INDIA, INCREDIBLE!

A TRAVELOGUE.

 It is definitely exciting to explore the lengths and breadths of a country which is as good as a sub-continent. Bharat Darshan had some key academic objectives in mind, like appreciating the diversity in India, sensitizing ourselves to the problems of various sections of the society and observing the good administrative practices.

But giving a deeper thought, it was more of an opportunity to study the idea of India in nuances, by observing places and people. It was an exercise to see how the fabric of India is woven using such diverse threads. It was more about the people of India and less about the places. I would divide my experience about the people and places of India in four parts.

       

    WINDS OF THE ORIENT.

Bihar had a very different perception in my mind. Maybe it was the hangover of the image of Bihar in 90’s. But today’s Bihar, I found was very much different. Some hampering issues were still there but the state was progressing. And people wanted to develop, throwing away the social evils. Even the backward and LWE infested areas like Jamui showed the winds of changes.

            Buddha forms an integral part of the culture of Bihar. Patna has a superbly designed Buddha Smriti Park, recounting the life and times of Buddha. Further, Bodh Gaya has a spiritual aura of its own. One really feels the serenity under the pacifying shade of Bodhi Vriksha. Buddha’s life teaches many valuable lessons for a budding Civil Servant, most important being the readiness to denounce all the glory to serve people.

            Bihar still maintains its rustic charm. People here are deeply rooted in their land, their values. It is really enticing to hear many countryside languages like Magadhi, Bhojpuri, Maithili, Santhali in same region. It will be great to see if Bihar moves ahead on path of development and yet keeps this genuinely rural touch alive.

            Our next destination, West Bengal looks quite different. Bengal has two identities: Food and industrious, straight-forward people. In Durgapur we witnessed how Bengal works hard without being showy.  Especially, the work ethic and professionalism of Durgapur Steel Plant helped us come over our prejudices about PSUs.

            Kolkata is the dream city in this part of India. This metro city has its own enigma, its own culture. The trams, small and congested lanes, street food, Kaali ghat, Park Street- everything just gives this city a different aura. It was fun welcoming New Year in the Roshogulla city.

    THE NORTH-EASTERN EXPEDITION.

Before visiting the land of Brahmaputra, hills and greenery, I had many presumptions and perceptions about North-east India. But just one day here, and the perception totally changed. I found North-east very soothing and happy in its own world. It may be backward given the traditional definitions of development, but the quality of life here is good, given the scenic environment and near absence of the hustle-bustle of urban congestions. There was tension in the air at some places like Kakopather, Tinsukia (Assam) and Kamalang (Arunachal Pradesh), but the situation was well under control.

            We got to interact with local tribals only a few times. But they were happy with their indigenous lifestyle and local traditions. They were quite satisfied ignoring and being ignored by the so called Mainstream. We met a few Mishmis, Bodos, Khasis and Chakmas. Despite being from different locations, they had common threads of deep connection with values and traditions. They all have a different tale to tell.

            Situation varied in different states. In Arunachal, people preferred a conventional happy go lucky way of life while in Meghalaya they were more modernized.  Tripura was like Bengal but with more innovation and entrepreneurship. Assam stood out of all these seven sisters, having a huge market, vibrant social life and a cosmopolitan culture, along with the Brahmaputra and the Rhinos. Especially Guwahati is a perfect example of coexistence despite huge variety, albeit India in microcosm.

            Major part of our stay in North-east was spent in Army attachment. It was indeed an emotional high for all of us. Army has tremendous respect in mind and heart of every single Indian. But is an entirely different thing to hear and read the stories of valour of Army, and to actually feel it in the tough ground scenario.

Army differs a lot from Air Force and Navy. Air Force attachment at Shillong helped us appreciate that it was all about precision, technical know-how and proactive decision making. But Army was about strenuous physical labour. Our attachment with 2 Mountain Division started with a low profile administrative headquarters visit. But slowly and steadily, the intensity, excitement and respect for Army went on increasing.

            The exercises we undertook with Army jawans like Road Opening Party demonstration, Ambush, Sentry duty helped us sensitize with the ground realities that an average jawan faced. We stayed in the dormitories with jawans and had food with them in mess. This gave us ample opportunity to interact with them. Most of them were happy serving the nation but were worried about their families. They have just a simple expectation from Civil Servants- To help their families back home if a difficulty arrives. This wasn’t a very huge expectation. It was all about getting the basics right in Civil administration. Can’t we do even this thing to ensure that the jawan serves on the border without any worry about his family?

            We explored the valley of Lohit and the Mishmi Hills to visit many strategic points like Walong, Kibithu, Hayauliang, Salangam and above all Dichu- last post of Indian Army near LAC. At LAC the situation was really tough. Hats off to jawans of Indian Army and ITBP who protect the nation despite rough terrain, erratic connectivity and harsh weather.

            However the climactic point of our Army attachment was witnessing the legend of the battle of Walong. Even after more than fifty years after the 1962 war, this battle represents the story of valour and sacrifice, the tale of fearless patriots. It was an honour to visit the sacred battlefield at Namti plains. Our feelings had no words. Perhaps the signboard at the Helmet top gave a vent to our emotions, which said, “The Indian soldiers lacked everything, but guts”. The hills and streams here are still silent witnesses of this feat of bravery. They still exude the pride for their brave sons, and carry the fragrance of their fearless sacrifice…

    TROPICAL WAVES.

After witnessing the shivering cold of the Ganges plains and the North-East India, we felt a sudden change in weather as we reached Andamans. It was pleasant to find warmth of the tropical the month of January.

            Any first time visitors would imagine Port Blair as an undeveloped, sparsely populated tribal town lacking infrastructure. But in the very first sight, Port Blair sprang up a huge surprise. It is just like any other town in India, with far better infrastructure. Roads, parks, streetlights give it a Mauritius-like feel.

            We didn’t find any tribal as such, except a few who had adopted modern day urban lifestyle. People we encountered were mostly Tamils, Bengalis and a few from northern India. Entire Port Blair economy was run by these people. And the tribals were happily aloof into the forests, mostly on the Nicobar group of islands.

            Andaman islands truly represented India’s picturesque aspect. And the icing on the cake was Havelock island. One immediately falls in love with the charming scenery here. Crystal clear sea water reflecting the azure sky is indeed a visual delight. A special mention must be made of Radhanagar beach. This unblemished beach seems resplendent in sunlight. It can easily be compared with the beaches of Maldives or Hawaai.

            Havelock is also well known for Scuba Diving. It was a great experience for me to fight my inner demons and get a view of the world underwater. It might be theoretically the lowest point of my life- walking on seabed a few metres below the sea-level, but metaphorically, I count it as the high point, the pinnacle of my simple life. Scuba diving, snorkeling, water sports can contribute to local economy as well as add up to the promotional value of this otherwise lesser known tourist spot.

            In Naval attachment, the biggest lesson was to master the available information and apply resources effectively. The Naval establishment in Port Blair had a humongous task to keep watch over the endless blue waters. Their vigilance and hard work makes it possible to transform this otherwise difficult location into fascination of a tourist.

            Andaman lives up to its expectation as a tourist hotspot, with tourists all over the nation enjoying the scenic ambience. Cellular jail, Neil island, Ross island, Mt. Harriet and of course Havelock island are prime destinations. However the safety and security of tourists were not given due attention. There were no emergency medical facilities near the Scuba Diving spot. Further there was neglect of the issue of crocodile menace on the beaches. These things must be taken care of in order to bolster the reputation of Andamans as a tourist attraction.

            The weather stayed almost the same as we entered Chennai. The city known for Filter Coffee, T nagar market, Kancheepuram silk, Lungis, Marina beach, Ritchie’s street, jewellery shops, humid breezes, large posters…. Chennai is fun!! It’s a place to be for a foodie with ample variety in food. It was pure bliss to enjoy the mountains of rice and fountains of Sambar!!

            The Republic day ceremony at Chennai was true representative of the political culture there. The politics here essentially dwindles between two poles. And both the poles are happy to maintain larger than life images. I was surprised to see how this well developed state still personifies and centralizes its administrative set-up around a single pole.

    

    DAYS IN THE DECCAN.

Deccan plateau feels like home to me. I have been born and brought up in this region of Godawari and Krishna. It was a great opportunity for me to visit this region in the last leg of our journey across India. This allowed me to compare my region with other parts of India with the help of learnings I acquired. The Deccan odyssey started with Bengaluru.

Bengaluru is called the fifth metro of India. It is a city where life is on wheels, having a tempo of its own. This city can be a case study in status of major urban places in India. Congestion in traffic, diminishing greenery, impure air- the former garden city and present IT city has all the issues related to urbanization.

Bengaluru is a hub for NGOs. NGOs are fast approaching the status of partners in development, and not merely supplementary agencies. NGO-Government relationship is crucial in the coming times in context of development dynamics. Janaagraha was one such NGO which was doing commendable job for increasing quality of life in urban areas, in the era of hustle bustle of urban life.

A pleasant diversion from the urban rush was Akshay Patra Foundation, which contributed to MDMS programme with all dedication and compassion. This NGO has shown us the way to approach social issues in a professional, yet humane way.

            Another agency operating with such humane approach was the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) in Hyderabad. They truly understood the concept of “empowerment”. This was evident in our field visits to Mahila Samakhya Mandals in Mahbubnagar district. The most defining moment of our understanding of empowerment was when a simple woman Rukminiamma stood up to talk confidently about her journey and few drops of tears trickled down from her wrinkled eyes. These were the tears of achievement and rejoice.

                        We also had our moment of rejoice when we met our FC colleagues in Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy. They were fitter, and a little bruised by the hard schedule. But this is what NPA is. In our formal attachment with NPA, we understood the importance of discipline and balance in administration.

            Balance is what even Hyderabad taught me. This city is doing a balancing act with heritage and hi-tech generation. On one hand Hyderabad still carries the hangover of the Nizam regime. The Golconda fort, Char Minar, Masjids and the administrative legacy of Nizam are demonstrative of the old days. On the other side, it is fast developing into an IT destination with new generation high-end technology. Despite the simmering tensions on issue of a new state, Hyderabad had a different charm.

            Another city facing the same tension was Vijaywada, the would be capital post bifurcation of the state. The cultural hub of Andhra had its own specialities like handloom market, scenic surroundings, Ghonghura, seafood etc. Vijaywada was truly a city on fast-track.

            Nanded was equally competent to be awarded the same fast track title. This city was a perfect example of how a big challenge also brings with it an opportunity to improve the system. On occasion of the Guru ta Gaddi festival, the administration grabbed the fortuity to redevelop Nanded city and make it a trendsetter.

            It was more than coincidence that we started our journey from Patna’s Harmandir Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singhji and finished it at the place where he left for the heavenly abode, Nanded. The Takhat Sachkhand Shri Huzur Sahib Gurudwara is the real identity of modern day Nanded. The pious Gurudwara stands tall as an example of well-administered religious institution. Because of effective management, the Gurudwara maintains its divine peace and sanctity amidst the blitz of the city life, with occasional roars of “Waaheguru da Khaalsa, Waaheguru di Fateh” roaring into the skies.

SUMMING IT UP…

India is a mammoth and complex entity. This journey helped me to understand the idea of India. The diversity and the common socio-economic underpinnings make India a very complex idea. Many factors help to weave the fabric: progressive thought, nationalism, developmental thought, armed forces, movies, cricket and many such linking pins keep the binding intact. At the end of this tour, I was able to appreciate this idea of India, which is made up diverse elements, yet having the oneness in it.

            I found many lessons and learnings which are worth giving a thought. Common sense works big time in India. It is the X-factor which drives India. Small innovations and jugaads help Indians to cope with scarce resources. Many times small, frugal initiatives work in a better way than grand schemes. Street-smartness is must for a grassroots administrator. Innovation and entrepreneurship are the buzzwords of modern day and future India.

            At the same time, India maintains its links with the past in terms of its heritage. India stands tall in heritage. This heritage is not merely about buildings and architecture, it is more about the link with history and traditions. It forms an inherent and indispensible part of our culture. It is the proof that India has preserved the unbroken thread of human history.

Talking of culture, one must understand the influence of religion. Religion runs through the very fabric of this nation. And the values of secularism and tolerance run parallel to it. No wonder religion is an indispensible part of administration too. Understanding religion helps to address the cultural diversity.

The other side of diversity is that India is still home to many disparities, at social, economic, political and geographical levels. Of these disparities, the urban-rural divide is prominently visible. Both urban and rural sector need different strategies to develop. Countryside needs empowerment, while the cities need management. The triumph of democracy is what India needs.

            The most important takeaway for me was that perceptions and prejudices must be kept aside in a humongous entity. These perceptions, if at all, will get shattered once we get a true feel of India. It is impossible to build a perception or a generalization because of the diversity India owns. And it is this diversity that makes India truly incredible.

The amazing journey of 8 weeks took me right from the heartland of Ganga-Brahmaputra plains to the easternmost hills, from the islands of Andaman and Nicobar to deep the Deccan plateau. It made me appreciate that India will always be the civilization that will be identified with its culture, tolerance and democracy. India is that land where, the children of tomorrow will be part of a fast emerging global power, and yet will be linked to the glorious past of the mankind. This fact is actually the core identity of our own India, the Incredible India!!

Photos: Frank Noble A.

A PERSPECTIVE ABOUT INTERVIEW.

With the score in Mains getting lower and lower each year, importance of Personality Test or simply Interview is also increasing. Though Interview carries less than 13% weightage in total marks, for many successful candidates interview score is more than 25% of total. So first thing first: Interview determines a lot in Civil Services Examination. Its possible to score good with proper direction and some smart work.

            In Personality test, they want to judge your personality, conduct, interpersonal skills. It is not about knowledge. So rather than just getting inputs, focus on your ways of expression. Interview preparation is a vast and subjective topic. You may get different kinds of advices. But choose only advices which suit you. Because finally, its about you.

            So let’s focus on some DOs and DON’Ts of Personality Test. 

DOs.

1.       Be confident.

Believe in yourself. You have to make the panel believe in you. For that you need to believe in you, and express that self-belief through your body language.

2.      Know yourself.

Get aware of your own pros and cons. Work on your communication skills. Choose the medium of communication which is convenient to you. Work on your body language.

3.      Work on your biodata.

Biodata i.e. your Detailed Application Form (DAF) is the most important thing for you. Explore each and every word written in it. Your name, name of parents, birthplace, name of college, previous job- a question can come from every word. Work on it. I would suggest a simple method. Take a file (preferably box file) and dedicate one page in it to each word in your biodata. E.g. I will have one page for Abhijit wherin I’ll write whatever I feel important about this word. Its meaning, famous people with same name, my views on it etc. One page I’ll dedicate to 10^th Jan, my birthdate add write information about it.

            Group discussion is definitely helpful but the group must be sensible and understanding. But group activities should be only supportive. Individual skills are more important in Interview.

4.       Visualize your interview.

Its easy if you have experience. For first timers take help of veterans to imagine how interview is conducted. Imagine that you enter Dhaulpur House, sit in waiting room, get a call in panel’s room, enter inside, smile, wish them etc. This will help to cope up with last minute anxiety.

5.      Have some knowledge about panel heads.

This does not mean study in details their areas of work. But it good to have certain things in mind like Rajni Razdan madam asks about National symbols or Manbir Singh sir is IFS officer. Once you know these things, you will avoid blunders like criticizing or denigrating Central Services before IMG Khan sir (Postal Services officer) or bluffing about Maharashtra before Alka Sirohi madam (knows Maharashtra really well). 
          I would go further to suggest download photos of the UPSC members and have a look, so that when you go inside the room, you find a sense of familiarity subconsciously. That may sound funny but it’s psychology.

6.      Prepare well for “deciding” questions.

There are some questions where you can’t afford to falter. These questions are:

a.      Introduce yourself.

b.      Why do you want to join Civil Service?

c.      Why do you want to leave your field?

d.   What are three major problems in front of India/ your state/ district?

e.      Why you selected this optional? 

Prepare well for these questions. Refine your answer through discussion. Why Civil Services answer must have a personal point, a point that comes from your experience. E.g. You have seen how Government functions in rural areas you come from. So you want to be a part of the system to get basics right.

7.      Keep a track of current affairs.

Keep reading newspaper till the day of interview. Look out for news related to biodata, especially regional news. Daily try to answer this question: What are three important news in today’s newspaper? It may be modified to one international, one national, one regional news. You can refer a magazine like CST to read issues uncovered in newspapers. Focus on important issues. You can use the file method suggested for biodata in preparing current affairs too, with one page dedicated to one current issue.

8.     Be perfect in Hobbies, Interests.

Your hobbies and interests define you. Focus on them. Try to be specific while answering. Read about historical aspects of that area. Think analytically and philosophically about it.

E.g. Que. How does cycling help you in career?

    Ans. Cycling teaches me to maintain balance while being in motion. This quality is essential in my future career. Besides cycling also is a good way to exercise and keep myself healthy.

9.    Prepare Optional, Graduation subject, previous job smartly.

For Optionals, be good in concepts. Take the syllabus and ask “What is” to each concept. E.g. What is Isostasy? What is New Public management? Focus on current issues.

Prepare graduation subject and previous job such that you can answer in lay man’s language. Focus on issues which are in news.

10.  Be ready for situation reaction questions.

Use common sense for these questions. In case you feel troubled by them, you can go back to CSAT Decision Making questions to practice.

11.   Give mock interviews as per your need.

You have to decide about how many mocks to give and where. For first timers, I would suggest minimum two. Just see that at least one mock is where you are not familiar with place or panel.

12.  Get help of family or friends.

They know a lot about you. Talk freely about your communication skills. Give one unlimited mock to close friends. They know your weak points and can expose them.

13.  Manage your travel and stay in Delhi proactively.

Booking tickets and managing accommodation in Delhi is the first thing to do. Don’t keep it for the eleventh hour.

14.  Be well dressed.

Gentlemen- Formal shirt, trousers. You have choice about tie and blazer. I feel you can go for blazer if you have habit. Otherwise no need. But I would say have a tie. They won’t deduct mark for not having tie but since almost everybody wears a tie you may find yourself as an odd man. This can hurt your performance. Be clean shaved or have a well kept beard. Ladies can wear Saree or formal Business suit. Ladies whom I know felt that Saree is the best choice.

         But keep a habit of wearing your interview dress before the actual day. You shouldn’t be wearing Saree or Tie for the first time during the actual interview. Also, dressing should be sober, not flashy.

15.   Be composed.

This is the most important part. Once you are inside the building, stop remembering or discussing anything. Be happy, hum a song, appreciate the wonderful building. Get introduced with other candidates bur don’t talk too much with them.

            When the attendant calls you for your turn and you need to wait at the door for 3-5 min., calm yourself. Ask the peon where the panel’s table is, instead of going in and then searching the panel.

            Wish with a smile as you enter inside. Sit only after panel tells you. Be polite while answering. Maintain eye contact. Even if some panelist behaves like he/she is ignoring you, be calm. Try to find one soothing face in the panel and look there in case things get tough. In short, have a good conversation with them.

            Sometimes they will throw up a challenge. In case you are giving interview in regional language, they might ask to converse in English. Just try it. Or they will ask you to draw a map of your state. All they want is to see with how much confidence you attempt it.

16.  Give a balanced answer.

Balanced answer does not mean a confused answer. It means that you need to put your opinion with reasons, and just recognize that there is other view too. Justify the things you say with logical reasons. If its possible, try to bring in a personal connection in the answer. E.g. Answering on agrarian crisis, I will start with the fact I come from a farming family in a district worst hit by agrarian crisis.

DON’Ts

1.       Don’t underestimate or overestimate yourself.

Be confident. Once in front of panel, everybody is the same. Don’t have an inferiority complex of being from rural area or regional medium or poor family. It is your plus point that you have earned an interview call despite such hardships.

          Similarly don't show off. Don't repeatedly boast about your achievements. Stay humble.

2.      Don’t get demoralized by one off mock interview.

It might happen that you will get some harsh comments after mocks. Don’t feel low. Just take them as lessons and try to improve.

3.      Don’t pay heed to pressure tactics by other candidates.

Candidates who appear before you in front of the panel may try to pressurize you either by telling how the rocked it to expect 225+ or by creating fear about the panel. Don’t fall prey to these tactics.

4.      Don’t give grandiose, larger than life, filmy answers.

“I’m born to change the face of the nation”, “Give me a chance and I will change the system and eliminate corruption within a year” Oh come on!! You are not there to impress a huge crowd and ask for votes. Be professional. Don’t boast. Don’t be pompous. Don’t deliver filmy, over the top dialogues. It’s not some foolish Roadies! The panelists are not impressed by your dramatics. They want sincere, well thought, balanced answers.

5.      Don’t argue.

In case your opinion differs with that of the panelist, try to put your point politely. Don’t get aggressive to defend it. Even if they persist to oppose your view, politely back out saying you will consider their point.

6.      Don’t bluff.

Honesty is the best policy. If you want to guess, ask them or at least tell that you are guessing. Integrity is very much appreciated. Don’t succumb under stress.

May be, you will not be able to answer first few questions. Don’t worry. Just politely and smilingly tell them that you don’t know or you can’t recall. Wait because they will ensure that you answer. They are there to hear you.

7.      Don’t take stress in last days.

Whatever Delhi Darshan, shopping, meeting friends you want to do, do it two days before interview or after it. Enjoy the day before with minimum reading. Don’t stress out in the last few days. Take care of your health in this period.

Friends, this is what I feel about Interview. You have to pick up whatever points you find relevant and work accordingly. To sum it up, prepare well, plan things in Delhi proactively, be calm in last few days and just have a good conversation with the panel. Don’t try to impress, just express yourself.

Good Luck!! :-)

THE ‘A to Z’ OF BHARAT DARSHAN.

Bharat Darshan: Perhaps the most glamorous part of training. Its definitely exciting to explore the lengths and breadths of a country which is as good as a sub-continent. But giving a deeper thought, it was more of an opportunity to study the idea of India in nuances, by observing places and people. Not to forget, it was more about people and less about places.

                While looking back at this span of two months, where life was moving at scorching pace, I tried to spot some key moments. And look what did I get!!!

A for Andamans.

The highest point of our journey!! Andaman Islands are altogether a different world, a surprise indeed for all carrying the Kaala paani perception. Its simply awesome in the span of October to April.Navy made it even more memorable- especially the Floating Dock.

 And the icing on the cake happens to be Havelock island. One of the cleanest beaches you can ever see lies here- Radhanagar beach. We also had some adventure here in Scooba diving, a chance to fight some fears within…

B for Borders.

Its always a thrill to explore borders. We were lucky to see the LAC with China at Dichu in Arunachal as well as International border with Bangladesh at Agartala. At LAC the situation was really tough. Hats off to jawans of Indian Army and ITBP who protect the nation despite rough terrain, erratic connectivity and harsh weather.

In Agartala, it was a more friendly affair. Still the flag ceremony in evening raises levels of patriotism and adrenaline. Land, people, environment- everything was absolutely indistinguishable on the other side. The tales of partition can still be sensed in the air…

C for Chill-ong.

Scotland of the East- They call Meghalaya. Its unique- in history, geography, culture and many other things. This land of hills is ruled by Shillong. There’s something soothing about this city. We had a great time here. The Air Force attachment, Cherapunjee, Root bridge, Shillong peak everything was as pleasant as the weather. And moreover, it feels great to celebrate birthday in a chilled out city!!

D for Dressing.

Being an official affair, dressing mattered throughout the Bharat darshan. There were many questions:When to (and when not to) wear formals, Why to carry Bandhgalas, What to do with winter clothes in South India, Why we did not get army uniforms, all of which were consequently answered. It was fun to get a tourist look on the islands, to buy sarees in Chennai and to lookout for authentic local clothes in the vibrant markets of North east.

E for Entertainment.

Entertainment adds zing in life. Thankfully, we got our own share of entertainment in the tour. It came in different forms. We enjoyed some movies, watched some and tolerated some. Songs were regular entertainers, especially the song dedication for groupmates. Moreover, we even had a Sangeet Rajani arranged for us. And when the time came, we ourselves turned entertainers on demand!!

F for Food.

Being a foodie, Bharat Darshan offered an opportunity to taste cuisines of the nation. Litti-chokha, Kheer-sag, Roshogullas, Thupka, Ghee roast dosa,Bisbellibhaat, Four Uthappam, Hyderabadi Biryani, Prawn achaar,  Zunkaa, Kharchoon Parantha…. That explains why India is a dream destination for food lovers.  And yes- Our NGO attachment was related to food- Akshaypatra.

G for Gurudwaras.

We started our journey with the blessings at Harmandir Sahab Patna and ended at Nanded’s Huzur Sahib Sachkhand Gurudwara. In Nanded, we had an attachment with Gurudwara. It felt blessed to pray and have prashad at langar there.

H for Heritage.

Be it limestone caves of Cherapunjee or Pancha Rathas of Mamallapuram or British era buildings in Kolkata and Chennai, India stands tall in heritage. This heritage is not merely about buildings and architecture, its more about the link with history and traditions.

I for Indianness.

India is a mammoth and complex entity. This journey helped us to understand the idea of India. The diversity, common socio-economic underpinnings make India a very complex idea. Many factors help to weave the fabric: progressive thought, armed forces, movies, cricket and many such linking pins. P.S. For sceptics, youth in Arunachal were playing cricket, listening hindi songs. It is India.

J for Jamui.

A small, neglected district on Bihar-Jharkhand boundary. An unknown name, which became a defining feature of our tour. We saw the realities and challenges of Naxal-infested region. Our visits in the interior areas were cut short because of information about some mobilization in the forests. There was a tension in the ambience- in schools, temples, CRPF camps. The challenge needs some serious consideration, addressing the root cause.

K for Kolkata.

This metro city has its own enigma, its own culture. The trams, small and congested lanes, street food,Kaali ghat, Park Street- everything just gives this city a different aura. It was fun welcoming New Year in the Roshogulla city.

L for Luggage.

Travelling for two months with average 25 kg weight is a management exercise in itself. Getting down at Durgapur station with 40 bags within 1 minute wasn’t easy too. And then the eternal air traveller’s balancing act of avoiding extra charge had also to be performed…

M for Madras.

Chennai- Filter Coffee, T nagar, Kancheepuram silk, Lungi, Marina beach, Malls, Jewellery shops, Port, Larger than life posters…. Chennai is fun!! It’s a place to be for a foodie with ample variety in veg and non-veg food. Its bliss to enjoy the mountains of rice and fountains of Sambar!!

N for NPA.

We had the privilege to visit the prestigious National Police Academy, Hyderabad- the alma mater of Indian Police Service. It was great to reunite with our Foundation course batchmates. NPA made the Hyderabad stay special, overshadowing SERP attachment and Paradise Biryani.

O for Officers.

One purpose behind Bharat Darshan must be to observe how the officers work and manage things on ground level. We met many officers, each having a different personality and different style of working. And there was a lot to learn- Determination in Patna, enthusiasm in Jamui, IAS-IPS camaraderie in Gaya, presence of mind in Durgapur, sincerity in Guwahati, humbleness in Agartala, efficiency in Chennai, dedication in Hyderabad, calmness in Nanded and much more…

P for Pobitora Rhinos.

We weren’t really excited to visit Pobitora sanctuary after Kaziranga was cancelled. But we forgot Kaziranga when we saw Rhinos within 15 min after entering the sanctuary. Makar Sankranti/ Bihu couldn’t be better…

Q for Questions.

Serious questions, unanswerable questions, obvious questions, rhetorical questions, funny questions… A lot of questions were asked in different attachments. Even a Question Policy was framed. Impact of the policy was questionable too!!

R for Religion.

Religion runs through the very fabric of this nation. And the values of secularism and tolerance run parallel to it. There were many religious moments in our tour: Bodhi temple at Bodh Gaya, Lachhuar jain temple, Christmas celebrations in Patna, Kamakhya temple at Guwahati,Meccah Masjid at Hyderabad, Sachkhand Gurudwara at Nanded- the journey was full of religious places.

S for Steel.

Durgapur Steel Plant is a microcosm in itself. It has entirely different ways of work. One of the most valued PSUs in the country; DSP has a bureaucracy of its own, professional ethics of its own. It still stands proud as a witness of India’s story of development.

T for Tripura.

Tripura is quite different from the other states in North-east. Its very much like Bengal in its lifestyle and culture, despite having a distinct tribal identity. Tripura has many tales to tell from the past- including the royal legacy, temples and of course, the Burmans.

U for Urban India.

Cities in India are growing at a booming rate. And each city has a different identity. Patna is moving ahead. Kolkata is balancing traditions and modernism. Guwahati is fast becoming the commercial and cultural hub of the far east. Shillong stands vibrant in the hills while Agartala is in transition phase. Port Blair has a class of its own. Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad are progressing at a scintillating pace. But still, there are many issues to address in these growth centres. The Janaagraha attachment was focussing on the same.

V for Virtual world.

E-governance is now becoming the reality in government business. The RTPS implementation with help of e-governance in Bihar was an apt demonstration of the fact. Administration is transcending into virtual world. The real world is happy to welcome the virtual space. Our group also used ICT to coordinate in form of Whatsapp.

W for Walong.

The peak point of our Army Attachment- the legend of battle of Walong. The story of valour and sacrifice, the tale of fearless patriots. It was an honour to visit the sacred battlefield. Our feelings had no words, except for the Walong sonnet.

X for X-factor.

India has something that makes this nation special, despite all its problems. This is the X-factor which drives India. Its about those frugal innovations, the jugaads that help Indians to cope with scarce resources. Common sense works big time in India. For instance, to improve attendance of children in Anganwadis, Tripura government allowed their grandparents to accompany. Result: Increase in attendance, adult literacy and happiness!!

Y for Yaari dosti.

To ensure a travel to become memorable, make sure your companions are good enough. We were lucky to be an awesome group. We had a great camaraderie which helped us create some wonderful magic memories together. There was a lot to learn from each other. Great to have such buddies!

Z for Zero mile.

After being on the roll for 52 days, we ended up where we started- Delhi. We had attachment with Parliament and call-ons with dignitaries. Amidst this busy schedule, we also found time to enjoy the essence of Delhi. It turned out to be an apt climax of Bharat Darshan…