Ramblings from Dwarka

Tolerance seems to be the buzzword today. 10 years ago if we heard that India is intolerant, it would have been considered amusing (with possible exception of a reference to Gujarat). 10 years ago if someone said the west is intolerant, it would have been met with derision. For long, we considered Islam intolerant. We found communist China intolerant. We found Russia intolerant. But why this sudden shift, when the tolerant have become intolerant and the intolerant have somehow become the sinned? The surprise is Hindu India being called intolerant! Haven’t we had sectarian violence in India since independence? Is it something new? Haven’t we had inter caste issues in the country? Didn’t we have the hindu fringe elements creating trouble? So what is new? The new factor is that there is a BJP government at helm that is seen as sympathetic to these elements. I am sure that if this country is run by the Congress party, then we will become a tolerant nation; let us just blame the fri...

Day 7: Gangabal to Trundkhol  Many would cover the Gangabal to Naranag stretch in a single day. This is a steady descent of 11 km from 3600m to 2300m and is truly difficult. We chose to split this into two sections, first to Trunkhol and further to Naranag next day. As such the day was to be very short, about 3 hrs maximum. We decided to start by 11 and use the morning to enjoy the beauty of the twin lakes. We got up to cloudy skies, luckily no rain. Breakfast was spartan, just bread; a full tray of eggs had got crushed when one of the horses stumbled. Similarly lunch was to be rice with potatoes and onions. As we started a mild drizzle started, ensuring very limited photographs for the day. The first task for the day was to cross the stream originating at Nandukol lake and its not easy. Its above thigh level, very cold and fast; the best way being crossing the rocks and a partial wood bridge. I will leave it to you to see it below Once we  crossed the rive...

Day 5: Gadsar to Satsar We woke up today to a wonderful day, clear blue skies with no sign of rain. In the mountains during the trek, the most beautiful sight and comforting sight is a cloudless sky. We also found that Amulya had recovered from the altitude induced sickness; she was to be perfectly sound the rest of the trek. Unfortunately, Sunita's feet were with multiple blisters. Being the doctor herself, she had dressed and bandaged the wounds and was wondering about walking in sandals. A major decision was also made today. After the experience of the cook's food, Sharmila decided to take matters in her hands. It started the previous night, when we had rasam with rice for dinner; she had brought rasam powder. an from today, the lunch was to be Puliyogare, which she had also brought as ready mix. Out went cooking instructions and along with Nalini, ensured that packed lunch was Puliyohgare (and hence the title which was completely Sunita's contribution the next day)...