“Men come and go, mountains remain” – Ruskin bond
The sight is still fresh in my mind. It was one of those training camps we had in the mountains around Dehra Dun. After an arduous climb and reaching one such hill top, our instructors gave us a brief break. It was then that we looked around us as to where on earth had we reached!
It was an awesome, overwhelming and spellbinding moment to say the least. In front of us stood huge masses of sheer rock, looking down quietly at the valley below. The wind was howling, screeching and tearing at our eardrums and sending an occasional, though slight chill down our spines. The sun was bidding farewell and giving the whole scene that hazy, matt print look. It made us feel and remain silent, just absorbing whatever was on offer with all the senses that the creator had gifted us with and yes think too. So impressive, powerful and yet so humble, simple with no trace of brashness or pomp. The later traits being a common factor among hill people too. Most of it was awe and genuine respect for those yonder towering personalities as we continued to stare. It was as if they were reminding us as to how much remains to be done, achieved before even imagining of reaching their stature, inspiring, challenging us in a way.
We were shaken up from our reverie by the sharp whistle for our next task! That night as we sat under the zillion twinkling stars over a cup of cocoa and cigarettes were lit, we could not help again taking in the surroundings! The wind had mellowed down to a cool breeze and the only audible sound was the far away roar of the river below. No one spoke, wonder what was on their minds, the present girls in their lives surely!
1. evening puja-haridwar : the multitude of devotees,chanting of shlokas,hundreds of diyas set afloat in the river ganges-altogether a fascinating sight!
2. marine drive by night-mumbai : a cool sea breeze,the vast roaring sea,zooming traffic,teeming skyrises,bright billboards and neon signs and the occasional pair of lovers all epotomise the city full of life
3. mussourie at night as viewed from dehradun : seems that a galaxy has descended upon the hills of doon valley-a symbolic beacon of hope and a bright future during our training! 
4. amar jawan jyoti-india gate-new delhi : the eternal flame, a smartly turned out and alert assam regiment soldier on duty,the towering structure,the cold november morning chill and the flags of the three arms of the indian defence forces-a lump in the throat moment and yes am honoured to be part of it!
5. golden temple -amritsar : the concept of kar seva,spotlessly clean environs,soothing 'gurbaani' and the brilliance of the metal sparkling in the sun-its another out of the world experience!
6. sarson ke khet (mustard fields) -punjab : small bright chrome yellow flowers backed by a light green background-now thats pure magic created by the greatest ever-the lord himself! why it tastes even better with makki ki roti and dollops of makhan!
7. ladakhi homes : one of the many facets of the unspoilt and untouched beauty of ladakh are their homes! freshly whitewashed walls, coffee brown window sills, jet black roofs,tiny fluttering multi colured buddhist flags in the vicinity and a pure cloudless azure sky behind-wow!
8. kingfisher airlines-airhostesses : after all it was worth the wait (the flight was delayed by 4 hours)-i had just boarded a kingfisher airlines flight! gosh-the air hostesses were incredibelly pretty and smart and courteous......alas its time to depart-wish i had a digital camera or better still any job available on flight? gotta contact mr mallya!
9. reception-a punjabi marriage : blaring punjabi pop music (the singer was gippy grewal-live),alcohol and tandoori chicken in abundance, grand arrangements, well lit surroundings,pretty faces all around and general bonhomie-diametrically opposite to the ultra low key affairs back home in pune! the no more happy person was ofcourse captain jeevan preet singh dhindsa from sangrur!
10. foot bridge-uttarkashi : it was a spellbinding moment-standing on the footbridge at uttarkashi staring down at a vigourous and gushing brown -grey gangotri hurtling down to the plains! it was a heady feeling, concurrently respecting the elements and a lifetime recharge of spirits!
