लखनादौन (म.प्र.) से नादौन हिमांचल की यात्रा ( A JOURNEY FROM LAKHNADON TO NADAUN )

Cold journey and warm welcome

I am giving the name to this journey is  'COLD JOURNEY AND WARM WELCOME ' because the people of Himachal Pradesh are very generous in terms of hospitality.  My journey was started by 14th of November ( i.e., Children's day in India) from Lakhnadon to Nadaun. I had to visit Nadaun, H.P. to attend an examination for Agriculture Extension Officer.

15th Nov 2010

On 15th Nov, I caught the train for Bhopal at 4:30 a.m. from Jabalpur because my seat was reserved from Bhopal to Umbala in Chhatishgrah express at 5:30 p.m., of course at second class sleeper. In Bhopal, new metro buses have started, it was really surprising.  In the upper berth on the train, I found a partner, a Bengali boy, who recently got the job in railway as a mechanic. I was pleased to meet him because he was very good and very simple in nature. With many people, we interact during the train journey,  but I felt we must keep silent during the journey.

Strictly "No Talking"  with strangers.

             

16th Nov 2010

By crossing several stations on the train, finally, I reached Ambala cant. This city looks like part of New Delhi, a very good & a cold city. I took bath there in a Sulabh International. I took the bus for Chandigarh (Punjab), the capital of Punjab and Haryana. Chandigarh is a very beautiful and a planned city. I captured a few images of this city. let see below.

Destiny:  Chandigarh (Punjab) to Hamirpur (Himachal Pradesh)

From Chandigarh to Hamirpur, it was was 6- hours journey. At the time approx  8:45 p.m., I reached  Hamirpur. As  I reached Hamirpur bus stop, a very young and energetic professor, who is Dr.Sandhu Sir's uncle, was reached to receive me. I went his home. He prepared warm basmati rice with palak paneer. It was very delicious and enjoyable. At his home, I interacted with Golu and Isha. Both are very cute. With them, I  watched Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). I never ever forget a few hours from their company. May God always bless them.

17th Nov 2010
On 17th of November, I reached Nadaun, this area is famous for Jwala Mata Temple. Himachal Pradesh is renounced for the historical stories of Lord Shankar and Mata Parvati. Nadaun has mind-blowing natural beauty. Dr. Naresh Sandhu welcomed me. I visited day and night market and few places with Dr. Sandhu. He served me very good food, especially ginger fry dal. He is a specialist in cooking also.

18th Nov 2010. Exam date of Agriculture Extension Officer

As far as Examination paper is concerned, it was a very moderate paper. The exam contained a syllabus not only relating to Agriculture but good numbers of questions were related to general awareness. For example, who was the first president of the USA? What is the literacy rate of different districts of Himachal Pradesh? More, this paper attracted me to subjects like Plant Physiology, Genetics and Plant Breeding, and Entomology.  Amazingly,  the examination center was located in a very beautiful place covered by big trees.

Thank you very much, Dr. Sandhu Sir. Finally,  Dr. Sandhu gave me a book based on Sant Nirankari Mission when I was returning. I thought a person must follow spirituality for peace of mind and well-being in life. I said him that I would visit again Dev Bhoomi. And of course, I will visit many places next time. Thanks a lot again for such hospitality.

Jai mata di!