: previously as long as one could; now in majority of cases as long as the child is put on animal milk. Wild animals have mothers milk much long than humans, one of the great reasons for their good health and high immunity.

 

Even motherly behavior of the child results in making someone else as mother like. My mother told that my eldest brother in his childhood was greatly in love with our grandmother and used to suck her as he was doing with his mother result was soon grandmother became the second source of milk for him.

 

Giving and taking of food are two important activities that bring you nearer to the Lord. Give, serve food as if you are serving the Lord with full respect and honour and those receiving must receive it as it is coming from the Lord as a part of offering to Him: the Prasad: such feelings bring satisfaction, solace, peace and happiness to the giver and taker; increases nutrition value: increases positivity in the behavior of both the giver and the taker: enhances sublimity in behavior, actions and dealings.

 

Eating food is an activity granted by the Lord to every living organism but man is considered supreme: yes he is: in wasting food most: destroying food millions tons: eating more than needed: eating not required: he is greedy: snatches from others: yes that way he is great. Eating food is not just filling the belly: it is much more: it is taste, smell, fragrance, chewing bit by bit, knowing, appreciating and  it is prayer, gratefulness, satisfaction, solace, anand, enjoy food with happiness, never grudge while eating food: otherwise one eats his feelings too that is reflected in his behavior and health too. Food purchased with the money hard earned is least wasted, respected and preserved most, always fruitful in this world for you and your family and thereafter too.  

 

Alms commonly known as money or food given to the poor is a universal human tradition right from the day man realized the Supreme. In Indian ancient system of education, Gurukuls had a place of honour, wherein education was parted with highest traditions and that of most difficult subjects and systems. Conduct of the students was intimately watched day and night. Every Acharya wanted his students to be more than him. In such a strict system, alms occupied an important place: students were required to meet their food needs by alms and those who were aware of Gurukuls gave students alms with respect: students also collected the minimum required: as rightly said by Sant Kabir

 

उदर समाता मांगि लै, ताको नाहि दोश

कहि कबीर अधिका गहै, ताको गति ना मोश।

 

That means there is no defect in demanding to fill the belly

One who demands more, says Kabir, is not qualified for liberation.

 

Even now some Gurukuls follow this ancient tradition. It is not that the students could not afford the meals or the Gurukul were so poor that they were not able to serve food to their students.  It had a different meaning and still has the same. Gurukul wanted to imbibe certain character traits in their disciples which alms help to develop.

 

Asking for alms or begging for alms is apparently insulting but going to receive alms is something that kills ego. Consideration and realization of the position of others is the another aspect, that results from seeking alms. Self-denial, to live with paucity and austerity; the pillars of character development are also taught by alms. Almas also bring discipline, dedication, devotion, respect, regards and obedience in the behavior of the person who goes for alms. Time-management the mother of all successes in life is another fruit brought into the character of the person who goes for alms. Gurukuls also enforced a dress code for the disciples when they went for alms, and also specified the language they used while asking for alms.

 

Purity of food is of great importance for human existence as it is link with nature and the Lord. All free community kitchens, with exception of a few perhaps for climate reasons, serve Satvik food-vegetarian, made for humans from simple ingredients, authentic and ample. It is always tasty-why it is so: perhaps one of the reason is that it cooked in the name of the Lord with highest of devotion, dedication, love, one’s own willingness and also served accordingly: such a food gives satisfaction in addition satiation of hunger. However, there are people who in their effort to build a bridge between the Soul and the Supreme, control or say destroy the sense of taste and take food to the extent of biological requirement to enhance their level of concentration and still there are others who reduce the intake to the minimum and still others live for days together on the strength of will power and insistence without food.

 

Good created food to be received with

Prayers of thanks,

By those who believe

And know the truth.

                                                                       Timothy 4.3B Bible

Stress and Joy of Finding Home for House

 

Stress and Joy of Finding

Home for House

 

“A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.”

 George Augustus Moore

 

On a cloudy afternoon of mid-September 1966, walking ups and downs, turns and blind streets of Ballooganj Shimla, along with my B.Com, Govt. Bikram College of Commerce, Patiala class mate, trying to find out an accommodation or a room for two, because that was the way in those days: brokers, advance rents, security were missing, we saw two strangers sometimes before us and sometimes behind us asking the same question to the locals, “Whether there is a room vacant for rent.” One appeared to be from the area we belonged to – Punjab and the other looked like from North-Eastern States, one was lean other had a good built; one was short and other with normal height, one had wheatish complexion and other fair one but both were dressed like us in a sweater with pant and coat - a norm with the office going Shimlanians. After observing for some time, we gathered courage, went near them and asked what they were looking for; reply was quick and sarcastic, “Whatever you are looking for.”, perhaps they had also noticed us or heard what we were asking the locals for. As the conversation developed it transpired they were from the Punjab University Regional Centre Shimla. My colleague suggested to these strangers, “We can perhaps live together”. I do not know what prompted them but they appeared to be in agreement but did not speak in as many words: subsequently we came to know they were active members of Punjab University Employees Union, Chandigarh and were sent to Shimla Evening Classes Centre of the University on transfer as measure of administrative convenience: perhaps they were thinking how to deal with the differences that may arise some time. Leaving aside everything even the fear of living with strangers, one of the stranger Mr. Trilok seconded the proposal of Shri Joshi my classmate and said, “Yes perhaps we can live together and if all of us agree, I have a property which one of my bosses want to rent  out and I can talk to him.” Joshi my colleague immediately nodded. All of us perhaps had a sigh of relief that there is ray of hope and felt relaxed.

While walking down towards the Mall having the satisfaction of reaching solution, Trilok took us to Indian Coffee House for a cup of coffee and told to meet him here at 05.30 PM the next day and in the meantime he would check-up with the his boss.

 

Next day when all met: had coffee at the Indian Coffee House: a fascination in those days: thereafter Trilok took us deep down the Shimla Railway Station: slowly it was getting dark and number of houses diminishing step by step downward : stopped walking standing before a grocery shop still having light in it. Trilok: pointed towards a closed and a dark cottage 10-12 steps down with a lawn outside and two room windows visible to us without any light: all of us went down walked 5-7 steps in an open side verandah and reached the door. Similar structure appeared down below also and heard human activity, Trilok confirmed that there was another family in the lower floor. I had a sense of relief and felt we are not alone here in this strange structure. Suddenly a flying fox entered the space between tin and wood-roof of the cottage creating a strange noise. We were frightened, a thought fluttered my mind, “Why live in such a strange place.”, but Chauhan said, “Do not bother, it is normal here.”  Chauhan opened the lock, switch on the lights; it was full of dust and webs like an old fort, had two big rooms, one big covered verandah, a store, a kitchen, separate toilet, bath room and a small lobby with a back door opening on another side verandah. The rear side of the cottage had glass windows all over but we could not see anything outside in the dark. It appeared quite spacious. Trilok said rent is Rs.100 Per Month to be paid by 5^th of each month and for us it was Rs.95 PM say Rs.23.75 each: all of us agreed to occupy.

 

Next day, perhaps a Sunday or Saturday all us came down to the cottage: we cleaned it thoroughly: we were astonished to see a beautiful landscape below full of green trees, lovely voice of flowing water coming from deep in the ravine and cool breeze blowing as if tempting us to stay little more and watch the forest below.

 

In the evening we shifted there with bag and baggage. Nobody wanted to go up for dinner. Everybody was tired.  Chauhan went to the nearby grocery shop brought some usual kitchen items like flour, ghee, salt and a few vegetables and asked Trilok to light the stove and soon I saw he was boiling “Arbies” in a pan and kneading the flour. All gathered near the stove one by one sitting on the floor on empty jute bags and Chauhan was making “Arbi ke Paranathe”, reversing the Punjabi folk: “Rannawale the paken paranthe: chharian dee aag na bale”: (Exact translation of this Punjabi folk is not possible: however it means that family man are enjoying parathas and bachelors are able to lit the hearth even). Paranthas were too tasty with mango pickle Trilok had brought in his luggage. This was the start of new journey, nobody knew how long it would last, but everybody started as if we are going stay here in this home forever.

 

“It was like how people find other people to be in love with, all random and accidental and lucky.”

                                                                               ― Jennifer Castle

 

All were early risers, cooked food at home right from the morning tea, break-fast, packed lunch and dinner at night: Chauhan was expert in cooking particularly “Rajmah” and “Rice” slowly myself and Joshi also learnt cooking. Trilok was man of style and maturity, experienced and a family man with two kids-a boy and a girl: but his family was at Chandigarh perhaps he was thinking that he would be able to get his transfer reversed early but it did not happen. For about a year all of us enjoyed bachelors’ life with occasional booze, chicken and mutton also and it had become a place of evening gossip, laughter, jokes and office issues place.

 

In Sept-Oct 1967, Trilok wanted to seek our nod for bringing his family to Shimla: we were slightly worried that we will have to search another accommodation now: anyway all of us in one voice said “Yes”. Trilok and his family came sometimes in by the end of the year. They came on a working day when all of us were in office: Mrs. Trilok-Janak, boy Rakesh was elder and a cute baby Karita.  They took one room exclusively for themselves all other things were common for all of us.

 

When all of us reached home in the evening, it had become family man’s home instead of a bachelors den. What a relief it gave to us I can’t explain. We had a family without a family. With the exchange of pleasantries, it was getting dark every hour and the usual dinning time 08.00-09.00 PM was drawing nearer and nearer, when we heard a sweet voice inviting us all for dinner; all of three were surprised a little: any way all of us a family of seven took together the homemade dinner and “Pinnies” as dessert Trilok’s family had brought from Chandigarh, after a long time. Chit-chat continued for a longtime, when finally I suggested let three of us have separate kitchen: as soon as I proposed this, Mrs. Trilok simply said in a dictating and rightful tone that there would be one kitchen for all and she will cook the meals. We were pleasantly surprised, but rationality said otherwise. So we insisted to have a separate kitchen and but she persisted with much stronger voice with a sense of belonging. All of us the three Musketeers and in the modern sense three Idiot were confused what to do and what not to do. Trilok said, “It is already late, let us sleep now and we can decide it later.” Everybody left, whether slept or not nobody knows.

 

Before, we could get up or at least I was awake, there was a sweet female voice calling, “Bhai Sahib tea, lying beside your bed.” that was Mrs. Trilok calling one by one everybody and then cuddling with her baby.  The day started. Before we were ready for office, I saw four packets lying on the Kitchen shelf: I thought something must have been brought from Chandigarh home. All of us usually started for office at the same time and when that time came that day, Mrs. Trilok handed over every person one packet saying it was his lunch.  Nobody had the guts to say no. Obviously the stage had been set by her artistically and effectively. Nothing changed every equation was where it was earlier. We used to come home straight from office; if otherwise everybody used to be informed and this practice continued. On our way down we used fetched vegetables, groceries or other things as required and on reaching home everybody ensured that she had undisturbed time to be in the kitchen.

 

We, particularly Joshi, used to play with children and kept them busy. One day it so happened that when Joshi was playing with the children, throwing and catching in the air, Krita the baby girl slipped from his hands in the outside lawn and fell on the hard rocky ground and it hit her hard: Joshi turned pale: totally confused: he immediately picked up the baby, pressed her against his chest, and went away running like a totally upset man, perhaps to nearby grocery shop to buy some candy for the baby in the bid to calm the baby: returned home after ten-fifteen minutes baby was laughing and so Joshi Sahib too. Nobody asked what happened it was only the next day at morning tea time that details were shared with all, Mrs. Trilok said there is nothing wrong it could happen with anybody. Joshi had a sigh of relief and satisfaction that it was taken as genuine incident. The sweet home was having its journey smooth and sober.

 

The ultimate luxury is being able to relax and enjoy your home.

                                                                                      Jeff Lincoln

 

Everybody knew that that three of us except Trilok were young enough between 22-25 years and were trying for greener pastures somewhere else. After about 3-4 months Chauhan was successful he got a post in the LIC and was given posting in Solan: left the sweet home at Phagli to start a new one at Solan and even after his retirement he is still there, now perhaps looking after the affairs of a local temple. I had tried my luck at Assistants’ Grade could not get to the merit list in 1967 as only 33 persons were taken in merit that year. So I was preparing for the second inning, in February 1968.This time Lord was gracious enough to secure for me a place in the merit list in Sept 1968 when result came; got the offer of appointment only in November 1968 and left that sweet home, but carried with myself memories which all of us had made together, to join the Ministry of Communication, Directorate General of Posts and Telegraphs Delhi. Joshi also moved for Chandigarh in April 1969 as the office of Accountant General, Punjab Shimla at Groton Castle, had been trifurcated in three units Punjab, Haryana and Himachal on reorganization of Punjab and Himachal, Haryana was born as a result thereof. Himachal Unit remained at Shimla and other two shifted to Chandigarh being the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana. Joshi had opted for Punjab Unit thus Joshi also left the cottage and with lots of sweet memories.

 

At the end of the day all that matters is love and memories so make sure you give it and make sure you make them.

                                                                                 - Trent Shelton

 

Trilok the Style-man and his family were now the only occupants of that Cottage Home: so he shifted to a smaller accommodation: remained at Shimla even after his retirement: in the meantime had married his daughter Krita who finally settled in Mauritius and took her brother Rakesh also with her to settle him there. The Sweet Home again became a house, brick by brick, full of dust and webs, which we had once cleaned as our heaven perhaps waiting for the pious soul to come and make it once again a home cozy and lovely.       

 

When I happened to be in Shimla, sometimes in 2015, I came to know from a friend that dear Trilok had left for his heavenly abode in winter of 2014 in the same colony of Phagli Shimla and was cremated in cremation ground below in the ravine. Matter of fact is when we were together in the Cottage: Trilok many a times on holidays used to be missing for hour or so without information and subsequently it became known that he used to sit near the rivulet below enjoying the calm, noise of the water, greenery, chirping of birds and sounds of insects: perhaps he is still there to enjoy what he could not when he was alive.  This particular place, I came to know later in life was frequented in a similar way by one of the greatest singer of India and he used to match his voice with the sound created by rain and trickling down of drops from the leaves of the trees.

 

I went to Phagli to meet Mrs. Trilok-Janak, but came to know from the landlord of last nest of the family that she had perhaps left India for Mauritius with her daughter and son who came after demise of our friend Trilok to perform last rites: no way out: I stood there for few moments, saw towards deep down the ravine and prayed to Almighty to grant my friend a place in Baikunth: Rest In Peace my friend.

 

Home is the nicest word there is.

                                                                           Laura Ingalls Wilder

 

Home is the most popular, and will be the most enduring of all earthly establishments.

                                                                                 Channing Pollock

Stress Of Sending Grandson To Hostel

 

Stress Of Sending Grandson To Hostel

 

“People usually are the happiest at home.”

William Shakespeare

 

To be in your children’s memories tomorrow,

you have to be in their lives today.

Barbara Johnson

 

It was  cold winter evening perhaps of December of 1993 at about 10.00 PM, we were about to sleep, when my wife told that she wants to talk to our son who was in Hostel at Tatya Sahib Kore Institute of Engineering and Technology, TKIET, as it is popularly called, Warnanagar, Kolhapur Distt, Maharashtra, doing his B.E.(Electronics): no mobile: no laptops: no SMS: no messenger: no landline in room or nearby: phone was available to students session-wise for limited period with the gate man of the hostel, its time was over: nothing could be done: told wife just to sleep and would give ring to him the next day. Something terrible: she was not ready to listen, saying again and again to do something: problem was not at our end as we were having a landline at our home in Delhi: problem was how to contact him in his hostel room. I was also slightly depressed what to do and what not to do. I gathered courage, thought of giving a tinkle to the Principal who was also staying in the same campus: Shri S. S. Santpur a very simple and humble personality but very strict disciplinarian perhaps that was need of the hour and part of the responsibilities of a Principal but an asset to all parents particularly those like us whose wards were studying far away from home. We decided to give Shri Santpur a ring: as soon as the bell at the other side rang it was picked up by Shri Santpur himself: I was little surprised and afraid too: he might refuse the request. Anyway I briefly introduced myself and simply said, “Sir, I have an emotional problem, my wife talks to her son.” He was too quick to understand and replied, “Give ring after 10 minutes: a mother would be talking to her son.” We were too pleased. Subsequently I came know from my son that Shri Santpur himself went to “Jawahar Hostel” at that hour of night and knocked at the door of room where my son was staying. He and his roommate were surprised and afraid also to see the Principal Sir, at the door at that hour. He simply told my son to accompany him and took him to his residence. He made him to sit before the landline and Sir further said, “Whenever it rings pick up the receiver.” As soon as my wife gave the ring after ten minutes it was picked up by our son and we were talking to him: mother and the son talked for a long time. What a solace, satisfaction and peace it gave to my wife: I can’t explain; thereafter she slept with peace and soon was snoring as if she had got the best of her life. How much we were grateful to Shri Santpur: all the words fell short: how much emotional wealth it give to us can’t be assessed. Long Live The Principal Shri S.S. Santpur: May God continue to bless Sir, with health, wealth and happiness.

 

Parenting is the easiest thing in the world to have an opinion about, but the hardest thing in the world to do.

                                                                                          Matt Walsh

 

Children when go out for the first time to the University: is a measure of success and that you have prepared them for such a journey: it is credit to both parents and children too. It is an aim fulfilled and start of another journey to prepare for a career in life. It immediately creates a physical void: loneliness in home and is often cured with self-consoling  by parents that this is for welfare and career of the child.

 

Another void is when the children after education decide to settle abroad for a career. In this era of family planning, when parents have two children, mostly one boy and one girl; they become absolutely lonely and that too in old age when they need company most, Whatsapp and video calls can’t fill up the gap; then the concept of family loses meaning in Indian context where even now children stay with their parents even when married. If parents are ailing, no way out have to depend on others may be paid or otherwise or move to the Old Age Home paid or charitable to live among the strangers mostly in the mess.

 

Child while joining Hostel also feels loneliness but this is taken care by his age, new environment, aim in life, studies, his curiosity to gather, a feeling that somebody is making a sacrifice for him to be here, his attitude and how he handles his exposure where he will have to decide everything himself: without parental care and decision making, and he would be meeting many new things and concept of having new is a universal killer of loneliness and stress. In fact, both the child and parents have to face the new environment, circumstances and realities.

 

Parents have long list of apprehensions and fears too: whether he would eating right and regular, whether sleeping in time, may not be in bad company and adopted bad habits, is he physically fit, is he doing his assignments, has he adjusted to new environment, circumstances, way of life under the eyes of warden and others disciplinarians who were unknown till a day before, are peers co-operative etc. Now it is test of strength of character and values the child has inherited and of endurance of the parent’s capacity in many testing ways.

 

Parents have a great responsibility to keep the child in the shadow of their love and affection and to keep him attached to the family: a great challenge in era of attractions, distractions, information technology, internet, electronics and fast communication. In my first innings, the means of communication were neither easy nor fast, so we never left a chance unavailed to talk to him: his mother had made a routine to write to him a letter every day and the local Postman was kind enough to deliver the letters promptly rather out of way, at odd hours beyond office hour simply because he acknowledged that the boy belonged to postal family, myself being an officer in the Postal Headquarters and had introduced my son to the local Postmaster and the beat Postman.

 

Another cover that was a gift to us by Lord, were the relations we had developed with one of the Professors at the college; who despite being not teaching him took every care of my son and we are still continuing those relations even after 28 years of first meeting. This was of great help through thick and thin to my son and to all those whom we sent subsequently to that Institute.

 

The strongest of bonds with the family was devotion of my son to his studies:  practicals, viva and assignments that kept him engaged: the result was no supplementaries or “supplies” – as that was called by students at that time: it was all clear eighth semester B.E completed a satisfaction of the goal having been secured.

 

Another matter that kept my son near to his studies was that we had created in him an urge for MBA. BE MBA was the most paying combination at that time and we were successful when he took admission in MBA at Pune University and cleared the same in four compulsory semesters.

 

Discipline enforced by the Institute was another feather that kept the students away from indiscipline and irregular habits. College contact numbers were freely available with nearby establishments and they were free to report to the Principal misadventures of the students. This made the students to behave in more responsible manner while being away from the Institute and helped them to accomplish for what they were away from home.

 

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”

                                                                                        – Jim Rohn

 

He was encouraged to come home on every vacation, although travelling was not comfortable rather it was strenuous because of the size of our pocket and we full family of three also visited him as and when the occasion demanded. Whenever we visited him made a point to meet all his professors and kept a personal touch with them always.

 

Homemade sweets and Dhoda  sent to him always kept him with the family at home in Delhi. Another item which became prominent during that period were jeans from Tank Road, Delhi: perhaps these were purchased and sent for his friends also on couple of occasions. Books that were not available there were also sent from Nai Sarak Delhi. In fact, we tried to encash every opportunity to remain near the child.

 

Now it is my second inning with slightly less tension as of now have my son to take care of all the things except my emotional ones. The Lord has been very gracious to the family in wealth, health and happiness. My grandson is devoted to studies, is vegetarian and takes care of his health being a regular at gym, a person who likes to remain at home, engaged with internet purposefully and interested in meta-physics.

 

In fact hostel life is an experience, to gather which is essential and to throw away what is not required; a place of learning from life and its practicals much above the degree and books the immediate task; use of discerning gems and junk sense: time to learn decision making-its canons practically; a period to observe and adopt. It is period to learn the principle of self-denial a gem in character building and exhibiting it. Routine in life is essential for those who care for it and it is meaningless for those who do not adopt it. Hostel provides an opportunity to adopt a meaningful routine of one’s will, a gem of one’s character and a foundation stone of success in life. Time management is another jewel which has to be picked up from hostel life, made a garland and worn lifelong.   Hostel life is great gift of parents and the Lord that one gets an opportunity to spend some time in the Hostel.

 

 “Self-respect is the fruit of discipline; the sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself.”

                                                              – Abraham Joshua Heschel

 

A few hostellers misinterpret the freedom from family environment; that is miscalculation: it is period to learn to talk to your conscience the ultimate teacher, guide and philosopher that gives right direction and decision for every issue. Another thing which is important is: parents are always watching: not possible physically: intuition and supernatural communications are much faster and accurate than the internet and telecommunication. They would come to know as soon as you are on the wrong path or in trouble. So while in the hostel be your own teacher and guide on the right path. Morning in a hostel usually begins with a lie but do not do it to your own self: that is worst.  In fact, it is period of learning:

 

“What lies in our power to do, lies in our power not to do.”

                                                                                         – Aristotle

 

India was the first country in the world that introduced Hostel system in education even when the civilization in terms of modern concept was in primitive stage: the Gurukul: a residential schooling system that dates back to around 5000 BC in the Indian sub-continent: was more prevalent during the Vedic age where students were taught various subjects and about how to live a cultured and disciplined life: where both students and Gurus: the teachers: professors: principals lived in the same campus; had food in the same kitchen: students were taught in the same campus: where students built strong bonds with the teachers who were fully devoted to their cause: where best of Gurus were available. They also develop strong bonds with peers. In fact, at one stage going to Gurukul meant joining the “Kul” that is family of “Guru”.

 

Even now basic concepts are the same except that previously it was more for the Gurus to polish the students to make them more than the teachers and perfect: now it is for the students how they get themselves chiseled and polished to become diamonds of highest carat: this change is because of the journey of thought.

 

Hostel life is the best life

Which change our life style

We start the new life here

We make new friends

We enjoy the little things in our life

For one day we will look back

And realize that they were the best things ever

Happened in our life

Ananya Bihari

 

In Hostel collect gems, jewels, and pearls from your life to distribute free to others.

Stress-On The Way To Atal Tunnel

 

Stress-On The Way To Atal Tunnel

 A Skip To Rohtang Pass-13058 Feet

 

“If all difficulties were known at the outset of a long journey most of us would never start out at all.” – Dan Rather

 

Morning mist was still there on the hills, even at 12.00 O’ noon, Beas water nearby was making much noise perhaps in a hurry to reach its destination the Pong Dam also called Beas Dam: air had much more chill than expected: Sun was still in infancy: Breakfast although coming piping hot from the Hotel kitchen, somewhere in between Kullu and Manali, became cold before we could finish. Children had just completed their online coaching and assignments necessitated by Corona-Covid19-Chinese virus and we thickly dressed with at least five layers each started for a visit to 9.02 KM long, 33 Feet wide,  10,000 feet altitude world’s first at this height, Atal Tunnel- a national pride and a defence necessity to tackle both China and Pak misadventures, built under the Rohtang Pass on the Leh-Manali Highway: longing to fulfil our dream to enjoy the white blanket the nature had thrown all around in the area. Our XUV 500 was ready, full with three blankets we had not removed after reaching our Hotel Room and had lots of dry snacks and some water bottles, cold drinks and the modern paraphernalia.  We were about 56 kilometre away from the tunnel. The path appeared to be clear and it was actually upto Manali - a gem of hill stations sandwiched between the Dhauladhar Ranges and the Pir-Punjal Ranges of Himalayas. Previous night the area had 15 cm snowfall.

 

Reached the narrow city bridge that connects two sides of Manali across river Beas that has its source top the Rohtang Pass itself in Beas Kund now with a Temple also. Soon we crossed this bridge, journey started opening up itself. Traffic had increased slowly, speed reduced, it became a traffic jam but still moving inch by inch: BRO sign Boards with inconvenience caused is regretted could be seen and there were many road hawker selling potato chips and other dry snacks and water bottles at a high price. Everybody was hoping to reach the Tunnel, perhaps hoping against hope: many were happy with the jam-playing with snow, hitting each other will snow balls and clicking the scenes created by nature or themselves.  

 

A BRO vehicle staff guided  us for some time towards the tunnel and there after it disappeared by crossing the traffic from the wrong side which we did not dare: I could hear the voices inside and outside the vehicle whispering : ‘it would have been better had we returned to Manali’. It was becoming difficult to move forward; in fact it was stand still: it was getting dark and cold was increasing every minute. In the meantime all our snacks had been consumed and the cold was making us to shiver. Some local extended a helping hand in getting something to eat and my son went with him to fetch some snacks etc. He did not return for almost an hour we were slightly worried: soon he came back shivering, half his clothes wet and mud sticking here and there: brought a bundle of glucose biscuits, a white bread and butter. There was nothing more to survive: we were eating hard butter and white bread: we had not taken in life like that: shops had been closed: traffic was not moving at all: it was pitch dark: road hawker had also gone: no local Police or BRO staff to help. We had earlier heard Border Roads Organization (BRO) people saying that they would not undertake rescue operation on that day as the tourists did not heed to their advice not to move towards the tunnel: and they really did not help where we were, they were perhaps making arrangements in the tunnel itself: this was against the administrative instructions: in fact a failure of Administration that they could not stop the traffic appropriately rather they mishandled the situation: thank God there were no causalities as we know: the Lord helped: nobody perhaps needed medical help.

 

My son slowly opened up and he told that he had to go up for more than a kilometer or so to fetch snacks; all the shops were closed: he saw only one shop open and got whatever was available with the Shop. He had slipped thrice but there was nothing to worry. I could understand that had slightly hit his confidence. It was pitch dark: totally stuck: cold at its top: everybody was feeling depressed and feeling pinch of the extreme weather.

 

It was only at about 02.00 O’ Clock at night we were able to see a slight movement of the vehicles in direction back to Manali.  Our XUV500 had to be given a U turn: it was very difficult despite the fact that the air pressure in the tyres had already been reduced to increase grip on the road: it was too slippery on snow and slush: it was two steps forward one step backward and sometimes it was two steps forward and three steps backward that was most dangerous: space was too little: we were reciting Human Chalisa to invoke His blessings and help and many others were doing the same: it was really bone breaking experience. Being an experienced driver having done on my vehicle up to Badrinath, Rekang-Peo-Kalpa and Delhi-Chandigarh-Manali–Leh-Kargil-Srinagar-Jammu-Chandigarh, so I was little more confident that I would succeed, after a few attempts and slips at the steering vehicle was finally Manali bound.   

 

On way-back from Manali there was a landslide: it was all mud, road was not visible it was only the way and one car was seen having been hit by the boulder and laying in damaged condition: you would shiver from feet to head to imagine as to what would have happened to the occupants on that cold night in the Hills at that hour of the night. It was pitch dark, with mud on the road: stopping on the road was impossible and too risky: we had to continue to move: we were moving at a very slow speed with having faith on the Almighty that we would survive this ordeal. Every inch forward was a big gain: ultimately I was able to see the road: thanked the Lord and drove only seeing the dividing glittering reflecting colours on the road.

 

Suddenly noticed that XUV500 was giving warning that it had fuel only for 5 KM whereas our hotel was 8 KM. It was a big surprise how I forget to check fuel in the vehicle: in fact fuel was enough to go and comeback from the Tunnel but that had been consumed by idle running of the engine and clutch brake movement of the XUV500. What to do: no petrol pump nearby: did not want to stop on the road on that dark pitch night: somebody might hit from back: my skills guided me: increased the speed where it could be done to increase fuel efficiency: every foot covered was a gain: as soon as Hotel became faintly visible we had a sigh of relief: felt we have reached safe without any damaged and soon we were in Hotel Compound.

 

Reached our hotel back by about 05.00 hrs. in the morning next day: spending almost 17 hours on the road without reaching Atal Tunnel: I was back in the Hotel with my family: Hotel Staff continuously remained in touch with us and that provided a lot of confidence and belief. Thanked the Lord. Fact is:

 

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”― Andre Gide

 

We went straight to our room: the room blower had kept it cozy: Hotel staff had kept food in our room. It was cold but heat of the hunger made it so tasty for all of us: we enjoyed dinner before bed tea time, to our fill despite shivering, what a time, hunger, food and taste: suddenly the smile, laugh and laughter became noisy everybody laughed to his pitch perhaps it was a satisfaction of having done the impossible and reached our Hotel safe from such a horrifying experience on the road or it was acknowledgement of my driving skills or disapproval of the same I do not know: perhaps everybody was having his own reason: it was enjoyable to see everybody laughing. All of us slept right up to 11.00 hrs in the morning that recharged us all to enjoy the winter hilly weather snowfall. In fact sometimes:

 

“Travelling — it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”

                                                                                    – Ibn Battuta

 

In the afternoon we went up to Manali enjoyed walking up and down the short but clean The Mall enjoying street food and hot tea in between and also got the tattoos engraved. In the evening we spent quality time for dinner at Johnson’s café, one of the best in Manali, a few steps above the Mall: enjoyed local Trout fish a delicacy in non-veg dishes with Band in attendance: yesterday’s stress was flying away and so the negative feelings generated by the night jam ordeal. The night next gave us a good sleep and we felt:

 

“To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.”

                                  ― Freya Stark

 

In fact, travel has its own charm, information, knowledge, adventure, known, unknown, new, old, cuisine-local and routine and what not. In addition it has weather-that can change anytime from good to bad and worse and it make a known destination an unknown one.

 

     “All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveller is unaware.” ― Martin Buber