‘Namaste’ from Rinpoche
When he came to India as a refugee in 1959, he thought he would never need to learn Hindi as they would soon be returning to their homes in Tibet. Four decades later, Tibetan Prime Minister Prof Samdhong Rinpoche’s command over the language can put many locals to shame.

Rekindling nostalgia
Having spent their seminal years at the Bishop Cotton School (BCS), the Founders Day turned out to be a walk down the memory lane for old students who got together here last week to celebrate it in the typical Cottonian style.

ALMA MATER: A view of the Bishop Cotton School in Shimla. — Photo by Anil Dayal

Moi Cherrie
The seductive fruit of the classes is now making it to the masses as it emerges as the alternative fruit crop in the hills, says Rakesh Lohumi
Sweet cherry, the fruit of the classes, has finally caught the fancy of growers in the state. 

HIllside view
Smile, say thank you, shop-owners!
A recent survey of 35 cities by Reader’s Digest showed Mumbai as the world’s rudest city. Mumbai-loyalists, including a host of celebrities rose in defence of India’s financial capital, issuing a spate of statements and articles. Rudeness is the last thing you can associate with a Himachali. Courtesy, hospitality, helpful nature and gentleness are natural aspects of people here.

Trapped in traumatic death
The trauma cases have shot up in the Mandi-Kulu-Bilaspur-Hamirpur belt, thanks to the increasing rate of road accidents taking place in the belt for the last five years.

Doctor turns cultural crusador
After writing nine books, this 70-year-old gentleman is looking forward to the release of his three books. His subjects are diverse- hill gods, temples, travel experiences, cultural and yes his own patients. But he laments that the state’s rich art and architecture is fast vanishing from the hills of Himachal.

Barog: A hamlet of matchless beauty
Far from being merely a stopover en route to Shimla, Barog has emerged as a major tourist resort in the region. From a hamlet of few scattered houses, it has now grown into a full-fledged tourist spot, housing some very popular hotels. Proximity to Chandigarh is the main reason in Barog’s being a major tourist destination among weekend revellers and tourists.

Boat to destruction
The authorities sleep as boat owners throw safety norms to the wind, reports Kiran Deep
Villagers residing in the remote areas of Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur, near Gobind Sagar Lake, are risking their life by commuting through overcrowded boats.

NOAH’S ARK: Villagers risk their life to get a darshan of Naina Devi in overcrowded boats. — Photo by the writer

Birds’ paradise
The dense forests of pine and cedar of the Great Himalayan National Park in Kulu district nest 203 species of aves, including 132 passerines.

CITIZEN FIRST
Campus Blues
The decision of the Himachal Pradesh government to establish new colleges deserves heartfelt praise. This step will surely spread education in every nook and corer of the state. However, should this expansion be at the cost of the existing colleges? The infrastructure in many colleges evokes pity. The Government P.G. College, Solan, is one such example.

Requiem for the dead and gone

Hundreds of dead sahibs and memsahibs lying in the cemeteries even without a tombstone may come out of anonymity as Himachal Tourism is planning to document British cemeteries, reports Pratibha Chauhan from Shimla 

He being dead yet speaketh” – reads the epitaph on the grave of Lord Elgin, a Viceroy of British India lying buried in a cemetery in the hill resort of McLeodgunj. Countless other countrymen of his, who died serving the Raj, haven’t had the benefit of such pompous grandeur in death. Even the tombstones carrying their names have been ripped apart consigning hundreds of them behind a shroud of anonymity, not to speak of the unkempt avenues, walks and grounds of their cemeteries.

This may change, though. Hundreds of “sahibs” and the “memsahibs” of the Raj who lay interred in cemeteries in Himachal Pradesh as mute witness to a bygone era may shortly come out of their anonymity.

The Himachal Tourism Department has undertaken the onerous task of documenting British cemeteries and then restoring the sylvan surroundings amidst which they were set up.

Several historical churches left by the British as a parting legacy will also be documented through a comprehensive exercise being undertaken by the department to preserve and promote British heritage for the benefit of thousands of tourists, many of them foreigners, thronging the hill state every year. 
The impetus for the exercise has come from persistent and curious queries by British tourists thronging the state capital, Shimla, once the summer capital of the Raj, about their forefathers who lived and died serving the “jewel crown” that India was dubbed as among the British colonies at the time.

The descendants of those interred in cemeteries have often evinced keen interest to know about the places and houses where they forefathers lived, worked and died. Most of the time they left frustrated because they could not find any documentation or record of the life and times of their forefathers- not even of the cemeteries where their forefathers lay buried. 

Old gazettes and tombs relating to the British era lying tucked away in a Lahore library will be dusted-off to cull information about British churches and cemeteries in Himachal Pradesh which was the summer destination for the mandarins of the Raj. According to Tarun Shridhar, Director, Tourism and Civil Aviation, historians and scholars will be engaged to scour information about the smallest of British cemeteries in the state.

“The attempt is to publish a well documented account of particular churches and cemeteries complete with pictures and narrations”, says Shridhar. He says the government is keen to document even the smallest of cemetery of the British Raj and for this historians may be sent to Lahore to access information from old libraries there.

Though the churches left by the British are being maintained and looked after well by the Christian organisations which inherited them after the British left the Indian shores in 1947, cemeteries have fallen on bad times due to lack of effort in their upkeep and maintenance. “We need to catalogue and document the entire record of the grave stones of the British time in the state along with the churches so that those who come looking for the graves of their forefathers do not have to return disappointed,” opines Mr B.S. Malhans, who is associated with INTACH and several environment related projects.

The department is keen to undertake the restoration of the cemeteries in the state. Most of these are located in British settlements like Dalhousie, Kasauli, Dagshai, Shimla, Dharamshala (Mcleodgunj) and Mashobra. Shridhar says Christian organizations would be given financial and administrative aid in the upkeep of the cemeteries.

Two of north India’s oldest churches- St John’s Church in the wilderness near Mcleodgunj and the more famous Christ Church epitomising the landmark of Shimla at the Ridge- have been maintained well by the Christian organisations. Even the successive state governments have lent financial help to the upkeep of the churches though the same largesse has not been bestowed upon cemeteries. 

While Lord Elgin’s memorial at Mcleodgunj is a nationally protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the general cemetery adjoining it cries for better upkeep. 

One of the oldest cemeteries in the state is at Subathu, which houses the graves of British army officers and men who were killed during the British fight against the Gurkhas in 1814.

Adorned by artistic engravings and beautifully worded epitaphs, the tombstones have now dilapidated due to lack of upkeep. The lush surroundings of the cemetery once attracted Bollywood with Ivory Merchant shooting for his film Shakespearewallah, which starred Shashi Kapoor and his wife, Jennifer.

Sir Henry Lawrence, founder of the famous Lawrence School at Sanawar and his wife, Honoria along with their six-year-old daughter Iitishia are also buried at the cemetery.

‘Namaste’ from Rinpoche
Vibhor Mohan

When he came to India as a refugee in 1959, he thought he would never need to learn Hindi as they would soon be returning to their homes in Tibet. Four decades later, Tibetan Prime Minister Prof Samdhong Rinpoche’s command over the language can put many locals to shame. Right from his trademark namaste with folded hands, Prof Rinpoche makes sure that he uses some impeccable expressions in Hindi whenever he meets Indian visitors or is speaking at a non-Tibetan function.

He complements it by narrating an anecdote or two from the Indian history to put across his point. “I feel more comfortable speaking in Hindi than English. One reason is that the alphabet of Hindi is very similar to that of Tibetan as both are based on Sanskrit. In fact, Tibetan language was developed in such a way so as to facilitate translations from Sanskrit,” he explains.

Getting it right

His love for Hindi dates back to his stay in Banaras where he had joined in 1971 as Principal of the then Tibetan Institute. “When I first went to Bodhgaya, I realised that it wouldn’t be easy to live in India without learning to speak in Hindi. This was re-affirmed during my visits to Darjeeling and Shimla. But it was at Banaras that I really got into learning the language and developed instant fondness for it,” says Prof Rinpoche.

“I developed friendship with stalwarts of Hindi like Dr Hazari Prasad Dwiwedi, who helped me got over my initial hesitation. He told me that grammar doesn’t matter much in Hindi. It could be Dahin khatti hai or Dahin khatta hai, both are correct. Over a period of time, I started speaking it fluently,” he recalls.

“I tried reading some novels and other pieces of Hindi literature during my 30-years of stay in Banaras, which is considered a hub of Hindi-speakers. But still, I am not very good at writing in Hindi and can only dictate in the language. I also appreciate Indian classical music, even though I do not have much understanding of the intricacies. I used to love attending performances of Ustad Bismila Khan,” says Prof Rinpoche.

Bearing the torch

Earlier this month, Prof Rinpoche has been re-elected as the Prime Minister (Kalon Tripa) of the Tibetan Government-in-exile by a landslide majority for a second consecutive term. It was at was at the age of five that Prof Samdhong Lobsang Tenzin, the 5th Samdhong Rinpoche was recognised as the reincarnation of 4th Samdhong Rinpoche and enthroned in Gaden Dechenling Monastery at Jol in Tibet.

He started his religious training at Drepung Monastery in Lhasa and completed his (Uma Nyinpa)-middle school of the Madhyamika School of Buddhism at the age of 12. He fled to exile in the year 1959 after the Chinese invasion of Tibet. From October 1961, he served as the religious teacher of Tibetan School in Shimla, and later becoming the acting Principal of Shimla Tibetan School in 1963. Then again he worked as religious teacher of Darjeeling Tibetan School in 1964.From 1965 to 1970 Rinpoche was the Principal of Dalhousie Tibetan School. He received his Lharampa degree in the year 1968 and Ngagrimpa degree in 1969. From 1971 to 1988 he was the Principal of Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS, Varanasi). In 1991 he was specially appointed by the Dalai Lama as one of the deputies in the assembly of the Tibetan Government-in-exile and was later unanimously elected as its Chairman. From 1996 to 2001 he was elected member of the Parliament from Kham province and also its Chairman.

Rekindling nostalgia
Pratibha Chauhan

Having spent their seminal years at the Bishop Cotton School (BCS), the Founders Day turned out to be a walk down the memory lane for old students who got together here last week to celebrate it in the typical Cottonian style.

As the school celebrated its 147th Founders Day here, some of the old students came back to share their life’s experiences and how the learning at the school has held them in good stead throughout life. The day started with the NCC wing of the school, comprising of the three wings- army, air force and the navy according a guard of honour to Mr Mohanpal Singh Sidhu, an old student who passed out in 1957.

Following this was the Thanksgiving service at the Holy Trinity Chapel, attended by the principal Mr R.C. Robinson, teachers, students and old students. The guest of honour, Mr Sidhu, gave an invigorating message on the values of life to the congregation. An exhibition on environment, put up by students from six prominent schools of the town, evinced keen interest among all those present.

The evening session began with the holding of the eighth Whitmarsh Knight Memorial lecture, held in the Irwin Hall. The lecture was instituted in 1999 by the Board of Governor of the School in honour of the Late Mr T.M. Whitmarsh Knight, who served at BCS from 1937 to 1953.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr Roopinder Singh, Assistant Editor, The Tribune on the topic “The Youth of Today face an Unenviable Future”. He said no doubt there was excessive competition in today’s world and there was the feeling of lack of accomplishment, but at the same time there were unlimited opportunities.

“It all depends on your approach and attitude towards life which will not just help in making you a successful person but will help you turn the disadvantage turn into advantage,” he said.

The other illustrious speakers who spoke on the topic included Mrs Shanti Varma, former principal of Welhams School and Mr P.S. Kaul. Principal of the Tyndale Biscoe and Mallinson School, Srinagar.  Both of them also happen to be members of the Board of Governors of the Bishop Cotton School. Mr H. Kishie Singh, a well-known motoring journalist who passed out from the school in 1955 was the moderator for the discussion. With the topic for the lecture being so relevant, the students came up with queries bothering them about their future. The Principal Mr Robinson too gave his opinion on the issue concerning every youth.

Reviving heritage

In a bid to provide worldwide access to information on the historic Gaiety Theatre, the government has launched the official website of the British time heritage structure, which dots the heart of the town.

The website gives complete details of the building, time of its construction and all other important features of the building which is one of the most important structures in the list of heritage buildings prepared by the state government.

Incidentally the entire stretch from the Secretariat to the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) has been declared as the heritage zone.

The Gaiety Theatre, known as the Amateur Dramatics Club in the olden days, where plays used to be staged during the days of the Raj is currently being renovated so that the original Gothic style structure and design can be restored and the heritage building conserved.

Efforts are being made to make use of the original building material so that the structure retains the original look. The restoration work is at an advanced stage and experts from various fields have been involved in the task in which INTACH is also involved in a big way.

After the completion of the Gaiety Theatre building, the government intends to take up restoration work of the Municipal Corporation building, which too is amongst the old British time structures in the town.

Moi Cherrie

The seductive fruit of the classes is now making it to the masses as it emerges as the alternative fruit crop in the hills, says Rakesh Lohumi

Sweet cherry, the fruit of the classes, has finally caught the fancy of growers in the state. It is emerging as an alternative fruit crop in the high hill areas as the growers look for diversification and rejuvenation of the old apple orchards.

More and more growers are taking to cherry cultivation. The area under the fruit, which remained stagnant at a meagre 240 hectare, is fast increasing and has crossed the 300hectare mark over the past decade. New plantations are coming up in Kotgarh area in Shimla and Naggar in Kulu.

Though highly perishable, cherry fits in well in the diversification plan as a low volume high value crop. It is not only more remunerative than apple but also requires much less care. The trees occupy almost the same space making it ideal as a replacement for apple. The duration of crop is very short and it is harvested towards the end of May and June when no other fruit is available. A 1kg pack of Cherry fetches anything from Rs 150 to 200 in Delhi and other big cities where the fruit is much in demand in five star hotels. In comparison a 20 kg apple box on average sells for Rs 400.

Despite tremendous market potential cherry cultivation failed to pick up all these years because of non-availability of suitable rootstock. Many cultivars of the fruit were introduced in the past and some of them were found suitable. However, lack of suitable rootstock came in the way and failure of plantations gave a setback to cherry cultivation, explains Dr K. C. Azad, a former Director of Horticulture Department.

However, the scenario has changed with the entry of imported rootstock like Colt and F 12/1 which have paved way for cherry cultivation on commercial scale. Besides a host of improved cultivars like Stella, Sue, Lambert, Bing, Triumph Domini and Bella Italia are also available. They have been found promising in respect of yield, quality, early maturity and resistance to insect, pests and diseases. The only limitation is that cherry grows only in the high hills beyond an altitude of 6,500 ft.

Unlike apple orchards, the cherry plantations require minimal maintenance as the trees less susceptible to diseases. The only thing one has to guard against is bird damage to fruit which is not difficult due to short duration of crop, says Ravinder Makaik, a progressive grower of the Kotgarh area. Of late, growers have started using nets to protect the crop.

Incidentally, the Punjab Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh who owns the biggest cherry orchard in the state near Narkanda, has also been instrumental in reviving its cultivation. Taking a cue from him other progressive farmers who are keen to reduce their dependence on apple are going for cherry. The production has increased to 427-tonne and it likely to cross the 500-tonne mark with more orchards coming to bearing over the next few years. 

HIllside view
Smile, say thank you, shop-owners!
by Vepa Rao

A recent survey of 35 cities by Reader’s Digest showed Mumbai as the world’s rudest city. Mumbai-loyalists, including a host of celebrities rose in defence of India’s financial capital, issuing a spate of statements and articles. Rudeness is the last thing you can associate with a Himachali. Courtesy, hospitality, helpful nature and gentleness are natural aspects of people here. Cross Parwanoo — you will know what I mean. Or, enter Delhi—you will get a stinging taste of rudeness.

But we shouldn’t be complacent and wallow in self-praise. After all, a silent, strong change is sweeping our state too. So, a few of my students (selected recently to join a Delhi paper) volunteered to check out. Ours is not a survey at all; it’s at best a quick feel of how polite and helpful our Shimlites are. Deepshikha Bhardwaj and Sanjeev led the team.

Reader’s Digest had based its survey on three Western manners — opening the door for someone right behind you; helping a passerby to pick up a dropped newspaper or a pile of documents; and thanking shoppers after their retail experience.

We decided there was no need to check on the first two parameters so common here. We are seldom in a hurry and would keep the door open even for a row of elephants behind us! If some files and documents slip and fall on the ground, a whole crowd will gather lovingly and keep helping you till you chase them out. But the third parameter concerning shopkeepers, we were told, needed checking out a bit.

The good news first. When you ask people on the road for directions, they explain patiently. A girl on the Mall asked the way to the Hanuman mandir on the Jakhoo Hill. No one was rude or cursory. In fact an old man walked them to a vantage point to show the many routes leading up there and gave tips on how to deal with the monkeys.

A middle-aged “aunty” scolded another girl affectionately for “taking the wrong direction” to Summer Hill and explained at length the way of reaching there by bus. A briskly walking young man, not wearing a wrist-watch, was stopped abruptly by a rural-looking boy: Bhai saab, what’s the time?” He halted, took out his mobile and told the boy the time in English. He walked a few yards, turned round, and repeated the time this time in Hindi. No trace of annoyance.

Another young man’s mobile slipped out while riding a scooter. Ten minutes later, he called up his own number from a shop. A stranger answered, saying he had seen it fall, picked it up, but couldn’t catch up despite being in a Maruti car—because the scooter took a sudden turn somewhere. He was to go off to Bilaspur, but was waiting for this call! Would the mobile-owner come to a particular shop in Chaura Maidan and collect it immediately?

Our team came across innumerable instances of such goodness from strangers. Small acts of kindness show a big heart, restoring our faith in human company.

But most encounters with shop-owners on (or close to) the Mall were unhappy. Let me narrate a few experiences briefly. Please do not take them as conclusions, or aspersions. They merely indicate rudeness of a few shopkeepers among a lot of courteous ones. But, after all, a few can spoil the fun of many— if there is a negative trend, it should be checked now.

Deepshikha went to a chemist’s shop and asked for a chocolate (particular brand) with a “recent manufacturing date”. The maalik didn’t like her checking the date herself. He growled: “If a recent make is not in my shop, you won’t find it anywhere in Shimla. The company has paid me Rs.10,000 just for setting up this window”. The anger on his face was unbelievable. She had to beat a hasty retreat, apologetically.

Sanjiv asked a shopkeeper politely if the shoe he chose would be replaced “just in case” the stitches gave way within six months. Seeing his irritation, Sanjiv was leaving the shop when he heard a harsh comment: “Aaj kal customer log hamaare deemag khate hain…”

When Ashutosh pointed out the old manufacturing date on the mineral-water bottle, the annoyed shop-owner’s body language and behaviour became aggressive. He sort of flung the balance money towards Ashutosh, saying, “it takes time for packing and transporting”. Ashutosh explained that the factory was only in Baddi, not so far away, and the date was usually printed after packing. The reply was an angry glare and an inaudible murmur.

Another girl made a call from a PCO on the Mall and was charged Rs. 2 extra. She wanted to see the details of the bill. The owner flared up, threw Rs 2 at her, and shouted: “Leave the shop”.

More shocking was a grey-haired university professor’s experience in a bookshop with an international sounding name. He picked up Alex Haley’s famous novel Roots.

Its cover and pages looked a bit jaded. He asked the maalik’s young son at the counter to see if the Rs. 500 plus copy was “original”. The arrogant chhota maalik shouted that only genuine copies came to his shop, and asked, “can’t you see the mark? “

The professor said, “sorry, bhai, I just wanted to make sure because I am gifting this to a friend “. The chota maalik shouted again angrily: “ We consider such questions insulting in our shop”. The speechless professor left the copy there and walked away.

What’s wrong with these shop-owners? The customers will ask such questions in this age of consumer awareness. In fact, they should. Touchy, egoistic and rude shop-owners need counselling from their peers. Can’t they make their point with a smile, and a thank you ? 

Trapped in traumatic death
Kuldeep Chauhan

The trauma cases have shot up in the Mandi-Kulu-Bilaspur-Hamirpur belt, thanks to the increasing rate of road accidents taking place in the belt for the last five years. Moreover, the dedicated trauma services in the district hospitals remain as good as non-existent. The trauma patients die either on the way to the hospital or succumb to grievous injuries on the spot itself as there is no instant first-aid service on the two killer-road stretches—one between Pandoh and Aut and the second between Gutkar-Sundernagar and Kangu- on the busy Bilapsur-Mandi-Kulu-Manali National Highway-21.

Death traps

The PWD roads, have turned into the death traps as the inflow of tourist traffic and local transport, including private vehicles has multiplied by ten times in this belt and still increasing at a rapid rate each year. If one goes by the data on accidents, as many as 250 people are killed and over 1550 are injured on an average in Mandi, Kulu, Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Lahaul-Spiti districts every year.

The police data reveals that over 149 people have been killed and 918 injured in over 452 road accidents reported from these districts till June 30 this year alone. Out of these, 58 people have been killed and 446 people injured in 169 accidents in Mandi district alone.

The traffic hazards on Ropar-Swarghat-Barmana highway has increased due to over 4000 trucks that ply on the highway catering to transportation of clinker and cement at Ambuja and ACC cements. But alas, the companies have given a damn to operate a mobile van on the highway to take care of the accident victims. In Bilaspur district, 35 people have died and 220 injured in over 132 road accidents this year till now. The story in Kulu and Hamirpur district is no
different as toll is 41 and 14 killed and 106 and 143 people injured in 73 and 76 road accidents respectively this year.

No regulation

Unlike in the Western countries, the driving licenses are issued at the drop of a hat by the licensing authorities. The driving schools are not regulated for teaching proper safety norms to the learners. The learning vehicles they operate have no proper lights, leave alone teaching traffic rules in the state, reveals a senior official. “The private bus drivers, who operate over 2800 private buses in the state, HRTC drivers and truckers, are not screened for health and fitness and valid and renewal of their driving licensing as the negligence on their part, not the mechanical failure, has become one of the major reasons for bus accidents in recent time in the hilly terrain”.

Hidden enemy

The traffic experts warn that the “aquaplaning and buffeting” effects have emerged as the hidden enemy on the highway, particularly between the two road stretches between Mandi- Sundernagar-Kango and Pandoh and Larji, which are marked by blind turns and sharp curves.

The rainy road produces the effect of aquaplaning, a loss of direct contact between the road surface and vehicle’s tyres due to a “water film” formed between the two. Second, the speeding vehicle faces the “buffeting effect” more particularly in a narrow steep gorge between Pandoh dam and Hanogi temple on the Mandi-Manali highway, where most of the accidents hadtaken place in the recent past, warn traffic experts.

The highway goes through a narrow margin between the two parallel shooting mountains divided by the Beas River. The valley produces the high velocity air-currents that in turn, produces the buffeting effect.

In the dark

The police is groping in the dark to tell the exact cause of the accidents and blame it on commuters, resorting to rash driving, disregards for safety norms and discipline on the road. The DIG, Central Range, Mr. JR Thakur says police is making a databank of road accidents to find out the exact cause of accidents, type of vehicles involved, time and other factors responsible for road accidents.

Agreeing, Executive Engineer, NH-21 Mr. S L Sharma, says that they have put up parapets and road indicators, warning commuters at sharp turns
and curves on the highway.

Enforce rules

The need of the hour is to enforce preventive measures and strict compliance of traffic rules and strengthening trauma services. The first-aid mobile van can be positioned at Hanogi temple on Mandi-Kulu highway. Another one can be placed at Sundernagar or Kangu, suggest the traffic experts.

Equipped with trained staff and other equipments, trauma services should be set up at the zonal hospital, Mandi, regional hospital, Kulu, civil hospital at Sundernagar and District hospitals, Bilaspur and Hamirpur. Director Health services Dr. ML Mahajan says that Rs.1.50 crore 20-bedded trauma centre is being set up at Kulu. The two well-equipped ambulances will be operated, catering to the emergency needs of patients. The proposal to set up trauma unit at Mandi is being sent for approval, he informs. The police can hold traffic rules awareness camps, road safety week on the highway.

Doctor turns cultural crusador
Kuldeep Chauhan

After writing nine books, this 70-year-old gentleman is looking forward to the release of his three books. His subjects are diverse- hill gods, temples, travel experiences, cultural and yes his own patients. But he laments that the state’s rich art and architecture is fast vanishing from the hills of Himachal.

Meet the doctor cum small-town-writer from Mandi-Dr BL Kapoor, who exudes a rare aura and confidence. Dr Kapoor has been very concerned not only about his patients, who seek his treatment even after his retirement from active private practice, but the cultural and social milieu that he lives in and how it is changing from bad to worse every year. Though he has written over nine books, but he has been keeping a low profile and has never sought any publicity and appreciation from the media and the Government.

“It might matter, but it pains me that our arts and culture is going downhill”, he laments. “The policy makers have lost sight of how to use the research works and frame policy to protect arts, literature and culture of the state- temples, monuments, hill architecture, culture of devis and devtas- the cultural pedestal on which our hill state is tottering”.

Born and brought up in Mandi, Dr Kapoor is no professor of literature or arts. He’s rather, an MBBS, who has served as the Chief Medical Officer at various places in the state. He had a stint as an ophthalmic house surgeon, Government Medical College, Patiala and came back to Himachal, where he retired from service in 1994. Apart from publishing dozens of research papers, Dr Kapoor has been also a Fellow, Royal School of Health, London in 1984.

His books may not be called as profound studies, but they certainly contain factual details and give insights into the culture of the hills. His sources of writings are his patients, whom he interviewed and then penned down their opinions and correlated them with the facts from the historic records, books and temples through his own research.

His book, Gods of High Hills, gives a vivid peep into a unique tradition and culture of hill people and their gods or devtas, whom they worship, dance with and revere in full faith even today. It took him 10 years to write the book, which was first published in 2001. But for this work of his, The International Shivratri Fair in Mandi would have been a thing of the past. It is, however, a pity that the Shivratri committee does not even bother to invite him for the festival!

Dr Kapoor’s humility comes alive in his book, “Grow More Good”, a memoir that he shared for his readers. In it, he has tried to capture his personal experiences with places, people and events where he served over the years.

With an eye set on European readers Dr Kapoor titled his book, ‘History and Heritage of Western Himalayas’, written in 2001. It gives historical and cultural perspective of Himachal, drawing references from the state gazetteers, books, records and other sources to portray a picture of the state’s rich cultural heritage.

To cater to Hindi readers, Dr Kapoor has authored six books in the Hindi language as well that makes him a versatile bilingual writer. His book, Himachal: ‘Itihas Aur Parampara’ earned him a state academy award and was appreciated as a pioneering mini socio-political history of Himachal Pradesh in 1978 by the critics.

To benefit layman, Dr Kapoor wrote a ‘do-it- yourself’ guide, “Ankhon ki Bimariyan Aur Unke Ilaj”, prescribing simple remedies to take care of different eye problems. Dr Kapoor practices what he has tried to say in his works. He still lives in a slate-roofed pagoda-shaped pahari house that stands out in the concrete jungle that has come in this temple town.

Dr Kapoor is a loner in a world of pomp and show and of vulgar display of wealth. “The monuments are being painted with synthetic colour, killing their arts”, he laments. But he sees a silver lining. “To stop the rot, policy makers should make use of research works to fine-tune policy on how to conserve arts and architecture”, he suggests. “The Art, Language and Cultural Department and writers at best organize Kavi Samelans today. The government is making efforts, but I do not see something worthwhile being done to protect and promote real arts and architecture in the state”, he comments.

Barog: A hamlet of matchless beauty
Jagmeet Y. Ghuman

Streaks of splendour: The sun plays a peak-a-boo amidst the lush hill foliage and the sky’s myraid hues at breezy mornings and dew-drenched evenings. The skies seem to compete the sun’s playful antics by stretching languidly. — Photo feature by Anil Dayal

Settled at an altitude of 1710 meter (5600 feet), Barog is wide open from all around to deep valleys. One can easily have the view of the zigzag roads, scattered hamlets in dense pine forests and valleys from all sides of Barog. Behind it lies Dagshai, perched on the same altitude of heights. Towards its front, one can see the vast view of Solan valley guarded by the majestic ‘Chur Chandi’.

A tragic origin

Barog’s name originated from a tragic story of Colonel Barog, a British engineer. Col Barog was entrusted with the work to align both ends of Kalka- Shimla rail tunnel .The digging work on both ends of the tunnels was started under the direct supervision of Col. Barog. After long duration, a major technical fault emerged in the project, as both ends were dug up in wrong way. The both ends could not be realigned due to wrong observations made by Col. Barog, thus leading to a major setback to Kalka- Shimla rail track project. The cost of project was already going up and this major failure had upset British authorities. Col Barog was fined for his failure. He could not digest his humiliation and in a fit of depression he walked towards one end of faulty dug up tunnel. His pet dog had also followed him. Near the end he first shot his dog from his service revolver and than himself. As per railway officials and local aged, Col. Barog was cremated somewhere near the end of tunnel. A signboard was also put up on his grave. But now there is no sign of his grave near the tunnel end. The tunnel was now closed. It has now completely filled with water.

Hill tracks in galore

The wooded hill slopes are in galore in and around Barog are these are ideal for strolling. The way leading to railway station downstream the Barog market is an ideal location for tracking. On the way one encounters the dense pine forest. There is also a small cluster of cedar midway of track. Another track leads from Kalka-Shimla national highway to Chewa village. On reaching Chewa (1800 meters) the vast spread fields leaves one spellbound. Further from Chewa a hilly track goes to Panchmunda cave. The track to cave is a narrow zigzag footway through a dense forest filled with flora and fauna. Another track to the cave goes from Koro Khanthari village. Both tracks meet near Shri Bhagwati Nagarkoti temple, Patta Ghat, another religious place surrounded by dense growth of pine trees.

Panchmunda Cave

Situated at a height of 6500 feet, the Panchmunda cave is a major pilgrimage for locals. It has twin rock Shiva lingams of Lord Shiva of small size. The cave is situated in the middle of a vertical cliff. At one time only one person can go ahead. The cave has a height of nearly 6 feet with available inside space to accommodate not more than two persons at a time. Inside the cave, there is pair of 2 ft high hard rock natural twin Shiva lingams with a cluster of rocks hanging over it. The rocks inside cave are designed in such way that it gives impression of number of cow like udders. As per local folklore the milk used to drop from these udders on Shiva lingams. On every Shivaratri a fair is organized at a cave where locals participated in good numbers. On reaching cave, one can see a beautiful view of the Solan valley that leaves an unforgettable impression on the mind.

Fairytale Railway station

The picaresque Barog railway station attracts everyone with its beautiful location. The quaint railway station is like a fairytale station due to lush green surroundings and matchless natural beauty. The tunnel at Barog railway station that was constructed after Col Barog failure is a nice example of engineering skill. It is a straight tunnel passing through fissured sand stone. The Barog tunnel (3752 feet) is the longest tunnel among 102 operational tunnels on the Kalka-Shimla track and had remained second longest tunnel in the Railways for long time. 

Boat to destruction

The authorities sleep as boat owners throw safety norms to the wind, reports Kiran Deep

Villagers residing in the remote areas of Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur, near Gobind Sagar Lake, are risking their life by commuting through overcrowded boats. Following the mela at Naini Devi temple and also pilgrimage to Baba Balak Nath temple at Deot-Sidh in Hamirpur, the situation has gone worst during the past few days.

There are no safety jackets and others back up to come to their rescue in case of an accident.  The villagers have little options available to them. Travelling through boat reduces the distance to less than half in comparison to road and it is financial viable.

Most common site where the villagers in a long row were seen waiting for their turn is spot near Bhakra village in Bilaspur. Since early morning a large number of villagers turned up to reach the catch.

The distance to Naina Devi temple by land is about 80 km while on the other hand plying through boats reduces it to 22 km. The villagers also carry their bi-cycles on the boats.

There are 16 such wooden boats transporting the villagers beyond its capacity. Whereas 50 commuters could carry to others hand, these boats carrying almost double to its capacity. Most surprisingly these boats follow no safety norms. None of the boat owner having safety jackets for the commuters.

Prithi Chand, a villager, said he preferred to take the boat as he had to pay Rs 5 to 8 to his destination. Even if he carries his bi-cycles with him. While boatmen said during the mela they received a number of commuters but in routine days a number of commuters was less.

So they accommodate as many to get maximum income in these days. 
Even authorities seem to be sleeping over the issue. In a case of any accident there is no arrangement for help.

Besides the safety of the commuters, the other factor which the authorities is ignoring the security of the Bhakra Dam that fall under the jurisdiction of the Himachal Police. In a place where even photography is banned, how the authorities are allowing hundreds of people to commute in the nearby areas without imposing any kind of checking is anybody’s guess.

When contacted, the Deputy Commissioner, Bilaspur, Mr Munish Garg, said the administration had deployed police personnel at these spots where the villagers commuting through boats. “Besides, we have also been making other arrangements,” he added. 

Birds’ paradise
Vishal Gulati

FEATHERED FRIENDS: Blue magpie and plumed monal

The best time to visit the park is from April to June and between September and November.

CITIZEN FIRST
Campus Blues

The decision of the Himachal Pradesh government to establish new colleges deserves heartfelt praise. This step will surely spread education in every nook and corer of the state. However, should this expansion be at the cost of the existing colleges? The infrastructure in many colleges evokes pity. The Government P.G. College, Solan, is one such example.

The college does not have a Commerce Block, the library is virtually placed in a rat hole and a large section of the library is reserved for the faculty (who never visit it). The Computer Room is out of bounds to the students to the reasons best known to the administration.                         

In the political rush for opening new colleges, the government should not neglect the already established colleges. There is dire need to improve the infrastructure & facilities in many institutions. 

Sujay Kapil ‘Azaad’, Solan.

Save Kasauli

Builders are coming up with unauthorised structures every other day with their eyes on commerce. No one has a thought for the environment of this charming hill town.

Something must be done to save Kasauli from choking to death.

Sudha Sharma, Kasauli