Pause the Moment- I am in Shimla, The Queen of Hills

Although I am not a travel blogger, but I believe that each one of us has a longing to travel someday. So I just thought about giving you a glimpse from one of my trips to the mountains of Shimla, Queen of Hills.

A year ago, after the completion of my internship, the idea of visiting Shimla was born. At that time I didn’t know someday, I will be writing about this trip. I had many trips, but this was completely special. 

Before I sat to write the journey, I thought it would be complete within an hour or two. No bro, I was wrong. When I started writing, I started getting lost in memory lane.

What a beautiful place it was! I still remember what I saw. With each passing second, it was getting difficult to pen down the beauty of hills, cold winds, tiredness of trekking, and much more. 

Okay, okay! Let’s start now.

That was an unexpected trip. I woke up late, changed, and went to the bus stop. Shit! I had missed all the buses going for Shimla. I was sad inside and about to return home when I saw a running Bus with the hoarding of Shimla. I ran fast and caught the bus. Oh! I took a long breath and fixed myself. 

The trip was a great travel ride, all thanks to the weather which was really pleasant with winters just seeping in.

  

The Ridge, the Mall road of Shimla is the heart of the city.

   

 

   

 

It is one of the active commercial areas of this place. Automobiles were not allowed and hence we had to walk. 

The Ridge is a wide-open street located on the side of Shimla Mall Road. The Ridge has everything, from shops selling some exclusive monuments to the spectacular view of the snow-capped mountain. It is famous for a lot of things, but best known for shopping.

The traditional outfit of Himachal Pradesh

          

   

Long kurtas stretching from neck to their toe is the traditional outfit of Himachal Pradesh. Sometimes Ghaghris, Salwar-Kameez, Cholis, and a lot of bangles are included.

There are many ornaments and jewelry that are worn by women: Chakk (silver domed and worn on the top of head), Chanderhar (necklace or pendant worn in weddings), Chiri (similar to maangtika), Toke (wristbands), Pari (foot necklace), Jhumka (earrings), etc.

These dresses are available on rent, for photography. You can wear them like I did.

 Watching the sunset at Scandal Point

    

The flat platform on the Ridge road becomes a point of activity in the evenings as people gather to visit the Scandal Point. It offers a divine view of the magnificent sunrise and sunset. 

Shimla has a lot of stories to tell, some legends and more heritage, but all equally exciting. Begins at the appropriately named ‘Scandal Point’ where legend has it that the Maharajah of Patiala was exiled from Shimla after an intense argument with the Viceroy (some stories say he ran away with the Viceroy’s daughter) and was eventually exiled from Shimla –giving this spot its name in 1892. 

Run to Lakkar Bazaar for wooden gifts

    

       

It took my heart at the very first sight. A stroll through the Lakkar Bazaar or the Tibetan market has gifts at bargain prices. The nearby Gaiety theatre is also a rich cultural heritage and worth a visit. I bought the key-rings and a memento. 

Trekking to the top of Jakhoo Temple is the best activity you can do in Shimla

            

        

  

         

Jakhoo Temple is located at a height of around 2,455 m above sea level. Trekking is a popular activity for tourists to reach the top. It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to get to the peak. Though the activity is easy during other seasons, it can get a bit tiring during summer. It has Lord Hanuman’s footprints engraved on marble, paintings, and statues of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ram. The pious chants (or Bhajans) and the ringing of bells fill up the entire complex.

The grand Viceregal Lodge, also called Indian Institute of Advanced Study

    

The Majestic Viceregal Lodge also called Rashtrapati Niwas is like a mini-museum of British colonial rule and houses a collection of ancient antiques and photographs from that period. 

It is the most historically significant and architectural impressive building of the region that makes for a pleasant half-day outing. The Viceregal Lodge was the summer residence of the Indian Viceroy, the British Raj leader who governed the whole of the Indian subcontinent between 1888 until 1946. Within the Viceroy Lodge many significant decisions from this era about India was devised, discussed, and agreed upon.

For visitors the Viceregal Lodge is an elaborate Mock-Tudor stately home that is surrounded by immaculately maintained gardens. Only a few of the staterooms can be visited as part of a brief tour as the building has been transformed into an advanced university complex. Viceregal Lodge is located 2 km west of Shimla on the summit of Observatory Hill, which provides wonderful panoramic views over the region.

Snow: Capture Memories and enjoy

        

Playing in the snow, rolling, dancing, and clicking pictures is another best thing to do for creating your own album of ‘Shimla in winter photos’. Making ice-balls and throwing it on friends is something that I will hold forever.

Shimla apart from being an ideal despite skin burning summers is a perfect place for enjoying the peaceful environment and vaporous beauty donated by Mother Nature. People love visiting Shimla for refreshing their hearts and minds and enhancing their innate skills.

For a normal person, Shimla is truly nature's delighting wonderland and one can enjoy in the world of immortal beauty and cooling environments.

Unlike usual trips, I was not burnt at the end. I was fresh, mesmerized by the view, trying to stay there more. It was worth it. It’s been astonishing going there.

Every travel tale has a different story. So I welcome you all to share yours in the comment section.

AND FINALLY, I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR BEING A PATIENT READER!

Happy travels!

How to cope up with stress waves, and cooperate with immunity- Health is Wealth

The human body is a world itself. It has its powerhouse as well as the enemies inside. All it needs is to balance. Balancing the body and mind and coordinating it to the tunes of nature is certainly the right step towards peace and happiness.

Someone is disappointed about not having glowing skin; someone is disappointed about not having a muscular body, someone is sad about not earning well and some are sad about not having space around. Most of the people are frustrated due to lockdown, they are not able to go outside, people around them are dying; they cannot meet friends and even family sometimes. News data are scaring them; the worries about career and life have started killing people and sometimes their own immunity is!

But from where this sadness comes out?

The lack of mental stability, un-satisfaction, poor diet, lack of sleep, smoking, moving too little, alcohol, and drugs are the main reasons. All these emerge from lifestyle conditions which take 31 million lives in a year. 

Well nobody can put down any syllabus or a shortcut for self-realization but I gave it a try just for you, Readers! 

Whether you are looking asana to sleep properly, want mental peace, concentration, or precaution from a major disease, cut weight, maintain or even add, sit back, and relax. Here is a shortlist compiled for you. Practice them daily to boost your immunity and protect yourself from this global pandemic.

Side plank (Vasisthasana)

This pose strengthens your shoulders, upper back, and abdominals. It also promotes core and scapular stability, which is helpful if you’re working on inversions or arm balances.

Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

Stretches the entire front of the body, ankles, thighs and groins, abdomen and chest, and throat, and deep hip flexors (psoas), Strengthens the back muscles, Improves posture, Stimulates the organs of the abdomen and neck

Mountain Pose (Tadasana)

           

It may seem like you’re, well, just standing there, but bear with us. This is the blueprint for all other poses. It promotes balance and directs your attention to the present moment.

                                                          Tree Pose (Vrksasana)

           

This pose helps improve concentration and your ability to balance by strengthening the arches of the feet and the outer hips.

Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)

While this pose can be challenging for those with tight muscles, it will help promote balance, stretch the hamstrings and inner thighs, and create a feeling of expansion in the body.

Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)

Strengthens the spine, Stretches chest and lungs, shoulders, and abdomen, Tones the buttocks, Stimulates abdominal organs, Helps relieve stress and fatigue, Opens the heart and lungs, Soothes sciatica, Therapeutic for asthma, The male and female reproductive system improves, Irregular menstrual cycle problems are rectified too, With the increased blood circulation your face gets a radiant look

Plank Pose (Kumbhakasana)

Considered one of the best moves for core strength, strengthens your abdominals and promotes stability.

 Bound Ankle Pose (Baddha konasana)

You’ll give your inner thighs and groin a nice stretch, while the forward bend creates a calming, cooling effect.

Shoulder stand (Salamba sarvangasana)

     

Like headstand, this inversion offers numerous benefits to multiple systems in the body. It’s a cooling and energetic way to end your practice.

Wheel Pose (Urdhva dhanurasana)

This backbend opens the entire front of the body. It strengthens the muscles in your back, shoulders, and hamstrings.

Cow Face Pose (Gomukhasana)

The deep stretch of hips, ankles, thighs, shoulders, armpit, chest, deltoid and triceps, Aids chronic knee pain, Strengthens spine and abdominals, Helps decompress low spine (during folded variation)

Asento Squatting position

Strengthens your core, Reduces the risk of injury, Crushes calories, Strengthens the muscles of your lower body, Boosts athletic ability and strength

Easy pose (Sukhasna)

It spreads a sense of calm and peace through your mind and body, it relaxes your brain, you will feel all exhaustion, stress, and anxiety leave your being, your chest and collar bones are broadened, your body alignment is improved, practicing this asana helps elongate your spine, your back becomes stronger and steadier, this asana also gives your knees and ankles a good stretch.

Thank you!

The unannounced last day of college- GLA UNIVERSITY

When we come out of college, we are not the same person who walked in. That's what this college life is all about. College brings about unlimited changes which the school never did! True or not guys?

When I was in school, I never thought of joining a college that will be located in another state. While leaving school, I left everything, I had. For once I thought I am going to miss school badly but today when I turned back I realized that the best life came from college and the best friendship as well.

While my admission procedure was going on, someone told me that GLA University cannot be defined in words; it is something to be felt, to be lived, and to be experienced. Well, he was right! How could someone define the gorgeous parks witnessing so much of the funny moments, tall buildings holding a taller pile of memories, amazing hostel life, heart-melting night talks, and Maggie at 2 am?

Well the story started in August 2016.

Being at a new place especially without friends and family was something that was terrifying me. But I had to face that circumstance. I didn’t know whether to act confident or show that I am actually worried inside. I was happy, nervous, excited, calm, worried, and whatnot? Packed with the mixed feeling, I stepped into the campus. Such a big place it was! I looked surprised. A place where everyone was unknown, it was tough to survive!

Hey, you make friends easily, you are bold, you are the same girl who went on stage at the very first day of college and faced the crowd of 2000 people in orientation; don’t be scared, I was teaching myself. The thought of being unknown to everyone at a new place was worrying me. On the one hand, I was confident about managing everything well but the other part of me wanted someone to reassure me that I will fit with others.

Between all these chaoses inside, the first day spent well. College was not so bad at all!

A normal evening in the hostel became memorable when a group of girls found a canteen card in the lobby. It had a recharge of Rs.270. They picked it and used it to buy ice-cream, chips, and cold drinks. Soon they came to know that, the girl who had forgotten her card in the lobby was crying. This made them feel bad. But before they decided to apologize, they were exposed. They decided to return the same amount to her, but this whole incident changed into a big fight. I was one of the girls in that group. Haha, there was no denying that I had got my group, full of unity and humanity. Hostel's life started moving well with an amazing roommate, a crazy group, late-night talks, movies, and birthday celebrations.

        

I then started opening up in the department also. While talking to fellow classmates I realized, everyone was worried, and they all were in the situation, this made me feel better. During lunch breaks, a faculty used to scot us to the hostel and again scot us to the department. This was cool! I was relaxed for not being ragged. I felt I finally fitted in; my emotions were at the place now.

Once we decided to have a dance performance in SPANDHAN (annual fest). Shrasti guided us with choreography. From funny steps to difficult stunt, she taught us everything. Unfortunately, due to some accident, we could not perform, but still, those days of practice were amazing.

After passing time, I discovered college life is not just about lots of assignments, exams, and peer pressure. Though the bitter truth is academics but a large group of friends who party together heals the pain of assessments. We started hanging out together, spending lots of time in the canteen, asking parties for no major reason, supporting each other during exams. I still remember the cake which was eaten less and wasted more. From introducing each other to knowing the darkest secrets we made a journey together. Playing skits, copying assignments, helping in exams, gossiping behind the slab in labs, we accepted each other more with every passing day!

It was 6th March, at 10 am; Friday morning.

It was the last day of college, before Holi vacation. Our whole batch got suspended for playing colors. Well, we didn’t stop playing even after suspension. Nobody knew it was the last time, we were together dancing in dirty rainy water, singing, clicking thousands of pictures. I am happy that we got suspended that day, at least one last day we were all together in one frame, in one place, and in the same mood. After all, this was the last year of our college life.

We had so much planning, so many dreams we had! But who knew, during the days of our college we will be separated this way. It’s our bad luck that we neither collected old memories nor lived that last moment together. Those memories, that time, that college, that canteen, that classroom, we are definitely going to miss. Using mobile during class time and gossiping until kicked out will be missed. How we continued sharing foods and clicking pictures in the lab. We planned so much for our farewell but we didn’t get that either.

I did not think that I would like college and enjoy it as much as I am, but I do, and I am so glad that I decided to give it a try and so should you!!

 

  

Thank you for reading.

 

In the fight with depression, you are not too alone to give up

After a long abusive and scary live-in relationship with Rohan, Radha finally decided to leave. Unfortunately, she did not leave alone; she realized that she was carrying his twins in her womb. Since she is not married yet, she decided to keep it a secret. 

                                           

She withdrew all the ways to the outer world and locked herself in a small home. Days passed according to the calendar but she was still stuck in the past.

It’s been 15 months, she has not slept properly, did not eat healthy either, and could not talk to anyone. Her children are of 6 months and are damn naughty. They never let her take rest or communicate with people. They mostly stay together, even if not, she knew one will shortly follow the other. Sometimes she wonders if she would have never chosen Rohan, she feels restless, tired, alone, and helpless. Days passed in taking care of her boys. Now she is so used to the children around that she feels incomplete without them but when they are with her, she feels the burden and wishes if she could leave them also like she left Rohan. But this was practically not possible!

They used to eat up all the food and still cry because of hunger, sometimes they hit her hard and torture like hell. As they were growing up, she was losing control over them. She gave them everything she had to engage them at home.

I forgot to tell you the names of her boys. The names are depression and anxiety. She never knew they will start eating her like this. She cannot get rid of them. The kids cry constantly, yell loudly, and try to make her feel guilty of not pampering them. They never let her think of her own. The shame of having these unwanted children is the fact; every one among five people in the world is suffering. They feel weak and suicidal. They don’t want to share that they are having 2 monsters in the form of children. Especially when they know they cannot control them. When the children cry, they need to play music loud so that nobody could hear their voice. They put thick, dark curtains to separate them from society’s eye. They are busy worrying about society judging them for having these kids. They keep an eye on children so that they cannot disturb the living of others. They isolate themselves, wanting to be alone with them.

               

                                     

The children soon take over everything in their life; eat up dreams and hopes, making them feel helpless and unwanted. They take up all their time. People who come over, they push them away because they don’t want anybody to see the real, the pathetic side of them. The pain and shame take control of their life. The things they once enjoyed then become pointless. The children ruin their beautiful houses and they still try to hide them from everyone. They don’t want to trouble anybody and this is exactly why they hide. Lastly, they finish their life to finish their suffering.

Well, Radha too tried to take up her life but luckily she failed. She just wanted to have a day without the kids or when she could control them. 

One clear morning, kissed by the sun, Radha finally decided to keep a nanny to take care of these children. She thought the worst is over. She felt she could sleep now and see dreams again. The nanny (who can be friends, mentors, relatives, doctors, or a perfect stranger) started handling them well. Things are getting better for Radha.

Well, we all have a Radha around us, who is depressed and need to be helped. So please check around and try to be the nanny of her. Trust me; you will be proud of yourself for saving a life

The balance between internal chaos and external calm- A love story

I used to be my favorite until I met you फिर ज़िन्दगी बदल गयी

I started tasting different feelings, smiling like crazy, blushing in front of the mirror, and sobbing for no particular reason. The girl who was always in a rush of perfection fell completely for imperfection. Uff! Those mixed feelings! Am I in love? Can I ever love someone? Ohh no! He is not even fulfilling my criteria of a perfect partner.

Many times I consoled myself for “NO” to him but I was automatically pushed towards him and then there I was helpless. OMG! I have changed. My priorities shifted from sleep to text, I was happy having his favorite flavor of ice-cream and had an SMS pack for the first time in life. He was assumed to love, he was assumed to be polite, he was assumed to be the best and yes he was. Much more caring that anyone could ever think. For me, it was the last thing I wanted. Well, fell for his care  ज़िन्दगी सच में बदल रही थी

Gradually I started swimming in the river of love leaving everyone behind. I went so ahead that I couldn’t realize how deep it was. No one was there to hold me and take back. I was dying and all alone. Once it was taking up my breath. I closed my eyes to give up. और ज़िन्दगी फिर से बदल गयी…

I remain unconscious for long. When I open my eyes, I found myself alone, lying on the broken bed of reality. I smiled and walked towards shores again, ज़िन्दगी को एक और बार बदलने

Year’s passed, everything changed. I learned to live without him I learned to smile again. Still, something is missing. Do I miss you? Really, No, I just miss our memories.

I was thinking it my home but it was just a house, a house full of your lies and my dreams.

You never gave me respect and you said you love me.

You never tried to understand me but said you can feel me.

You never considered me and you told me you were mine.

You never made me smile and you said you care for me.

You never ever stood for me and you called me your family.

You never even noticed changes in me but called me your priority.

No dear, it’s not the fair way of being together.

I may not deserve love but dude I definitely deserve respect.

A young girl in athletics- Sports at GLA University

When the whole university was getting crazy for gym and body building, a first year student heard the word ATHLETICS for the first time. What is this? She was thinking continuously. Yes she knew about basketball, volleyball, badminton, football etc, but this new term seems interesting. Within a minute she went to coaches’ room to inquire. She asked multiple questions within some seconds. What do people do in athletics? What will I get from it? What is the scope of this sport in India? Well she got all the answers and that moment she decided to start running.

Wait, wait! Let me introduce you to her. It’s Sakshi Mishra, in GLA University, Mathura. It was the first week in girl’s hostel and all the coaches came to inspire people. So, finally I got registered and started running. I had many options 100m race, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and many more. I eventually started exploring, making new friends, learning new tricks, jogging hard and what not. Time passed, it was the day of competition. Well at end of the day, I was disappointed as I got last or second last position instead of being cheered a lot! I felt lost in crowd.                 

It was full moon night, I was gazing the moon wandering what positive or negative changes I acquired in this University. I realized all the positive changes were due to sports. Oh shit! Why didn’t I realize this earlier, I hugged the jersey I got from university. Oh God! They trusted me while giving this to me, they made me part of inauguration ceremony. How could I back off now?  No, I should continue.

         

                                                   

Time passed on, its day of competition again but this time I returned with 2 silver medals and 1 gold. Gradually I started loving all these, ground, those people, coaches, inspiration, discipline and most of all medals. Yes. Now I have 28 of them, I am progressing.

Clearly, I was neither the ultimate winner ever nor the best but I was appreciated and loved like winners. I am still not best but I tried learning and I am still learning a lot from coaches, seniors, juniors and the ground. I allowed myself to be a beginner, because nobody starts being excellent. This is the magic of sports; this is the magic of GLA.