International Fireworks Festival-Seoul 2010

Spectacular-Light Show..!

Very few things have the caliber to create certain enthralling moments which can enchant and captivate the people by their grandeur. Spectacular 'Fireworks show' is one amongst those. I got a chance to experience one of the finest and wonderful ‘International Fireworks Shows’ held on Oct’10 of this 2010 at Seoul which has been celebrated by ‘Koreans’ to welcome the autumn season. It was boasted as the continuous 8^th year celebration.

The unusual crowd on the subway journey, for a say, was not less than to a peak hour journey of ‘Mumbai Locals’, pushed ‘Korean railway officials’ to stop operating Elevators which  are at immediate to the platforms to avoid any mishaps. It seemed entire Seoul assembled to have the awe-inspiring experience which held alongside the bank of Han river. As this show is much popular across the globe, there was no wonder to have witnessed the thronging, huge gathering of foreigners from all over the world to enjoy the fascinating event on sky and the beginning of Seoul autumn. Entire vicinity of the ‘Citizen Park’ was decorated with luminous lights especially the nearby bridges on the River, Sky scrapers, Sailing boats and trees were blinking and glowing extraordinarily. The park has no space for one to make a move as it was flooded with viewers. Many Spectators, Professionals, and Amateur Photographers from various parts of the world gathered and resorted themselves to much comfortable places where they could shot the blazing and sparkling lights at the night.

The splendid, colorful and magical ‘Multimedia & Digital Technology’ based show on gloomy backdrop was simultaneously widening spectator’s eyes and dropping their jaws. The show never allowed the spectators to take away their eyes even for a short while from the show. Variety of multi colored fireworks amused the viewers by continuously painting various shapes and designs on the hollow sky on all directions. Crowd could have felt tired & failed in searching terms to express and rejoice the blissful context came out of that mesmerizing, colorful painting on the wall of dark sky.

We had no other option but to irresistibly say

Wowwwww…!

Wowwwww…!

and

Wowwwww….!

The euphoria was never faced a halt through out the show of bright magical gleams of fiery streaks. Intermittent 'Light shows' and 'Rocking musicals' played on background kept up and made ensured the steadiness of momentum. Everyone was seized and enthralled by the colorful glory for almost three hours which feasted their eyes, minds and hearts.

After the three hours of a fantastic show, the crowd started to disperse  from ‘Citizen Park’ fully loaded with vibrations it induced on them. The youthful ‘Railway and Road Traffic  Police team’ brilliantly managed the crowd to have a smooth return journey; especially, their strategy of first completely evacuating the respective nearby Subway stations by closing the entry at all its exits & allowing the crowds gradually after ensuring the emptiness of Stations. Though that strategy cost a little delay in reaching residence but it paved a hapless return journey.

Here I annexed a short video footage of “Fireworks Show” on that day made by me for you.


Cast your vote here

Blue Lines: “The Killer-Crucified”

At last the day comes to inundate and delight ‘Delhites’ to free them from depending on “Blue lines-The Killer Buses”. The recent announcement by Delhi Transport Minister ‘Arvinder Singh Lovely’ to get rid of all Blue line buses from the capital factually lets Delhi a great sigh of relief from the woes daily they have been facing since more than a decade. The only thing which worries little in this good development is the unemployment of around 8000 employees who depend on these Blue line services for their livelihoods. But this is not all of a sudden shock as process of phasing out Blue line services from capital roads and replaces them with new fleets of DTC buses has been seriously viewed and progressed since past couple of years by the Government. In fact a case is still pending in Delhi High court in which court stayed the Government in shunting out the Private buses arguing that the DTC alone was not capable to meet the requirement of public transport. But, now as government is much confident in apprising and explaining the preparedness and capability to cater the adequate Public transport by DTC alone, it believes Court will accept the decision of the government this time.

Records display that Delhi in early 90s came up with the proposals of privatizing transport partly to suffice and fill the block holes of city transport. During the course of time the early proposals and rules were undergone changes and refinement by both DTC and Private stage carriers majorly focusing on channeling their financial flow straight to their respective stockpile. Never was it considered to discuss from Passenger’s front on providing good services, enhancing warm atmosphere and promising a fearless journey even once. Blue lines have been showing very regularly their reckless and rash driving, misbehaving, but it came to hit severely lashing the silence of Delhi on 2007 when it swallowed almost 100 innocent lives. It doesn’t mean that it started to become notorious only after 2007; anomaly, it was noticed and felt harmed by the so called ‘public’ who use to bear and live under harassments by soothing oneself over the fact that we are Indians. It seems that was the trigger point which paved way to think of eliminating all private busses off the Delhi arteries. Even from that year onwards when their disobedient erupted Delhi which got outraged over  Blue lines in a massive way  the toll, sufferers rate never steeped down and so their operators, employees behaviors.

Our late response and snorting attitude to these killings paves way to chart out avalanche of tragedies every year displaying surge in toll rates due to Blue lines. Yes, undoubtedly it’s the nation which gave ‘Ahimsa’ to the world, which preaches ‘Love is the only way of living life’ to the globe; but, always we apply/follow this where we not to. We should realize that it’s a crime to tolerate the things when it cost invaluable human lives. It’s criminal not to register one’s anger when it has to be, not protesting against stinging evils while it torment. We those who never raised our voices before it turn out to cause huge damages like these are all responsible for losses. It’s an infamous usual way of Indians by gaining consciousness after losing invaluable innocent souls and lamenting in front of corpses. That will never remove the blemishes as convicted.

Despite the Blue lines notoriety as “Killer Buses” there are some more undying, infamous stains which cause the passengers to get frustrated & disgusted over them. Apart from the first and foremost their reckless driving, the way almost all the blue line drivers and conductors treating the passengers which many a time using abusing words, throwing lewd comments on female passengers with co-workers contributed to have a complete black dent over the blue line employees. There is no even a single soft expression in their behavioral dictionary. One can understand and bear such things to some extent and certain limit on peak hours; but, their attitudes are always similar irrespective of time. Their misbehaviors and misconducts have no limitations which wonders one how and which makes them to behave like this. As it seems Passengers pay not only to travel but also to get abused badly like this.

Another unbearable crisis is asking and following the conductors for ‘Change’. Traveler has to follow the conductor through out his journey as if he has borrowed by hearing his scorn too on every approach. It will be a definitely monstrous effort to get one’s penny back and often efforts end in vain for many reasons. Many incidents start at this situation as a simple argument and turn some times into a brutal clash at the end.  

Blue lines never bother and value passenger’s time but they behave severely if some other blue line buses clash with their time. And, same case for DTC yellow line buses which clash on their time. They will be bad mouthed irrespective of their status of ‘Government officials’ and age too. Mostly DTC buses trail back these blue lines. They chase, overtake and try to threat & hit the bus which has not kept its time by riding as close as possible. For them, in front of their 1or 2 minutes of clash in keeping time, passenger’s lives and safety are not much to consider. Because of the targets of running as many as trips they can and earning the already set figures are the only instructions given by the contractors who run the busses on behalf of well known politicians of  Delhi, the drivers and conductors follow the same. If money is the driving force for these fleets, obviously Passenger’s safety will be the first to be hit.They overload by pulling and pushing the crowd as much as possible before moving out of the terminus like a wisped cart. After a long irritating waiting they will slowly move the bus to a gas filling station leisurely by testing the patience of public and swallowing their invaluable time. Traveler can’t do anything as they have been already ticketed. If some of the passengers raise their voice they will receive mistreatment by their pouring unparliamentary words irrespective of gender.

And last but not least is the Cleanliness; Blue lines are the best examples of poor cleanliness. Dirty seats, filthy and moistened floors, rusted window frames and so on.  Blue line drivers and conductors are much worse than their buses like wearing dirtiest clothes which can’t be dirtied anymore, always grinding things like Pan Masala, Gutka, spitting outside the bus through window which washes the faces of passengers who hang on the foot boards due to over crowd and etc. Passengers are also accountable to a major part for poor cleanliness of buses because of their lack of interests in maintaining neatness.

All these worries and woes has been faced and borne for many years by Delhi people would at last come to an end from November 14 onwards as Delhi Government has announced clearly that all the Blue line busses will be removed from the capital on that said day. As a guy who spent some valuable and exciting years of my life in Delhi I am very much glad indeed after hearing this. Waiting for an opportunity to visit Delhi again in near future to see the Delhi roads free of “Blue Lines-The Killer Devils”

Realizing Inherent Divinity-The New India (3..contd..)

Response of “The Generation-New India”

'Every Generation is a new Nation’ – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. As his words, India is being functioned and operated by fresh blood. India’s this generation which has its dimensions well defined, can be exemplified and boasted as one which has nearly inherited the real India’s essence of Sovereignty, Fraternity, Secularism and Tolerance.

The New India- identified as very dynamic and intelligent society has its Geographical footprints much wider than ever before. Indians of this generation have their Perspectives and Opinions differed and more Generous than their elders and so their approach. They try to find and perceive the evils which make them standstill while rests around them are moving ahead. They feel firmly that India was instinctively trapped into these ruptures-‘historical blunders’ which have let the nation dormant for almost 60 years since independence. They now refurbish their thoughts to weed out the differences and believe “Continuing to adjust & dwell on old ruptures are as same as shouldering hell on back".

After India opened its gate for globalization, the world which was at the reception is at one’s palm now. In order to resound the immediate steps required to take the nation on its own inherent divine path, they have started to contribute through all their possible ways like Media and Communication, Politics, Education, Growing Science and Technology to talk and request the People of India to recap its real own noble traits. In both the issues, the highly educated New India is very eager to convey the messages to foster Nation’s integrity by all means. It was quite visible from India’s reflections on both of these issues “The Calm and Matured responses for the Verdict of Allahabad High Court” and  “The way Kashmir returned back to its normal life after State’s appeal”. 

Also, it seems, facing quite a long period of time (issues poisoning the preservative concepts of India’s secularism), the new India feels very weariness and frustrations over these issues which have been tarnishing India’s image across the Globe. Due to these issues shattering nation’s real elite nature and their bad reverberations which are directly faced and deeply felt by this generation having its global frontiers widened than ever before, gets terribly nudged and insulted by comparing with contemporary civilized world. Though both the issues are still alive, the thing to ponder is the diligent change in their way of approaching the longing issues.  Remarkably, the Religious loyalties which have been driven the issues very badly so far are started receding.

It has begun to realize that there should be a time for all to accept changes, else will be forced to. By reiterating the fact that the nation is still standing at the same spot when it was at the time of Independence as far as any internal conflicts are concerned; it boldly instructs the people to be conscious in learning from mistakes. It attempts to make understand how we have been looted our invaluable energy unfortunately by ourselves. Energizing entire country to remove all past blemishes on it’s Sovereignty, Fraternity and Secularism, this generation stresses the people to have a look back to understand the seriousness of requirement of positive improvements. 

Many people argue, “What the nation can get from a very few revivals?” Also, they argue that just being silent in the aching issues can not be either taken as signal of “Social Maturity” or considered as a state of “Started moving”. They should remember one thing that Pages of World History have many proofs for every successful effort started from a state of nothing. Revolutions which astonished & changed world’s history were only budded after keen silent observations.

The greatest delights of these improvements are the birth of a society which started to travel for a noble cause which constitutes,

a) People those who crossed the phase of silence and are now in action to appeal the mass to feel “What actually a real India is”

b) People who are in vast, have just withered their old differences and silently assessing themselves; but, at the verge of following the people who are in action.

The New India views and weighs these so called sensitive issues as things to show even a very least and little glimpse as far as countries like India is concerned. It prefers to keen on investing interests on focusing nation’s very prominent concerns like Poverty, Education, Basic needs and Better Lifestyle. "It’s very sad to take a note that basic facilities which other parts of world enjoying is still meant as a standard of sophistications for India; even by Indians itself". This emphasizes how far India is from ground reality, behind other developed countries and where it needs to focus its talents and interests.

Conclusively, the recent changes and developments in India make one to feel, "Yes! The New Generation has already started moving to make its fulfillments by itself; and, triggered others who have started evaluating themselves silently to follow sign boards left behind for them by the pioneers". It's obviously true and visible too. JAI HIND!

(End-Sathish)

Realizing Inherent Divinity-The New India (2..contd..)

Ayodhya Debate:

Unlike the case of Kashmir, this is an internal issue which had its beginning far earlier than Kashmir’s, solely on religious base, later transformed in to a beaming Socio-Political debate on Religious pedestal; can say,  purely by Indians.

 It’s an issue on owning a land predominantly by two different religious followers, “Hindus & Muslims” on their own beliefs and accounts; unfortunately depending on historical evidences which were buried and destroyed by the fists of time. Not lesser than Kashmir in the aspect of destructing India’s reputations across globe.

“Ayodhya” historically and religiously is believed by Hindus following Hinduism-a dominated religion in India as one of the holy places for Hindus. The disputed land and location of Babri Masjid is considered by Hindus as the birth place “Lord Rama” and the Masjid was built by destroying an existed Hindu temple by Muslims after Babur’s invasion. On the other side it’s a historical landmark for Muslims as a Masjid was built on 16^th century.

The Current Significance and Analysis:

Allahabad High court pronounced the verdict on almost 60 years old suit (in fact, on stages later, further more litigants were joined on the same ground by both the religious followers) on 30^th of last September 2010. Despite the history of debated land and location of “Babri Masjid” started at as early as 16^th century, the first communal riot on this base was burst out on mid of 19^th century under British rule. Believed from records, that, this land dispute went to the court of Faizabad, in the state of UP for the first time on1950 in the Post Independent era of India, which were moved then before Allahabad high court, for which the court adjudged the verdict on last September. Faizabad is a district in which Ayodhya is located, many Indians may hear this name for the first time which shows, how the nature and sensitiveness of the issue forced the people to focus on the debate exclusively.

Also, by records, though ‘Ayodhya’, debate emerged into the street immediately after country’s freedom, it got its vehemence louder by the middle of 1980s when some of the Hindu religious movements like VHP showed and propagated their main principle as to build a temple for Lord Ram in the disputed area. The sense of building Ram’s temple and protecting Masjid in the disputed land has been regularly reminded by some of the Religious movements and fuelled by Political Parties on strict followers of Hindus and Muslims respectively whenever small clashes related or similar to this issue broke out at any corners of India.

Notably, later in 90s the situations were very tensed and moved to very worst shape only because of the entry of political parties into it. Being the largest state of India with historical places which declare rich heritages of both Hindus and Muslims, it has been the hotspot for any party willing to hold a National party status in the nation.  And that was the period when BJP evolved as a very prominent opposite party to Congress who has been ruling the nation 3/4^th of its Post independence era. For political sustenance and profits this issue was politicized deliberately and publicly by majority of the Political parties by supporting and enhancing the split and cleavage between people on a religious cause. They augmented the severity of cracks between people by throwing their fiery acidic words on each other and torching communal violence here and there. Also, were very careful on not allowing the people to take a state or stand of harmony.  

BJP tried to show the nation as a great savior of Hindus and Hinduisms, on the other hand Congress focusing on Muslims votes, attempted to show as a party keen on ensuring security of Minorities in a Hindu-Majority nation; as it knew that the traditional Hindu votes to Congress can’t be easily damaged since it is composed of followers of supposed to be great leaders like Nehru, Rajiv and Indira of India. Also many a time congress steps into an act of demonstrating “Gandhi-The Father of Nation” as Congress’s sole asset by ripening the profit from people’s forgetfulness.

These kind of attitudes of political leaders who never thought to tranquil the fire out of this religious issue, just twisted the situation worsen by leading their respective followers on their narrowed philosophies which is exactly opposite to India’s Secularism. This notorious behavior of the leaders and their followers paved way to the 1992 demolition of “Babri Masjid” by few Hindus following BJP -a disastrous, not –retrievable, unjustified and shameful act. As a ruling party both State and Central government were ineptitude. It slashed a permanent dent and brooked an unstoppable bleeding on India’s face and heart respectively for ever. This disgusting and disgraceful event led to face a new threat to India forever (India is still being wailed because of this main repercussion caused out of this demolition), falsely invited the already waiting evil hands to enter this issue. “The now Mumbai then Bombay 1993 serial blast” was stated by the Muslim extremists, carried out in retaliation of the demolition, which snatched many invaluable, precious civilian lives and public properties. Totally it tumbled the lifestyle of an average Indian. A best example of the dreadful impacts out of a biased stand of a ruling party (Congress) for its party benefits by showing their reckless efforts on Nation’s interest, Lack of Foreseeing ability and Poor administration.

Before India realized to come out of that trauma, many such terrific explosions and attacks were carried out all across the nation by various extremist groups which diminished the faith of a common man on his life and the nation.  Low flash point communal zones were been carved out of these disastrous events. Now, the radical movements have proliferated well and have their networks very strong and they have been regularly challenging Indian Government and Democracy by their evil attacks.

Though the few Hindu brothers by claiming the disputed area as birth place of their god convicted an unforgivable event, it was not generously considered and maturely approached by some of our Muslim brothers. They also gaped and gave room to widen the cleavage more; the aftermath unleashed violence and communal ruptures showed the followers lack of knowledge and understanding the principles and teachings of Religions for which they are fighting for. Each and every Religion says and teaches a lot about the “tolerance and significance of mankind” as the top of all. Where they lost the basic notions while they brutally assaulted the common civilians? How they forgot that the outrageous, denouncing factors which propelled them to react to the demolition was a “National insult” for the country which has its soul on “Harmony in Diversified Cultural heritages”. No religion is preaching to stop and force the one who follows other.  No religion is supporting such inhuman behaviors. Poorly enraptured followers led by leaders who are also unclear about religious principles led to carve India’s worst phase in the history.

Keeping aside the communal factions which have been existed since well earlier of the issue among the people of the country, if we look at the reasons for longevity of this issue which was reshaped into totally a different form by compaing it with what it was earlier, one can find the locus as the leaders who are/were communally, Regionally, Linguistically, Philosophically corrupted,  make use of Politics to misguide innocent people and play by handling them as puppets by laying pores on Democracy.  It’s purely a collective failure of "India and its Political system ability to produce such efficient, patriotic leaders" who can lead the nation by keeping nation’s interest as foremost. Here India is meant as "The People of India"

(Will end in next post-Sathish)

Realizing Inherent Divinity-The New India

October, 2- A very special day as far as Indians are concerned.

The day, when the incarnation of “Mahatma –The Light of Wisdom”, on western coast of India took place; the holy day for the believers of ‘Non Violence’ all across the Globe. His life and invaluable principles are the greatest assets of India; precious Gift of India to the World.

While celebrating his 141 birth anniversary, very few significant recent events in India drag the attention to contemplate on new dimensions of India which is being inscribed slowly but meticulously by “The Generation-New India”

“The Generation-New India” can be defined as Highly Educated, Intelligent, and Potential & contemporarily Pre-Eminent in all forums, keeps Nation’s Interest at first above all and prioritizes lifting Country’s status to a renowned and respectable position in the world.

It realized that India has to move on by keeping aside the differences and conflicts which have been fuelling the unending disgusting chapters of India. This is  attempting on a mission to sow, spread and evoke this very much required thoughts properly blended with our highly rich perpetual cultural heritages on each and every Indians from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

Some say and believe very optimistically that India had moved on already and the reverberations are started flowing over intelligent, hard working, wiser new India; which intensifies the growing revolutionary realization on India’s Inherent Divinity.

The statements may look very dramatic and unreal if one looks it from the outer crust. But one can feel the steady changes and the developments born out of it, on keenly watching the dynamic juvenile society of India. Their priorities are much different and fruitful than elders. Their thoughts are very pure and transparent and result & target oriented. And they are very clear on their way. This can be sensed and understood from our The Generation-New India’s reaction on two significant long lasting issues recently.

Issue on Kashmir:

One of the issues started at the time of our Independence, many a time crumpled India’s face for what it’s not actually all about, in global arena.

Kashmir-The Cradle of India. The entire Sub-Continent is firm and rigid on its stand on Kashmir- An integrated part of our Mother India. Nevertheless, for the past more than six decades India has been struggling and trying to keep peace on this beautiful Valley.

The Current Significance and Analysis:

The recent unrest on last August and September of this 2010 and its consequences cost invaluable loss of human lives and Public properties. The very astonishing and unbearable repercussion of this unrest was its disgusting impact on Kashmir children’s education as Schools couldn’t be operated for more than 100 days in the nation where we proud and say “The Nation which taught the world, The Civilization” once in every second. 

In case of violence broken out due to infiltrated external radical elements, one can finger out the Protection system’s failure in safe guarding the nation (It is undoubtedly very difficult to keep and maintain unique surveillance through out the year to curb and stop infiltrations of insurgents and militants who are trained by external terrorist movements; especially, on acute dreadful winter on the Himalayan ranges. We should salute and respect the courageous efforts of our Soldiers), but this unrest and unleashed violence followed it was actually caused of various Internal Secessionist movements.

It is quite obvious that majority of Kashmir people are proud and feel to be Indians. But these recent unrests give room to suspect the reality on that thought. Though it is argued that these unrests on various parts of the valley were backed up by the minority secessionist movements which have least support, one has to accept and admit the fact that the support of the common people to the separatist movements was in such a significant strength which can’t be ignored by reiterating it as negligible.

Even though Kashmiri’s are believed to be more privileged and given special attentions by our constitution of India than Indians belonging to other parts, which makes still struggling in gaining confidence of Kashmiris on India as a country is literally a bemusing one to get a clue and difficult to face as well. How these Separatist movements, which demand the nation for “Independent Kashmir” are having common people as their supporters?

Yes! It is agreed that they have been existed there since long back, but why our attempts failed to produce that sort of results which could swipe and weed out these movements from the State and hearts & minds of some of our beloved Kashmiri people who have now become part of those niche which are demanding for “Independent Kashmir”

We understand in Kashmir’s case Government has to hear clusters of noises with different demands having significant common people as their strength. India faced such sort of secessionist movements in Tamil Nadu, Nagaland in its history, but managed well not only because of their Non-Religious nature but also Single Philosophical (separation from India) demand by various movements. But,as this issue which was started as a territorial subject with religious base and  the neighboring countries poisonous intention to keep the issue always live and burning by many evil measures like bribing the Kashmir political leaders, our Indian government should change its strategy and approach to find an intellectual and beneficial way with the lessons and observations got from our past experiences. Its very odd and hard to understand that even external notorious movements could influence on leaders and people of a state which is not achievable by our government and people of India, which is much mightier and powerful than those groups.

Keeping aside the Armed forces securities which are provided by the country to Kashmir people to lead a peaceful life, If we look into the fact of how efficiently our country (Rest of India other than Kashmir) and the Government successfully attempted and succeeded to get optimistic reflections from the common people of Kashmir as a whole, will end in great disappointments. Especially the results, many were failed to convey the whole country’s overwhelming emotional concern over Kashmir to the common people of that state. It’s purely a failure of Indian Political Strategy to unify entire ‘Kashmiris’ behind India. 

  (Will continue-Sathish)

Mt. Gwanak- "My First Trek in Seoul...!"

"Chu Suk" also known as 'Thanksgiving day' (simply means a very big day) a great festival when Koreans take this time to thank their ancestors for providing them with rice and fruits. For foreigners like us too it’s a 'Thanksgiving' day to think of enjoyable short trips and excursions. Truly for me this time, it was a plan of certainty to spend the very uncommon long holidays by exploring Seoul. As it’s a passionate thing for Koreans to hike on weekends, one of our Korean colleagues suggested this ‘Mt. Gwanak’ as our tour destination when our Indian colleague approached him for best choice. Our beloved friends collected all required details about our resort for next day. Very surprisingly there in 'Somerset Palace' Ms. Song, a Korean girl who is friend of one of our colleagues enthusiastically joined us. We a crew of Six took Subway line No.2 to Seoul University as Ms. Song suggested us to hike ‘Mt. Gwanak’ from Seoul University entrance trail. It was pouring still when we arrived at the mouth of the trail. Detailed descriptions and features of the mountain are inscribed on the Stone at the entrance. Koreans call it as 'Gwanaksan' as 'san' means Mountain and 'Gwanak' means "Hat shaped Peak' (courtesy: Wikipedia) which is some 629m height. A pleasant breezy drizzles just wiped our faces gently when we got down there, it would really oscillate one's mind and heart to feel and realize the beauty of nature-Breezing, Raining and you are standing in front of Soul stealing grey clouds and Panoramic view of the Green Mountain. And in fact the Rain gave the green blankets greener. Yes! When Mother Nature is in full glory showing her beauty, poor human is having nothing than to soak and immerse on it.

The thick grey clouds till the limit of our visibility confirmed us about the down pour to be continued. We started our hiking on perfectly concreted pavement of mild slope; of course, it is much wider than to a pavement. Enormous, huge clusters of various dense trees on both the sides of the Pavement welcome the hikers with gentle wind blow. One would be enchanted by glassy, marble stream over a flat plain bed on the left side of the trail which showcases its silent and methodical way of flowing. Surprisingly throughout our hiking journey haven't witnessed any birds and animals (even monkeys which is a very common part of Hills and Mountains In India) except a plump 'Korean Magpie', Ms. Song said us that Koreans call it as 'Gachi'. For next just 10-15 minutes of hiking interior, it got as dark as evening due to densely populated giant trees and rolling thick clouds. But the ‘Gwanak’ assured us the never lost enthusiasms with its green skin.

There are many brooks branching and falling fast but steadily abiding gravity on either side of the trail. These small, streams are greatly channeled and streamlined in to a dedicated path which reminded me again about Koreans immense love on preserving nature. There are small huts and Wooden seats to relax, rest and refresh oneself on either side of the trail where hikers were enjoying their lighter moments. One can enjoy mixed hiking floors like concrete pavements, Wooden steps, flat cum slant plains and path covered of small rocks on the hiking way.

Ms. Song said us that at the top of this peak lies a Buddha temple, and translated us the distance we crossed and yet to cross by reading sign boards and instruction placards alongside of our path as all are written in Korean. There are some wooden bridges artistically made in a spectacular design to make the hikers enjoying their moments on either sides of the trail. For those who are fond of arresting the splendid scenic views of flowing Brooks, Valleys and thick grown Trees and Bushes will definitely have a feeling of delicious feast to their camera. And it was drizzling throughout the day; many a times, I used to shut my umbrella, and let the breezy fragrant drizzles do their magic on me. It was a splendid feeling and I was fascinated. It would be a different feeling for foreigners like me on seeing the way the Koreans came all along with their preparations for trekking with all stuffs like professional hikers irrespective of their level of expertise; after all, I contemplate it's a bit of part of life for them. ‘Mt. Gwanak’ is having some peaks which are challenging for people like me who are actually beginners. As far as preparations for a trekking trip is concerned, Good trekking shoes, if not, at least walking shoes with moderate grip, Backpack for keeping stuffs like Towel, Eatables, Sunglasses, Tissue papers, bags (to keep soiled wastes) etc. will be sufficient for those who are beginners as some peaks of ‘Mt. Gwanak’ are not so steep. If you are going to explore much challenging hike, it will be good to have ropes, good quality hand cloves, and strong hiking sticks with you which will solve the purpose effectively in ‘Gwanak’.

As it was my first time and I was having my bag full of Water/Juice bottles and other food stuffs too, I got to take regular rests all along the way.
Lesson Learnt: "Start to trek with very essential things on your back pack to really enjoy and fulfill the purpose". I (others too) was much perspired due to down pour and high humid conditions and consumed significant amount of water.

Through out the journey we were mutually exchanging wishes and greetings with many hikers crossing us either way. Smiling and Greeting the fellow hikers, just met a very second ago, reminding and intensifing my thought about Korean’s great receiving nature and their hospitality. As the crew got tired (seemed except Ms. Song and Mr. Ram) before it reaches the highest point of the peak where the enshrined temple of Buddha is, decided to stop there unanimously, where as per Ms. Song we were just short of 15 minutes of further upward hiking to reach the temple. On the way returning back we completed our lunch with other Korean trekkers in a rest hut which made the journey immortal. The return journey was very quick indeed. There the exciting hiking journey came to an end which concerned me voluminously when we reached the mouth of trail.

Koreans are conscious very much when they make or build the necessary arrangements to attract crowd around the world to enhance their Tourism without collapsing nature's innate wealth. They preserve and safe guard this nature by keeping these invaluable natural resources intact for generations ahead.

The success of any trip lies in its effect in enhancing the thirst of the traveler to explore more. With that spirit I think ‘My first Trek’ is quite successful as I am now eagerly waiting for my weekends to explore other parts of Seoul. Nowadays I start overlooking from skyscrapers in that perspective and realized the famous Korean saying “You will see a mountain in Seoul no matter where you look” is literally a fact. I reached my room at around 6-00 pm heavily loaded with magical memories, realities of gorgeous nature. I firmed to pen my experience of first hiking on my blog before it gets eluded by my Professional life.

(Courtesy-Photos: Stalin, Prem)

For The First Time!!!! (Part-4)

I thought to completely skip that idiot till our presence there. He entirely fooled Ryan. “As a Matchmaker he has to show the better profiles and alliances to his client Ryan. But this bloody has hided everything and played a drama by bringing Ryan to his house for his own sister’s sake without intimating properly. We didn’t know that we came to his house and that too for his sister till it was revealed out accidentally by his father. We even never thought like this. He planned and executed neatly to bring Ryan to his house without his knowledge” I stunned.

Still I didn’t get any clue why he hadn’t provided Ryan the photograph and marriage profile.

“Ryan! you such a crap….!”
“You should have been keen in getting the maximum details from the broker. You deceived yourself by your poor careless attitude”, I yelled meekly at him.

“What can I do? Like you, I too came to know just a minute ago about this Bastard. He is a cheap humbug! Very cunning and criminal too”, Ryan certified the then broker and broker cum girl’s elder brother now. I acted as though I didn’t hear his words to humiliate him.

“Ryan! you will never change. What is wrong in admitting and realizing one’s mistake at least at situation like this?” Go to hell you bastard!” I said to him.

He should seriously feel insulted due to his poor careless attitude which the broker too took as an advantage to fool him.

But the broker used to see here and there and move his legs this way and that but definitely not even a single glance at us who exactly sat opposite to him. If unknowingly he saw us he immediately put his head down and start researching the floor. I was losing my temperament on seeing him head down in front of us without saying anything. I tried hard to control myself not to create any embarrassing moment.

So……..,? we were interrupted by the old man. “We have had your photograph, Marriage Profile and Horoscope from your parents”, he said.

“Where are you working?” he asked Ryan. I thought that the old man started interviewing Ryan and in fact I felt for Ryan for his miserable situation.

“I am working in BMS located at Udyog Vihar” Ryan replied uninterestingly.

The old man asked, “How long you have been in Gurgaon?”

“For the past six years”, answered Ryan.

“Is it a permanent job?” questioned the old man.

“Yeah it is”, Ryan said

“You have one younger brother and two younger sisters, what are they doing?” old man again.

“Brother is working as a Marketing Manager in Chennai. Sisters are college goers”, Ryan said.

After a short break, Ryan asked the parents about girl’s education.

Silence prevailed for a while and was broken by the younger son. He turned to Ryan side and said that she has mere completed her schooling.

“What…..? Isn’t she even a graduate…...?” I said to myself. I got mad after hearing this.
Since I imagined an Engineering graduate would be chosen by his parents, I was flabbergasted.

“What is this?” I whispered Ryan.

“How could I know?” Ryan reacted.

“Yes! you are right. How you could know, as actually you aren’t related to this”
“Stupid! You deserve this. No clarity, No Plan, Damn it”, I meekly screamed and stung him.

I pricked Ryan to cut the conversation as it seemed that the girl’s parents were bewildered by our discussion.

“Any thing serious…?” old man asked us.

Nothing! we both withered a smile. In fact we both tried to show that we were normal.

Ryan said, “That bastard broker cum elder brother planned, lied and mislead me. He fooled us really yaar”.

“Us…..? Truly speaking He fooled you”, I stung him again.

We both looked at that broker cum elder brother. He was sitting there still his head down.

“And also I think the profile which he gave earlier might be the detailed one” I laughed.

Yeah! May be! Ryan was totally upset. His face became dark because of continuous deceit and disappointments.

“Get up yaar!!! We will move from here”, Ryan said.

“What are you saying man? Are you Mad? What you will say them?” I shouted at him angrily.
My rage changed his idea to move out immediately from there.

“Ok! We have come here to see the girl. Will see and move immediately”, Ryan reacted.

“I think they didn’t aware about their son’s plan and all”, I said to Ryan.

“It’s so important now”, he shouted me.

I laughed and loved to see Ryan got annoyed. I enjoyed little bit too. People like Ryan would rather like to have their own experience than getting lesson from others.

“It’s purely Ryan’s failure to manage the things”, I said to myself.

Again the hall was resounded to a pin drop silence.

“Are you working with him?” the old man asked me.

“No, he is working with some other company in Delhi” Ryan replied before me.

He asked again me, “Are you married?”

This time too Ryan said, “Not yet”.

“It’s better to let Ryan takes care of all his queries”, I thought myself happily.

But my happiness was lived very shortly by the old man. He started asking about my complete family details; thus, my entry was forced into that conversation.

“What about your Family, Father and Mother?” asked the old man.

I am actually belonging to Chidambaram, a temple town in Tamil Nadu.

“My father and mother are working in the same town”, I replied briefly.

“Are you only son to your parents”, old man jumped to next question.

I got irritated this time; nevertheless, I replied him with smiling face.

“I think they like you very much, they will approach you for their youngest daughter”, Ryan grinned.

“Shut up! You idiot!” I shrilled.

“Ok, We have planned to go for shopping after this visit, so it would be better if we start moving now”, Ryan rescued me before he leaps to another one.

Ryan tried to make the old man to understand and call his daughter. I was also waiting to see the girl for whom we have been traumatized mentally for the past four hours by her criminal brother.

Ok! The old man shook his head up and down and whispered his younger son. His younger son got up and went to the room at our right hand side. He came back after few seconds with an envelope in his hands. He gave it to his father.

We weren’t as such curious to know what that was.

His father opened the envelope and it had some photographs of medium sized. He took four out of them and gave it to Ryan.

“These are the photos of our girls. It’s for you to show your parents”, the old man said. “It’s also there my youngest daughter photographs”, he said seeing and smiling at me.

We were totally puzzled. I asked Ryan,” Won't they call their daughter over here now?”

“How do I know”, Ryan yelled at me meekly. “But it’s evident that they are expecting you to say 'yes' to their youngest daughter”, Ryan grinned again.

I took least care his grin. This scumbag always uses to trap others when he is trapped.

“Then why that old man shook his head well as if he understood that we are asking him to call his daughter”, I questioned him again.

But Ryan stared at the photos in his hands.

I just pat him back and asked, “Is girl so beautiful that you got standstill?”.

“Hey! Just shut and get up”, he slapped me by his words.

The old man then gave Ryan one more envelope and said, “Horoscopes of my daughters”.

“Ok! we are moving now. Thank you very much”, Ryan received and said without seeing the envelope.

“You haven’t told your opinion yet”, the old man humbly asked Ryan in a mild voice.

“I will show the photograph and horoscope to my parents and they will contact you soon”, Ryan replied him.

Still the broker was speech less and his head down.

And we started moving; his younger brother came with us up to main road to send off.

He stopped a Pat-Pat RTV for us and we got into that comfortably and said bye to him. It was already 7 past 30 and RTV was moving steadily. We were muted for next 10 minutes.

After a deep silence Ryan said,” Don’t share this with our friends”.

“Yes! I understand the gravity of this situation. I will not”, I said to him.

I told Ryan, “I am still clueless why they haven’t shown their girl to us”.

“No! They have shown”, Ryan said firmly.

I astonished and asked “What?”

‘The one who served us the snacks is the girl; she is the one in the photos too given by her father”, he said.

“Who….?”

“The one served us snacks???”

"Oh! My God!"

I was almost gone faint as I thought she is a maid girl....!!!!!!
(End-Sathish)