Simple-Sandy had a fall (boo..hoo..that's me :( )

In memory of my great fall while trying to climb a rock on the trek to valley of flowers.

Simple-Sandy trotted by with a remarkable stride,
Her head was held high in the air and heart was full of pride,
She assessed the mountains with a smile and strutted away in style,
Trekking is a child's play, she was so smart and agile.

She ducked the stones, she crossed the streams, she climbed the mountains steep,
And when a shallow ditch appeared, Ah ! she gives a sudden leap.
Oh ! Simple-Sandy is so great, She always takes the lead.
Her friends were always left behind, so terrific was her speed.

Then, nestled in the lush green plants, she spots a rock profound,
Simple-Sandy gives a laugh, it's so easy to mount,
So with a casual step she climbed and showed no signs of fright,
But she slips and falls amid the rocks and disappears out of sight.

With a broken knee and a bleeding bruise, she whined and winced in pain,
But her pals were good at heart, so they helped her out again.
Simple-Sandy learnt a lesson, trekking isn't easy at all.
And now u know this secret friends, how Simple-Sandy had a fall. :(

Valley of Flowers..Where Earth weds the sky !!

I ramble along the mountains high,
To a wedding amid two lovers.
For the lovely earth and the azure sky,
will wed at 'Valley of flowers'.

As the morning casts a crimson glow,
On sheets of frosty hail,
I see the fair bride sweetly blush,
Through her silken misty veil.

Flowers with tints of red and blue,
Adorn her bridal wear,
And dewdrops nestling in the leaves,
Form jewels that shine and glare.

The amber leaves do a swirling dance,
As the breeze sends them afloat,
To ripples of the bubbling brook,
That hums a music note.

The vibrant butterflies hasten about,
To invite all and one.
The birds too lift their voices pure,
To awaken the sun.

I hear the whispers of the wind,
It sings of nature's splendor.
Oh trekker there, it's a sight to behold !!
This wedding full of grandeur.

When the morning light fades away,
And as scarlet sun seeks the horizon,
I see the sky embrace his bride,
With love and yearning passion.

My memories..Garhwal in Uttaranchal..Paradise incognito !!!

I am back, complete with a broken ligament, a few bruises, deep tan, a running nose, skin peeling off from all over my body and every part of my poor body screaming for rest; but it is my mind which is at rest; it is calm and full of memories..memories from the paradise.
Yes..I am back from a trip to the paradise..the Himalayas...the "Abode of Snow" ; which exemplifies the brilliance and splendor of nature, which emphasizes the smallness and helplessness of a human being on the face of earth. I know my words won't do any justice to those ever rising youngfold mountains and to its peaks draped in snow nor would my little camera be able to confine it's sheer magnificence in a simple polaroid; but these words had to be penned down so that years later when I go down the memory lane, I'll still feel it's awe-inspiring beauty.

The Garhwal range of Indian Himalayas laces uttaranchal, encompassing spectacular scenic beauty. Since times immemorial, the Himalayas have said to epitomize a mystical truth, it's said to possess a sanctity which each of it's stones foretell. Every snow-capped peak is said to have a spiritual aspect and every rivulet a reflective devoutness.It has lured sages and rishis since centuries into it's nest, inspiring poetry and numinous tales.

At one point as high as 25000 ft above sea level, where the vegetation grows sparse, one will find the 'GovindGanga' tearing the sharp-edged glaciers with it's turbulence but only to nestle into the arms of the majestic valleys and meadows much below the snowline. Here Nature changes it's colors every minute. It's harsh with it's unpredictable landslides at one point whereas provides tranquility at 'DevPrayag', where river Alaknanda weds Bhagirathi to give birth to the Holy Ganga.

It is the divine aspect of the Garhwal Indian Himalayas which has attracted pilgrims and ascetics whereas it's captivating beauty and jagged heights have drawn trekkers and mountaineers to test their skills against it's dangerous ravines since times to remember. It's association with the mythological tales and legends only add to the ecstacy, mounting up every moment. To stand on the same ground where "Maharshi Vyas" narrated the entire "Mahabharata" to "Lord Ganesha" elicits a feeling of bliss and harmony. The sight of the mighty "Bhim Pul" at Mana, allegedly pulled down by "Bhim" of "Pandava" fame to enable his wife "Draupadi" cross the river "Saraswati", is again a tale of fascination for the tourists.
The Garhwal valleys inhibit a strong devotion for "Nanda Devi" and "Lord Shiva". With a firm belief in the supernatural powers and black-magic, a zeal for celebrating all the Hindu religious occassions and the ancient stories involving characters from the epics and myths as a backdrop, Garhwal seems to reflect a picture of the age-old India.

The pain of venturing into the inner Himalayas along the rugged terrain seems to vanish miraculously at the sight of the flower-adorned "Valley of flowers", the serene "Hemkund-Sahib", the turbulent Ganga and Yamuna, the pious "char-dhams" or shrines, the majestic peaks and the inaccessible valleys. They all unite together to provide the contemporary man a break from the rush of the city and solace from the ever increasing worries of a modern-day life.

It's Mumbai again..

On Mumbai blasts of 11th July 2006..

One fateful evening, marked by thunder and rain,
Destiny danced to the death knell again.
People had surpassed their troubles and pain,
When History repeats itself and there's bloodshed again.

The entire city was shocked and aghast,
when hundreds succumbed to the fatal blasts.
Mumbai was left to blaze and burn,
When fate took such a gruesome turn.

It wondered what wrong it had done,
To endure someone's dreadful wrath,
It wondered whether it's religion again,
That dragged innocents to the deadly path.

Some saw their dear ones pass away,
Some were scarred for life,
It left them helpless in a world,
Where hardships are so rife.

In today's world infested with poverty and illiteracy,
Few still proclaim religion and it's supremacy.
But do they realize the evident irony;
That no religion preaches angst and agony?

When virtous men rushed to help,
The ill-fated ones on this wretched day,
Haunting memories came surging by,
Of March 93's Black Friday.

I silently shed tears for the departed souls,
I silently prayed for those who grieve,
I thank you God, for you have blessed me,
with one more dawning day to live.

Just a Smile away...

When you are lonely and distressed,
When the heart denies you peace and zest,
A simple smile that comes your way,
will cheer you up and make your day.

Through the rain and murky cloud,
The sun shines to clear the dreary shroud,
Like a smile that takes a peek,
when tears go rolling down your cheek.

A fire roars in a dingy hearth,
To fill a bleaky night with mirth,
Like a smile that kindles life,
When your heart is torn with strife.

When you feel your spirits sway,
And your hope seems to wilt away,
When all your efforts seem futile,
The cure is none but a benign smile.

Like a rainbow that streaks the skies,
With shades to soothe the yearning eyes,
A smile is known for many a hue,
Friendly, crafty and naughty too.

A simple curve, Oh let me state !!
Sets everything that's wrong to straight.
It wants no price, it needs no flair,
I wonder then, why it's so rare?

A gift of God to rich and poor,
To heal the ones who need succour,
Let me pass it on to you,
Look at me, I am smiling too. :)

Another Penny to Earn

I stride and stumble through the rutted lane,
And a kind heart saves me when I fall again.
With no thanks and gratitude in return,
I hurry again, for I have another penny to earn.

A weeping child then pleads for bread,
With gloomy eyes that speak words unsaid.
But I hasten ahead with no concern,
Oh, let me rush, I have another penny to earn.

My heart knows no love and knows no care,
It knows no sorrow and what's despair.
Thousands cry and millions yearn,
But I have another penny to earn.

The sun still shines and casts it's glare,
But I have no time to stand and stare,
At violets that nod through the flowering fern,
Coz I still have another penny to earn.

The saints and scholars preach words so wise,
But they seem trifle, I surmise.
There are so many lessons that I need to learn,
But today I have another penny to earn.

Oh God, My life has withered away,
I repent and regret with great dismay.
Bliss and joy I failed to discern,
Since I always had another penny to earn.

They are no longer Strangers...

Trekking was a marvelous experience. I am accustomed to trekking but normally they always lasted just for 2-3 days.However exploring the profound Himalayas was a learning experience and I have learnt quite a number of vital lessons. The biting cold, the rugged terrain, the inedible food and the pain due to long hours of trekking have instilled in me a power to endure hardships and understand the supreme power of nature. Climbing the 16000 ft high Hemkund-Sahib was nothing short of an accomplishment for me.
Love, Care, Friendship, Co-operation, Support are amongst the few things that this journey has taught me.

I met some strangers during the trek. But now.. they are no longer strangers.. they are special..

The uncle whom we met at NewDelhi railway station was kind enough to lead us to the Metro and direct us to the ISBT.

The Delhi-Haridwar bus Driver and cleaner who made arrangements for us to stay at a good hotel for the night before embarking on our journey to Rishikesh which was to be the starting point of our trek.

Pankaj uncle: I used to call him "King uncle". He truly resembled a King especially when he mounted a horse wearing a Red Jacket and a cowboy hat.
Thank you Uncle for forcing me to eat when i had no appetite and for making me have tablets when i was in pain. He is witty and very friendly, even to strangers. He might start talking to someone one minute and the next minute, the person would eat out of his hand.

Akhil uncle : He used to peep into my set of cards while we were playing 'Bluff'.
He was always steady and trekked the steep mountains especially the 75 degree Hemkund-sahib inclines without any scruples. He was very concerned about us on the last day , the day we were to return to Mumbai and gave us so many instructions. Thank you uncle.

Mayank: I remember the long conversations with him about almost everything that could be found on earth while trekking down from Ghangharia and the old hindi melodies that we sang in the bus.

Devika : Gosh !!! An encyclopedia. Can start a discussion on almost anything and everything. She is a fabulous photographer.

Mayank Devika and Ashwini, thank you so much for helping me and guiding me through the strenous trail, when i fell and hurt my knee.

Amita Aunty : She depicts a character of strength and maturity coupled with contemporary thoughts. Her hobby of birdwatching reflects patience and determination.

Radhika : Sweet, bubbly and naughty.
Mayank, Radhika and Devika, I'll thoroughly enjoyed playing antakshari with you guys.

Arpita and Archana Aunty: They have a huge collection of songs and it's never exhausted. They both were amusing and amiable.

Raul, Lina and Philippe: Lina's gujarati song in swedish accent, Raul's spanish and Phillipe's French songs would always be recollected with great pleasure. They readily joined in with our fun and frolic without any reluctance. Raul used to win all the card games although he was playing them for the first time.

Jayanti Aunty: She has a great sense of humour especially when she used to chide Pankaj uncle for his repartee.

Sreedhar uncle: He managed to complete the 8-days trek inspite of grave health problems and hardships. An excellent photographer, he doesn't rely on digital cameras but used to strut about fixing lenses of different sizes and shapes on his huge camera.

Pankaj uncle, Arpita aunty, Mayank and Radhika are from Mumbai. So we shared a common bond.
All of them are still in touch and we have shared lots of photographs. But i do miss them all....