Will, Duty & Determination

As I soaked myself in the thoughts that germinated from the Republic Day speech of the Chief Guest, I heard a whooshing sound of something collapsing in my proximity. The security personnel standing next to us had developed a severe muscle pull in his right knee.

Several others from stand-by positions rushed to assist him. But in that short span, he attempted, with phenomenal spirit, to get up on his own. Not once, but thrice. His will and determination towards his duty reminded me of these powerful words~"Life is like a boxing match. Defeat is declared not when you fall, but when you refuse to stand up again."

More power to such souls of our Republic!

Let's keep sowing

I still vividly remember those starting few days in Dadenggre when I was really excited to start my own kitchen garden in my residence. I even did a little reading on horticulture for amateurs, got the soil treated and scouted for the best suited seeds. There was little success with the vegetables as the land was largely red soil. I had hopes from the pineapple and orange ones that I planted. Not a day passed by when I didn't attend to them.

When I recently left that place, it was difficult to say goodbye to them. If only I had more time for the next batch of vegetables. If only I had more time to see the oranges and pineapples sprout to life. But when I reached Williamnagar, I was pleasantly surprised to see several vegetables planted already and in fact ready to be plucked. Someone had sown and left, like I did there. Nothing tastes better than vegetables freshly plucked from your own garden, absolute bliss. Let's keep sowing. 

Goodbye, Dadenggre

I must confess that when I got the posting orders to Dadenggre in Oct 2017, I had no idea where it was. During the road journey, especially the last couple of hours, we didn't even cross a single vehicle, during broad daylight. There was no ATM, no petrol pump and cellular networks were a luxury. It was so quite after sundown that the ticking sounds of the wall clock were bothersome.

A lot has changed since then, for good. We have tried to bring some kind of change. Perhaps baby steps, but even that sounds gigantic for this place. I am touched to see the simplicity of living and how humble people are. It has totally changed my perspective. It has taught me how to realize the Gandhian Idea of 'Simple Living'. I feel fortunate to having lived in the lap of nature, absolutely pristine and pure. When you breathe the air, you can actually feel the healing it does to your body. This is perhaps the way almighty intended the coexistence of species with the nature. Absolutely spiritual.

But, like everything else, this has to end too as a new beginning awaits. Thank you all the people of Dadenggre who have supported our initiatives and have volunteered for several works. I wish Dadenggre and it's people, prosperity and happiness.

Thank you all. Pilankon Mitela.