RISE OF BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA

January 20, 2009 will be a red letter day not only for the Americans but for all the under privileged sections. History was created when 47 year old Obama, having a troubled childhood, took oath as the 44th President of the U.S.A. For the prosperous and hitherto carefree Americans, change of guard at the top every four years is not something new. This year, it was special and unusual because a member of an immigrant African American community had won decisively for the supreme position for the first time.
It goes without saying that barely forty five years ago none of them had a right to vote. Many of them are still subjected to racial discriminations and assaults. No wonder, braving bone numbing cold, a large number of them had assembled for the big event at the National Mall and for the ‘curtain raiser’ at the Lincoln Memorial, the previous day.

The triumph of cyber savvy Obama has been made possible due to rare unity among the rapidly emerging immigrant community as also gradual loss of ‘White’ faith in George Bush on account of his many divisive policies, meddling in Iraq and his apparent failure to control the domestic economy which resulted in loss of three million jobs. It could be, therefore, considered positive as also negative exercise of franchise.

The meteoric rise of son of an erstwhile Kenyan from a Senator to the President in less than five years is momentous by any reckoning. The way he spoke, campaigned and carried himself forward, sets brilliant standards. He appears to posses the required capability, appeal and the charisma which enables him to deliver concise, balanced and effective speeches having substance and conviction. Due to his sheer hard work and determination he has transformed into a magnificent orator, a quality gained and inculcated normally only after years of experience. The way he speaks, he promises a fair degree of optimism and shows a certain ray of hope to the people from various walks of life.
At his meticulously organised ‘inauguration’, he displayed courtesy and humility right from the outset. He conveyed everything powerfully without resorting to any direct criticism. What he did not refer to-the concerns arising from global warming, faith and determination of Americans, the famous inspirational words of George Washington, their capability to draw strength from the Christians, Muslims, Jews ,Hindus, and the non-believers etc?. Though any mention of Israel-Palestine conflict or Pakistan was avoided, his statement,” Why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand (before you) to take a most sacred oath” was not only touching but it may have brought tears to many eyes. His tough message to the elements perpetrating terror will be welcomed everywhere provided the grounds are facilitated for the actual crackdown.
He has raised expectations of people hailing from diverse nationalities. Can he deliver or will he be allowed to swim against the tide? The expression that only time will tell may perhaps be inappropriate in this case for the simple reason that an US President gets roughly four years to understand, correct and modify. On his part, he has cautiously stated that “meeting any of these challenges will not be easy”.
His top two priority tasks, withdrawal of troops from Iraq and closing down the Guantanamo Bay prison may be accomplished if his allies back his will and determination. Putting the economy back on the rails, however, may take longer than expected. Obama, the fourth youngest person to occupy the coveted oval office, deserves more time to perform.

A JOURNEY TO THE ABODE OF MONKEY GOD.

It was another holiday after only two working days. The previous night was very chilly, night temperature having plummeted to four degree Celsius. One did not expect a clear day after having experienced inclement weather, the previous evening. However, it was a pleasant surprise to see the blue sky when I pulled aside the curtains of the bedroom. Upon finishing morning exercises followed by a somewhat relaxed breakfast, I contacted ‘Sonam Agya’ and explored the possibility of making it to one of the holy scenic sights in the vicinity of the city.

We embarked upon the journey by 3 p.m. in the afternoon. It was a seven kilometer drive by a hardy Gypsy on the road falling in the historic trade route through Nathu-la to Tibet. One came across extremely beautiful pine trees in the area surrounding Chandmari village as also the attempts of the human beings to disturb nature by way of erecting concrete jungles in order to make a fast buck. There were some sinking stretches of land, nevertheless. The road wore an empty look as it was a holiday. Possibly, people at large were basking in sun in their courtyards or terraces. Having crossed four kilometres, we saw a diversion for Ganesh Tok. A drive of another kilometer through tall, attractive pine trees took us to the first Sikkim Police Check-post for Nathu-la. Before we turned left on the road leading to Hanuman Tok, we got a panoramic view of the Rongyek Jail, located roundabout thousand feet below the check-post. Despite being a cold day, tourists would be seen in the vehicles every now and then.

We were treated to a breathtaking, delightful and fantastic sight as we began somewhat steep two kilometer climb from the check-post to the famous temple. It was an extremely clear day with Mediterranean blue sky. The whole scenario was not only stunning but inspiring as well. As we climb, we get closer to the lap of the beautiful nature. Apart from the tall pine trees and streams, large number of mountain ranges appear on the horizon. The Almighty Sun was not only shining but reaching every where. Very soon we reached a cluster of Army barracks next to the
Luksyama, the royal cremation ground. A drive ahead finally took us to the parking area (altitude-7200 ft.) for the Hanuman Tok Temple. It was a large flat piece of land having thick grass cover. One was tempted to take a round before proceeding to the steps leading to the temple. A statue of Lord Hanuman built by the efforts of a former M.P. of Sikkim greets us at the entrance. From the parking place to the steps and finally to the shoe take off point, it was spic and span. The whole pathway was spotlessly clean so as to create right kind of mood to see, appreciate and meditate. A very well kept lawn at the base of the temple was next to draw our attention.
Prior to our entry, the Army priest informs that the temple was originally built in 1953 by the efforts of Sri Appa B. Pant, the former Political Officer of Sikkim. It was subsequently renovated, expanded and inaugurated by the present Chief Minister of Sikkim in September 1998. One was in a different world upon getting a spectacular view of the Mount Kanchenjunga and surrounding peaks. A large number of snow clad peaks were visible even when we stepped into the temple. Upon paying obeisance to the Lord Hanuman, the presiding deity, we read the Hanuman Chalisa and one Aarati. The temple like its surroundings was spotlessly clean and had a different aura. We took four to five rounds of the deity, paid our regards, took some vows and prayed for blessings of the God in order to fulfill some of our wishes and aspirations.
Adjacent to the main temple, a Sai Baba Temple has been constructed two to three years ago. It has sufficient space for singing hymns and performing kirtans. When we came out, we found a few Bengali tourists thronging the place. Most of them carried cameras to take the sweet memories of the place back home. In addition to the beauty, it was so quiet that one felt like spending the whole evening at the temple. However, there were certain other things in store to follow.
With a certain degree of reluctance and upon resisting the temptation, we finally get down to the parking place and begin driving down the hill in a quiet but highly satisfying mode. A visit to this famous tourist spot after more than a decade was going to be a rewarding and unforgettable experience. Memories of this blissfully calm and quiet hilltop may, perhaps, be cherished for a long time to come.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MANSHA

(7/1/09)

After a hectic day of brainstorming deliberations, evenings are supposedly earmarked for informal chitchat over a dining session. Not all dinner events are, however, relaxing affairs. The one, organized in connection with a regional summit in January 2009 was certain to last in memory for a substantial period.
Mansha, having left an indelible mark over the participants, made it in time at the beautifully lit, partially open setting of the Akshara Theatre. Formally dressed as also donning casual attires, young men and women of the region too arrived at the expected hour. They were helping themselves generously with drinks and ‘eats’. Apart from informal seating arrangement, live performance of the orchestra became icing on the cake. One after another, popular English numbers were melodiously sung by the young boys & girls. The overall coordination between the singers and the accompanying artists was so good that it became difficult to judge whether the vocal chords had the supremacy or the excellent guitar support. Promising young faces cheered the performers more than anyone else.
Mansha went round the tables to personally welcome the guests and exchange a few informal notes. The photographers, did not miss any opportunity to capture the memorable moments. Soon, the hosts, Gopal Sarman and his beautiful wife, Jalabala, wearing informal, yet attractive dresses were introduced by Mansha in his true inimitable style. Majority of the invitees were impressed by the visual appearance of the couple. Very few could recall their unusual theatrical experiments of projecting Ramayana and its multiple characters to western audiences, nearly three decades ago which was followed by their powerful and memorable serial on Indian cultural ethos over the national television.
One more western number, in the meanwhile, was sung by a youngster having a deep soothing voice. Unfortunately, expected applause did not come through. Perhaps the guests were getting engrossed with gossip and tasty food. At this juncture, Mansha came back to the podium in the company of a young, smart lady, wearing a long red coloured coat with a contrasting black trouser. It appeared that she was also going to perform.
Displaying requisite charm and poise, she began well, soon to be interrupted by Mansha. This break, however, brought more smiles to the listeners. While he took out a piece of paper and whispered something to the young lady, it was time to hear an old memorable song entitled “Its
now or never……………………My love will not die”. The song had a captivating and mesmerizing effect. In addition to providing a pleasing experience, it brought back the beautiful memories of a bygone era. One more duet from them succeeded in holding the rapt attention of the audience. Some of them began swinging their bodies. Clap and verbal applause followed. Once again Mansha was the focus of attention.
By this time, it had become sufficiently cold for those having failed in ‘warming up’ themselves. Long queue next to buffet layout was worth it. A large number of delicious dishes awaited the hungry jacks. Some serious drinkers, nevertheless, were still glued to the bar area. Interactions between the strangers, simultaneously, took place on the dining table.
Close to 11.00 p.m, it was the time to bid good bye. Mansha, now in the company of his graceful life partner, made a quiet exit. Offering of a colourful booklet with mouth-watering ‘Paan’ (betel-nut)proved fitting parting gifts. Wen, the faithful Secretary of Mansha too tried his hand at singing at this late hour. Why should he be left behind, when his mentor was calling the shots throughout the day? While the fully occupied premises slowly began giving a deserted look, the parking area became full of activity. The guests, one by one, zoomed off in their respective vehicles by carrying sweet memories of the pleasant evening remarkably organized and catered to, by the personal attention of Mansha, the dynamic bureaucrat turned political celebrity.