Wanna be overwhelmed? Then a visit to Peb should be on your bucket list

The hustle-bustle of the city life does put you into a monotonous mode over time. And the craving to seek a getaway to the country roads is what you start to yearn. I found myself in the similar situation and that's when I decided to explore the hills around this bustling city.

Being introduced to the Tatva group by their hardcore fans and frequenters, Shweta and Jeaneatte, I knew where to look for an adventure as I was seeking. After lot of calendar clashes and necessary visits to Goa, my home State, I zeroed in on the weekend on March 18th for a trek with tatva. Unfortunately, the organizers cancelled it. So I had to settle for the coming week's Trek, and that was to Peb Fort, Matheran.

Bought a torch, recharged my batteries, stocked up quick bites and water for the trek, armed with passion and enthusiasm boarded the local to Neral from the VT. Confused on who all around me are going for the trek. I saw a gentlemen who looked geared up for a trek, whether he is going to the same destination as mine, and he answered in a negative. Embarrassed I didn't dare ask anyone else. Though my whatsapp notification kept informing that there was another person in the same bogey as mine. He even asked me to give my location, wave my hand, etc etc, but no avail. Now as to why we couldn't identify each other, 'Keval" woh hi jaane..... (pun intended as his name is Keval) It was the first time I noticed that the fans in the local train are numbered.

As the train approached our destination, it was evident that the bogey was full of people I was gonna trek with. Once alighted at Neral, unfamiliar faces but with the same aim and conviction to conquer the night and the mountain, greeted each other with unease. And then started then the fun began. Armed with torch light, we climbed and climbed and climbed, the serpentine trails of the mountain in the pitch dark of the night. At times hugging the pot bellied boulders, or the over-sized roots of the trees, amidst the peculiar noise of the transmission of the high tension overhead electric wires, we marched forward gazing into the darkness above whether the summit was anywhere near. A rock patch, a loose gravel climbs, ladders, and mighty inclines provided us the perfect dose of the challenges we were geared up for.

Panting for breath and our throats drying due to the conjusey suggested by Lawry for our ration of water, we reached the temple of Devi Peb after almost 4 hours of climb in the dark. I just crashed under the open sky watching the stars above and the city lights below, and in no time my tired body zoomed into sleep.

The cold chilly mountain breeze acted as the alarm clock that announced the arrival of the morning. The mountain tops surrounding the Peb fort started 'Peak-ing' out of the darkness. The moment of watching the mighty mountain range around us come to life as the day light greeted them was fabulous. Out came our DSLRs, to capture whatever we could in our lenses. After greeting the sun after it made its grand entry on the beautiful landscape and the horizon we started to move towards Matheran. The hike here too was interesting. Going up and down the mountain trails, from one hilltop to another, navigating over the edge of the steep valleys, and finally a set of stairs before reached the famous narrow guage rail track of Matheran. Till now, no one was a stranger to another. The experience of together conquering the mountain, cemented the foundation of new friendships and companionship. With promises to meet again, to conquer another mountain trail, we bid goodbye.

Photos of this incredible journey can be found here 

As I bid goodbye to the city, this trek was a perfect way to end my last weekend. If God willing, I shall definitely return to more amazing treks with this lovely group. Viva!!!!!!!

Why is India divided?

For the past few days, my FB wall is flooded with posts of support as well as condemning or trolling a girl who spoke her mind and her ideology. First thing it takes courage to speak out in this country and this girl definitely had the bravado to express her views. Gurmehar Kaur is definitely someone who broke the societal mould and chose to stand for her point. 
Secondly her statement for which she is being trolled by some celebrities, "Pakistan didn't kill her father, War did" is in itself a manifestation of how evolved and mature her thoughts or philosophy is. It is expected that many in this country who are politically charged or challenged will never understand. 
Thirdly, about her political or ideological affiliations can be questionable, but it doesn't take away her right to emote and definitely not to be on the receiving end of trolls and rape and death threats. 

To the question of Pakistan, war and Kashmir, there doesn't exist a convincing answer. In my understanding Pakistan is not a democracy, but a military ruled state, for their democratic fabric is dictated by the military. So it is a section of Pakistanis that is the problem. Secondly war isn't inevitable, when the other side provocatively tries to capture your territory. You definitely can't have a red carpet for them. You retaliate in defense. If peace has to be established it should be from both ends, not just one. 

As for Kashmir, it is a disputed property since independence. Had our leaders then, or even later showed some maturity in handling the issue, this day would have been different. Even today many of our soldiers sacrifice their lives cause of this disputed State. I say disputed because why would the local public pelt stones on its own army? Is it out of their own conviction or are they easily brain washed and why? Whether Kashmir should belong to India or Pakistan or a separate entity under UN, has to be decided once for all and soon. India can't afford to lose another of her sons. 

I would suggest that  a referendum be called out, and all those who were descendants of the place up to two generations down, should have the right to vote. This will ensure all those who left the valley during the exodus also have the say in the referendum. Let voting be held in Kashmir and neighboring states where Kashmiris reside. The whole exercise can be held under the watch of UN to rule out any bias from either side. The outcome  could then be interpreted and used for further policy decisions.  

As I said, the solution to the Kashmir deadlock has to be found soon. The politicians across party lines are misusing the subject in promoting hatred in the name of pseudo-nationalism and pseudo-liberalism. It pains my heart to see people so easily being carried away by the tide. This needs to be stopped now.