Sunset over Rangit (Jorethang, !st Week, April, 2014)

Bird of Paradise (C. Hse, April 2014)

The revered ancestors

Sunset near Bhopal (12th March, 14)

Cloud or Snow ?

Sunset at a M.P. spot (Mar,14)

THE RUSSIAN SAGA   

To an Indian, Russia normally attracts, despite its long distance, tough terrain and hostile climate. Through the annals of history, scores of developments, having repercussions elsewhere, have taken place in the largest country of the world, peculiarly falling both in Asia & Europe. Its length and breadth and vast expanse have given rise to more than one cultural pattern, language and religion. India and Russia have had close economic, military and cultural ties. Same has been further cemented by signing of Treaty of Friendship in 1971 and frequent organization of elaborate festivals in both the countries. These are apart from intense people to people contact made livelier owing to unforgettable celluloid ties.

(2) Till recently Russia was the largest supplier of arms to India. Russian expertise in handling domestic issues and turmoil outside was not only taken note of by India but the Border Security Force (BSF), itself was set up on the lines of Federal Border Guards Service (FBGS) , following our debacle at the hands of Chinese in 1962. Exchange of delegations between these two apex organizations has been a matter of regular feature. When, by a way of reciprocal gesture, an Indian delegation headed by the D.G., BSF was to visit Russia from 20^th May to 25^th May, 1997 and I was chosen as a Member, my joy knew no bounds. The Russians depicted in Raj Kapoor’s movies immediately hit my imagination (Mera Joota Hai Japani........, Sar Pe Lal Topi Russi, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, What a touching song it was?).

Aeroflot Flight

(3) There was nothing remarkable about the Aeroflot flight – SU, 536, boarded in the afternoon of extremely hot 20th May, a Tuesday. The aircraft was old, hardly having 50% occupancy. In view of the fact that it was a long flight, five delegates had not only to be familiar with each other but also had to keep everyone in good humour. Chit–chatting, however, cannot linger on endlessly.  As the craft was flying low, one got a good glimpse of mountains of Pakistan, Afghanistan and many Central Asian countries. The delayed lunch served by immune type of hostesses, had only one notable feature – delicious Alphonso Mangoes. Following lunch, the members of crew lost no time in sleeping on the vacant passenger seats, something that does not happen elsewhere.

Arrival in Moscow

(4) Around 13.20 hours (local time), the delegation was warmly received at Moscow airport by Lt.Gen. A.L. Manilov, Dy. Director, F.B.G.S. Shri A.K. Patnaik, First Secretary, Consular, Indian Embassy at Moscow was also present. The last named gentleman who was to co-ordinate our visit, turned out to be the son-in-law of Shri Man Mohan Singh, the then highly respected Finance Minister. The delegation had to face a bit of embarrassment in the sense that an Indian ‘ westernized ‘ woman on the pretext of looking after her baby in arms very smartly had handed over her trolley to one of our colleagues. It took us nearly ten minutes in locating her in the vast arrival lounge. She had no qualms about her irresponsible conduct.

(5) The airport avenue was full of high and colourful hoardings. Even though we looked tired and sleepy, the changing sight of this famous country kept us occupied, if not mesmerised. In vacant patches, it was an awesome Alpine scenario. The landscape looked different from USA, Switzerland, Egypt, or UAE, the countries one had visited by this time. There was no question of finding any single unit accommodation for miles in this metropolis of 39.7 kms x 51.8 kms. Russians, whether in period of economic boom or recession, were used to, if not destined to, live in flats in multi storied edifices in true Communist spirits.

Getting Familiar with Russian Scene

(6) Following a tiring drive of almost two hours, we arrived at Hotel Soyuz, located at 12, Universitet Prospect. It was quite a cold affair, including the official lunch. Only soup appeared somewhat warm. As one was hungry, there was no time to check whether it was veg. or non- veg. The fact that we were going to be paid only 25% of our per diem, being State Guest, dampened our spirits. Nevertheless, a quick nap in the regal surroundings was not impossibility. Traffic was fast, if not furious.

(7) Between 4 to 6 p.m, a visit to the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War at Poklonnaya Gora was very refreshing even though we had to face very cold winds, each time, we came out in open. We could also manage to see the magnificent railway station, a few monuments, statues and historical places mostly from outside. Though we passed by the famous Kremlin, Lenin’s Mausoleum and Moskva River, we did not stop by, as these were to be visited as per official itinerary, some other day. The Liaison Officer, who sported a BSF tie and the Lady Protocol Officer, both were courteous, helpful and friendly.

Sunny at ‘Night’

(8) When watch showed 9.00 p.m, it was time to attend a working dinner at the flat of the First Secretary. It was still sunny but interesting interactions with Shri P.S. Haer, Deputy Chief of Indian Mission and Shri Khatua, his colleague kept us engrossed. The conditions appeared amazing as compared to ones, back home. We were informed that Sun set normally takes place around 10.30 p.m. in Moscow at this time of the year. Subsequent to having a mix of sumptuous continental and Indian food, we prayed to God – “ Bless us with some sound sleep in this challenging time zone.”

Official Confabulations

(9) 21^st and 22^nd May were devoted to delegation level talks and courtesy visits to the Deputy Interior Minister and Director, FBGS. Impressive interiors of their spacious offices took us back to the old era. The head of Russian delegation before coming to ‘brass tacks’, mentioned a few words about his memorable visit to India. The Russians, aided by interpreters, touched upon prevailing situation on the borders with Belarus, Ukraine, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Georgia, Chechnya, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. A few of the recent border co-operation agreements were also mentioned. Issues, such as, illegal migration & fishing on coastal borders and smuggling of narcotic drugs, arms & psychotropic substances through the borders were also flagged. Obliquely USA and China too figured off and on.

(10) When our turn came, an idea about Indo-Pak, Indo-Bangladesh, Indo-Nepal, Indo-China and Indo-Myanmar border challenges was given. A point was also made about the incessant attempts of Pak ISI to infiltrate terrorist elements and smuggle drugs, arms & explosives into India. It was impressed upon that against heavy odds, fencing and flood-lighting of the tough borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh was being undertaken and that India looked forward to learn from the rich Russian experience of border management. It was indicated that their modern border surveillance equipments were to be seen at their North-Western borders prior to the process of short listing for testing in the diverse Indian conditions.

Sidelights

(11) Russians, unlike the Americans, the British or the French did not appear to be a tough nut to crack, though they looked serious to begin with. Mini glasses of Vodka and black Russian ‘Chai’ (they call it this way) would occasionally break the monotony. General Federov, the Deputy Interior Minister was no different from his Indian counterparts when it came to mincing words but General A.I. Nikolayev, Director FBGS, a tall handsome officer, duly aided by his charming young women assistants appeared more forthcoming, candid and amiable. During official dinner at his lovely office at  1, Lubyanka he insisted on gulping a sparkling green soft drink especially by those who were yet to be acquainted with the ‘kicks’ of Vodka.

(12) The Joint signed record of the meetings noted that further professional interaction between the BSF and FBGS would facilitate implementation of the Border Co-operation Agreement inked in April, 1995. The two sides expressed further a desire to exchange information and experience in the areas of combating illegal migration, smuggling of weapons, international illegal economic activities and the contraband. They were, in addition, also to further explore the areas of co-operation in respect of border control management systems, surveillance equipments and radio communication devices.

Sightseeing & Shopping Attempts

(13) Upon getting a temporary well deserved respite from the official business, it was back to sightseeing spree. One learnt that we had missed a trip to Ostankino Tower and Tretyakov Art Gallery. These were the privileges offered to our Head and his pro-active, yet mixing spouse. We tried to make-up the loss by taking a stroll in the cold conditions along a busy business street, followed by the visits to the Central Border Guards House and the Museum of FBGS at 13, Yauzskiy Bulvar. Due to time constraints, I had to be content with only a hurried purchase of a compact box containing Russian mini plastic toys for late Ankoor, then a student of Std. III. Later, I also managed to get a set of crystal mini toast glasses and an attractive jar.

Marvellous Railway Station

(14) Prior to our departure by the night train for St. Petersburg, we were briefed about the field visits and exposure trips along the Finland border. After a rush through packing stint, we arrived at the grand Leningradsky Railway Station. Its imposing architecture reflecting an element of rationality left a lasting impression. The usual Indian kind of crowd, noise and bonhomie was not to be seen. Only six of us were lucky to occupy the spacious sleeper bogie efficiently supervised by an Old Russian lady Attendant.

Entry Into St. Petersburg

(15) After having a feel of comfortable and clean train ride, we woke up to witness partly snowy conditions of the Alpine countryside. Fog and mist would come and go at frequent intervals. Indulging into photography was, therefore, but natural. One had seen beautiful  images of this land in illustrated publications and had read vivid descriptions in the history books but seeing a bit of same by own eyes was a different ball game.

(16) At Moscovsky Railway Station of St. Petersburg, Col. V.V. Mochalov, accompanied by cute Sr. Lt. E.A. Savina received us as per schedule at 8.25 hours. The drive to the hotel in the nerve centre of the typical European style heritage city was a short affair as compared to Moscow. This place had more of greenery and a large number of tourists. Following a quick wash and dull break-fast, Col. Gen. V.I. Vjyunov, Commander of this region interacted with us. It was followed by visits to world famous Hermitage Museum and a Buddhist temple. When we met Shri. Bhattacharya, the Consul General of India later in the afternoon, I got an exhilarating opportunity to speak to my family members. Amma and Chotki Bhabhi could not believe that I was not very far off from the North Pole.

Charm of Vyburg & Finland Border

(17) Left to ourselves, we would have spent the whole evening in St. Petersburg. But being bound by the official commitments we had to undertake a three hour drive to FBS post at Vyburg. An invisible sensor device was seen and found to be in order. No one stopped us when we spent ten to fifteen minutes inside open Finland border. The very thought of close proximity to North Pole led to literal shivering on our part.

(18) By the time we checked into an old villa kind of hotel at Vyburg, day was still very bright. We experienced immense pleasure in getting photographed next to two gigantic boats kept on the banks of a river. Dinner in the cosy, well lit dining room was a soothing affair. The hotel had a disco as well. However, no activity was seen even upto 11.30 hours. Seeing sunset between 11.30 and 11.45 p.m. was one the most fabulous experiences of life. Body clock, on the contrary, was yet to get used to the tough Russian conditions. Yet again one could manage hardly four to five hours of sleep.

(19) The visit to Frontier Post no. 5 to have familiarisation with the engineering equipment system was rather a dull affair. Journey to Torfyanovka to peruse the efficacy of special frontier control means was, however, memorable. A short halt at a guest house near a quiet pond took us to a western movie kind of setting. In the same way, seeing the raising of water level to enable steamers to get entry into a port was something I would, perhaps, not forget.

Account of Midnight Sun

(20) The missed evening of the previous day at St. Petersburg was in a way ‘restored’ to us. Having completed almost all official engagements we were on our own, enjoying the sights of the beautiful city at night. We heard versions and versions of the spectacle of Midnight Sun. Without seeing it in reality, I was simply blown away. Today being our penultimate day, some souvenir items were also to be picked up from the downtown. All this meant that we got delayed in reporting to the hotel.   

The Retreat      

(21) The next morning was a relaxed affair. I relished a brisk walk in the enchanting surroundings. Off and on, it would rain, though. 14.00 hours was the time intimated to bid good bye to Russia from Pulkova Airport. The Luftansa flight LH-3197 to Frankfurt in Germany was dot on time at 15.05 hours. When A.K. Patnaik from the Indian Embassy and E.V. Savina from FBGS shook hands with us, we were rightly reminded of a scene in ‘Mera Naam Joker’ featuring Raj Kapoor and Kseniya Ryabinkina (Marina).

‘Long live Indo-Russian friendship’, we said to ourselves while walking into the packed flight for another country.

Mother India

Yet again one is on a writing spree that too on my erstwhile make shifts object-Air Sickness Bag. Flight SG 887 from Bagdogra to Delhi at 8.20 hrs on 17/06/14 propels or impels me to revert to pen down stray thoughts at an altitude of 36,000 feet. It is a kind of contemplation in isolation situation.

It happens to be Jaya’s Birthday today but I am forced to leave her alone in the wee hours due to an important if not urgent meeting in Delhi. Could not bestow her with a gift either. She did, however, wear a nice, attractive and green & yellow silk sari, presented by her affectionate and caring Bhabhi, a month ago. As she often utters, there has to be interest and inclination to carry forward the journey of life. Slowly, subsequent to sad demise of her "Mama", her ‘cloth contact’ with the family of orientation is getting eroded and with the premature and painful departure of our only child three years ago ,the association with the family of procreation (if one comprehends well), too is bereft of the usual and expected excitement or charm.

To quote from a song of "Mother India"-'If one has arrived in the world, one has to live on and on.' The unforgettable heroine of the Magnum Opus with her remarkable acting prowess had left an indelible mark on the audience. She was subjected to struggle even when her husband was very much alive. She had to linger on when her two sons were growing. She had to get the wrath of the scrupulous populace of the village when her younger son would indulge in nuisance as a grown up teenager and what not she had to bear and tolerate. A day comes when he turns into a dacoit due to the nature of circumstances and kidnaps his lady love. She was none other than the pupil of the eye of the most notorious money lender of the village who systematically exploited and tortured his mother to the hilt. One day he even dared to outrage her modesty.

Those of us, who wish to know the dark reality of rural India and sacrifices of motherhood, should see Mother India. It should be a must for the budding and trainee Civil Servants, apart from the 'pro-active' NGO types.

From the pains and perils of motherhood, let us return to the exciting experiences of sky life. We are half an hour into the pleasant flight and then suddenly are confronted with the turbulent weather. At least the Captain makes us believe so. Pretti, the bubbly and slim Air Hostess religiously reminds the passengers to see "fasten the seat belt "sign and act accordingly.

Soon one of the most sumptuous and gourmet breakfasts I ever had, follows. Two Vadas, Upma, somewhat sweet and sour but thick Sambhar, two glasses of water plus a 'Maha' Coffee are on offer. I am supposed to be the only ‘VIP’ on the flight, other 5 seats being unoccupied. So I am worthy of all the attention (?). Credit should go to Dips. Who else?

When the weather stabilises and the movement of travellers and the crew resumes on the aisle, I am tempted to look through the tiny windows. It is a pitch white scenario. No traces of blue or grey or white cloud formations altogether. The blazing June Sun appears to have been mellowed down, if not, covered completely. After 10 minutes or so I sneak through the thin clouds. A streak of Mother Earth is now visible. The recurrent cries of a tiny tot and never ending pleasant queries of a two year old keep their mothers on their toes.

Then a five year old boy has an urge to relieve himself. Again the valuable services of a mother are sought. He does not succeed as easily as there is a queue for the Rest room. A tall handsome old man and a good looking jeans clad college girl too are seen queuing up for fulfilling a biological need we often tend to postpone or suppress. A foreigner together with his companion on a neighbouring seat is oblivious to these developments. They are simply sleeping to glory. Another corporate group, close by, is deeply engrossed in comparing styles of functioning of the present Central Government vis-a-vis the previous one.

Meanwhile, another Hostess emerges to clear the cups, plates, and the empty coffee glasses. I do not fail to thank her profusely for the nice eatables coupled with service with a smile. Incidentally, smile is something which comes naturally if not instantly to a mother or a would be mother. It may not cost anything but carries a sizeable meaning and substance. All of us need to inculcate it in everyday life to win friends and admirers if life, per se, has to be lived gracefully, with a purpose.

O, weather becomes turbulent again. One has to face it. In the next ten minutes very soothing blue and white clouds appear on the horizon. We seem to have covered more than half of the scheduled journey, by now. Descent will take place after 20 minutes or so. We would, thereby, get entry into the fast and furious world of the Nation’s capital, enjoying a temporary respite from the scorching and sweltering heat, less than a week ago.

At this juncture, two of the would be mothers seem to be relishing their delayed Break Fast on the corner seats. Two young and would be Fathers enter the scene to clear the leftovers into the black poly bags. I get some semblance of sleep in no time. Also prior to close of the journey, flick through the colourful pages of the Spice Route. Plenty of material to ponder over but limited time to read.

In the ultimate analysis, nothing pleases me more than the 20 minutes ahead arrival of the aircraft. The temperature in Delhi is reported to be tolerable 38 degree Celsius. One can, therefore, perform tasks and take on /face the assignments without a pinch of salt. The day is wide open for the cognitive interactions under the apparent, challenging, if not, negative circumstances. One, therefore, needs to have a positive bent of mind apart from willing to unwind at the right moment.

 Was it an air journey with an extra edge?