Trekking Technology

Through the fires, wheels, sails, transport and communication, science has now evolved as a new era. Communication and technology has become a part of every person’s universe and, you and I are no exceptions. I could say that it all started with a ‘big bang’, however, for me, it all started with Star Trek.

Star Trek introduced us to communicators, which are now well known devices named ‘cell phones’. The personal computers that we use in everyday work, originated as a spark of an idea in the popular continuing series as well. To track a location, technology has developed a Global Positioning System, which now adorns our automobiles, for when we need to find our way. A sliding door for when we walk in and a tablet to play all our favorite android games on, today’s technology has it all. However, what is surprising is that it all existed once before. It all started in 1966, almost 47 years ago, by a television series, Star Trek.

With the world progressing at today’s pace, it is evident that new inventions are still being made at this very moment. However, the question that arises is - what next?

We can cure world hunger by an innovative technology such as replicators. Replicators are a device which can replicate any known material thing. One can easily imagine replicating food and clothes and sending that to the less fortunate. However, for that, the man must not be as selfish as he is today. It may as well be seen possible in the near future, for scientists have developed a hamburger from lab grown meat.

The most famous device anyone could ever think of is probably a transporter. Every generation has seen transporters in fiction. Whether it is star trek or an episode of Doraemon, it is amazing to think that one could travel miles with the snap of their fingers. The possible drawbacks of this are there, of course, just as they are with any other technology. There is a possibility that our limbs may not materialize the same way or that we may lose a part of ourselves at one place whilst the rest of us is elsewhere.

With the excess of everyday traffic, we could help lower it by travelling in space. We could have our own space travelers and travel like the Jetsons. This would not only lower the traffic levels but would make travelling possible at a much faster speed. After reading about the flying car in Harry Potter, it is believable that a transport system such as that may exist some day.

If it was at all possible, and one could find a way to efficiently dispose off nuclear waste, nuclear reactors could be a common thing. They could be used to run cities and towns efficiently. And hence, we could shake hands with an epoch of zero power cuts.

Frequent visit to our doctors is essential to maintain proper health. Per contra, it is not always that the disease is diagnosed. Now, one can imagine a device which can check and diagnose any problem with the patient by just a sample study of their blood. It may be possible that such a device may put doctors out of work, but would still be efficient for the people who need to test medication to get healthy.

The Suite Life of Zack and Cody showed a possibility of linking twins. By eating a certain sweet, their thoughts and actions became one. It also introduced that by eating a certain type of meal, humans would be able to communicate with whales. We can imagine a device such as that being formed. With the help of this device, an individual could speak with various other mammals, reptiles and birds. This could contribute to a harmonious society. It would also tell us what these species other than us think of.

There is another device whose invention excites me. Imagine a device which looks similar to a wristband that could send waves to control our brain. These waves would sort out and act as an ‘antivirus’ for our brain. It would help filter our thoughts, sort them into separate folders, and these folders could be accessed when required. By the help of these, we could stay focused on the task at hand and not let our emotions disturb our logic.

However, at this rate of technological advancement, it is essential to look at the environment around us. Filling up with smoke and dust, the acid rains and the increasing global warming is a threat to the biotic society. To cure global warming, inventors could work forth to develop artificial ozone. This layer could then be stretched in the stratosphere as per the human requirements. This would not only help survival, but will also make Earth a healthy place to live on once again.

Necessity is the mother of all inventions. These inventions, not only make life easier but also help in laying a good foundation for new seeds to be planted. For this reason, just as Kurt Vonnegut has said, “We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down.”

Touch The Sky

It was the fear that made me begin, the temptation that made me continue, but in the end, all that mattered was the determination. The three words, fear, temptation and determination are very close to one another. For when we are fearful, it is only then can we conquer it and move ahead. “I do not fear anything in the world”, well then, how will I ever move forward.

I am afraid of heights. Actually, scratch that. I am not afraid of heights, but I am afraid of falling from them. Truthfully, who wouldn’t be? If someone asked me to walk on a thin rope across a long distance, without a harness while I am 50 metres above the ground, I would freak! Now that I think over it again, when I am up in the air, without a harness, I am not afraid of falling down either, the thing that I fear in that situation is death.

Many people say, ‘Why fear death?’ I agree. What has to happen, will eventually happen. However, I also believe in creating your own destiny. For instance, imagine a tobacco consumer. That consumer understands that the tobacco will harm their lungs; however, they still chose to have it. Then, it is not the natural or human cause instigating death; it is the individual’s own actions. This individual is creating their own destiny in a negative direction.

Now, imagine a happy man. When this happy man strives for things in life and applies his dedication and hard work to the little things that he does, he builds a future for himself. He builds a destiny, a goal and instigates a positive atmosphere. Then, when that man spreads his wings in the air, smiles heavenwards and says, “Why fear death?”, I believe him.

I was fearful of heights once, but I had a temptation to touch the sky. I still strive for it, and now, I am determined to reach it. I am not afraid of falling anymore, for now I know that the arms of faith and hope are there to catch me if I do. And if I do fall, I will try again, work harder and never let my determination falter. And one day, I will reach my destiny! 

Assam Arunachal Pradesh And Meghalaya

Hello Readers!

Well, today I will be posting a travelogue from my journey to Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya over the summer vacations of my final year! I have also put in some of the pictures that I clicked while visiting these beautiful states of North East India. (29/5/13 – 8/6/13)

TRAVELOGUE

Day 1 (New Delhi - Guwahati)

It was a sunny Wednesday morning in Delhi when my parents and I boarded a flight from the New Delhi airport to Guwahati. It was a beautiful plane journey with long trails of clouds to look at, out of the plane window. Guwahati airport welcomed us with an overcast sky and drenching rain. But the love of rain and the little drops falling in our hands lifted up our mood and prepared us for a fun filled journey. Our first stop was the Kamakhya Devi Temple, in Guwahati. It was an auspicious start to our trip. We then returned to our hotel. After freshening up, my parents and I went on an our hour long cruise over the Brahmaputra river, stretching for miles and miles, the beauty was a treat to the eyes. With Honey Singh, and old as well as new bollywood songs playing for us to tap our feet on, and sites that were mesmerizing, the cruise got my definite thumbs up!

DAY 2 (Guwahati – Bhalukpong)

A coconut water stall on the way!

Jaybharoli river

On day two we continued our journey towards Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) and headed for our destination for the day – Bhalukpong. Bhalukpong lies at Assam – Arunachal Pradesh border, and we stayed in Assam, and it took us about four hours for us to reach Bhalukpong from Guwahati. Heavy rains accompanied our journey, and it was difficult for us to see the road further ahead of us. On our way we had free nucleus, coconut water. It was really refreshing! On the way, we also crossed the Brahmaputra Bridge which was 3kms long! It boggles my mind to think just how much time and effort it would have taken to construct the bridge and towers for power supply.

On our way we took a small detour and went to a small village called Nameri. Through broken and rain clogged roads, we visited an Eco Camp set up in the heart of the village. There was a pigmy conservation program being run there by the government. We then went and saw a river – Jaybharoli (which changes its name in Arunachal Pradesh). It was a beautiful stream of clear running water. It felt like heaven’s manifestation on earth. We then finally arrived at our hotel where we had booked a cottage with a beautiful scenic view.

We went down trekking over pebbles to the stream that flowed just behind our cottage. It was then time for us to have dinner (Chiken Butter masala and naan – yumm!) and take rest, for we had another journey in 

the morning.

DAY 3 (Bhalukpong – Dirang)

After a filling breakfast of puri bhaji and clicking a few (a lot!) snaps, we headed for a seven and a half hour long journey to Dirang (even though the distance is just about 133kms). The weather was pleasant and by the evening everything turned chilly and cold. For those travelling via the same route, I advise you to please carry with yourselves some sweaters and jackets. On our way we stopped at a beautiful monastery in Bomdila, a small town in Arunachal Pradesh. With not much to eat and after travelling on bumpy roads for so long, we were too tired and went straight up to sleep. The next day demanded our full attention as we were to leave for Tawang (finally) in the morning.

DAY 4 (Dirang – Tawang)

  

Sela Pass

On this day, my parents and I woke up at five in the morning to leave for Tawang. Tawang is a city that lies on the Indo – China border in Arunachal Pradesh. It is maintained by the Indian Army. We hopped from one mountain to another crossing streams and falls throughout our journey. We had a few stops on the way. The first was Sela Pass, which is the peak of a mountain, and we were 13700 feet high! It had a beautiful lake and rocks all along. The scenery was a treat to all our senses. We decided to have tea and momos in the small hut set up by a woman out there. Over there, I met a young eight year old girl, Sancho. She was home from her boarding school in Tawang on vacation. She in many ways is an inspiration to young children, to many of those kids who come from poor backgrounds and cannot go to school. It is the place of birth that is not under our control, however, where life takes us as we grow lies in our hands.  

Sela Pass

So, after the yummiest momos ever, we continued our journey. The next stop was a place called Jaswantgarh. It had an army memorial for the Indian army leader, Jaswant Singh, during the 1962 Indo –China war. It is believed that his soul protects the people inhabiting that area. As a souvenir, I bought an Indian Army cap. After having samosas and tea, we sat back on a hired Tata Sumo and continued on the path. About 22 kms before Tawang, we saw the Tawang falls, which were beautiful with clear water flowing off rocks and striking pebbles on its way. Then we finally arrived in Tawang in chilly weather after a late lunch (at 6pm - go figure). It was night time then, and we settled in our hotel for a good night’s sleep.

DAY 5 (Tawang)

Tawang Falls

This was the day we spent in Tawang. Our first stop was the PTSO Lake. It was a beautiful lake surrounded by colourful flowers and had the most attractive scenery. Then we went to a gumpha which is a prayer area away from the main monastery. It was an extremely different experience. The people who had come there to pray spoke to my parents and I about their culture. They had also begun their prayers by then, and so they included us and made us join the prayer as well. We left the gumpha with happy smiles and went over to our next stop which was a nunnery for Buddhist women by the name – Tashi Delek, Tukje Choeling Nunnery.

We then moved on to see the main Tawang Monastery. It was really huge and a stark difference to all the other monasteries I had been to. It also had a museum which we had the opportunity to visit. Our next stop was Urgyelling, which is the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama. It was a small place, but had a completely different and spiritual aura to it. At this point, it had also started to drizzle!

PTSO Lake

Our next stop was the war memorial of the Indo – China war of 1962. At that point of time, it was undergoing some construction and repair work, nevertheless, the information in the memorial brought about a good feeling of patriotism and a new respect for all the people that work together, away from their homes, to protect a country (not just mine, but yours too!).

Main Monastery - Tawang 

Our next stop was the trade fare of Tawang, which for a Delhi girl like me, felt really little and we ended up walking in and out of the door within ten minutes, empty handed. We then went to meet The DC, Mr Abhishek Dev and his wife at their house in Tawang. They were really nice people and also gifted us with traditional souvenirs of Tawang. Thank you so much for the warm welcome!

After the yummiest meal of Paneer Butter Masala, my parents and I went for a peaceful sleep.

DAY 6 (Tawang - Bombdila)

Today we started early in the morning for a ten hour journey from Tawang to Bombdila. It was an interesting journey over non-existent roads, more like muddy trails. At a great height we were within the clouds. In fact, one could easily see water droplets around themselves! Now I know what it is like to look at clouds from below, from above, through the aeroplane and what it is like to be amongst them!

Other than dancing amongst the clouds, nothing eventful happened, and in about ten hours, we were in our 

hotel and off to sleep.

DAY 7 (Bombdila – Bhalukpong Kaziranga)

Hello there! Let’s continue our journey forward. I hope I’ve kept you with me till now, because this is where the twist in the tail happens!

Baathban, where we tried traditional Assamese food

As planned, we started from Bombdila to go on a four hour journey to Bhalukpong. However, like any great mind works, our minds started wandering much farther than Bhalukpong. So, betraying our pre-decided plan, we decided to go much ahead and instead stay in Kaziranga National Park. Since the national park was closed it was a faint possibility for us to see the Rhino; But guess what? We were in luck! On our way to our resort, we spotted Rhinos. And not just one or two, we saw four! Kaziranga National Park is the only place in the world where one can see these magnificent animals!

The resort was a beautiful place for us to relax and enjoy the evening. They had set up a ‘Baathban’ which was a restaurant where they served traditional assamese food. They also had a traditional seating area! We tried the assamese food, eating the traditional way. Want to know what was the best?  If you are going to try one food in Assam, the dish made with banana flowers and eaten with rice is a must!

It was then time for us to sit, relax and go to bed!

DAY 8 (Kaziranga - Guwahati)

My parents and I woke up in Iora Resort Kaziranga and went out for a healthy morning stroll. After refreshing ourselves with good oxygen and freshening up, we went up yo the restaurant for a buffet breakfast. Now that we had filled ourselves with certain amounts of yummy calories, my father and I decided to burn them. We went upto the badminton court and had a good long game of badminton. We then went to the table tennis room and tried our hand at TT (However, I was really bad at that – I got to learn).

It was then time for us to freshen up and leave for our next destination – Guwahati.

We started from Kaziranga at about noon. On our way back, we saw another group of four Rhinos. We then reached Guwahati and decided to see Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra. It was really beautiful. There was a museum, an art gallery and another museum for Bhupen Hazarika, the singer of dil hum hum kare. The main museum was nice and has the traditional elements of Assam that included masks, utensils, musical instruments and dresses.

It was then time for us to buy a new suitcase because we had shopped ourselves short of one!

DAY 9 (Guwahati - Shillong)

Seven Sister Falls

Our driver changed today and we then went on our trip to Shillong, in the beautiful state of Maghalaya. Shillong is a big city on the mountains with an equally huge amount of traffic. We reached Shilllong, a town thriving in the hills of Meghalaya by one in the afternoon and spent about two hours working our way through the traffic to find a good place to have lunch. After lunch, we went to visit Shillong Peak, the highest point from where the whole town of Shillong was visible.

We then went to Elephant Falls and Shillong Falls. The elephant falls were beautiful and a must see! However, I must say that the beauty of Tawang cannot be compared to anything I have ever seen. We gen went to shop at the bazaarof Shillong, from where my mother and I bought Jainsems – the traditional dress of Meghalaya for ourselves.

DAY 10 (Shillong – Cherrapunji - Shillong)

It was the day we saw the city with the highest amount of rainfall in the world. We started early in the morning to leave for Cherrapunji. Our first stop was the seven sister falls! It was a beauty to withhold. We could see seven falls from one point! Then we travelled further to see the Hidden Falls, which magically appeared from underneath the ground and travelled forward. The beginning of these falls is not yet known. 

The next point Ka Khoh Ramhah was a huge inverted stone that had developed over time in the place. As is custom, a story was made to support the presence of a giant rock, the story is as follows :
        

Ka Koh Ramhah Stone

Once upon a time there was a giant who used to torture the villagers. One day the villagers conspired to kill the giant and served him a meal with nails hidden inside. The giant died and the basket which he left on the ground became a big stone. People in Meghalaya use a cone-sized basket made of bamboo / cane to carry goods / vegetables etc. The shape of this stone is just like a cone-sized basket upside-down.

We then went to have a fun adventure in the Mawsmai Cave in Cherrapunji. The cave was huge with small bends and trenches, but travelling through it was one of the best experiences ever!

Mawsmai Cave!

 DAY 11 (Shillong - Guwahati)

It was the final day of our trip. My parents and I started early in the morning to leave for Guwahati. On reaching Guwahati, we visited the Tirupati Balaji Temple. With blessings, we then proceeded to the airport to once again, reach back home, and into the daily routine of life.

It was one of the most beautiful and amazing trips of my life! To all those who really wish to visit, I advise you to do it quick! Life is too short to make plans, and not act on them.

For all those visiting, please take your doctor’s advice before you leave if you are suffering from respiratory or heart diseases.  Health and safety are necessary for a fun life, after all.

I would like to end this eleven day long travelogue by saying that this trip is for people who love an adventure!

Better than A Shadow

When you stand in your shadow,

You see a companion for yourself.

Someone you wish will never leave you,

will walk with your step forever.

But this shadow is also there,

With you only in light.

When darkness dawns,

Even a part of you leaves you behind.

But I promise to follow,

Never to judge, to be your rock,

When the tides crash harder.

And harder still, I’ll be there to hold your hand.

Like quick sand, time will seep.

We may grow, distance, fall apart,

But all through that, I promise,

I’ll be better than that betraying shadow.

Love cannot be asked for,

Our love cannot be judged.

But when it is furnished and when it is true,

No question arises,

And we stand still,

In this quickening sand.

If Words Could Define Life

If words could define life,
I would build one up
with the most intricate design.
With delicate patterns defining us,
a life built with love and trust.

But here the truth defines us,
humanity and faith are mere words.
Life moves on with cheat and cruel
this existence is nothing but a duel.

What defines us, what gives us hope
has been gradually lost, and tied us down with a rope.
But I want to picture, I want to draw
I want to write life, like it is raw.

For false hope is all but true
in deep despair with insignificant hue.
But if words could define life,
I would build one up
with the most intricate design.