Pink Twins

Pink Twins
Gangtok

Yellow Villa

Yellow Villa
Gangtok

Sparkling Rai Saag

Sparkling Rai Saag
Gangtok

Lovely Poppy Flowers

Lovely Poppy Flowers
Gangtok

A Different type of Seasonal Flower

A Different type of Seasonal Flower
Gangtok

Blue Flavour

Blue Flavour
Gangtok

Pink & White Combination

Pink & White Combination

Dark Pink Flavour

Dark Pink Flavour
Gangtok 6th March 16

Purple Charm

Purple Charm
CS Quarter Gangtok

Magnificent Yellow and Red Tulip

Magnificent Yellow and Red Tulip
Conservatory Near Selep Tank

Charm of Red Tulips

Charm of Red Tulips
Conservatory near Selep Tank

Lord Buddha

Lord Buddha
1-D Terminal New Delhi

Attraction of Red Panda

Attraction of Red Panda
Saramsa Garden

Lord Ganesh made of oranges

Lord Ganesh made of oranges
Saramsa Garden

Charm of Seasonal Flower

Charm of Seasonal Flower
Gaurds Ground Gangtok

Unmatched beauty

Unmatched beauty
Sikkim Organic Festival

Green is always soothing

Green is always soothing
Sikkim Organic Festival 2016

Yellow Orchid

Yellow Orchid
Somewhere in Gangtok

White Orchid

White Orchid
Manan Kendra

Purple Orchid

Purple Orchid
Manan Kendra, 31-10-2015

Gift of Nature

Gift of Nature
Near Cherry Building

Majestic View of Sea

Majestic View of Sea
Marina, Chennai, 19-10-15

Typical Sikkim Pillar Carving and painting

Typical Sikkim Pillar Carving and painting
Hotel Nork Hill

Mirror Reflection, Changed Angle

Mirror Reflection, Changed Angle
Nork Hill, 24-11-2015

Mirror Trick

Mirror Trick
Hotel Nork Hill, Gtok, 24-11-2015

Yes we have the power

Yes we have the power
Qtr at Devt Area, 25-11-2015

Majestic View of K.jenga from SLA

Majestic View of K.jenga from SLA
Gangtok dt 20-11-2015

MIRROR IMAGE OR COMPUTER TRICK

MIRROR IMAGE OR COMPUTER TRICK
NEW DELHI 22-10-15

BRILLIANT KATHAK PERFORMANCE

BRILLIANT KATHAK PERFORMANCE
MRS MALI SMU 13-10-2015

SAROD RECITAL

SAROD RECITAL
SMU CONVOCATION 13-10-15

SHOWCASING SIKKIM CULTURE

SHOWCASING SIKKIM CULTURE
ITM GANGTOK 14-10-15

RED BEAUTY

RED BEAUTY
GANGTOK

ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL

ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
MAYFAIR GANGTOK

OM NAMAH SHIVAY

OM NAMAH SHIVAY
MAYFAIR GANGTOK 02-11-15

Smile and Joy

Smile and Joy
24th September Delhi

Catelia Orchid

Catelia Orchid
Gangtok

Beautiful Chinaware Lampshed

Beautiful Chinaware Lampshed
Gangtok

Catelia Orchid

Catelia Orchid
Gangtok on 7-10-15

Morning Glow

Morning Glow
Denzong Regency- Gangtok on 7-10-15

Pink Orchid

Pink Orchid
Pakyong Area

Green Orchid

Green Orchid
Bojeytar Pakyong 26 Feb 15

Tabla or Log Piece

Tabla or Log Piece
HMI Darjeeling Nov 2014

Hand can do anything

Hand can do anything
Birla Science Museum Kolkata

Legacy and Heritage

Legacy and Heritage
Indian Museum Kolkata

Queen Nephretus of Egypt

Queen Nephretus of Egypt
India Museum Kolkata 4th Mar 15

A Buddhist Stone Art Piece

A Buddhist Stone Art Piece
Tashi Delek June 2014

Foot Print of Bason

Foot Print of Bason
Satpura Forest

Foot Print of Tiger

Foot Print of Tiger
Satpura Forest (MP) March 14

Unique Piece of Pine Wood

Unique Piece of Pine Wood

Lovely Twins

Lovely Twins

Pink,Pink,Pink

Pink,Pink,Pink
Orchid,not only Spl ,It lasts longer Also

Clean Water has a Different Impact

Clean Water has a Different Impact
Rangeet at Jorethang ,24-11-14

What a Ravishing Beauty ?

What a Ravishing Beauty ?
Teesta near Kalijhora, 19-12-14

Pre Dawn Captivating Beauty

Pre Dawn Captivating Beauty
K.JUNGA, 6:20 AM 18 -12-14

Another Dawn View -Different Angle

Another Dawn View -Different Angle
K.JUNGA, 18-12-14

View at Dawn in Biting Cold

View at Dawn in Biting Cold
K.JUNGA 18-12

Dawn Scene-2

Dawn Scene-2
V Awas 18 -12-14

Dawn Scenario

Dawn Scenario
K.JUNGA

Morning Means End of Night

Morning Means End of Night
K. JUNGA,

View at Dawn

View at Dawn
K.JUNGA 2 ,18-12-14

Early Morning Freshness

Early Morning Freshness
K.JUNGA, 18-12-14

What an eye opener early in the day?

What an eye opener early in the day?
View of 17-12-2014 from Terrace of V. Awas

Another view of full snow around Mt Kanchendzonga

Another view of full snow around  Mt Kanchendzonga
17-12-2014

Magnificent view after bone chilling night

Magnificent view after bone chilling night
17-12-2014

Beauty of Kachendzonga after a cold night

Beauty of Kachendzonga after a cold night
Vidhayak Awas Gangtok

Amazing charm of Green Orchid

Amazing charm of Green Orchid
HMI Darjeeling

Green Orchid

Green Orchid
HMI DARJEELING (13-11-14)

Bell Flower in full bloom

Bell Flower in full bloom

Yellow Orchid

Yellow Orchid
Dec 14 Circuit House

View of Kanchendzonga always inspires

View of Kanchendzonga always inspires
Vidhayak Aawas Gangtok

Cherry Blossom

Cherry Blossom
November 14 Ganesh Tok Gangtok

What a view after getting up ?

What a view after getting up ?
B-1 Vidhayak Aawas Gangtok

Chanda Mama looking at Kanchendzonga

Chanda Mama looking at Kanchendzonga
11-11-2014 VIP COLONY

Red Rose

Red Rose
Gangtok

Cranes having Gala Time

Cranes having Gala Time
Tigaon, Faridabad (2nd Oct 14)

Yes I am from Faridabad

Yes I am from Faridabad
Tiny, Beautiful Bird at NTPC, Ballabgarh (29.9.14)

Water Vital for Life

Water Vital for Life
Awesome view of Teesta near Kalijhora

Yes I had a Bath

Yes I had a Bath
Gladiola at 6200 ft.

Soothing Morning View

Soothing Morning View
Mt. Khangchendzonga from C.House (April, 14)

Natural Yellow Fascinates

Natural Yellow Fascinates
Gangtok (April, 2014)

Flowery Bell ?

Flowery Bell ?
Circuit House (May 14)

Riot of Colour in Monsoon

Riot of Colour in Monsoon
Circuit House, Gangtok(May 14)

Blushing orange

Blushing orange
Circuit House Gangtok (May 14)

Magnificent Taj

Magnificent Taj
Sept 2013

I can lift Taj Mahal

I can lift Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal,Sept end 2013

Natural fan to beat the heat

Natural fan to beat the heat
India Gate (24.08.14)

Engineering Marvel

Engineering Marvel
Coronation Bridge (22.08.2014)

Cascading water, soothing to eyes

Cascading water, soothing to eyes
Scene near Teesta Baazar (22.8.14)

Teesta attracts at every bend

Teesta attracts at every bend
16.7.2014

Monkey jump

Monkey jump
Teesta River, Birik(22.8.14)

Onset of Night

Onset of Night
Qutub,Sept.13

Qutub,Dusk Scene

Qutub,Dusk Scene
Sept.13

Together we take a Plunge

Together we take a Plunge
Clean Calicut Beach, Feb-2013

Setting Sun, always soothing

Setting Sun, always soothing
Dusk at a Gaya village(15.5.13)

Green Paradise in Concrete Jungle

Green Paradise in Concrete Jungle
Lake surrounding Purana Quila(20.10.13)

Sunday, December 15, 2013

TAKI REMEMBERED



    It is believed, what has elapsed may have gone forever. Not always. Some experiences and encounters do not wither away. They tend to leave a mark in the corner of mind, so much so, that a passing reference or a remote mention may remind. It may evoke fresh thoughts. One may, therefore, not resist the temptation to go down the memory lane.

   To prove my point, a recent feature in ‘India Perspectives’ about the annual immersion of idols of Goddess Durga in the Ichchamati River along the Indo-Bangla border is what I wish to mention. Avid description together with lovely coloured photographs of the event distinctly reminded me of my unforgettable one month stay in April-May, 2009 at Taki as E.C.I. Observer. It is situated at a distance of 95 kms from Kolkata in the North 24 Parganas District (Sundarbans area) of West Bengal.

   One had heard a lot about the co-operation and camaraderie between the people of two countries on the occasion of  this last act of Durga Puja. Seeing the same, however, through the lovely photos was a different ball game. Though the photos showed the river as a beautiful one, in reality it is not so due to its brackish water and same is unfit for drinking, bathing or for breeding of fish. According to local belief, its proximity to sea (Bay of Bengal) led to such adverse effects. It was not a smooth affair either to enjoy a boat ride owing to two factors: a non-demarcated riverine border prompted firings from Bangladesh Rifles every now and then and one would also get trapped in the Charrs. Latter is a phenomenon in which accumulation of sand takes place for a few days in the middle of river due to low tide.

   Whenever I was free from my official charter, I could candidly and confidentally observe the traditions, colours and emotions in the vast village. Its proximity, however, to Bashirhat, the subdivisional headquarter (Dist. H Q being Barasat) did not have noticeable impact on the economic condition or the educational awareness of the villagers. Majority of them were, nevertheless, loyal to the ruling left party. 

  Taki had a number of Zamindar houses. Once a centre of traditional power and influence, they present a different tale now. Most of them being deserted, were looked after, if not maintained by the part-time caretakers or the ever shrewd share-croppers. One of the prominent ones about which one was informed, belonged to Gen. Shanker Roychaudhary, the popular ex-Army Chief.

   Going for long morning walks in the pollution free atmosphere of the village was both a fun and a learning experience. I would be immediately spotted as an outsider whenever I ventured to go. My questions pertaining to the economy and society of the village would be promptly replied to by the villagers who had plenty of time at their disposal. Clear weather at this time of the year would provide excellent photo opportunities of the rising sun and river front . Taking an evening stroll on the embankment of the River Ichchamati by getting a glimpse of the border villages of Bangladesh also would be a pleasant experience. Interacting with Sikh and Jat Jawans of the BSF would add to my knowledge of the border areas, initially acquired during my association with Indo-Pak border affairs while working as a Director in MHA. The Jawans would be too eager to extend an invitation to their BOP’s. Sometimes, I would oblige.

   The easily available ‘Van Rickshaws’ were an integral part of life and times of Taki. These were not to be missed. For commuting within the village, going to nearest town, market, hospital or for accessing remote areas of the Sunderbans, one invariably needed them. Even without a back support, this slow moving means of transport would be both useful and comfortable.
Another characteristic feature was ‘Saundesh’ a very rich, tasty, tempting and popular sweet. A pure milk product of fairly high quality, it was mostly served in bulk (minimum four in a plate) as a desert subsequent to elaborate non-veg. meals. Both Saundesh and ‘Tiffin’ (twice a day) were considered sacrosanct. The area, keeping in view the consumption pattern, too had remarkable pisciculture activities. Novel ways of preventing theft of Prawn and Hilsa at night were noted in hamlet after hamlet.  Despite this the villagers did not look prosperous from any angle.

   Like any other part of rural India, women of the village retained a low status.  Though they would be mostly confined to their small thatched dwelling units, for the purpose of bath they would venture out. Mostly they would slip into one of the several ponds ( some being very dirty) either alone or in group and spend a sizeable time in true ‘Gopi’ style. As if this was not enough, they would next soak their bodies under a road side tap in full public view. This was their unique way of relaxation and exploring pleasure. No one would stare at them. In good old days, it was gathered that even top-less bath not only would take place but same was also not frowned upon.  

   The cultural cum religious gatherings by the Hindus, more so, in the post-dinner period were a regular feature. These impressive congregations would be well attended. Muslims would not lag behind by convening a kind of Tabliq-Jamaat once again after majority of the villagers had gone to sleep. Despite my inclination, I could not witness any of such events. It will be a matter of regret.

   Smuggling of cattle being a rampant activity was always heard of. Irrespective of Police vigil, the smugglers having an all India network will have a last laugh. They would make four-five times more profit by pushing cattle in live or dead form to Bangladesh. Reportedly, from there, these consignments would be dispatched to Saudi Arabia and other parts of Middle East. Mostly this will happen between two and four a.m, upon exchange of code word and signals through torchlight or mobile. The fellows wearing only underwears and being well oiled, will be very swift in their operations. It was also a prerequisite to excel in swimming. Last named ability was a must as this would serve them well in case they were required to jump into river or pond while being fired upon by the BSF or the local Police, subsequent to an interception. No villager ever would divulge any clue about the nefarious activities. Reasons were well understood.

  . The enchanting Geographical setting of the area has attracted authors, artists and film makers every now and then. Amitabh Ghosh, the reputed Bengali and English novelist is reported to have stayed in one of many small islands to write a full length novel which won him accolades all over the world. One should also not forget the film Amanush in which Uttam Kumar, Sharmila Tagore and Utpal Dutt played remarkable leading roles. The songs and the meticulous care taken by the Director went on to depict the nuances of the Sundarbans village life, guided both by the bounties and perils of water.

   A visit to the coastal belt of the South 24 Parganas after finishing my Poll duty was equally memorable. Light blue colour of the Sea and slow walk very close to thick Mangroves were both exciting and unusual. Sighting the Royal Bengal Tiger in a hectic schedule was completely out of question. Same required days of camping. When the video camera failed owing to the battery complications, static photography came to our rescue. It reestablished my faith in time trusted, yet ‘slow’ apparatus.


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