Rohit Bhatia
Sunday, Feb 7, 2010
I left as soon as the sun peeped out from the hills behind the ashram. The Red Thunderbird took some time to start but soon enough I was on my way. The road from Laxman Jhula to Neelkanth Temple goes through thick forests. It was nice and cool riding the big bike over steep slopes and sharp bends. I was well prepared to take on the cold with my red jacket and woolen cap.
The Ganges flows to my left as I try to keep my eyes on the road. I stop to take some photos every now and then as I ride with an intention of getting nowhere.
I passed a forest check post and some dhabas. A sign reads, ‘State Road 9’. After riding 10 kilometers towards Neelkanth, I noticed that there are very few signs of human presence. The valley is lush green. Occasionally, a vehicle passes by. It’s all very peaceful.
I see more monkeys than humans. They run along the road playing and doing other things monkeys do. Unlike their poor cousins in cities, these guys are active and fit. Their coats shine bright as the sun rises.
Riding back, I stop for tea. The tea owner asks me which direction I’m headed to and I answer, ‘Rishikesh’. He asks me to give his son a ride to the town. A smiling boy appears. He looks happy and is wearing clean clothes. He answers that his name is Umedh. He gets on the pillion seat and we set off. Umedh and I are chatting as we go.
‘What are you going to Rishikesh for?’ I ask.
Umedh says, “To get speakers for my I-pod.’
‘You have an I-pod? What music do you listen to?’
‘It’s my friend’s. I borrowed it. I listen to Bhajans on it.’
‘Ok Umedh…What do you want to do when you grow up?
‘I will do a job and serve my parents.’
‘How old are you?’
‘I am 12 years old.’
‘You go to school?’
‘Yes. I am in ninth standard.’
I took some more photos. Umedh informed that Elephant herds frequent this area and advised, ‘If you ever see Elephants, turn off the lights and be quiet till they pass by.’
We ride. We learn.
Sunday, Feb 7, 2010
I left as soon as the sun peeped out from the hills behind the ashram. The Red Thunderbird took some time to start but soon enough I was on my way. The road from Laxman Jhula to Neelkanth Temple goes through thick forests. It was nice and cool riding the big bike over steep slopes and sharp bends. I was well prepared to take on the cold with my red jacket and woolen cap.
The Ganges flows to my left as I try to keep my eyes on the road. I stop to take some photos every now and then as I ride with an intention of getting nowhere.
I passed a forest check post and some dhabas. A sign reads, ‘State Road 9’. After riding 10 kilometers towards Neelkanth, I noticed that there are very few signs of human presence. The valley is lush green. Occasionally, a vehicle passes by. It’s all very peaceful.
I see more monkeys than humans. They run along the road playing and doing other things monkeys do. Unlike their poor cousins in cities, these guys are active and fit. Their coats shine bright as the sun rises.
Riding back, I stop for tea. The tea owner asks me which direction I’m headed to and I answer, ‘Rishikesh’. He asks me to give his son a ride to the town. A smiling boy appears. He looks happy and is wearing clean clothes. He answers that his name is Umedh. He gets on the pillion seat and we set off. Umedh and I are chatting as we go.
‘What are you going to Rishikesh for?’ I ask.
Umedh says, “To get speakers for my I-pod.’
‘You have an I-pod? What music do you listen to?’
‘It’s my friend’s. I borrowed it. I listen to Bhajans on it.’
‘Ok Umedh…What do you want to do when you grow up?
‘I will do a job and serve my parents.’
‘How old are you?’
‘I am 12 years old.’
‘You go to school?’
‘Yes. I am in ninth standard.’
I took some more photos. Umedh informed that Elephant herds frequent this area and advised, ‘If you ever see Elephants, turn off the lights and be quiet till they pass by.’
We ride. We learn.
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